Let’s be real, nobody likes walking into a freezing house or fumbling for the light switch with bags in both hands. That’s where smart homes come in.

Smart homes are practical. You can control your lights, thermostat, or even your coffee machine using just your phone or voice. And security? You can check your doorbell camera or get alerts about movement while you’re on vacation, all from your mobile.

So, how do you make your home smart?

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What is Smart home technology?

Smart home tech means devices and systems connected to the internet so you can control and monitor your home from your phone or other device.

With smart home tech you can automate lots of tasks and functions in your home eg turn off lights or adjust the thermostat with just a few taps on your phone.

You can also use smart home tech to monitor your home for security eg set up cameras or sensors to alert you to any unusual activity.

What do you need for a smart home?

A smart home is a modern home that utilizes advanced technology to automate and control various aspects of the home, such as lighting, heating, cooling, and security. To create a smart home, you will need several key components, including:

Home Security

Arlo Pro 3 flood light camera

The Arlo Pro 3 combines a high-definition camera and ultra-bright floodlight, providing exceptional protection and visibility for your property. With its cutting-edge features, user-friendly setup, and seamless integration with smart home systems, the Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera is essential to any modern home security setup.

Experience crystal-clear video quality with the Arlo Pro 3’s 2K HDR camera, which delivers sharp, detailed images day or night. Its advanced night vision capabilities and 160-degree field of view ensure comprehensive coverage of your property, capturing every detail even in low-light conditions.

Arlo 2K Wireless Video Doorbell & Chime

Keep an eye on your front door—no wires needed. The Arlo 2K Wireless Video Doorbell runs on battery power, making it easy to install anywhere. It captures clear 2K video with a wide 180° field of view, so you never miss a thing. The included chime lets you hear alerts inside, while smart features like motion detection, two-way audio, and night vision keep your home secure. Works with Google Assistant, Alexa, and more. A subscription is required to store and replay footage in the cloud.

Key Features:

• Two-way audio and motion detec
• 100% wireless, battery-powered
• Sharp 2K video with 180° wide-angle lens
• Includes chime for in-home alerts
• Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, SmartThings

Smart Lighting

With smart lighting, you can adjust the lighting in your home to your mood or activity. For example, you can dim the smart lighting for a cozier atmosphere, adjust the warmth of the color temperature, or choose a different color lighting. You can also turn the smart lighting on or off at the touch of a button via an app on your smartphone or tablet, even when you’re not at home.

Philips Dimmable A19 Smart Wi-Fi WiZ Light Bulb

Philips Dimmable A19 Smart Wi-Fi WiZ Light Bulb, a versatile and energy-efficient solution for personalized illumination. This innovative smart bulb offers a full spectrum of color and white light options, customizable scheduling, and seamless integration with popular smart home platforms. With its intuitive WiZ app control and easy installation, the Philips Dimmable A19 Smart Wi-Fi WiZ Light Bulb is the perfect addition to any modern home, enhancing your living spaces with customizable, energy-saving lighting tailored to your needs.

Smart Plugs

Smart plugs can turn anything that plugs into the wall into a connected device that you can control from your phone. Control from anywhere: Plug in a Smart Outlet², download the free app for iOS or Android, and control your lights and appliances from your phone and your voice through Amazon Alexa, Apple Home Kit, or Google Assistant.

Tapo P115 Smart Plug

• Upgrade your home to a smart, energy-efficient living space with the Tapo P115 Smart Plug the ultimate solution for automating and controlling your home appliances with ease. The Tapo P115 Smart Plugs are designed to provide you with a seamless experience of managing your devices, saving energy, and ensuring the highest level of safety and convenience.
• Voice Command Integration: The Tapo P115 Smart Plugs are compatible with leading voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, enabling you to control your appliances with simple voice commands.
• Energy Monitoring: The built-in energy monitoring feature allows you to track your energy consumption and make informed decisions. The Tapo App provides detailed insights on your devices’ energy usage, allowing you to optimize your usage patterns and save on your utility bills.

