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The best smart home devices and Black Friday 2024 smart home deals!

Some smart devices are much better than others. This is our ultimate guide to leveling-up your home.
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Published onNovember 15, 2024

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Eureka Stylus Elite
MSRP: $279.99
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Positives
Robust suction
Hands-free emptying
Anti-tangle brush
Long runtime
Negatives
Requires bags
Best smart speaker
Google Nest Audio
MSRP: $99.99
Check price
Positives
Price
Compact design
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Integrated Chromecast
Negatives
Highly sensitive touch controls
No aux input
Best smart display
Google Nest Hub Max
MSRP: $229.99
Check price
Positives
Nest Cam features help set it apart
Auto-framing in video calls is a nice touch
Great display, despite the fairly low resolution
Negatives
Only works with Duo for video calling
Best smart home hub
Homey Pro (2023)
MSRP: $399.00
Check price
Positives
Seven integrated technologies
Local processing
Sleek design
Powerful automation
Terrific software
Energy monitoring
Negatives
Device support issues
Expensive
Ethernet support sold separately
Best smart light bulbs
Philips Hue A19 LED Smart Light Bulb - White and Color Ambiance
MSRP: $134.99
Check price
Positives
Wide color range
Compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and HomeKit
Simple voice control
Negatives
Pricey
Requires Hue Bridge for some features
Best decorative lights
Govee Neon Rope Light 2
MSRP: $99.99
Check price
Positives
Flexible design
Very colorful
Matter support
Negatives
Tricky to set up
Single-use clips
Best indoor cam
Eufy Security Indoor Cam S350
MSRP: $129.99
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Positives
Dual cameras
8× hybrid zoom
AI-powered tracking
Negatives
No HomeKit support
Best outdoor cam
Google Nest Cam (2nd Gen)
MSRP: $179.00
Check price
Positives
Long battery life
Three hours of free cloud storage
AI smarts work really well
Negatives
Slow charging
Nest Aware is near essential and costs extra
Weatherproof cable sold separately
Best doorbell cam
Arlo Video Doorbell 2K (2nd Gen)
MSRP: $149.99
Check price
Positives
High resolution
Two-way audio
Wide field-of-view
Negatives
No battery option
Needs subscription for all features
Best smart plug
TP-Link Tapo Smart Plug Mini (2-Pack)
MSRP: $29.99
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Positives
Built-in smart charging
Excellent compatibility
Power management
Negatives
Some high-power devices may not work
App could be better
google nest hub max is a top pick for your smart home.
Rita El Khoury / Android Authority

You’re not too late to join the smart home revolution — it’s only just beginning. It might sound quite complicated if you haven’t started building yours yet, but there’s nothing to fear. Smart home devices are designed to make your life better, so a good user experience is all part of the package when it comes to the best products. You also don’t need to buy all of the gear at once. You can start small with a smart speaker or a light strip and accumulate the gadgets that enhance your day from there. All you really need to know is which products are worth buying. To that end, here’s our guide to the best smart home devices of 2024.


The best smart speaker: Google Nest Audio

Google Nest Audio
Google Nest Audio
AA Editor's Choice
Google Nest Audio
Decent price • Compact design • Excellent audio for its size
MSRP: $99.99
Get cozy and nestle up with Google’s latest smart speaker.
Nest Audio is an approachable, entry-level smart speaker for the minimalist music lover. This compact speaker produces excellent audio quality for its size, and is a great jack-of-all-trades. Google Assistant and Chromecast integration make it easy to set reminders, make inquiries, stream your favorite podcasts, and more. For under $100, the Nest Audio speaker is a great value.
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The Google Nest Audio isn’t the flashiest smart speaker on the market, but that’s part of its charm. It’s a straightforward, budget-friendly smart speaker aimed at delivering balanced, quality audio in a compact design. You get a seamless integration with Google Assistant, letting you manage reminders, make inquiries, and stream content from popular services like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music.

