The world of smart home devices is vast, but not all gadgets are equally useful.

While some can enhance convenience and efficiency, others may feel like little more than bells and whistles. To help you create a genuinely functional smart home, here’s a list of devices that will make your day-to-day life easier and more comfortable.

Smart Thermostats

Smart thermostats, such as the Nest Thermostat and Ecobee, can be a game-changer for maintaining a comfortable home while saving on energy costs.

These devices learn your preferences over time, adjusting the temperature based on your routines and habits. They even account for seasonal changes and daily schedules, making it easy to come home to a perfectly comfortable house without constantly fiddling with settings.

Many models come with remote control options through a mobile app, allowing you to adjust the temperature while you're away. Some smart thermostats can even detect when you’ve left the house, automatically switching to an eco-friendly mode to save energy.

Over time, this can lead to significant savings on utility bills.

Smart Lighting Systems

A smart lighting system, like Philips Hue or LIFX, can do more than just change colors on demand. These lights allow you to automate your home’s lighting schedule, which not only improves convenience but also enhances security when you're away.

For instance, you can set lights to gradually brighten in the morning, simulating natural sunlight to help you wake up gently. In the evening, they can dim slowly to create a calming atmosphere for winding down.

Voice control with systems like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant makes turning lights on and off as simple as asking, which can be especially helpful if your hands are full or you’re in another room. Some smart lights even allow you to create "scenes" — specific lighting settings for activities like reading, watching movies, or hosting dinner parties.

Video Doorbells

Video doorbells, such as Ring or Nest Hello, offer more than just a high-tech way to answer the door. These devices let you see and talk to visitors remotely, which can be especially useful for accepting packages or handling unexpected visitors.

Video doorbells also provide an added layer of security, as they record video of anyone approaching your door, even if they don’t ring the bell.

Many models include motion detection, sending alerts to your phone if someone approaches your doorstep. Some can distinguish between people, animals, and vehicles, so you’re less likely to be bothered by unnecessary alerts.

With a video doorbell, you gain peace of mind knowing you can always check on your property, even when you’re not at home.

Smart Plugs

Smart plugs, like the TP-Link Kasa or Amazon Smart Plug, make it easy to control traditional, non-smart appliances with your phone or voice. Plugging lamps, fans, coffee makers, or even your slow cooker into a smart plug gives you remote control and scheduling options, allowing you to automate appliances without upgrading them.

Imagine being able to turn on your coffee maker from bed or set your holiday lights to switch on and off at specific times — all through your phone or smart home assistant. Smart plugs are also handy for energy savings.

You can set them to turn off devices you don’t need running all day, reducing standby power usage and cutting down on energy costs.

Robot Vacuums

Robot vacuums, like iRobot Roomba or Roborock, can be a true time-saver, especially for busy households. With the ability to clean floors automatically, they take one of the most tedious chores off your to-do list.

Advanced models can map your home, allowing you to set specific cleaning zones and schedules. Many also return to their dock when low on battery and can resume cleaning where they left off.

For pet owners or families with children, the ability to schedule daily cleanings ensures that floors stay tidy with minimal effort. Some models even feature mopping functions, providing a more thorough cleaning for hard floors.

Smart Locks

Smart locks, such as August Smart Lock or Schlage Encode, allow you to lock and unlock your doors remotely and provide temporary access codes for guests or service providers. With these devices, you never have to worry about losing keys or forgetting to lock the door. Smart locks integrate with your phone or a home assistant, letting you check the lock status and receive notifications about who enters your home.

If you have kids who come and go after school, a smart lock gives you peace of mind by letting you know when they’ve arrived home safely. Additionally, smart locks often pair with video doorbells, adding a seamless layer of security and convenience to your entryway.

Smart Speakers with Voice Assistants

Smart speakers like the Amazon Echo, Google Nest, and Apple HomePod make daily tasks easier by allowing voice control for a wide range of devices and services. You can check the weather, set reminders, play music, and even control your smart home — all with simple voice commands.

These speakers are compatible with most major smart home systems, so they act as a hub for controlling your other devices.

Beyond home automation, they’re helpful for hands-free assistance with recipes, news updates, and more. If you have multiple devices around the house, they also enable intercom-like communication between rooms, making it easy to check in with family members without shouting.

Smart Home Security Systems

Comprehensive smart security systems, like SimpliSafe and Abode, provide peace of mind by monitoring your home and alerting you to any unusual activity. These systems are often modular, allowing you to add sensors for windows, doors, and motion, as well as cameras, depending on your security needs.

Most systems offer app-based control, so you can arm or disarm the system remotely, view live footage, and receive alerts if a sensor is triggered.

Some systems also integrate with voice assistants, enabling you to arm or disarm the system using voice commands. For families, smart security can make life easier by ensuring that everyone stays safe, especially during vacations or busy workdays.

Water Leak Sensors

Water leaks can cause costly damage, and they’re often hard to detect until it’s too late. Smart water leak sensors, like those from Flo by Moen or Honeywell, can detect leaks early by monitoring moisture levels and temperature around appliances, pipes, and sinks.

Many models can send alerts to your phone if a leak is detected, helping you act quickly to prevent extensive water damage.

Some advanced systems can even shut off the water supply if a leak is detected, which can be especially useful if you’re not home.

These devices are particularly beneficial in basements, kitchens, and laundry rooms, where leaks can go unnoticed for extended periods.

Smart home devices can genuinely improve your quality of life by saving time, enhancing security, and making daily tasks easier. While some gadgets may seem flashy or unnecessary, the right smart devices provide practical benefits that add value to your home.

By focusing on devices like smart thermostats, robot vacuums, video doorbells, and smart locks, you’ll enjoy a more convenient, safe, and efficient living space. As you build your smart home, prioritize features that align with your daily needs for a functional and seamless experience.