Futuristic Living: Must-Have Smart Home Innovations for 2025

We recommend the Sonos Era 100 as the top smart speaker. Its compact design allows it to fit snugly in numerous spaces throughout your residence, but what’s more significant is its exceptional audio quality that surpasses many other smart speakers found on the market. When calibrated correctly to match your room’s acoustics — achievable via the iPhone app — the sound is remarkable, featuring robust bass and crisp highs. Regrettably, the Android app lacks TruePlay tuning (Sonos has not disclosed if it’s in development), but the speakers should still produce commendable sound. Moreover, it supports numerous streaming platforms to play music, including major players like Spotify and Pandora.

The primary advantage of a Sonos speaker over competitors is that it opens the door to a multi-room audio configuration that you can develop gradually. It’s also beneficial if you plan to create a home theater system later, as the Era 100 integrates seamlessly with Sonos soundbars.

If you’re working with a smaller budget, there are several smart speakers available at around $100. We suggest choosing one of the three latest smart speakers from Google, Amazon, or Apple. Among these, we believe the Echo has the finest audio performance. Our teammate Nate Ingraham remarked that its bass is noteworthy and the mid-range sounds are quite robust. You can also connect two units together for improved stereo sound.

Nevertheless, the Nest Audio andHomePod mini are impressive as well. The HomePod mini provides a well-rounded sound, while the Nest Audio boasts commendable bass. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on your preferred assistant.

The top Alexa-enabled smart display is the Echo Show 8. The Echo Show 5 feels slightly too compact, whereas the Echo Show 10 with its rotating display consumes excessive space. In contrast, the Echo Show 8 is ideally proportioned for a living space and most other areas in the home. Similar to other Alexa-driven smart displays, it accommodates numerous video streaming platforms including Amazon Prime, Hulu, and Netflix, and incorporates a handful of integrated browsers to navigate the internet through its touchscreen. Regrettably, it lacks support for YouTube, which is a significant drawback given the service’s widespread popularity. As an alternative, you can reach it using the previously mentioned browsers, but the experience is not as seamless as if it were a native application.

You can utilize the Show 8 for video calls with any phone or tablet that has the Alexa application. Additionally, it supports Skype, Zoom, and Amazon’s own Chime service. Like the Nest Hub Max, the Show 8 also features an optional facial-tracking capability that follows your movements throughout the room during a call.

Our preferred Google-powered smart display is the second-generation Nest Hub. With its 7-inch display, it fits snugly in most rooms of the house. This size also enables it to function effectively as a digital photo frame. You can configure it to showcase pictures of friends and family from your Google Photos collection, and a smart algorithm selectively utilizes the best images, steering clear of those that are blurry. As anticipated, the display can also serve to stream YouTube, Netflix, and various other services.

Moreover, a smart display devoid of a camera is ideal for placement in intimate areas like the bedroom, where privacy is particularly valued. When positioned on your nightstand, the Nest Hub includes a sensor that can monitor your sleep patterns if you choose to opt in.

If a display equipped with a camera aligns better with your needs, we suggest investing in the premium model.Nest Hub Max. Its integrated camera can be utilized for video conferencing through Google Duo, Google Meet and Zoom. This intelligent device also features a face-tracking capability that allows the camera to follow your movements during calls. A key advantage of the camera is the Face Match option, which automatically identifies specific family members and displays relevant information exclusively for them, such as calendar reminders.

Moreover, the camera includes a distinct gesture feature that enables you to play and pause media by simply raising your hand to the screen, making it easy to halt the music without raising your voice across the room. The Google Nest Hub Max also delivers superior audio quality compared to the Hub, due to its larger speakers.

A simple approach to integrate smart home technology into your residence is by replacing your traditional light bulbs with smart ones. Smart light bulbs allow you to manage your lighting from afar, either through an app (via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth) or by using your voice. They also support automation and scheduling features, enabling them to turn on and off at designated moments throughout the day. Some bulbs provide the capability to modify their brightness and color temperature, or even permit you to design your own light scenes.