Pictured is the gray Google Nest Audio on a bookshelf with the lights blinking.
Adam Molina / Android Authority

With Media EQ and Ambient IQ, the Nest Audio adjusts sound based on media type and ambient noise. This makes it equally effective for music and podcast playback. The touch-sensitive top offers easy volume and playback control, and while its bass won’t shake the room, the overall sound quality is impressive for its size. There are multiple color options to choose from, so you can pick one that matches your decor.

Check out the Google Nest Audio review from our sister site SoundGuys for more details.

Amazon Echo (4th gen): The best smart speaker for Alexa

Amazon Echo (4th Gen)
Amazon Echo (4th Gen)
AA Recommended
Amazon Echo (4th Gen)
Improved sound quality • Affordable • Alexa assistance
A spherical smart speaker for everyone's home.
The Amazon Echo (4th Generation) features a fresh new look and improved audio quality. If you're heavily invested in all things smart home, Alexa is a great virtual assistant to have around.

The Amazon Echo (4th gen) offers impressive audio quality and is a particularly good choice if you have other devices within the Amazon ecosystem. Voice recognition is highly responsive, even over music, and setup via the Alexa app is straightforward. It’s very affordable compared to the competition, so it makes a versatile and accessible option if you want a quality sound experience on a budget.

Sonos Era 100: The best smart speaker for audio quality

Sonos Era 100
Sonos Era 100
Sonos Era 100
Versatile • Immersive sound • Compact
MSRP: $249.00
The Sonos Era 100 combines powerful sound with a compact, modern design that’s right at home on any surface. Setup is easy with the Sonos app, and Trueplay tuning customizes the sound to match your room.

The Sonos Era 100 is all about bringing great sound anywhere in your home with ease. Its compact design fits perfectly on a shelf, countertop, or nightstand, while dual tweeters and a larger mid-woofer deliver punchy bass and clear stereo sound. With quick setup through the Sonos app, you’re ready to go in minutes. Trueplay tuning automatically adjusts the sound to suit your room’s acoustics, so everything you play sounds spot-on. You can stream over Wi-Fi, switch to Bluetooth with a tap, or even connect a turntable, making it as versatile as it is stylish.


The best smart display: Google Nest Hub Max

Google Nest Hub Max
Google Nest Hub Max
AA Editor's Choice
Google Nest Hub Max
Nest Cam features help set it apart • Auto-framing in video calls is a nice touch • Great display, despite the fairly low resolution
MSRP: $229.99
The Google Nest Hub Max blends a smart display with a smart cam to great results.
Whether you're across the house or across the country, the Nest Hub Max helps everyone stay in touch. You can make video calls or leave video messages with Duo. The 10-inch HD touchscreen delivers sharp images and text, while the 6.5MP camera captures photos in stunning detail.

The Google Nest Hub Max is the jewel in the crown of Google’s smart display lineup. It combines a 10-inch screen, integrated Nest Cam, and enhanced audio capabilities. Its auto-framing camera is ideal for Duo video calls, keeping users centered in the shot — a nice feature if you’re moving around while chatting. The sound quality surpasses many other smart displays, with two 10W tweeters and a 75mm woofer that offer solid clarity and decent bass.

Google Nest Hub Max

Gesture controls add convenience to the Nest Hub Max, letting you pause media or silence alarms with a wave. As a Matter-compatible device, it integrates seamlessly into various smart home ecosystems, enabling easy management of devices, notifications, and streaming services.

Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd gen, 2023): The best smart display for Alexa

Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen, 2023)
Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen, 2023)
Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen, 2023)
Compact • Affordable • Versatile
MSRP: $149.99
With its 8-inch screen and auto-framing camera, the 2023 Echo Show 8 is a compact smart hub for video calls, streaming, and controlling devices. Alexa voice control simplifies hands-free commands, making home automation simple.

The Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd gen) is a compact option with an enhanced auto-framing camera and adaptive color adjustments for comfortable viewing. Audio is solid, and you can use it to stream Netflix while you’re making dinner. Alexa integration makes it a versatile smart home hub for voice-controlled management of compatible devices, and it’s also a good option for video calling.

Amazon Echo Show 15: The best large-screen smart display

Amazon Echo Show 15
Amazon Echo Show 15
Amazon Echo Show 15
Full HD • Alexa • Great for streaming
MSRP: $249.99
Keep everyone organized on the same screen.
The Show 15 is a home hub first and foremost. Its 15.6-inch Full HD screen employs an advanced, widget-based version of the Show interface, making it easier to check out calendars, to-do lists, and virtual sticky notes.

A bigger space needs a bigger Echo Show, and Amazon has just the thing. The Echo Show 15 is a 15.6-inch smart display that shines in the kitchen, thanks to Alexa’s handy features and Fire TV. It offers a spacious widget panel for viewing personal schedules, shopping lists, and the weather, while Fire TV also adds entertainment via streaming. You can follow recipes, manage smart home devices, and control music or timers — all with voice commands.


The best smart home hub: Homey Pro

Homey Pro (2023)
Homey Pro (2023)
AA Editor's Choice
Homey Pro (2023)
Smart home consolidation • Automations • Local processing
MSRP: $399.00
A smart home hub to streamline everything in your house.
The Homey Pro (2023) is a standalone hub that aims to combine every single device in your smart home, allowing you to produce advanced automations that wouldn't be possible with a fragmented setup. It supports seven technologies, including Matter and Thread, and already supports thousands of products, with more added every day.

The Homey Pro (2023) is a powerful smart home hub designed to bring various smart devices under one roof, supporting multiple protocols like Zigbee, Z-Wave, and Matter. It’s all run through the Homey app, which enables intuitive, advanced automations without technical know-how. You’ll be creating custom flows with simple drag-and-drop controls in no time.

Local processing in the Homey Pro enhances privacy, and it doesn’t rely on subscriptions, offering a one-time $399 investment. It’s not cheap, but it’s perfect for those wanting sophisticated control of a mid-to-large smart home.

Amazon Echo Hub: The best smart display-hub-hybrid

Amazon Echo Hub
Amazon Echo Hub
Amazon Echo Hub
Smart device control • Multiview screen • Ad-Free experience
MSRP: $179.99

We’ve done smart displays, but a screen always makes things easier. The Amazon Echo Hub is a wall-mounted or stand-supported smart home controller priced at $179.99. Featuring an 8-inch touchscreen, it allows easy access to compatible devices from a central, guest-friendly hub. Support options include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, Sidewalk, Thread, and Matter, so your other smart home gadgets will be under your control. Customizable dashboards let you prioritize devices, view camera feeds, and automate routines. Its infrared proximity sensor even switches between displaying photos and controls when you’re nearby.

Aeotec Smart Home Hub: The best smart home hub for Samsung compatibility

Aeotec Smart Home Hub
Aeotec Smart Home Hub
Aeotec Smart Home Hub
Flexible • Intuitive • Secure
MSRP: $129.99
The Aeotec Smart Home Hub connects and manages devices from popular brands through Zigbee, Z-Wave, Matter, and Thread. Paired with the SmartThings app, it allows easy setup of routines and scenes, like automating lights and security alerts. It supports up to 100 devices per protocol and is designed with robust security to protect your data.

The Aeotec Smart Home Hub is a flexible and powerful foundation for any smart home. It supports Zigbee, Z-Wave, Matter, and Thread, allowing up to 100 devices per protocol, so you can easily add more lights, sensors, or plugs as your needs grow. Integration with the SmartThings app makes automating “Scenes” or monitoring security straightforward from your phone.


