Smart home technology is no longer futuristic — it’s practical. Whether it’s saving energy, protecting your home, or cutting down on chores, these devices actually deliver. Below are seven products worth considering.

1. Tado Smart Thermostat Starter Kit V3+

Heating and hot water are the biggest energy drains in most UK homes. Tado gives you precise control through an app, so you can adjust your heating from anywhere. It learns your patterns and can even use geofencing to turn the heat off when you leave and back on when you’re heading home. Unlike some thermostats, it works with most existing systems, including combi boilers and underfloor heating. It also integrates with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. For families looking to trim heating bills without compromising comfort, this is one of the most reliable options.

👉 Buy the Tado Smart Thermostat on Amazon

2. Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen)

The Echo Dot is the simplest way to step into smart home control. The 5th Generation model is compact enough to fit on a bedside table or kitchen counter, yet powerful enough to act as the hub of your connected devices. It now comes with a larger 1.73-inch speaker that delivers fuller bass and clearer sound than older versions, making it useful for music as well as voice commands.

Built-in sensors allow it to detect room temperature and even motion, so you can trigger routines like turning on lights when you enter. Alexa remains the star: you can ask for the news, set timers, control other smart devices, or just play music hands-free. For anyone new to smart homes, the Echo Dot 5th Gen is affordable, reliable, and plugs you straight into the Alexa ecosystem.

👉 Check out the Echo Dot (5th Gen) on Amazon

3. Philips Hue White & Colour Ambience Starter Kit

Lighting is one of the easiest upgrades that makes a house feel smart. The Hue starter kit comes with bulbs and a bridge that connects everything. You can adjust brightness, set timers, and switch between millions of colours. Want a cool white light for focus during the day and warm tones for the evening? Done. It also integrates with entertainment setups, syncing with films or games for an immersive feel. Philips Hue is often more expensive than competitors, but the ecosystem is reliable and constantly updated.

👉 Explore Philips Hue Starter Kit on Amazon

4. Ring Video Doorbell 4

Doorstep security and convenience in one. The Ring Video Doorbell 4 streams live video to your phone, so you can see who’s at the door whether you’re home or away. It includes two-way audio, motion detection, and improved video previews so you don’t miss activity. For anyone getting deliveries, it means you can answer the door remotely and give instructions to the courier. The system also integrates with other Ring and Alexa devices, giving you a wider security setup if you expand later.

👉 Get the Ring Video Doorbell 4 on Amazon

5. Tapo P100 Mini Smart Plug

A budget-friendly entry into smart homes. Plug it into any socket and you can control lamps, kettles, heaters, or anything else that’s not already smart. The app lets you set schedules — for example, turning the lights on at sunset — and you can control it with voice assistants. It’s especially useful for managing standby power or turning off devices without crawling behind furniture. For the price, it’s one of the quickest wins in smart tech.

👉 See the Tapo Smart Plug on Amazon

6. iRobot Roomba i3+

Cleaning tech has finally matured. The Roomba i3+ doesn’t just vacuum on a set schedule — it maps your home intelligently, avoids obstacles, and empties itself into a base that can hold weeks of dirt. This makes it genuinely hands-off. It works well on both carpets and hard floors, and integrates with Alexa and Google Assistant so you can start a clean with your voice. For busy households, it saves a surprising amount of time and keeps floors consistently tidy.

👉 View the Roomba i3+ on Amazon

7. Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen, Gris Clair)

If you prefer Google’s ecosystem, the Nest Hub is a brilliant all-rounder. Unlike a speaker-only device, it comes with a 7-inch display that makes it much more versatile. You can use it to control connected devices, check your calendar, follow recipes in the kitchen, or watch YouTube without reaching for your phone.

The display also doubles as a digital photo frame when idle, pulling in pictures from Google Photos. Audio is punchier than the first generation, with better bass, and Google Assistant handles queries naturally — from weather updates to reminders.

A unique feature is Sleep Sensing, which uses radar tech to monitor movement and breathing through the night. It gives you insights into your sleep patterns without needing to wear a smartwatch. For households already using Google services, the Nest Hub ties everything together seamlessly, with the Gris clair finish blending easily into most interiors.

👉 See the Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen, Gris Clair) on Amazon

Final thoughts

Each of these devices is practical and proven. They’re not futuristic concepts but tools you can set up today to save money, add convenience, or improve security. Start with one or two — like a thermostat and a couple of smart plugs — and build from there. A smart home doesn’t need to be complicated, but it does need the right kit.