Our top pick for smart lighting products is from Philips Hue, and the White and Color Ambiance LED Smart Button Starter Kit is a standout choice as it features three Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance 60W LED smart bulbs; a Hue hub capable of managing up to 50 lights; and a Smart Button for those who prefer turning off the lights without needing their phone.

This kit provides significant flexibility in lighting styles; you can not only adjust the brightness of the smart light bulb but also the color temperature and experiment with various shades across the spectrum, transforming your space into your preferred light ambiance. If that feels a tad too extravagant, Philips presents alternatives: The Hue White Ambiance Starter Kit does not include color options, while the Hue White Starter Kit does not allow for temperature adjustment of the color.

The primary reason we favor Philips Hue bulbs is due to their extensive compatibility with various smart home ecosystems. They are readily available in many locations and can seamlessly connect with Google, Amazon and Apple’s HomeKit. Since all bulbs interface with the Hue hub using the Zigbee protocol (rather than your home’s WiFi), this method is usually more dependable and won’t hinder your home internet speed either.

TP-Link offers a variety of budget-friendly IoT devices, and we appreciated the Kasa Smart WiFi light bulbs enough to designate them our preferred economical gadgets in our smart lighting guide. They are simple to set up and maintain a stable connection, plus their associated mobile application is straightforward and user-friendly. These are full-color smart bulbs, and we appreciate how adjusting the color of your lights is as effortless as swiping your finger on a color wheel in the app. Naturally, you may also opt for various shades of white light, transitioning from warm to cool as desired.

You can arrange schedules that allow your lights to activate and deactivate at predetermined times throughout the day, and the app’s “usage” segment displays each bulb’s energy consumption over time, as well as an estimation of the energy you’re saving by utilizing a smart bulb in lieu of a conventional one. Ultimately, we admire how much value these bulbs deliver at an attractive price point — a four-pack generally retails for $40, but occasionally you can find it discounted as low as $30.

Blink’s newest wireless security cameras might be labeled “outdoor,” yet they are among the most effective for serving as home surveillance for both the inside and outside of your residence. These battery-operated cameras utilize two AA batteries, allowing you to position them wherever needed, with a battery lifespan of about two years before the batteries require replacement. Blink Outdoor 4 home surveillance cameras are weatherproof and offer night vision, motion detection, and bilateral audio. You can archive clips in the cloud via the Blink Subscription Plan or save occurrences locally to a Sync Module 2 using a USB flash drive (sold separately). Unfortunately, Blink is compatible only with Alexa, which might be a drawback for some users.

If you’re seeking a camera specifically for your front entrance, opting for a doorbell camera is a more logical choice than a standalone product. Our top pick is the Arlo Essential Video Doorbell, which is compatiblewith Google Assistant, Amazon’s Alexa, and Apple HomeKit. It provides superior HDR video along with a 180-degree perspective ensuring that you can view an individual from head to toe, and it can notify your phone with a video call whenever someone presses the doorbell. There’s also a two-way communication feature, allowing you to converse with whoever is at your doorstep.

A key feature of this doorbell is the inclusion of a 30-day trial for Arlo’s Smart subscription service, which encompasses a motion detection capability that distinguishes between a person, package, vehicle, or animal. Senior Editor Devindra Hardawar mentioned his appreciation for the package notifications; it effectively informed him whenever UPS delivered a package. This feature is so beneficial that we advise continuing the service after the trial concludes.

You should be able to utilize the Arlo Essential Video Doorbell with either Google or Amazon’s smart displays; however, it will not be fully integrated. You will be able to observe the video feed on the display, but if someone rings the bell, they won’t automatically appear on the screen. If you desire that specific feature, you’ll need to make use of a Google doorbell such as the Nest Video Doorbell or an Amazon doorbell like the Blink Video Doorbell (for Google and Amazon displays, respectively).

