The Best Smart Home Devices For 2023

With hundreds of incredible products available, it can be intimidating to piece together a smart home. From smart displays and smart thermostats to smart light bulbs and video doorbells, not only are there tons of categories to browse, but each category is filled with highly reviewed products that can be difficult to distinguish from one another. If you're in the market for a new smart home gadget or are just starting your smart home journey, there are tons of factors to consider.

If you need help navigating all the products, here's a look at the best smart home devices of 2023 across a wide variety of categories. It's hard to go wrong with products from big names like Ring, Arlo, Amazon, and Google, but if you need a bit more guidance, here are some of our top picks.

Voice assistant John Velasco/Digital Trends

The first thing you'll want to get is a virtual assistant to help you control your smart devices with just your voice. You can opt for a smart speaker, which only has audio, or you can go with a smart display, which has a touchscreen that lets you visually interact with your assistant as well.

The Amazon Echo is Amazon's smart speaker that features Alexa, Amazon's virtual assistant. The Echo 4th Generation has excellent sound quality, so you can clearly hear your playlist from music streaming services like Amazon Music, Apple Music, or iHeart Radio. The redesigned Echo 4 retails for $100, and it comes in charcoal, twilight blue, and glacier white. Amazon's latest smart speaker also functions as a Zigbee hub, allowing you to control other Zigbee-specific smart home gear, such as lights, locks, and cameras.

If you want a more affordable Echo speaker, the Echo Dot with Clock retails for only $60 and does almost everything the Echo does, except its speakers aren't quite as powerful and it doesn't have a Zigbee hub. The Dot with Clock has an LED display on the front face that can show you the time, the weather, or a timer. One of the reasons these gadgets should be on your smart home shopping list is that they work with many of the other products you buy. Alexa responds to short commands that make life easier and more fun. You can set alarms, ask questions, order pizza, shop, play games, and more — just by using your voice. Plus, compatible gadgets let you depend on Alexa to tweak aspects of your smart home by doing things like turning down the thermostat or turning on a light.

The Echo Pop is another solid option for shoppers on a budget. Clocking at just $40, it's the cheapest Echo smart speaker on the market. It may not sound as robust as others on this list (like the HomePod or Sonos One), but it's a great beginner smart speaker and works perfectly as a hub for your smart home.

If you'd prefer a smart display that has a screen and lets you make video calls, see song lyrics, and watch your security camera and video doorbell feeds, the Echo Show 5 is a great option because it's even more affordable than a regular Echo speaker. The Show 5 is a compact display, though. If you're looking for a larger screen, the Echo Show 15 may be a better option. Capable of being wall-mounted for either landscape or portrait viewing, Amazon's Show 15 features customizable widgets, interactive smart device controls, and a host of other great Alexa-powered tricks and abilities.

John Velasco / Digital Trends

On the other hand, maybe you'd rather go with a smart speaker not associated with Amazon, but love the easy-to-move design of the Echo Dot. In that case, look no further than the streamlined Nest Mini. The Nest Mini (2nd Gen) has an eco-friendly design, and it comes in chalk, charcoal, a bright coral color, or a bright blue color. Similar in size and shape to the Echo Dot (3rd Gen), the Nest Mini 2 is

Then there's the Google Nest Audio, Google's bigger smart speaker. Featuring premium sound, adaptive audio, and an attractive design, you can find Google's premium smart speaker in chalk, charcoal, sage, sand, and sky. If you want a Google Assistant-powered smart display, we really like the Nest Hub Max. It has a 10-inch display, gesture control, built-in security features, and it even has a built-in Nest Cam.

John Velasco/Digital Trends

If you're looking for the best sound possible out of your smart speaker, consider opting for the Sonos One. Not only does it offer room-filling sound, but it supports both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for hands-free operation. It's a little expensive at over $200, but audiophiles won't find a better hub for their smart home.

And don't worry: We didn't forget the Apple devotees of our readership. If you want to run your smart home with Apple HomeKit and Siri, the HomePod mini is the way to go. Available in five colors, the mini adapts its sound to whatever room you place it in, can be paired with multiple HomePod minis for expanded audio, and includes a convenient hand-off feature that instantly transfers whatever is playing on the HomePod mini to your iPhone in seconds.

Need something with a bit more power than the tiny HomePod mini? Consider stepping up to the HomePod 2023, which offers all of the same great features, but with a better audio system.

Check out our picks for the best smart speakers

Smart lock

When your home has a smart lock, there's no need to worry about fumbling for your keys when it's dark or having to leave a key under the mat for a pet sitter. Today's options install in minutes and offer convenience and peace of mind.