The best smart bulbs: Philips Hue White And Color Ambiance

Philips Hue A19 LED Smart Light Bulb - White and Color Ambiance
Philips Hue A19 LED Smart Light Bulb - White and Color Ambiance
Philips Hue A19 LED Smart Light Bulb - White and Color Ambiance
Wide color range • Compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and HomeKit • Simple voice control
MSRP: $134.99
Millions of colors, automated to your liking.
Philips Hue A19 White and Color Ambiance bulbs offer millions of colors and adjustable white tones, ideal for setting the perfect mood. With Hue Bridge, enjoy remote control, voice commands, and automations for a fully personalized lighting experience.

The Philips Hue A19 LED Smart Light Bulb in White and Color Ambiance brings flexible, colorful lighting to any room. With millions of colors and warm-to-cool white tones, these 60W-equivalent bulbs are perfect for setting the mood or adjusting brightness to suit your day.

Adding a Hue Bridge lets you control your Philips Hue lights remotely, enjoy stable connectivity with Matter, and set up handy automations. Voice control with Alexa or Google Assistant makes hands-free use easy, while the Hue app lets you create custom lighting effects for any vibe.

Wyze Bulb Color: The best value smart bulbs

Wyze Bulb Color (2-pack)
Wyze Bulb Color (2-pack)
Wyze Bulb Color (2-pack)
Bright, accurate colors • Alexa and Google Assistant • Low price
MSRP: $26.98
As smart bulbs go, it's some good bang for the buck.
The Wyze Bulb Color connects to your home's Wi-Fi, enabling remote control and automation via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or the Wyze app. Peak brightness reaches 1,100 lumens, and it supports up to 16 million colors with a 90-plus CRI (Color Rendering Index) rating. This pack includes two bulbs.

The Wyze Bulb Color gives you adjustable lighting from a powerful 1,100lm to a soft 30lm — perfect for setting any mood. With 16 million colors and adjustable white tones, you can create custom presets in the Wyze app for everything from cozy movie nights to bright work sessions. Set routines for waking up, automate reminders and even use “Vacation Mode” for added security. Voice control with Alexa or Google Assistant and group control options make it easy to manage your lighting hands-free.

Govee LED Smart Light Bulbs: The best color-changing smart bulbs

Govee LED Smart Light Bulbs
Govee LED Smart Light Bulbs
Govee LED Smart Light Bulbs
Affordable • easy to control • Bright
MSRP: $15.99
Bright and vibrant.
Govee LED Smart Bulbs offer 1000 lumens of vibrant lighting, 16 million colors, and a tunable white range. They can be controlled with the Govee Home App or voice commands, sync with music, and set scenes or timers for easy ambiance.

The Govee LED Smart Light Bulbs are Wi-Fi and Bluetooth-enabled, allowing remote control through the Govee Home App or voice commands with Alexa and Google Assistant. 1,000 lumens of brightness make them perfect for large spaces, offering both vibrant colors and energy efficiency. Choose from 16 million colors, adjustable brightness, and a warm-to-cool white range for any mood. There are 54 unique scene modes and even a Music Mode.


The best decorative smart lights: Govee Neon Rope Light 2

Govee Neon Rope Light 2
Govee Neon Rope Light 2
AA Recommended
Govee Neon Rope Light 2
Flexible design • Very colorful • Matter support
MSRP: $99.99
Great for creative smart home builders
The Govee Neon Rope Light 2 can be twisted and fitted into unique designs and with newly-added Matter support, they're a great fit for almost any smart home.

The Govee Neon Rope Light 2 is a vibrant, flexible smart light strip ideal for adding personality to any space. With Matter support, it integrates smoothly with Google Home and Alexa, while Govee’s app offers extensive customization, including color scenes, music-sync modes, and an AI-powered design option.

The 5-meter silicon strip in Neon Rope Light 2 diffuses light beautifully, and installation is simplified with adhesive and metal clips. It takes a bit of planning, but the strip allows for creative control over lighting direction, making it a fun, budget-friendly choice.