Smart Living Room

Smart speakers can serve as a central command center, letting you control pretty much any other connected home gadget by voice. The first step in choosing one is deciding which voice assistance platform is the right fit for your home: Alexa or Google Assistant; All support most major smart home device brands.

Amazon Echo Pop – Compact Smart Speaker with Alexa (Speaks Dutch)

The Echo Pop is a compact smart speaker with full sound and Alexa built-in—perfect for bedrooms, small spaces, or your home office. It speaks and understands Dutch, plays your favorite music from Spotify, Amazon Music, and more, and controls smart home devices with your voice.

What makes it great:

• Compact size, surprisingly rich sound
• Dutch-language support
• Voice control for music, smart lights, plugs, and more
• Built-in privacy with mic off button
• Made with recycled materials

Ideal for timers in the kitchen, wake-up alarms, or setting routines like turning off lights at bedtime. Just say, “Alexa, speel muziek”—and you’re good to go.

Google Nest Mini 2nd Generation Wireless Bluetooth Speaker

The Nest Mini is a compact smart speaker that fits perfectly in any room. Don’t be fooled by its size—it packs better sound and stronger bass than the original. Just say “Hey Google” to play music, get the weather, control smart home devices, set alarms, or hear your schedule.

Key features:

• Clear, richer sound with more bass
• Voice control with Google Assistant
• Streams music from Spotify, YouTube Music & more
• Smart home control: lights, thermostats, TVs
• Wall-mountable and made from recycled plastic
• Works globally with multilingual support

In the box:
Nest Mini, universal power adapter, multilingual setup guide

A solid pick if you want hands-free help and smart control in a stylish, compact form.

Dreame X40 Ultra 

A premium robot vacuum with serious power and smarts. The Dreame X40 Ultra Complete delivers 12,000 Pa suction, self-cleaning mops, and a fully automated docking station. It avoids objects with AI, lifts its mop on carpets, and cleans tight corners with an extendable side brush. It also washes the mop pads with 70°C hot water for hygiene and minimal maintenance.

Key Features:

• 12,000 Pa suction for deep cleaning
• Self-emptying dock with mop cleaning & drying
• Liftable mops and brush to protect carpets
• Extendable side brush and mop for edge & under-furniture cleaning
• Obstacle recognition with AI + smart mapping
• Works with Alexa, full app control

Ideal for homes with mixed flooring, pets, and people who want real hands-free cleaning.

Smart Heating

Smart home products now allow greater control over heating devices, including when they are turned on and off.

Nest Learning Thermostat V3 Premium + Google Nest Hub 2 Chalk

Elevate your home experience with the Nest Learning Thermostat V3 Premium and Google Nest Hub 2 Chalk bundle. This powerful combination provides intelligent climate control, seamless integration with your favorite voice assistant, and an intuitive smart display to manage your connected home easily.

The Nest Learning Thermostat V3 Premium Black learns your preferences and automatically adjusts to provide optimal comfort while maximizing energy savings. Track your usage with its Energy History feature and make informed adjustments, while Eco mode conserves energy when you’re away.

The Google Nest Hub 2 Chalk is the perfect companion to your Nest Learning Thermostat. It offers voice control and a visual interface for managing your smart home devices. Stream music, watch videos, and access a wealth of information while effortlessly controlling your thermostat and other smart devices.

Smart Kitchen

A smart kitchen is a kitchen equipped with technology that is designed to make cooking and food preparation more convenient, efficient, and enjoyable. This technology includes appliances, gadgets, and software that are integrated and interconnected to automate kitchen tasks, reduce food waste, and enhance the overall cooking experience.

Some of the technologies used in a smart kitchen include:

1. Smart appliances – These are appliances that can be controlled remotely using a smartphone or tablet. Examples include Smart Refrigerators, Smart Kitchen Faucets, Smart Kitchen Ovens, and Smart Dishwashers.
2. Voice assistants – These devices use voice recognition technology to control other devices in the kitchen. Examples include Amazon’s Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple’s Siri.
3. Smart lighting – These systems can be controlled remotely or automatically adjusted based on the time of day or task.
4. Smart scales and thermometers—These tools can measure and report precise weights and temperatures of ingredients and cooking processes, making it easier to follow recipes and ensuring consistent results.
5. Smart storage systems can help users manage their food inventory, track expiration dates, and suggest recipes based on available ingredients.

