Tested by Alex Rivera
Best Smart Home Gadgets 2025: Matter-Ready Picks, Easy Setups, Real Savings
Updated October 2025
It’s been years since our original list — and the smart home has changed a lot. **Matter** and **Thread** make devices talk together more reliably; Wi-Fi 6/6E reduces congestion; and must-have staples like **smart thermostats**, **locks with cameras**, and **video doorbells** now deliver real energy savings and convenience. This refreshed 2025 guide highlights the best devices to buy first, how to avoid compatibility headaches, and where to get the most value. If you’re planning a whole-home setup, also see our focused roundups on smart bulbs, smart locks with cameras, and smart thermostats.
Contents
- Before You Buy: 6 Fast Checks
- Quick Comparison (2025 Top Picks)
- Best Smart Home Gadgets 2025 (Reviews)
- Starter Kits We Recommend
- Smart Home Gifts (Safe Crowd-Pleasers)
- FAQ
Before You Buy: 6 Fast Checks
- Platform: Confirm you’re primarily on Alexa, Google Home, or Apple Home (HomeKit). Many top picks now support **Matter**, which smooths cross-platform control.
- Radio: Favor **Thread** (fast, low-power mesh) or solid Wi-Fi 5/6/6E. Thread usually needs a border router (some hubs/displays include one).
- Reliability first: For lighting, **hard-wired switches/dimmers** (e.g., Caséta) plus a handful of smart bulbs beat “bulbs everywhere” in stability.
- Energy ROI: Thermostats and smart plugs can actually pay for themselves. See our thermostat picks and C-wire guide for clean installs.
- Privacy & storage: Decide if you want local video (e.g., some Eufy/Apple Home options) vs cloud convenience.
- Automations: Start with a few high-value routines (arrive/leave, sleep, vacation). You can layer complexity later.
Quick Comparison (2025 Top Picks)
| Product | Why We Like It | Ecosystem / Matter | Deal |
|---|---|---|---|
| ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium | Top heat-pump controls, occupancy sensing, built-in IAQ | Alexa/Google/Apple; works great in mixed ecosystems | Check Amazon |
| Lutron Caséta Smart Dimmer (Starter) | Rock-solid lighting; wall switch wins over 20+ bulbs | Works with Alexa/Google/Apple; strong scene control | Check Amazon |
| TP-Link Kasa EP25 Smart Plug (Matter) | Cheap energy tracking; easy automations | Matter over Wi-Fi; Alexa/Google/Apple compatible | Check Amazon |
| Schlage Encode Plus (with Apple Home Key) | Phone-free Apple Watch unlocking; strong security | Alexa/Google/Apple; Home Key for iPhone/Watch | Check Amazon |
| Eufy Video Doorbell Dual / E340 | Dual-view (face + package); no mandatory fee | Alexa/Google; some models offer HomeKit/Local | Check Amazon |
Best Smart Home Gadgets 2025 (Reviews)
1) Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium — Best Overall Energy Upgrade
Ecobee Premium delivers reliable scheduling, excellent heat-pump controls (aux heat lockout), and radar-based occupancy sensing. Built-in air-quality monitoring and room-sensor support make it a whole-home comfort anchor. If you’re new to wiring, our C-wire explained and DIY setup guides remove guesswork.
Pros
- Top-tier heat-pump features (aux lockout, staging)
- IAQ + humidity built in; supports room sensors
- Works with Alexa, Google, and Apple
Cons
- Premium price
- App setup can take time on complex systems
Bottom line: If you buy only one “saves-money” device, make it this. Also see our full roundup of the best smart thermostats.
2) Lutron Caséta Smart Dimmer Starter — Most Reliable Lighting
While bulbs get headlines, lighting stability comes from **switch-first** design. Lutron Caséta’s proven RF, wall controls, and scene buttons play nicely with voice assistants and motion. Add a few smart bulbs for color scenes where you care most, but keep everyday control at the wall.
Pros
- Rock-solid reliability; family-friendly wall control
- Great scenes and Pico remotes
- Works across Alexa/Google/Apple
Cons
- Starter kit cost higher than a few bulbs
- Bridge adds one more box to your network
Check price or pair with color bulbs in key rooms.