Nanoleaf Essentials Matter Smart Multicolor HD Lightstrip: The best strip light

Nanoleaf Essentials Matter Smart Multicolor HD Lightstrip
Nanoleaf Essentials Matter Smart Multicolor HD Lightstrip
AA Editor's Choice
Nanoleaf Essentials Matter Smart Multicolor HD Lightstrip
Matter over Wi-Fi • 60 LEDs per meter • High-res gradients
MSRP: $69.99
The best lightstrips ever?
The Nanoleaf Essentials Matter Smart Multicolor HD Lightstrip has hundreds of LEDs, all individually controlled. This creates high-resolution graidents most other lightstrips can't even hope to match. When you throw in Matter over Wi-Fi support, Nanoleaf's screen-mirroring service for PCs, and a relatively low price, you have a real RGB dream machine.

The Nanoleaf Essentials Matter Smart Lightstrip brings vibrant, high-res RGB effects with 60 LEDs per meter and individual LED control. Supporting Matter over Wi-Fi, it connects smoothly with platforms like Google Home and Alexa. It offers dynamic effects in many different settings, including desktop screen mirroring. Although non-expandable and lacking a diffuser, its affordable price and customization options make it a great choice for immersive, budget-friendly lighting.

Nanoleaf Blocks: The best smart light innovation

Nanoleaf Blocks
Nanoleaf Blocks
Nanoleaf Blocks
Highly customizable • Great app • Shelves and pegboards
MSRP: $199.99
Block party
With Nanoleaf Blocks, you can mix and match large and small-sized funky blocks of smart lighting to your heart’s content. Nanoleaf Blocks come in two kit sizes: the Squares Smarter Kit (six squares) and the Combo XL Smarter Kit (squares, small Squares, light pegboards, and shelves).

According to Nanoleaf, the future of lighting is square. The Nanoleaf Blocks are versatile, square smart light panels that can add flair to any room. They’re available in standard and mini sizes and mix with textured panels, pegboards, and shelves for creative displays and practical storage. Over 16 million colors and dynamic scenes can be controlled via the Nanoleaf app or smart home systems like Google Home and Alexa.

Not a fan of squares? Nanoleaf also offers a variety of classic Shapes.


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The best cordless vacuum: Eureka Stylus Elite

Eureka Stylus Elite
Eureka Stylus Elite
Eureka Stylus Elite
2024's best cordless vacuum.
The Eureka Stylus Elite makes cleaning effortless with its auto-empty dust station, anti-tangle brush roll, and up to 60 minutes of runtime. This lightweight, cordless vacuum easily handles pet hair, carpets, and hard floors, while bright LED headlights reveal hidden dust. Convert it to a handheld for versatility, and enjoy maneuverability with swivel steering and fingertip controls.
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The Eureka Stylus Elite combines powerful performance with smart convenience features, making it a standout stick vacuum for 2024. Equipped with an upgraded 350W BLDC motor, it delivers robust suction capable of tackling pet hair and large debris. Its integrated dust collection station takes convenience further by allowing hands-free dust disposal — just dock the vacuum and press a button to empty dust into a sealed bag, reducing exposure to allergens.

With an affordable price of under $200, the Eureka Stylus Elite is more accessible than many base station-equipped models. Other thoughtful additions include an anti-tangling brush, an LED light for visibility in low-light environments, 5-layer filtration, and an integrated auto-charging base that ensures it’s always ready for the next cleaning session.


Tineco Floor One S7 Pro: The best wet-dry cordless vacuum

Tineco Floor One S7 Pro Cordless Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner
Tineco Floor One S7 Pro Cordless Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner
Tineco Floor One S7 Pro Cordless Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner
MSRP: $699.00
The Tineco Floor One S7 Pro combines fresh water cleaning and easy self-propulsion. With dual-sided edge cleaning, a 40-minute runtime, and a self-cleaning system, it’s designed for complete, hands-free maintenance and efficient floor cleaning.
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Tineco Floor One S7 Pro

The Tineco Floor One S7 Pro offers efficient, hands-free floor cleaning, delivering continuous fresh water washing while recycling dirty water at 450 strokes per minute. Its SmoothPower bi-directional propulsion system makes it easy to push or pull, while a 40-minute battery runtime minimizes interruptions. It cleans edges within 0.4 inches and has dual-sided edge cleaning for thorough coverage. After use, its self-cleaning cycle ensures the roller and tubing stay clean and dry, reducing odors and upkeep.