We're big fans of the August Smart Lock (4th Generation) for a number of reasons. The plug-and-play assembly allows you to slip the August lock directly onto your existing deadbolt, meaning you won't have to pull apart any of your existing door lock's hardware. You can also use the August app to assign temporary unlock codes to friends and family that are checking on your pets while you're vacationing. We also like the DoorSense feature, which allows you to see if your door is open, closed, locked, or unlocked through the Activity Feed tab in the August app.

Similar to the August Smart Lock, the Wyze Lock also retrofits over your existing deadbolt and can be configured to detect your phone when you're in range, automatically locking/unlocking your door when you're approaching. Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, you can even use voice commands to control the lock from indoors or with the Alexa/Google Home app.

The Yale Assure Lock 2 is another great option if you're seeking a premium device. Offered in a variety of styles (including keyless or with a touchpad), the Assure Lock 2 lets you customize different profiles for each member of the house or set up temporary accounts for guests. If you spring for the Wi-Fi version, you'll also benefit from the ability to remotely check in on your door to verify you locked it before heading out.

If you want something that looks futuristic and bundles in tons of cool features, consider checking out the Lockly Vision Elite. It costs a pretty penny, but besides the usual smart lock features, the Vision Elite doubles as a camera for your front door. You'll even find a solar panel on the device, which helps keep it charged up for nearly a year.

Check out our picks for the best smart locks

Security camera and video doorbell Terry Walsh / Digital Trends

Investing in a video doorbell lets you see who's knocking at the door without getting up from the couch. A security camera can provide added peace of mind too, as most outdoor models allow you to watch the happenings around your house from anywhere, all through an app on your phone. Many provide two-way audio, night vision, and motion alerts as well.

Nest is one of the leading brands in the smart home market and offers both indoor and outdoor security cameras. The Nest Cam (outdoor or indoor, battery) is one of the company's most versatile cameras, delivering a 130-degree field of view, a powerful digital zoom capability, smart motion capabilities, and voice assistant compatibility with Google Assistant and Alexa households. Battery-powered and weather-resistant, you can put the Nest Cam on any interior or exterior surface and successfully operate the camera year-round.

The Arlo Pro 4 is our favorite camera overall though. The lens delivers crisp day and night images, a built-in speaker and microphone for natural two-way audio, and a weatherproof casing. You'll also want to consider the Arlo Pro 5S, which is a bit more generous with its battery life and comes with some nifty security features — although it is a bit more expensive. Our favorite video doorbell is the Ring Video Doorbell 3. The bell runs on battery power, detects motion, features two-way audio, and can be customized with the Ring app.

A new Ring Indoor Cam launched earlier this year, and it offers 1080p video capture, color night vision, two-way audio, and a built-in privacy shutter. You'll need to manually position the shutter (it can't be remotely controlled through the app), but at just $60, it's a solid option if you need something reliable that won't break the bank.

Check out our picks for the best video doorbells, best wireless security cameras, and best home security systems

Thermostat

Your heating and cooling system is probably a part of your home that you don't think about too often — until the temperature's not quite right. A smart thermostat could better integrate climate controls into your life.

Our favorite smart thermostat is the Amazon Smart Thermostat. Developed in partnership with Resideo, the makers of Honeywell Home Thermostat Technology, the sleek and simple interface allows you to adjust the temperature from the thermostat by using the Alexa app. Speaking of Alexa: Amazon's intuitive voice assistant will study your temperature preferences so it can automatically raise and lower the temp — even while you're away. Plus, it doesn't hurt that the $60 price makes it one of the least expensive thermostats on the market.

For the Google lovers of the smart realm, the Nest Thermostat (2020) is another solid pick. An attractive aesthetic that blends in with all kinds of home decor, the $130 thermostat can be controlled with the Google Home app, Google Assistant voice commands, and the tried-and-true method of using human fingertips to make adjustments. We also love that the Nest allows you to monitor the energy efficiency of your entire HVAC operation, letting you use this intel to create automated schedules for heating and cooling your home.

Check out our picks for the best smart thermostats

Lightbulb or switch

You may already use energy-efficient light bulbs in your home, so installing smart bulbs is the next logical step. Besides saving money, they let you customize the way your home looks and even turn lights on and off from another location, as long as you have internet access and the complementing app.

Philips Hue bulbs respond to voice commands and settings changes from your smartphone app. Some bulbs, like Sengled A19 smart bulbs don't require a hub, which can make it easier (and cheaper) to set up smart lighting in your home.

Looking for something with Matter support? Then check out the Nanoleaf Essentials A19 Light Bulb, which is now compatible with the interoperability standard. A single bulb costs $20, and it gives you access to millions of colors along with a simple-to-use smartphone app.