The benefits of a smart kitchen include:

1. Convenience – A smart kitchen can automate many tasks, making cooking and cleaning up easier and faster.
2. Efficiency – Smart appliances and gadgets can help reduce energy and water waste, as well as reduce food waste.
3. Personalization – Smart kitchen systems can learn a user’s preferences and suggest recipes and ingredients based on those preferences.
4. Health – Smart kitchen systems can help users track their nutritional intake and recommend healthier meals.

Smart Kitchen Faucets

GIMILI Touchless Black Kitchen Faucet

GIMILI Touchless Black Kitchen Faucet is designed to offer a hands-free and hygienic experience. It’s advanced motion sensor technology allows you to turn the water on and off with a simple wave of your hand, minimizing the spread of germs and making your daily tasks more convenient.

The GIMILI Touchless Kitchen Faucet features a stunning matte black finish that adds a touch of sophistication to any kitchen decor. Its high-quality construction, made from lead-free brass and a corrosion-resistant finish, ensures lasting durability and reliable performance for years to come.

Additionally, its water-saving technology automatically turns the water off when not in use, reducing waste and promoting eco-friendly practices in your home.

U by Moen Smart Kitchen Faucet

The U by Moen Smart Kitchen Faucet is a modern and technologically advanced kitchen faucet that offers a range of features to enhance the user experience.

Its’ features combine to offer a user-friendly and efficient kitchen experience, making tasks like washing hands, cooking, and filling containers more convenient and precise. Integrating smart technology into a traditional kitchen fixture showcases the potential of smart home devices to enhance everyday activities.

Smart Refrigerators

Samsung RS6HA8891B1 Family Hub

The Samsung RS6HA8891B1 Family Hub is a marvel of design and functionality. Its sleek, black exterior exudes a modern aesthetic that complements any kitchen decor. The spacious interior, with a generous 593L capacity, is thoughtfully designed to accommodate a variety of food items, making it an ideal choice for large families or those who love to entertain.

But what truly sets the Samsung RS6HA8891B1 Family Hub apart is its suite of smart features. The centerpiece is a 21.5-inch touchscreen display that serves as a command center for your kitchen. This interactive screen you can manage your groceries, connect with family members, access recipes, and even stream your favorite music or TV shows. It’s like having a personal assistant in your kitchen.

The Family Hub’s intelligent systems are designed to make your life easier. The View Inside feature allows you to check what’s in your fridge from anywhere via a smartphone app, ensuring you never forget an item while grocery shopping. The Meal Planner feature suggests recipes based on what you have in the fridge, helping to reduce food waste and inspire culinary creativity.

In terms of performance, the Samsung RS6HA8891B1 Family Hub excels. The Twin Cooling Plus technology maintains optimal humidity levels in the fridge and freezer compartments, keeping food fresh for longer. The Precise Chef Cooling feature minimizes temperature fluctuations, preserving the taste and texture of your food.

Energy efficiency is another strong point of the Samsung RS6HA8891B1 Family Hub. It’s equipped with a Digital Inverter Compressor that adjusts its speed in response to cooling demand, resulting in significant energy savings and a reduction in noise levels.

LG GSGV80EPLD InstaView

The LG GSGV80EPLD InstaView fridge is built for convenience and freshness, with features that make it ideal for busy households. The InstaView door lets you see inside without opening it, reducing energy use, while the door-in-door compartment keeps your most-used items within easy reach. Equipped with a Fresh Balancer drawer, you can adjust humidity to preserve fruits and vegetables for longer. Enjoy cold water and ice with the built-in dispenser, perfect for hot days. This model operates quietly at 35 dB, making it suitable for open kitchens. With ample storage of 635 liters, it’s designed to meet the needs of larger families.