Dyson V15 Detect: The best premium cordless vacuum

Dyson V15 Detect Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
Dyson V15 Detect Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
Dyson V15 Detect Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
MSRP: $749.99
Dyson’s V15 Detect delivers intelligent and powerful cleaning with features like dust-revealing optics, adaptable suction, and advanced filtration. The vacuum offers a 60-minute run time and efficient deep-cleaning heads for all floor types.

The powerful V15 Detect has a Fluffy Optic cleaner head that highlights dust on hard floors, while the Digital Motorbar head works across all floor types, even detangling pet hair. The device converts to a handheld and includes advanced filtration to trap 99.99% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. With 60 minutes of run time and an LCD that shows particle counts, it’s a powerhouse for whole-home cleaning.


The best indoor camera: Eufy Cam S350

Eufy Security Indoor Cam S350
Eufy Security Indoor Cam S350
Eufy Security Indoor Cam S350
Dual cameras • 8× hybrid zoom • AI-powered tracking
MSRP: $129.99
The Eufy Indoor Cam S350 features dual 4K and 2K cameras, 360-degree coverage, AI tracking, and exceptional night vision, making it perfect for detailed, all-angle home monitoring.

The Eufy Security Indoor Cam S350 provides high-resolution home monitoring with dual cameras in 4K UHD and 2K telephoto, delivering impressive clarity and an 8× hybrid zoom. Its 360-degree pan and tilt function offers full room coverage, making it ideal for pet or family monitoring.

Naturally, it’s equipped with advanced night vision and captures clear images up to 32 feet away in low light. Intelligent tracking powered by AI lets the camera follow family members or pets, and it supports NAS storage for added convenience.

Wyze Cam v4: The best value indoor camera

WYZE Cam v4
WYZE Cam v4
WYZE Cam v4
Easy setup • Multiple storage options • 2.5k resolution
MSRP: $35.98
Wyze Cam v4 offers 2.5K clarity, weather-resistant versatility, enhanced color night vision, and a motion-activated spotlight with a siren for improved security indoors and out.

The Wyze Cam v4 delivers 2.5K QHD resolution for detailed monitoring and is equally effective outdoors thanks to its IP65 weather resistance. A built-in siren, amplified audio and voice prompts improve interaction and security, while setup is simplified with Bluetooth. Users can choose secure cloud storage via subscription or opt for local recording with a microSD card.

Google Nest Cam (indoor, wired): The best indoor camera for Google Home

Google Nest Security Wired Camera (2nd Gen)
Google Nest Security Wired Camera (2nd Gen)
Google Nest Security Wired Camera (2nd Gen)
MSRP: $99.99
The wired Nest Cam offers 24/7 monitoring, clear activity alerts, and three hours of free video history. With Google Assistant and Alexa compatibility, it’s eco-friendly and easy to use, with options for enhanced features through Nest Aware.

Of course, you always have the option to stay in the Google ecosystem. The Nest Cam offers 1080p HDR video quality and night vision, while the AI-powered alerts can detect people and animals without cloud reliance for faster responses and privacy. While offering free three-hour event storage, the Nest Aware subscription adds essential features like extended cloud storage and familiar face recognition.


The best outdoor camera: Google Nest Cam (outdoor, battery)

Google Nest Cam (2nd Gen)
Google Nest Cam (2nd Gen)
AA Editor's Choice
Google Nest Cam (2nd Gen)
Easy to install • Versatile • Supports Google Assistance
MSRP: $179.00
A secured and accurate AI-based system with Google Nest Cam second generation
Google Nest Cam (2nd Gen) can be used wired or wireless, indoors or outdoors. It is easy to install, and the battery life is excellent.

