8 Smart Home Devices That Are Actually Worth It

A compatible smart thermostat can make heating control more convenient by allowing you to create schedules and adjust settings remotely. That can be especially useful when routines change or when you want the home warmed before you arrive.

The important word is compatible. Thermostats may be designed for electric floor heating, water heating or boiler systems, and their wiring and load requirements can differ.

Best for: Households that want scheduled or remote temperature control and have a compatible heating system.

Check before buying: Confirm the heating type, voltage, wiring, maximum load, wall-box dimensions and app compatibility. Use a qualified installer when required.

An indoor camera can help you check on an entryway, pet or shared living space while you are away. Depending on the model, useful features may include motion alerts, pan-and-tilt control, two-way audio, night viewing and local or cloud recording.

Placement matters. Choose a stable position with a useful view while respecting the privacy of household members and visitors. A camera should support your security plan—not replace working locks, alarms or emergency services.

Best for: Checking on pets, monitoring common areas and receiving activity alerts when away from home.

Check before buying: Review recording options, subscription costs, app permissions, Wi-Fi requirements and how the manufacturer protects account access.

A fingerprint lock can reduce the need to carry keys and may make it easier to manage access for family members or approved guests. Some models also support app control, temporary codes or access records.

Door fit and backup access are more important than novelty. Measure the door carefully, confirm the handing and thickness requirements, and understand how the lock can be opened if the battery is depleted or the app is unavailable.

Best for: Households or rental hosts who want convenient, manageable keyless entry.

Check before buying: Verify door compatibility, lock dimensions, battery type, emergency access method and whether professional installation is recommended.

LED strip lights can add task or accent lighting beneath cabinets, behind a television, along shelving or around a desk. App-controlled color and brightness options make it easy to change the atmosphere without replacing permanent fixtures.

Not every strip is a complete plug-and-play kit. Some require a separate controller, power supply or connectors, so review what is included before ordering.

Best for: Entertainment areas, bedrooms, desks, shelving and under-cabinet accent lighting.

Check before buying: Confirm voltage, strip length, power supply, controller, connector type, cut points and indoor or outdoor rating.

A compact motion-sensor light can be a simple upgrade for dark hallways, stairs, closets or cabinets. It provides light when movement is detected, without requiring you to find a switch in the dark.

For the best result, place it where the sensor has a clear view of approaching movement. It is supplemental lighting and should not be treated as a substitute for permanent safety lighting where building codes require it.

Best for: Closets, cabinets, hallways, stair areas and other spaces that need occasional light.

Check before buying: Compare sensor range, lighting modes, battery or charging method, mounting system and intended indoor or outdoor use.

An infrared remote hub can bring compatible televisions, air conditioners, fans and other remote-controlled appliances into one app. It is a practical way to add scheduling or voice-control convenience without replacing every appliance.

IR control normally requires line of sight, and compatibility varies by appliance and remote protocol. Devices that use Bluetooth or proprietary radio signals may not work unless the hub specifically supports them.

Best for: Rooms with several compatible infrared-controlled appliances and too many remotes.

Check before buying: Confirm IR or RF support, frequency compatibility, Wi-Fi band, supported appliance brands and voice-assistant requirements.

A compatible smart outlet can let you schedule power, control a connected appliance remotely and review energy-use data through an app. That can be helpful for identifying routines and devices that deserve closer attention.

In-wall electrical products require careful compatibility checks and safe installation. Energy readings should be treated as useful estimates unless the product is specifically certified for billing-grade measurement.

Best for: Homeowners who want app-based scheduling and better visibility into compatible appliance use.

Check before buying: Confirm voltage, amperage, wiring, wall-box fit, hub requirements and local installation rules. Use a qualified electrician when appropriate.

A scene button gives you a physical way to trigger compatible smart-home routines. One press might turn off selected lights, adjust a thermostat or start a predefined evening scene—without opening an app or speaking a command.

Its usefulness depends on the rest of the ecosystem. A Zigbee button usually needs a compatible hub and devices that can participate in the same automation platform.

Best for: Existing smart-home users who want simple one-touch control for frequently used routines.

Check before buying: Verify the required Zigbee hub, supported app, automation options and compatibility with every device you want the button to control.