As we wrap up 2026 and head into the new year, it's easy to look back at the impact smart home devices have had on our lives. From new developments in home automation that streamline everyday tasks to advanced security features that keep us safer, these technologies have reshaped how we interact with our living spaces. This year, we've seen continued growth in connectivity standards like Matter and Thread, which make devices from different brands work seamlessly together, simplifying the smart home ecosystem.
Going into 2027, the smart home device market is more vibrant than ever. It's brimming with innovative products that cater to a wide range of needs and preferences. This guide will count down the best smart home devices in 2026, exploring popular systems and products that we turned to all year long.
Whether you're a tech enthusiast or a homeowner looking to enhance your living space, this guide will help you choose the best option for your home, with a little help from IFTTT, our free automation platform that connects over 1,000 services so your smart home gadgets can actually work together instead of living in separate apps.
New year, new home with IFTTT
Before we dive into our top picks, we'd like to introduce IFTTT in a bit more detail, since you'll see it throughout this guide.
The basic idea behind IFTTT is to create "Applets" or sets of instructions that trigger when certain conditions are met. This can be turning on the lights automatically when you enter your house, for example.
Founded in 2011, IFTTT has since been used by over 30 million individuals around the globe to automate both business and home tasks, saving time and increasing efficiency. It's used to connect over 1000 different services and systems, making all products and services work well together in a way that instills user confidence. Best of all, it's free and only takes a couple of minutes to set up.
Chances are, your smart home is compatible with IFTTT. So, read on to hear how IFTTT can help you make the most out of your smart home system.
Our picks for the best smart home devices
For our top picks for best smart home devices, we decided to cover a couple of options from the following categories: smart speakers, displays, thermostats, security, and other gadgets. This way, you are sure to find something that fits your needs no matter which system you are looking for. These picks demonstrate an excellent set of features, affordable prices, and an easy enough setup process for most. Many also offer integration with IFTTT, so you can squeeze out every bit of functionality with your smart home. So, let's dive right in.
Smart speakers & displays
Amazon Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen)
Amazon's most capable Echo Show stands out for one simple reason: it moves. The screen physically rotates to follow you as you walk around the room, so whatever's on display, whether that's a video call, a recipe, or your smart home dashboard, stays facing you instead of the wall.
Price: $249.99 (varies by retailer)
Features:
- Rotating screen: Automatically follows you around the room, ensuring the display is always visible.
- Sound quality: High-quality audio with a rich, balanced sound.
- Smart hub: Controls compatible smart home devices via Alexa voice commands.
- Security camera: The built-in camera can be accessed remotely for home monitoring.
- Video calls: Includes a 13MP camera for sharp video chats.
Alexa isn't currently on IFTTT, but you can use these Alexa alternatives to automate your smart home.
Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin
For anyone who cares more about sound quality than smart features, the Zeppelin is a genuinely excellent speaker with Alexa built in, styled more like a piece of furniture than a gadget. It won't win on smart home integrations, but as a centerpiece for music, it's hard to beat.
Price: $799.99
Features:
- Audio quality: Premium sound with advanced driver technology for audiophile-grade performance.
- Voice assistant: Alexa compatibility for smart voice controls.
- Design: Sleek, modern aesthetic that doubles as a home decor piece.
- Limitations: It does not support Google Assistant integration.
Google Nest Hub Max
Google's flagship smart display pairs a large touchscreen with genuinely useful home controls, video calling, and a built-in camera for keeping an eye on things while you're away. It works as a control panel for your whole smart home setup, not just a speaker with a screen bolted on, which makes it one of the easiest ways to add a visual dashboard to any room.
Price: $229.99
Features:
- Display: 10-inch HD touchscreen for streaming, video calls, and home controls.
- Camera functionality: Includes a Nest Cam for video calls and home monitoring.
- Smart home integration: Works seamlessly with Google Assistant and Google Home ecosystem.
- Streaming: Supports YouTube, Netflix, and other streaming platforms.
Since Nest Hub Max runs on Google Assistant, it's the pick in this section with real IFTTT reach:
Applets to try:
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Dim Philips Hue lights with a Google Assistant command
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Pause Spotify with Google Assistant voice command
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Smart thermostats
Google Nest Learning Thermostat (Gen 3)
Nest's flagship thermostat earns its "learning" name honestly: it studies your schedule and preferences over the first week or two and starts adjusting temperatures on its own, so you spend less time reaching for the dial and more time just being comfortable.
Price: $249.99
Features:
- Energy saving: Adapts to your schedule, learning your preferences to save energy.
- Remote control: Adjust temperatures from anywhere using the Google Home app.
- Design: Comes in multiple finishes, including stainless steel and copper.
- Compatibility: Works with most heating and cooling systems.
Applets to try:
Smart locks
U-tec Ultraloq
The Ultraloq covers just about every way you might want to get in your front door: fingerprint, keypad code, smartphone app, or a physical key as a backup. That flexibility, combined with broad smart home compatibility, makes it a solid pick whether you're outfitting your own home or a rental.
Price: Starts at $199.99 (varies by model)
Features:
- 5-in-1 Keyless Entry: Includes fingerprint recognition, keypad, smartphone app, and more.
- Durability: Weatherproof and built for both indoor and outdoor use.
- Remote Access: Lock/unlock your door via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
- Integration: Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT.
Applets to try:
Smart security
Arlo Pro 5S 2K
Arlo's Pro 5S delivers sharp, detailed 2K video with none of the wiring hassle, making it a strong pick for anyone who wants real security footage rather than a grainy afterthought. It's built to live outside year-round, so you're not choosing between video quality and durability.