We just hit on the perks of the Google Nest Cam, and there’s an equally effective outdoor version. The outdoor battery model offers easy, wire-free installation for flexible placement around your property, even in harder-to-reach spots. Built with IP54 weather resistance, it’s designed to withstand rain, wind, and dust, making it a solid choice for monitoring entrances, garages, or backyards.

google nest cam
Rita El Khoury / Android Authority

The camera’s compact, minimal design helps it blend seamlessly into outdoor settings. It also integrates smoothly with the Google Home ecosystem, allowing for simple control and setup, especially for those looking to expand their existing Google smart home network.

Want the same camera goodness but with some outdoor lighting? Check out the Google Nest Cam with Floodlight ($279.99 at Google).

TP-Link Tapo Wire-Free Magnetic Security Camera: The best wireless outdoor camera

TP-Link Tapo MagCam
TP-Link Tapo MagCam
TP-Link Tapo MagCam
Large battery • Weatherproof • Wireless
MSRP: $119.99
The Tapo MagCam offers wire-free security with 2K resolution, IP66 weatherproofing, and color night vision. Its 10,000mAh battery lasts up to 300 days, and the optional solar panel eliminates charging altogether. Secure storage is available locally or through Tapo Care.

The Tapo MagCam offers IP66 weatherproofing and hassle-free installation with its magnetic base. A 10,000mAh battery ensures up to 300 days of power on a single charge, with an optional solar panel for uninterrupted operation. Its 2K QHD resolution and 150-degree field of view capture everything on your property, while color night vision powered by a Starlight sensor keeps details sharp at night. For storage, you can go with the 512GB of local memory or Tapo Care’s cloud service.

Arlo Ultra 2: The best quality outdoor camera

Arlo Ultra 2 Spotlight Camera
Arlo Ultra 2 Spotlight Camera
Arlo Ultra 2 Spotlight Camera
MSRP: $299.99

The Arlo Ultra 2 brings top-notch 4K video quality with HDR and a wide 180-degree view. It’s designed to work with an Arlo SmartHub or a base station, and it’s also compatible with Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, and SmartThings, meaning it slots into any smart home setup. A three-month Arlo Secure trial is included.

If you don’t need a 4K resolution and prefer to spend less than $300, the Arlo Pro 5S is a more affordable version.


The best doorbell camera: Arlo Video Doorbell 2K (2nd gen)

Arlo Video Doorbell 2K (2nd Gen)
Arlo Video Doorbell 2K (2nd Gen)
Arlo Video Doorbell 2K (2nd Gen)
High resolution • Two-way audio • Wide field-of-view
MSRP: $149.99
High-res doorbell camera.
Arlo’s 2K HDR Video Doorbell offers 180-degree views, night vision, and two-way audio. With motion alerts, cloud storage options, and a trial Arlo Secure Plan, it’s a smart choice for front-door monitoring.

Arlo’s latest high-end doorbell delivers 2K HDR video, capturing every detail. With a 180-degree view, night vision, and motion sensor, you’ll spot visitors anytime, day or night. It offers two-way audio for easy interaction and an integrated siren for added security.

On top of all that, instant notifications alert you when the doorbell rings or motion is detected. A trial of the Arlo Secure Plan provides access to 30-day cloud storage, people and package detection, plus 24/7 emergency response. It’s the real deal.

Google Nest Doorbell (battery): The best battery doorbell

Google Nest Doorbell
Google Nest Doorbell
AA Recommended
Google Nest Doorbell
Loud and clear chime • AI recognition • IP54 rating
MSRP: $179.99
The first wireless smart doorbell from Google and Nest.
If you've wanted a Google Assistant-powered doorbell you could install wirelessly, it's finally here. It might be a few years late to the party, but the Google Nest Doorbell ticks off all the essential boxes.

