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The Best Smart Home Devices for 2026

 & Angela Moscaritolo Managing Editor, Consumer Electronics

Our team tests, rates, and reviews more than 1,500 products each year to help you make better buying decisions and get more from technology.

Our Expert
LOOK INSIDE PC LABS HOW WE TEST
65 EXPERTS
43 YEARS
41,500+ REVIEWS
(Credit: Bob Al-Greene)

Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro

4.5 Outstanding
The Aqara G5 Pro is an outdoor security camera that delivers sharp 2K video with AI-driven motion detection and serves as a hub for every major smart home platform.
Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro review

Arlo Video Doorbell 2nd Generation

4.0 Excellent
The second-generation Arlo Video Doorbell is a well-priced wireless smart doorbell that delivers sharp video with a full view of your doorstep as well as optional cloud storage and smart alerts.
Arlo Video Doorbell 2nd Generation review

Amazon Echo Dot Max

4.5 Outstanding
The Amazon Echo Dot Max is a feature-packed $100 smart speaker that replaces the standard Echo with balanced, room-filling sound, robust smart home connectivity, and Alexa+ support.
Amazon Echo Dot Max review

Apple HomePod (2023)

4.0 Excellent
Apple's second-generation HomePod carries over the elegant design from the original, but improves the audio and smart home experiences to better compete with speakers from Amazon and Google.
Apple HomePod (2023) review

Apple HomePod mini

4.0 Excellent
The Apple HomePod mini speaker offers Siri voice assistance and smart home control in an attractive little orb design for just $99, but the Amazon Echo delivers substantially more audio power for the same price.
Apple HomePod mini review

Sonos Era 300 Black - Wireless

4.0 Excellent
The Dolby Atmos-compatible Era 300 delivers room-filling spatial audio on its own, or it can be easily integrated with other Sonos speakers for a truly theater-like experience.
Sonos Era 300 Black - Wireless review

Sonos Era 100

4.0 Excellent
The Era 100 is a worthy starting point in the company's lineup thanks to powerful stereo audio, easy integration with other Sonos speakers, and an excellent app experience.
Sonos Era 100 review

Amazon Echo Show 11 (2025)

4.0 Excellent
Best suited to large rooms, Amazon's Echo Show 11 smart display combines excellent sound quality, a large screen, and the conversational smarts of Alexa+ for easy voice control.
Amazon Echo Show 11 (2025) review

Google Nest Hub Max

4.0 Excellent
The Google Nest Hub Max is a big, bright smart display with Google Assistant, and you can even use it as a home security camera.

Tapo TP-Link Smart Light Bulbs, 1100 Lumens High Brightness(75W Equivalent), Matter-Certified, 16M Colors RGBW LED Bulb, Dimmable, CRI>90, Voice Control w/Siri, Alexa & Google Home, A19 E26 L535E

Tapo TP-Link Smart Light Bulbs, 1100 Lumens High Brightness(75W Equivalent), Matter-Certified, 16M Colors RGBW LED Bulb,

4.5 Outstanding
The TP-Link Tapo L535E is an ultra-bright, Matter-ready smart bulb that delivers rich colors, tunable whites, and seamless integration with Alexa, HomeKit, Google, and SmartThings.
Tapo TP-Link Smart Light Bulbs, 1100 Lumens High Brightness(75W Equivalent), Matter-Certified, 16M Colors RGBW LED Bulb, review

Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium

4.5 Outstanding
The feature-rich Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium controls your heating and cooling, works as a smart speaker and security device, monitors air quality, and supports lots of third-party platforms.
Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium review

Amazon Echo Show 8 (2025)

4.5 Outstanding
The fourth-generation Echo Show 8 has upgraded speakers for richer sound and a faster processor for more seamless and natural voice interactions with Alexa+, making it Amazon's best smart display for most households.
Amazon Echo Show 8 (2025) review

Tovala Smart Oven (2022)

4.0 Excellent
The Tovala Smart Oven lets you bake, broil, and air fry almost anything, and can automatically set cooking modes with freezer case favorites.
Tovala Smart Oven (2022) review