Price: $249.99 per camera
Features:
- High-resolution video: Captures 2K HDR video for clear details.
- Smart alerts: Detects motion and sends instant alerts to your device.
- Weather-resistant: Designed for outdoor use.
- Battery life: Long-lasting battery with easy recharging.
Ring Video Doorbell Plus
Ring's Doorbell Plus widens the frame compared to older models, so you can actually see packages left on the ground and visitors from head to toe instead of just a partial view. Setup is fully wireless, which makes it one of the easier upgrades on this list.
Price: $179.99
Features:
- Wide view: Provides a taller and wider field of view to see visitors and packages.
- Wireless: Fully wireless setup for easy installation.
- Two-way audio: Talk to visitors directly through your phone.
- Motion alerts: Customizable motion detection zones.
Applets to try:
Specialty Gadgets
Google Nest Protect
Nest Protect replaces the shrill, unhelpful beep of a standard smoke detector with a device that actually tells you what's wrong and where, speaking up before the alarm even sounds. It's a small upgrade with an outsized payoff when it comes to actually reacting fast in an emergency.
Price: $119.99
Features:
- Safety alerts: Sends smoke and CO alerts directly to your smartphone.
- Split-spectrum sensor: Detects both fast-burning and smoldering fires.
- Voice alerts: Provides spoken alerts about the type and location of danger.
- Battery options: Available in wired or battery-powered versions.
Chromecast Ultra
Chromecast Ultra remains one of the simplest ways to get 4K content onto a TV that doesn't have smart features built in, or to replace a clunkier smart TV interface entirely. It's an inexpensive, low-maintenance upgrade that just works once it's plugged in.
Price: $69.99
Features:
- 4K streaming: Delivers crisp Ultra HD and HDR content.
- Google Assistant integration: Use voice commands to control playback.
- App support: Compatible with a wide range of streaming services.
- Ethernet port: For faster and more reliable streaming connections.
AirBolt GPS Gen 2
AirBolt takes a different approach to "smart" than the rest of the devices on this list: instead of living in your home, it travels with your luggage, bike, or car, using real cellular GPS rather than Bluetooth so it keeps working well outside your home's range.
Price: $99.99 (device), plus a cellular plan starting at $7.49/month
Features:
- Real-time GPS tracking with cellular connectivity across 55+ countries, so you're not limited to Bluetooth range like most trackers.
- Built-in temperature and water sensors, plus a dedicated SOS alert button for emergencies.
- Up to 12 months of battery life depending on usage.
- Geofencing built in: get an alert the moment it enters or leaves a place you've marked as trusted.
- Connects with IFTTT, so its SOS alert, motion, water, and location triggers can kick off automations elsewhere in your smart home.
Applets to try:
Why should I turn my home smart?
Some may be hesitant to upgrade to smart home devices for several reasons. They may think switching is too expensive, too complicated, or not safe enough. These reasons were once valid, but with more advanced tech being released each year, smart homes are becoming more accessible than ever. Below is an overview of some of the benefits that you unlock with a smart home.
The first and most obvious is comfort. Smart home devices automate routine tasks, making your life easier. For instance, smart thermostats learn your preferences and adjust temperatures automatically, while voice assistants can control lights, locks, and other devices with simple commands. This can save you time and reduce the mental load of managing everyday chores.
A lesser-known fact is that many smart home gadgets are designed to help you save energy. Smart thermostats like Google's Nest learn your patterns and optimize usage. This not only leads to lower utility bills but also contributes to a greener, more sustainable home and a smaller carbon footprint.
Smart security systems, including cameras, doorbells, and locks, offer improved safety features that let you monitor and control your home remotely. For instance, Ring video doorbells allow you to see who’s at your door from anywhere, while smart locks can grant or restrict access with ease.
Lastly, integrating smart technology into your home can also boost its market value. Yep, you heard us right: according to a 2017 study by Coldwell Banker, 9 in 10 housing market experts believe that home values go up with added smart home devices. So, a smart home could possibly be worth more than a normal one when the time comes to sell.
Are there cons to having a smart home?
While smart homes offer a range of benefits, there are also several drawbacks to consider. One concern is privacy. Many smart devices collect personal data, such as your daily routines, preferences, and even sensitive information like when you're home or away.
Another challenge is the cost associated with building a smart home. While some devices are relatively affordable, outfitting an entire home with smart technology can be expensive. The initial investment includes the cost of smart thermostats, lights, locks, and entertainment systems, not to mention potential installation fees and upgrades to your home network for optimal device functionality.
Next would be the fact that smart homes can be difficult to set up, however, we'd like to skip this drawback. IFTTT, our free automation service, has all the resources you need to set up and integrate all of your favorite smart home products. We offer step-by-step guides on installing smart home devices such as Tempest Weather stations and WeMo lights. And when you want to extend their use by connecting them to others devices, IFTTT is the easiest solution.
A final word about IFTTT
IFTTT helps millions integrate all the most popular smart home systems on the market today.
By creating custom Applets or browsing our ever-growing explore page, we let users connect a vast range of devices and services, from smart lights and thermostats to social media and email notifications. This flexibility enables seamless automation—for example, turning off all lights when you leave home or sending a text alert if your security camera detects motion.
The beauty of IFTTT lies in its simplicity and accessibility. It’s designed to make automation achievable for everyone, requiring no coding skills to create useful workflows. As smart home technology evolves, IFTTT remains an essential tool for users looking to personalize and optimize their connected living spaces. So what are you waiting for? Try IFTTT today for free!