This variant is a revamped version of the Roomba 694, a former favorite budget-friendly robotic vacuum. Not much has altered here, aside from a few design modifications that yield a sleeker look and a larger battery. Otherwise, you’re still getting a remarkable, entry-level robotic vacuum that features powerful suction for its price, intelligent navigation for more effective cleaning, and app connectivity. iRobot’s app is incredibly user-friendly for both tech novices and experts. If for any reason you don’t have access to the app—perhaps you left your phone in another area—this Roomba has several physical buttons for quick controls.

One of the main reasons this model performs so effectively is due to its three-stage cleaning system that enhances its ability to absorb dirt while also maneuvering around barriers. When it stumbles upon a particularly dirty section, it targets that area, ensuring it becomes clean before proceeding. You also have the option to manually command it to clean a specific spot should you require it. Additionally, if speaking to your robotic vacuum is your preference, this Wi-Fi-enabled Roomba is compatible with both Alexa and Google Assistant.

Read our complete review of the Roomba Combo j9+

The Roomba Combo j9+ encompasses everything we desire in a combined robotic vacuum and mop. It features impressive suction power, thorough floor scrubbing, and a range of smart capabilities to navigate around obstacles (including pet waste!). It’s a superior vacuum compared to its predecessor, the Roomba Combo j7+, and it also showcases a new Clean Base that can automatically recharge its liquid reservoir. More than any Roomba prior, the Combo j9+ can leave your floors sparkling clean with minimal intervention from you.

While it is pricey, the Roomba Combo j9+ is undoubtedly more economical than hiring a professional cleaning service. It stands out as one of the top robotic vacuums and mops for pet owners, particularly for its proficient avoidance of pet waste. In fact, if the j9+ inadvertently makes a mess due to pet droppings, iRobot will provide a replacement unit.for no cost. (That promotion is valid only for the initial year, and it specifically pertains to non-recyclable waste from felines and canines, but it remains a beneficial assurance for pet parents concerned about the potential chaos that a robotic vacuum may cause.)

The Roomba Combo j9+ includes home mapping capabilities and can map your residence significantly quicker than any prior Roomba model; additionally, you can utilize the iRobot application to establish room boundaries. It also permits the creation of cleaning schedules and the labeling of items to assist in cleaning precisely where you desire. The j9+ is compatible with smart assistants from Amazon and Google as well, allowing you to simply voice cleaning commands to your smart speaker. Although it’s not an entirely miraculous cleaning machine – you’ll still need to tidy up your floors for it to operate effectively – it’s certainly the most advanced robotic vacuum and mop we’ve encountered for comprehensive deep cleaning. — Devindra Hardawar, Senior Reporter

Smart plugs offer a convenient method to enhance connectivity in your home at a reasonable price. Simply connect your ordinary non-smart lamp, and suddenly, it becomes internet-enabled without requiring a hefty investment. The top choice we’ve tested is from TP-Link: the Kasa Smart Plug Mini. Among all the smart plugs evaluated, this one provided an exceptionally seamless user experience right from the outset. It was straightforward to set up, aided by the Kasa mobile app’s sleek and user-friendly interface, and it encompasses all the standard features you’d anticipate from a smart plug: timers, schedules, vacation mode, and personalized scenes. The updated Smart Plug Mini now supports HomeKit in addition to Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Samsung SmartThings, ensuring compatibility with any existing smart home environment you possess.

TP-Link’s Deco XE75 Wi-Fi 6 router system achieves an excellent balance of accessibility and performance. The trio pack comprises three understated white towers that deliver up to 7,200 square feet of Wi-Fi 6 coverage, making it more than sufficient (and perhaps even excessive) for the majority of residences. The system provides tri-band speed with a designated Wi-Fi 6 band that can serve as either a specialized backhaul or a network for direct connectivity to your Wi-Fi 6 devices. During our assessments, we found the setup process to be effortless, and the connection remained stable and dependable. Furthermore, the trio pack is reasonably priced, especially when compared to several overpriced and overpowered alternatives available on the market.