Dreo ChefMaker Combi Fryer

4.0 Excellent
The Dreo ChefMaker Combi Fryer is a multipurpose smart oven that combines air frying, steaming, and precise temperature monitoring to cook juicy and tender food.
Dreo ChefMaker Combi Fryer review

Instant Pot Pro Plus

3.5 Good
The Instant Pot Pro Plus offers eight different cooking methods, from the brand's classic pressure cooking to sous vide, but its mobile app integration doesn't add much to the overall experience.
Instant Pot Pro Plus review

Ecozy Smart Panel Nugget Ice Maker Mistalo

4.0 Excellent
The Ecozy Smart Panel Nugget Ice Maker Mistalo is a smart kitchen device that delivers crunchy nugget ice and tells you when the bin is full or when it needs maintenance.
Ecozy Smart Panel Nugget Ice Maker Mistalo review

Hamilton Beach Smart Coffee Maker

3.0 Average
Hamilton Beach Smart Coffee Maker review

Sleep Number 360 i8 Smart Bed

4.0 Excellent
With a temperature-balancing surface and the ability to track your rest, the Sleep Number 360 i8 is one of the smartest and most luxurious mattresses you can buy.
Sleep Number 360 i8 Smart Bed review

GE Profile Clearview PHNT10 Smart Air Conditioner

4.5 Outstanding
The Wi-Fi-enabled GE ClearView PHNT10 air conditioner is impressively quiet and does a superb job of cooling without blocking the view from your window.
GE Profile Clearview PHNT10 Smart Air Conditioner review

GE 11,000 BTU Smart Heat/Cool With Heat Pump Electronic Window Air Conditioner (AWGP12)

4.5 Outstanding
The GE Smart Heat/Cool AWGP12 window air conditioner works with voice and app commands, effectively cools and heats rooms of up to 550 square feet, and tells you how much power it's using.
GE 11,000 BTU Smart Heat/Cool With Heat Pump Electronic Window Air Conditioner (AWGP12) review

Dyson HEPA Big+Quiet Formaldehyde BP06 Large

4.0 Excellent
The Dyson Big+Quiet BP03 is a pricey high-end air smart purifier with superb HEPA filtration and many features, including multiple air quality sensors, a powerful cooling fan, and a filter that will last for years.
Dyson HEPA Big+Quiet Formaldehyde BP06 Large review

Kohler Veil

The Kohler Veil smart toilet boasts a hands-free opening and closing system, plus a number of other convenient features including a night-light, an automatic deodorizer, and a self-cleaning function that uses UV light to sanitize the bowl.

U by Moen

The U by Moen wall-mounted smart shower controller works with Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Google Assistant, so you can turn on the water and set it to your preferred temperature with the sound of your voice.

Etekcity HR Smart Fitness Scale

4.5 Outstanding
With built-in Wi-Fi, tons of interoperability, and high-level accuracy across 14 body composition metrics, the Etekcity HR Smart Fitness Scale offers everything you could want from a smart scale at a reasonable price.
Etekcity HR Smart Fitness Scale review

Peloton Cross Training Bike+

4.5 Outstanding
The Peloton Cross Training Bike+ improves upon its predecessor with an AI-powered camera that counts reps and provides form feedback, making it just as effective for strength training as it is for indoor cycling.
Peloton Cross Training Bike+ review

SoulCycle At-Home Bike

4.5 Outstanding
With a focus on riding in step with the beat of music while working to master choreography moves, the SoulCycle At-Home Bike offers fun and challenging workouts that combine cardio and strength training with elements of dance and meditation.
SoulCycle At-Home Bike review

Hydrow Arc Rower

4.0 Excellent
With upgraded performance analytics and a larger, more immersive 24-inch display, the Hydrow Arc improves on the original to deliver the best smart rowing experience for the price.
Hydrow Arc Rower review

King Smith WalkingPad X21

3.5 Good
The King Smith WalkingPad X21 is an elegant and affordable treadmill that gets the basics right and is ideal for casual athletes looking for a compact solution.
King Smith WalkingPad X21 review

Chamberlain 1 HP Belt Drive Opener (B5330)

4.0 Excellent
The Chamberlain B5330 combines quiet, reliable belt-drive performance with built-in smart features like an embedded camera and face recognition, giving you full visibility and control over your garage.
Chamberlain 1 HP Belt Drive Opener (B5330) review

Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller

4.5 Outstanding
The Rachio 3 is an eight-zone sprinkler controller that connects to your phone and offers the latest weather-based scheduling technology and works with lots of other smart devices.
Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller review

Sonos Move 2

4.0 Excellent
The Move 2 improves upon with predecessor with stereo audio and longer battery life, making it the best Sonos speaker for listening to music outside.
Sonos Move 2 review

Sony ULT Field 7

4.0 Excellent
Sony's rugged ULT Field 7 speaker delivers deep bass at high volumes and has inputs for karaoke, making it an excellent choice for parties, whether they're indoors or outside.
Sony ULT Field 7 review

Anker Soundcore Motion 300

4.0 Excellent
The portable and rugged Anker Soundcore Motion 300 speaker offers excellent Bluetooth streaming quality, customizable audio, and a speakerphone for well under $100.
Anker Soundcore Motion 300 review

Anker Nebula Mars 3

4.0 Excellent
With good audio and picture quality as well as a rugged design, the Anker Nebula Mars 3 is a top choice for an indoor/outdoor 1080p streaming projector.
Anker Nebula Mars 3 review

BenQ GS50

3.5 Good
The BenQ GS50 outdoor projector is durable and smart (it will turn off the light if a curious toddler gets too close to the lens), and it also delivers on both image quality and audio.
BenQ GS50 review

Govee Lynx Dream Bluetooth & Wi-Fi Outdoor String Lights

4.0 Excellent
Designed for outdoor use, the fun, highly customizable Govee Lynx Dream String Lights feature multicolor LEDs that you can control with your phone or voice.
Govee Lynx Dream Bluetooth & Wi-Fi Outdoor String Lights review

TP-Link Kasa 2-Outlet Outdoor WiFi Smart Plug (EP40)

4.0 Excellent
The dual-outlet TP-Link Kasa EP40A Outdoor Plug isn't as affordable as some of its competitors, but its robust third-party platform support makes it exceptionally versatile.
TP-Link Kasa 2-Outlet Outdoor WiFi Smart Plug (EP40) review

Kamado Joe Konnected Joe Digital Charcoal Grill and Smoker

4.0 Excellent
Though pricey, the tank-like Kamado Joe Konnected Joe Digital Charcoal Grill and Smoker connects to your phone and makes it simple to cook charcoal-fired foods to perfection.
Kamado Joe Konnected Joe Digital Charcoal Grill and Smoker review

Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro Wi-Fi Smart Lock

4.5 Outstanding
The Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro Wi-Fi is a dependable and versatile smart lock that lets you lock and unlock your door with your voice and fingerprint, as well as via keypad, mobile app, or traditional key.
Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro Wi-Fi Smart Lock review

Amazon Smart Thermostat

4.0 Excellent
The very affordable Amazon Smart Thermostat lets you control your heating and cooling system from your phone or via Alexa voice commands.
Amazon Smart Thermostat review

Weber Genesis EPX-335 Smart Gas Grill

4.0 Excellent
The Wi-Fi-enabled Weber Genesis EPX-335 gas grill offers programmable smart recipes, LED lighting for grilling at night, and lots of storage space.
Weber Genesis EPX-335 Smart Gas Grill review

Brisk It Origin 940

4.5 Outstanding
The Brisk It Origin 940 is a pricey Wi-Fi-enabled wood pellet grill that delivers delicious smoked food and offers lots of cool AI-generated recipes.
Brisk It Origin 940 review

Weber iGrill Mini

iDevices iGrill Mini

4.0 Excellent
The Weber iGrill Mini is a small connected thermometer that allows you to monitor the temperature of any dish you cook from your smartphone.
iDevices iGrill Mini review

Segway Navimow X390

4.5 Outstanding
The Navimow X390 robot lawn mower has everything you need to keep large yards well-maintained without lifting a finger, including long battery life, reliable navigation, and cellular connectivity for remote areas.
Segway Navimow X390 review

Philips Hue Iris Table Lamp

4.0 Excellent
The latest version of the Philips Hue Iris Table Lamp is brighter than ever and features Bluetooth for hub-free control.
Philips Hue Iris Table Lamp review

Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen, 2022 Release)

4.0 Excellent
The fifth-generation Amazon Echo Dot adds tap gestures and mesh networking, but is otherwise nearly identical to the previous version.
Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen, 2022 Release) review

Feather River Doors Smart Glass

4.0 Excellent
The Feather River Doors Smart Glass is an entry door that lets you switch between clear and frosted glass using your phone, voice, or a button.
Feather River Doors Smart Glass review

xBloom Studio

4.5 Outstanding
The xBloom Studio smart coffee maker can freshly grind and brew a fantastic cup from whole beans, and offers tons of options to customize your pour.
xBloom Studio review

TP-Link Tapo RV30 Max Plus

4.0 Excellent
The TP-Link Tapo RV30 Max Plus is the best 2-in-1 robot mop and vacuum we've tested for under $300, and it can even empty its own dustbin.
TP-Link Tapo RV30 Max Plus review

Ecovacs Deebot X8 Pro Omni

4.5 Outstanding
The Ecovacs Deebot X8 Pro Omni impresses on all fronts with an effective roller mop, top-notch vacuum performance, and hands-off self-maintenance features, making it the top 2-in-1 robot floor cleaner.
Ecovacs Deebot X8 Pro Omni review

Husqvarna Automower 435X AWD

4.0 Excellent
Designed for rough terrain and steep hills, the Husqvarna Automower 435X AWD is loaded with features including all-wheel drive, Bluetooth, cellular, and GPS technologies, a pivoting rear end, and an ultra-quiet battery-powered motor.
Husqvarna Automower 435X AWD review

Vivint HomeProtect Pro

4.5 Outstanding
The excellent Vivint HomeProtect Pro security system offers 24/7 monitoring and remote control of your cameras, door locks, heating, and more.
Vivint HomeProtect Pro review

TP-Link Tapo Smart Plug Mini, Matter Compatible, Compatible with Alexa, Google Home & Samsung SmartThings, Energy Monitoring, 15A, UL Certified, 2.4G Wi-Fi Only, Tapo P110M(2-Pack)

TP-Link Tapo Smart Plug Mini, Matter Compatible, Compatible with Alexa, Google Home & Samsung SmartThings, Energy Monito

4.5 Outstanding
The TP-Link Tapo P110M combines Matter compatibility, detailed energy monitoring, and wide third-party integration into a reliable, feature-rich smart plug.
TP-Link Tapo Smart Plug Mini, Matter Compatible, Compatible with Alexa, Google Home & Samsung SmartThings, Energy Monito review

iRobot Roomba j9+ Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum

4.0 Excellent
The iRobot Roomba j9+ is a user-friendly robot vacuum that justifies its high price with strong suction power, reliable obstacle avoidance, self-emptying functionality, and ample app features.
iRobot Roomba j9+ Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum review

iRobot Braava Jet m6

4.0 Excellent
The iRobot Braava Jet m6 is a powerful, pricey robot that sweeps and mops your floors until they shine.
iRobot Braava Jet m6 review

Gardena Robotic Mower Sileno City

3.5 Good
It’s not loaded with features, but the Gardena Sileno City robotic lawn mower provides good cutting performance and Bluetooth connectivity at a relatively affordable price.
Gardena Robotic Mower Sileno City review

TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip HS300

4.0 Excellent
The TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip HS300 is a feature-rich six-outlet smart surge protector that you can control with your voice or with a mobile device.

Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen)

4.0 Excellent
With the ability to track your sleep in addition to all of the voice control capacity of the original, the second-generation Nest Hub smart display is an ideal bedside companion for Google Assistant users.
Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) review

Amazon Echo Show 5

4.0 Excellent
Amazon's 2023 Echo Show 5 is one of the best small smart displays available, and we like this version's more powerful speakers and improved voice response. Just know that the larger Echo Show 8 is a more well-rounded offering.
Amazon Echo Show 5 review

Tonal 2

4.0 Excellent
The Tonal 2 offers the same fun and effective smart strength training experience as the original, with minor upgrades including a higher max weight limit, more durable cables, and support for new Aero workouts.
Tonal 2 review