Google fans always have an option, with the Nest Doorbell offering easy installation, reliable AI-based notifications, and strong Google Assistant integration. Its 960p resolution, 3:4 aspect ratio, and 145-degree field of view capture essential details, even if it isn’t the clarity of some other competitors. With IP54 weather resistance and three hours of free cloud storage, it’s well-suited for basic monitoring. For continuous power, you can opt for the wired version.

Ring Battery Doorbell Pro: The best video quality doorbell

Ring Battery Doorbell Pro (2024)
Ring Battery Doorbell Pro (2024)
Ring Battery Doorbell Pro (2024)
Person and package alerts • Alexa compatible • Low-Light Sight
MSRP: $229.99
Ring's 2024 Doorbell Pro offers HD Plus video, 3D Motion Detection, and night clarity. Alexa compatibility and a quick-release battery pack add convenience.
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Ring Battery Doorbell Pro

The top-tier security features of the Ring Video Doorbell Pro include 1536p HD Plus video that provides a head-to-toe view of your visitors. Its advanced 3D Motion Detection and Bird’s Eye View let you monitor specific zones, and Nighttime clarity ensures reliable visuals even in low light. The doorbell’s quick-release battery pack simplifies recharging, and Alexa compatibility enables hands-free notifications and communication.


The best smart plug: TP-Link Tapo P110M

TP-Link Tapo Smart Plug Mini (2-Pack)
TP-Link Tapo Smart Plug Mini (2-Pack)
TP-Link Tapo Smart Plug Mini (2-Pack)
Built-in smart charging • Excellent compatibility • Power management
MSRP: $29.99
The Tapo Smart Plug Mini provides energy tracking, automatic power control, and Matter-certified compatibility for seamless integration with major platforms. Voice commands and app control offer convenience, while smart charging and scheduling maximize energy efficiency.
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TP-Link Tapo Smart Plug Mini

The Matter-certified TP-Link Tapo Smart Plug Mini also integrates seamlessly with Apple HomeKit, Alexa, Google Home, and SmartThings. It offers energy tracking with visual insights to help optimize consumption and estimate costs, while smart scheduling allows automatic power management during off-peak hours for cost savings.

Built-in smart charging in the Tapo P110M cuts off power to prevent overcharging and protects devices from overcurrent. Voice and remote control through Alexa, Google Assistant, or the Tapo app lets you manage your connected devices, making it the ideal smart plug.

Wyze Plug: The best value smart plug

Wyze Plug
Wyze Plug
Wyze Plug
MSRP: $11.98
Hub-less Wi-Fi smart plug
The Wyze Plug is one of the original Wi-Fi smart plugs. No hub is required, this plug connects straight to your network.

As handy as smart plugs are, there’s only so much functionality they offer, so those on a budget needn’t fork out too much. The Wyze Plug hits the sweet spot between features and price point. It brings voice-controlled convenience with Alexa and Google Assistant, can be operated from the Wyze app, and has schedules like Vacation Mode for an added layer of security.

Amazon Smart Plug: The best smart plug for Alexa

Amazon Smart Plug
Amazon Smart Plug
Amazon Smart Plug
Quick and smooth setup process • Many Alexa-based control and automation options • Horizontal design (usually) avoids other outlets
Amazon's self-branded smart plug connects to Alexa via Wi-Fi, and enables on/off control for appliances like fans, heaters, humidifiers, and coffee makers. A key selling point is "Frustration-Free" setup that requires little more than opening the Alexa app.

If Amazon is your ecosystem, this smart Plug is a quick and simple smart home control. With an easy setup process, this plug connects directly to the Alexa app, enabling voice commands and automated routines. While it lacks compatibility with Google Assistant or Apple HomeKit and has limited energy monitoring, its sleek design usually avoids blocking other outlets.


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