Most Popular Smart Home Devices for Modern Homeowners
Justin Reynolds
Key Takeaways
From smart security systems to robot vacuums and smart thermostats, discover the most popular smart home devices transforming how homeowners live.
It's estimated that smart devices are in at least 37% of all homes in the United States. Thanks to advancing technology and the internet of things (IoT), devices are able to connect to the internet and complete tasks we never thought possible.
From smart speakers that tell you the weather and robot vacuums that clean floors automatically to home appliances you can manage from your phone, smart homes are becoming more and more common.
Let's look at some of the best smart home solutions and how they can significantly transform the functionality of your home.
Smart Home Security Systems
Home security has always been an important concern for homeowners. Smart home security systems take things a step further with connected cameras, motion detectors, and automated alerts.
DIY Home Security with SimpliSafe
SimpliSafe offers affordable, easy-to-install security systems with no long-term contracts. Their wireless sensors, cameras, and smart locks integrate seamlessly for whole-home protection.
Ring Video Doorbell
Ring doorbells let you see, hear, and speak with visitors from anywhere using your smartphone. They also record footage and integrate with other Ring security products.
Smart Locks
Smart locks from brands like August and Schlage allow keyless entry, temporary access codes for guests, and remote locking and unlocking from your phone.
1. What you actually take home
What actually lands in your account each month, after taxes and deductions.
2. The full cost of the house
Principal, interest, taxes, and insurance for the home you're considering.
About 1% of home value per year, divided by 12.
Electric, gas, water, sewer, trash, internet.
Leave at 0 if there is no association.
3. The life a lender can’t see
Underwriting ignores this entirely.
The contribution you refuse to stop making.
Groceries, gas, insurance, subscriptions, eating out.
Bank qualification vs. your real monthly housing number
Bank qualification
$3,120
Illustrative 36% debt ratio applied to estimated gross income. Ignores maintenance, childcare, savings, and everyday spending.
Your real monthly housing number
$1,625
25% of net income, capped by what’s left after the commitments you entered.
A lender would approve about $1,495 more per month than your budget supports. That gap is the house-poor zone.
Your summary
Over your ceiling
A lender may still approve this. Your budget is telling you something different.
- All-in housing cost
- $2,793
- Comfort target (25% of net)
- $1,625
- Safety ceiling (30% of net)
- $1,950
- Left for housing after your commitments
- $4,400
Smart Speakers and Voice Assistants
Smart speakers have become the hub of many connected homes. Amazon Echo (Alexa), Google Nest, and Apple HomePod can control other smart devices, play music, answer questions, and manage your daily schedule.
Amazon Echo
The Echo family offers various sizes and price points, from the compact Echo Dot to the premium Echo Studio with spatial audio. Alexa can control thousands of compatible smart home devices.
Google Nest Hub
Google's smart displays combine voice assistant functionality with a touchscreen, making them ideal for following recipes, watching videos, or viewing security camera feeds.
Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats like the Nest Learning Thermostat and Ecobee can learn your preferences, adjust temperatures automatically, and help reduce energy bills by up to 23%.
How smart thermostats save money
- Learning algorithms: They adapt to your schedule and preferences over time
- Remote control: Adjust settings from anywhere via smartphone
- Energy reports: Track usage and identify savings opportunities
- Geofencing: Automatically adjust when you leave or arrive home
Robot Vacuums
Robot vacuums like the iRobot Roomba and Roborock have revolutionized home cleaning. Modern models feature advanced mapping, obstacle avoidance, and self-emptying bases.
Smart Lighting
Smart bulbs and lighting systems from Philips Hue, LIFX, and Wyze allow customizable lighting scenes, schedules, and voice control. They can also improve home security by simulating occupancy when you're away.
Smart Kitchen Appliances
From smart refrigerators with built-in cameras to connected ovens you can preheat remotely, kitchen technology is evolving rapidly. Brands like Samsung, LG, and GE are leading the way.
Smart Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
The Google Nest Protect and First Alert Onelink detect smoke and CO, send alerts to your phone, and can even tell you what room the danger is in.
Getting Started with Smart Home Technology
- Start small: Begin with a smart speaker or smart plugs before investing in a full system
- Choose an ecosystem: Pick one platform (Alexa, Google, HomeKit) and build around it
- Prioritize security: Ensure all devices use strong passwords and updated firmware
- Consider compatibility: Check that new devices work with your existing setup
- Set a budget: Smart home technology ranges from affordable to premium
Smart home technology continues to evolve, making homes safer, more efficient, and more convenient. Whether you're a new homeowner or looking to upgrade, there's never been a better time to start building your connected home.
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