Thermacell LIV Smart Mosquito Repellent System

4.0 Excellent
The Thermacell LIV Smart Mosquito Repellent System, which you can control with your phone or voice, offers effective, on-demand protection against bitey mosquitoes in outdoor areas of up to 1,575 square feet.
Thermacell LIV Smart Mosquito Repellent System review

Arlo Essential Pan Tilt Indoor (2025)

4.5 Outstanding
The Arlo Essential Pan Tilt Indoor is an affordable 2K camera that delivers a sweeping view of any room and uses AI for precise insights into what's happening inside your home.
Arlo Essential Pan Tilt Indoor (2025) review

SimpliSafe Home Security System

4.5 Outstanding
If you want to secure and monitor your home without spending a bundle or signing a long-term contract, there's a lot to like about the versatile and easy-to-use SimpliSafe Home Security System.
SimpliSafe Home Security System review

Furbo 360-Degree 1080p Treat Dispensing Dog Camera

4.0 Excellent
The Furbo 360 Dog Camera allows you to see your pet and dispense treats remotely, improving upon the original with color night vision and the ability to pan from side to side for 360-degree views.
Furbo 360-Degree 1080p Treat Dispensing Dog Camera review

Furbo 360 Treat Dispenser Cat Camera

4.0 Excellent
The Furbo 360 Cat Camera is basically the same as the company's dog camera but with a feather toy on it, which means it's excellent for remotely watching your feline friends and feeding them treats.
Furbo 360 Treat Dispenser Cat Camera review

Nanit Pro Complete Monitoring System

4.0 Excellent
The Nanit Pro Complete Monitoring System is the best smart baby monitor and service we've tested, especially for first-time and/or nervous parents, but it requires deep pockets.
Nanit Pro Complete Monitoring System review

Segway Xyber

4.0 Excellent
The Segway Xyber is an extreme e-bike packed with technology and made for adventures with a 35mph top speed and expandable range.
Segway Xyber review

About Our Expert

Angela Moscaritolo

Angela Moscaritolo

Managing Editor, Consumer Electronics

My Experience

I'm PCMag's managing editor for consumer electronics, overseeing an experienced team of analysts covering smart home, home entertainment, wearables, fitness and health tech, and various other product categories. I have been with PCMag for more than 10 years, and in that time have written more than 6,000 articles and reviews for the site. I previously served as an analyst focused on smart home and wearable devices, and before that I was a reporter covering consumer tech news. I'm also a yoga instructor, and have been actively teaching group and private classes for nearly a decade. 

Prior to joining PCMag, I was a reporter for SC Magazine, focusing on hackers and computer security. I earned a BS in journalism from West Virginia University, and started my career writing for newspapers in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

The Technology I Use

My little Florida beach bungalow is brimming with smart home tech. I have a smart speaker or display in every room, allowing me to control other connected devices by voice. The Nest Hub on my bedside table lets me set wake-up alarms, control my smart light bulbs, and set the temperature on my smart thermostat. I use the Amazon Echo Show 8 on my kitchen counter to browse recipes, reorder protein powder, check the weather, and watch the news while I do dishes. 

Because I suffer from allergies, air purifiers are essential. My favorite model is the Dyson Purifier Cool TP07, which doubles as a fan and continuously sends indoor pollution data to its companion mobile app. 

My pitbull Bradley sheds, so a good robot vacuum is a must. I currently use a premium Ecovacs Deebot that can both vacuum and mop, empty its own dustbin, and wash its own mop cloth. 

For fitness, I like to mix up my routine with cycling, indoor rowing, running, and strength training in addition to yoga. I take classes on the Tonal 2 smart strength training machine, I row indoors on an Aviron machine, and track my beach runs with an Apple Watch while listening to music on my Apple AirPods Pro. On the weekends, I love riding e-bikes like the rugged, beach-friendly Aventon Aventure for fun and fitness.

My job involves a lot of virtual meetings, so a quality webcam, microphone, and ring light are important. I use the Jabra PanaCast 20 webcam, the Elgato Wave: 3 microphone, and a Yesker tripod ring light. 

As for my preferred phone platform, I'm an iPhone person, but I've also extensively used Android for product testing.

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