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7 must-have smart home devices to automate your daily routine

Published on October 23, 2026

6-minute read

7 must-have smart home devices to automate your daily routine

Published on October 23, 2026

6-minute read

What you need to know

Smart home devices can help simplify everyday tasks, improve home comfort and give you more control over how you use energy. From smart thermostats and lighting to connected security systems, these technologies let you automate household routines and manage certain features remotely.

Explore seven smart home devices and how they can make your home more convenient, connected and energy-efficient.

Your Direct Guide:

  1. Smart plugs for scheduling and energy monitoring
  2. Smart thermostats for heating and cooling control
  3. Video doorbells for visitor and delivery alerts
  4. Smart garage controls for remote access
  5. Smart locks for managing home access
  6. Robot vacuums for scheduled cleaning
  7. Smart displays for connected home controls

Ever dreamt of having a home that practically runs itself? Well, you’re in luck. Smart home devices are here to make your life easier and more efficient.

Here are our top recommendations for smart home devices that can transform your home into a seamlessly integrated smart haven.

A man sitting in a cozy living room, holding a phone and looking thoughtfully at the screen.
A man sitting in a cozy living room, holding a phone and looking thoughtfully at the screen.
A man sitting in a cozy living room, holding a phone and looking thoughtfully at the screen.

1. Smart plugs for scheduling and energy monitoring

Meet the Kasa Matter Smart Plug, a tiny gadget with big benefits. Plug in any device and control it from your phone or with a voice assistant. Left the iron on? Turn it off from anywhere. Plus, it tracks energy usage, helping you save on your electricity bill. Whether it’s turning off the lights or starting your coffee maker in the morning, this smart plug is a real game-changer.

2. Smart thermostats for heating and cooling control

Tired of manually changing the temperature in your home when you get hot or cold? Leave it to the Google Nest Wi-Fi Smart Learning Thermostat. It will learn your schedule and adjust the temperature to keep everyone in your home comfortable while saving energy. You can also control the temperature on your Nest App before you get home or when you’re away on vacation.

3. Video doorbells for visitor and delivery alerts

Security meets convenience with the Ring Wired Wi-Fi Video Doorbell. See, hear, and talk to visitors at your door from your phone, no matter where you are. It has HD video, night vision, and motion alerts, so you’ll never miss a visitor or package delivery. Integrate it with other Ring products for an all-around secure home setup. It's like having a security guard at your door 24/7.

4. Smart garage controls for remote access

Forgot to close the garage? No problem, just check your phone! The Chamberlain MYQ Wireless Smart Garage Hub allows you to control your garage door from anywhere. Whether you're at work, on vacation, or just in another part of your home, you can open or close your garage door with your phone. It even sends you alerts if you accidentally leave it open. Talk about peace of mind.

5. Smart locks for managing home access

Forget about having to carry your keys around anymore. This Nest x Yale Smart Lock lets you lock and unlock your door from your phone. You can create unique passcodes for family and friends to keep track of who’s entering your home and manage their access from anywhere. It even works with voice assistants for hands-free control. Now that’s security and convenience wrapped into one awesome gadget.

6. Robot vacuums for scheduled cleaning

Who loves vacuuming? Exactly. That’s where the iRobot Roomba steps in. This little robot buddy vacuums your floors for you and can be controlled from your smartphone. Schedule cleanings, set it to clean specific rooms, and forget about lugging the heavy vacuum cleaner around your home. It navigates around furniture and avoids stairs like a pro, making sure your home stays spotless with minimal effort from you.

7. Smart displays for connected home controls

Finally, the Google Nest Hub Smart Display is the perfect central hub for controlling all your smart home devices. And thanks to Google Assistant, all you need to use is your voice. Need to check the weather, watch a recipe video, or see your calendar? It’s got you covered. Plus, it can help you wind down at night with its sleep-sensing feature and enhanced audio quality for your favorite tunes.

So, what are you waiting for? Integrate these seven smart home devices into your daily routine to enjoy more convenience, security, efficiency and lower energy bills. From controlling your garage door remotely to having a robot clean your floors, these gadgets are here to make your life easier.

Show all answers

A smart home device connects to an app, network or compatible controller so you can use features such as scheduling, remote control or alerts. Capabilities vary by product.

Start with a specific need. A compatible smart plug may suit a simple scheduling task, while a thermostat may suit heating controls. Check installation and compatibility before choosing.

No. Check the supported apps, platforms, connection standards and hub requirements for each model. Products from different brands may need additional equipment or may not support every feature together.

Some can help you monitor use or schedule compatible equipment. Results depend on your settings and habits; security and cleaning devices primarily add convenience rather than energy savings.

Check compatibility, electrical and installation requirements, privacy controls, ongoing fees and what works without an internet connection. Follow the manufacturer's guidance for connected appliances.

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