Smart Gym

A smart gym can be a valuable addition to your home gym setup, as it offers many benefits over traditional gym equipment. Some of the key advantages of a smart gym include:

1. Convenience: With a smart gym, you can enjoy a high-quality workout in the comfort of your own home, eliminating the need to travel to a commercial gym.
2. Personalization: Smart gym equipment typically allows you to track your progress and make adjustments to your workouts based on your fitness goals, making it easier to achieve the results you want.
3. Variety: A smart gym can offer a wide range of workout options, from strength training to cardio, making it easier to maintain a well-rounded fitness routine.
4. Interactivity: With features like interactive displays and virtual personal trainers, a smart gym can provide you with a more engaging and motivating workout experience.
5. Cost-effectiveness: While some smart gym equipment can be expensive, it can be more cost-effective in the long run compared to a commercial gym membership.

VAHA is an interactive smart mirror

Introducing VAHA, the interactive smart mirror that transforms your home workout experience. This cutting-edge fitness tool offers personalized training sessions, real-time feedback, and a sleek design, making it the ultimate workout companion for a healthier, more active lifestyle.

With VAHA, you’ll have access to an extensive library of live and on-demand classes led by professional trainers. The smart mirror’s innovative technology adapts to your fitness level, providing tailored workout recommendations and progress tracking to help you reach your goals faster and more effectively.

The VAHA interactive smart mirror seamlessly blends into your home decor, combining a stylish full-length mirror with an interactive display. When not in use, VAHA appears as an elegant mirror, but with a simple touch, it transforms into your personal fitness hub.

Peloton Bike | Indoor Stationary Exercise Bike with Immersive 22″ HD Touchscreen

Clip into Peloton Bike for a workout experience that goes beyond cycling. Stay motivated as you sing, dance, and climb the Leaderboard with other Members.

Peloton Bike features delta-compatible pedals, a resistance knob for manual control, 2-channel rear-facing stereo speaker system with 16 watts of total power, 10-point multitouch touchscreen, USB microport, 3.5 mm headphone jack, Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity, 5 megapixel front-facing camera, built-in microphone, and up and down volume buttons.

Bowflex – VeloCore Bike (16″ Console)

The Bowflex VeloCore Bike a revolutionary indoor cycling solution Features both stationary and leaning modes; the VeloCore bike delivers an immersive, full-body workout that challenges your core and mimics the natural feel of outdoor cycling.

The Bowflex VeloCore Bike offers a highly customizable experience with multiple resistance levels, adjustable seating, and handlebar positions. Stay motivated and connected with its built-in HD touchscreen, which streams live and on-demand classes, tracks your progress, and syncs with popular fitness apps.

Compact Design for Any Space Designed to fit seamlessly into your home, the Bowflex VeloCore Bike features a compact, space-saving footprint. Its sleek, modern design and quiet operation make it the perfect addition to your home gym or living area, allowing you to work out in style without disturbing others.

Lululemon Studio Package

Pick the perfect package to transform your home into a complete smart gym.

• Front-facing camera so you can see your friends during workouts, or get live feedback from instructors.
• 4 x 15W high-fidelity speaker system with 6 drivers including 2 woofers and embedded omnidirectional microphone for the full studio effect.
• 43” full HD 1080p display with 178° wide viewing angle so you and your workout partner never miss a thing.

Smart Bedroom

Dyson – Purifier Hot + Cool Formaldehyde – HP09 – Smart Tower Air Purifier, Heater and Fan

Dyson’s latest purifiers offer a comprehensive air purification system with the added benefits of heating and cooling, making them a versatile and intelligent choice for maintaining air quality in indoor environments.

Dyson’s latest air purifiers are packed with advanced features for multifunctional air purification, heating, and cooling. Here’s an overview:

• Multifunctionality: The purifier intelligently purifies the air, cools the environment during hot weather, and can also provide heating.
• HEPA Filtration: With a HEPA filter, it captures 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. The fully sealed system ensures that the air, once filtered, does not escape.
• Automatic Purification: The purifier automatically senses and captures pollutants, ensuring cleaner air. It is even capable of detecting and eliminating formaldehyde.
• Whole Room Purification: Dyson’s Air Multiplier technology ensures that the purifier draws in pollutants from the entire room and circulates purified air efficiently.
• Formaldehyde Destruction: Formaldehyde, a common pollutant released by furniture and flooring, is continuously detected and destroyed by converting it into water and CO2.
• Customizable Airflow: Users can choose between Fan mode for direct cooling and oscillation, or Backwards airflow mode which purifies without cooling.
• Real-time Reporting: The purifier automatically detects changes in air quality and provides real-time updates on the LCD screen as well as through the Dyson Link app.
• Night Mode: In Night mode, the purifier operates silently and dims its display for uninterrupted sleep.
• Pre-Set Purification: Users can program the machine to turn off after intervals ranging from 30 minutes to 8 hours.
• Remote Control: A curved and magnetized remote control is included, which can be stored on top of the machine.
• Voice Service Compatibility: The purifier is compatible with voice control services like Amazon Alexa, Apple Siri, and Google Home.

Cubo Ai Plus smart Baby Monitor

This state-of-the-art monitor utilizes advanced AI technology to provide real-time alerts, sleep tracking, and insights, ensuring your little one’s safety and well-being while they rest.

The Cubo Ai Plus Baby Monitor is packed with smart safety features, including covered face and rollover alerts, temperature and humidity monitoring, and a built-in night light. Its high-quality camera delivers crystal-clear HD video and night vision, allowing you to keep a watchful eye on your baby day and night.

Cherish your baby’s milestones with the Cubo Ai Plus’s Moments Wall feature, which automatically captures and organizes adorable snapshots and video clips. Plus, with two-way audio, you can soothe your baby from anywhere in your home with the comforting sound of your voice.

Smart Backyard

Smart Pressure Washer: Karcher K5 Power Control Car & Home

Transform your cleaning experience with the Karcher K5 Power Control Car & Home Pressure Washer. This versatile cleaning solution offers superior performance and customizable pressure settings, making it perfect for tackling dirt and grime on vehicles, outdoor furniture, and various surfaces around your home.

The Karcher K5 Power Control features innovative Smart Control Technology, allowing you to adjust the pressure and spray patterns for precise, efficient cleaning. Its convenient LED display keeps you informed of the selected settings, ensuring optimal performance for every cleaning task.

Built with a robust, water-cooled induction motor, the Karcher K5 Power Control Car & Home pressure washer is designed for longevity and reliability. Its compact design, onboard storage, and easy-to-maneuver wheels make it simple to transport and store, ensuring hassle-free cleaning experiences.

Smart Barbeque grill: Genesis Smart Gas Barbecues

The Genesis Smart Gas Barbecues are high-performance grills designed for outdoor cooking. They come in a range of sizes to accommodate different cooking needs, with a spacious cooking surface made of porcelain-enameled cast iron grates. The grills are powered by liquid propane and feature several burners, providing ample heat output for cooking different kind of foods. The Smart Grilling Hub allows you to control the grill temperature, monitor food doneness and access thousands of recipes, all from your smartphone or tablet. The grills also feature built-in thermometers, side tables, storage cabinets, and propane tank gauges for added convenience. The sleek and stylish design, along with the advanced technology, make the Genesis Smart Gas Barbecues an excellent choice for outdoor cooking and entertaining.

Smart Barbeque grill: Traeger Grills – Pro 575 Pellet Grill and Smoker with WiFIRE

The Traeger Pro 575 Wood Pellet Grill is designed for ease and precision in wood-fired cooking. Here’s a summary of its key features:

1. WiFIRE® Technology: With WiFIRE® technology, the Traeger Pro 575 allows you to have complete control over your grill from anywhere. Using the Traeger App on your phone, you can adjust grill temperatures, keep an eye on your food, set timers and alerts, and even explore over 1,600 recipes.
2. Precise Temperature Control: The grill comes with a D2® Pro Controller that makes it incredibly easy to maintain the exact temperature you need for perfect cooking results. All you need to do is set the dial to your desired temperature, hit Ignite, and let the grill take care of the rest.
3. D2® Direct Drive: The Pro 575 features the D2® Direct Drive, which is an industry-first brushless motor system that enables the grill to get hotter faster and is built for durability, ensuring that it will last for years.
4. Meat Probe: The built-in meat probe is a very handy feature that lets you monitor the internal temperature of your food without the need to open the lid. This helps in ensuring that your food is cooked exactly the way you want it.
5. All-Terrain Wheels: The grill is equipped with rugged all-terrain wheels that make it easy to move the grill across different types of backyard terrains.