3) TP-Link Kasa EP25 (Matter) — Best Budget Automation
Version 1.0.0
The Kasa EP25 smart plug is a cheap way to automate lamps, fans, or holiday lights and track energy use. Matter over Wi-Fi lets it live in Alexa, Google, or Apple Home with minimal fuss.
Pros
- Low cost; energy monitoring on many variants
- Matter compatibility for platform flexibility
- Reliable schedules and simple routines
Cons
- Bulky compared with ultra-slims
4) Schlage Encode Plus — Best Smart Lock (Apple Home Key)
Encode Plus supports Apple Home Key for tap-to-unlock with iPhone/Watch, while playing well with Alexa/Google. If you want an integrated camera, see our smart locks with cameras guide.
Pros
- Fast, phone-free Home Key unlocking
- Good app + codes for guests
Cons
- Requires precise door alignment for best results
- Pricier than basic Bluetooth locks
5) Eufy Video Doorbell Dual / E340 — Best Package Awareness
Dual lenses watch faces and packages simultaneously; strong local storage options mean no mandatory subscription. For cloud-first setups, Ring and Nest remain solid — choose based on your platform and neighbors’ ecosystems.
Pros
- Dual-view reduces missed deliveries
- Local recording options
Cons
- App UX varies by model
6) Aqara Camera Hub G3 — Best All-in-One Hub + Cam
Serves as a Zigbee hub and camera with AI tracking; integrates with major assistants and many sensors. A great bridge if you want local automations with flexible device support.
Pros
- Hub + camera + IR control in one
- Works with wide range of sensors/devices
Cons
- App has a learning curve
7) Chamberlain myQ Smart Garage — Best Convenience Upgrade
Open/close from anywhere, share temporary access, and receive alerts. Note: integrations vary by model; confirm compatibility with your opener and assistant of choice.
Pros
- Easy retrofit; great notifications
- Guest access without spare remotes
Cons
- Voice/IFTTT support varies over time
8) Roborock S8 Series — Best Hands-Off Cleaning
Reliable mapping, solid obstacle avoidance, and self-empty/self-wash options make this the “set and forget” upgrade. Great daily quality-of-life win in any ecosystem.
Pros
- Excellent mapping and routing
- Optional self-empty stations
Cons
- Price rises quickly with auto-wash docks
9) Moen Flo Smart Water Monitor — Best Leak Protection
Whole-home leak detection and auto-shutoff can prevent catastrophic damage. Place point sensors under sinks and behind appliances for redundancy.
Pros
- Automatic shutoff saves $$$ on leaks
- Good app alerts and trends
Cons
- Pro install recommended for main line
10) Nanoleaf (Essentials / Skylight) — Best Mood Lighting (Matter)
Matter-ready bulbs/strips and modular panels that double as art. Essentials over Thread feel snappy; Skylight elevates workspaces and media rooms.
Pros
- Matter/Thread responsiveness
- Scenes and automation-friendly
Cons
- Premium pricing for panels
Starter Kits We Recommend
- Lighting-first: Lutron Caséta starter + 2–3 color bulbs for key rooms; add Pico remotes for no-phone control.
- Security-first: Schlage Encode Plus + Eufy dual doorbell + 1–2 indoor cams (local storage optional).
- Energy-first: ecobee Premium + 2 smart plugs on heavy loads + leak sensors; check utility rebates via ENERGY STAR.
Smart Home Gifts (Safe Crowd-Pleasers)
Look for universally compatible gifts: **Matter smart plugs**, **color bulbs** for media rooms, and **sensor kits** (contact/motion) that work in Alexa/Google/Apple. Need inspiration beyond the home? Our VR gadgets list is a fun detour.
FAQ
Do I still need a hub in 2025?
Sometimes. Matter reduces the need for brand-specific hubs, but Thread often needs a border router (many smart displays/Apple TV/HomePod provide this). Hubs like Aqara add local automations and sensor breadth.
Is Wi-Fi 6E worth it?
For dense homes or lots of cameras/displays, yes. 6E opens cleaner spectrum and lowers contention, improving responsiveness.
What saves the most energy fast?
Thermostats and smart plugs with schedules/occupancy logic. Start there, then add lighting scenes and eco modes.
Should I buy bulbs or switches?
Do both: switches for stability and family approval; selective bulbs for color/ambience.