The Traeger Pro 575 Wood Pellet Grill is an excellent choice for anyone looking for an easy and precise wood-fired cooking experience. Its smart features, including WiFIRE® technology and precise temperature control, as well as the robust D2® Direct Drive and convenient meat probe, make it highly efficient and user-friendly for all your grilling needs.

Gardena Sileno Life 1500 Robot Lawn Mower: Best Autonomous, All-Weather Performance Lawn Care

The Gardena Smart Sileno Free 1500 is a wireless robot lawn mower for gardens up to 1500 m². No perimeter wire needed—this mower uses sensors and cameras to navigate. You control it via the Gardena Smart System app or Bluetooth, and set your mowing schedule from anywhere.

It runs quietly at just 58 dB, has adjustable cutting height (25–45 mm), and includes a mulching function to feed your lawn as it mows. Great for large, flat gardens, but not ideal for slopes above 15%.

Key Features:

• Mows up to 1500 m² without perimeter wire
• App-controlled via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
• Quiet: only 58 dB
• Adjustable cut height: 25–45 mm
• Mulching function returns clippings as fertilizer
• Includes charging station and smart gateway

Bonus: Buy before 31 May 2025 and claim a free garage from Gardena.

Conclusion

Smart home tech makes life easier. Think remote control of lights, thermostats, and even your TV. It’s convenient, energy-efficient, and adds security. But it comes with risks. These devices collect data and can be hacked if not secured.

Stick to trusted brands, use strong passwords, and keep everything updated. Smart homes are great, just be smart about how you set them up.

FAQs: Smart Home Technology

What is a smart home?

A smart home is a residence equipped with technology that allows homeowners to remotely control and automate various aspects of their home, such as lighting, temperature, security, and appliances.

Which companies are leaders in providing smart home technology?

• Google LLC
• Honeywell International Inc.
• Amazon Inc.
• ABB Ltd.
• LG Electronics, Inc.
• Apple, Inc.
• Samsung
• General Electrical Company

How do I protect my privacy from smart home devices?

• Use Next-Gen firewall: Multi-layered security; cloud-hosted advanced threat protection detects and blocks advanced threats, including zero-day and ransomware attacks.
• Consider Multi Factor Authentication.
• Smart homes are generally considered to be secure, as they often feature advanced security measures such as smart locks and security cameras. However, it is important to properly secure your smart home devices and be aware of any potential vulnerabilities.

How does a smart home work?

A smart home typically consists of a central hub or controller that connects to various smart devices and appliances throughout the home. These devices communicate with the central hub using wireless protocols such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Z-Wave. Homeowners can control these devices using a smartphone app or a smart home assistant, such as Amazon Echo or Google Home.

What are some examples of smart home devices?

Some examples of smart home devices include smart thermostats, smart locks, smart lighting, smart appliances, smart security cameras, and smart speakers.

What are the benefits of a smart home?

There are many benefits to having a smart home, including increased energy efficiency, improved security, greater convenience, and the ability to remotely control and monitor your home.

How much does it cost to set up a smart home?

The cost of setting up a smart home can vary widely depending on the specific devices and features you choose. A basic smart home setup may cost a few hundred dollars, while a more advanced system with multiple devices and features can cost thousands of dollars.

Is it difficult to use a smart home?

Using a smart home is generally easy, as most devices and appliances can be controlled using a smartphone app or a smart home assistant. However, it may take some time to learn how to use all of the different features and functions of your smart home devices.

Can I retrofit my home to be a smart home?

It is possible to retrofit an existing home to be a smart home by installing smart home devices and connecting them to a central hub or controller. This can be done gradually over time, as budget and resources allow.

Can I control my smart home when I’m away from home?

Many smart home devices can be controlled remotely using a smartphone app or a smart home assistant. This allows you to control your home even when you’re not physically present.