You don't have to opt for light bulbs with smart technology to get some "smart" features. Combine regular bulbs with smart light switches instead. With this switch, you can turn lights on and off using voice commands, and you can avoid the trouble of having to switch out smart bulbs.

One of our favorite light switch ecosystems is sold by Lutron Caseta. Once you've connected the switch to Wi-Fi, you can download the Caseta app to control your lighting on the go, create customized schedules, and more. We also love that the Lutron Caseta switch can be integrated with Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, Ring, Serena shades, and Sonos wireless audio systems.

If you install smart plugs around your house, you'll be able to use your voice to control all of your connected devices. Users love this feature and find it can be extremely handy in different circumstances.

Read more about our picks for the best smart light bulbs, best LED light bulbs, and best smart plugs for inside the home

Robot vacuum

It might sound like an unnecessary luxury, but we certainly recommend adding a robot vacuum into your cleaning routine based on the time it will save you alone.

Our all-time favorite robot vacuum on the market is the iRobot Roomba s9+. It is the superior robot vacuum thanks to its self-emptying feature and its ability to contain allergens. Plus, it will keep your floors spotless, and it features a host of excellent customizations and schedule-building tools through the iRobot Home app. 

If you don't mind spending a bit more, consider the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra. It's not cheap, but it truly does offer a fully automated cleaning experience. The device can vacuum and mop in a single run, includes a dust reservoir that can go weeks before needing a change, and it can even clean (and dry) its mophead.

And for those of us shopping on a bit of a budget, there's the iRobot Roomba 694. Compared to the flagship s9+ model, the 694 lacks some of the more advanced cleaning features of its top-dollar elder, but you're still getting a number of key Roomba features, including three-stage filtration and Dirt Detect Technology, which keeps the Roomba cleaning in areas that need a more thorough sweeping.

Check out our picks for the best robot vacuums

Streaming device Google

Last but not least is smart connectivity for the one device in the home that everyone gathers around — the TV. When it comes to watching your family's favorite shows and movies, one of the best smart TV accessories you can get is the incredible and affordable Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max.

Unlike traditional streaming devices, the Fire TV Stick occupies no space in an entertainment center. Instead, it connects directly to an available HDMI input on a flatscreen and is light enough to hang out of the port. Once setup is complete and you're connected to Wi-Fi, you can use the Fire TV Stick to stream movies, shows, and music from a number of popular platforms, including Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Video. And, as the name indicates, you get to enjoy these flicks and episodes in full UHD resolution (where 4K streaming is available).

In terms of other streaming options, there's the traditional Google Chromecast, as well as the Chromecast with Google TV. The former is a dongle-based device that connects to an HDMI input on your TV. Then, you grab your smartphone, fire up apps like Netflix and Spotify, and "cast" video and audio content from your mobile device to the TV. The O.G. Chromecast is also one of the least expensive streaming devices you can buy.

The Chromecast with Google TV offers the casting capabilities of the original Chromecast, but with an entirely new, remote-navigable interface that recommends content based on your movie and TV watching history.

Apple fans and those looking for a rock-solid 4K streaming device should set their sights on the Apple TV 4K. The 2021 version of this awesome hardware features a redesigned Siri remote, support for Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, and lightning-fast performance thanks to Apple's A12 Bionic chip.

Then there are Roku streaming devices. Offering thousands of apps (known as Channels), the Roku marketplace is your one-stop shop for major services like Netflix and Hulu, as well as a bounty of third-party services. Like Westerns? There are several apps for just Western content. Horror movies? Same deal. And hey, did you know that Roku also makes great TVs?

One of our favorite Roku devices is the Roku Streaming Stick+. Offering 4K and HDR support, this model is one of the best inexpensive streaming devices for both picture quality, performance speed, and content availability.

Check out our picks for the best streaming devices

Editors' Recommendations

Best IPad Deals For July 2023

iPad deals are back this month. After a brief hiatus, we're seeing a new wave of iPad deals at Amazon. The retailer has numerous models at all-time price lows. In fact, every iPad model is currently on sale.  

Just remember, iPads are always in high demand, so as a result they tend to sell out fast. That means the base 10.9-inch iPad can be in stock in the morning and sold out by the afternoon.   

As a result, we're recommending you snatch up any iPad deals you see right now before models run out of stock. So what are the best cheap iPad deals this moment? We're here to show you the best Apple deals available. Also, make sure to check out our guide to the best AirPods sales and MacBook deals. (Plus, bookmark our Apple Store coupons page for the best promo codes on all Apple devices). 

Today's best iPad deals at a glance

Our favorite iPad deals right now come courtesy of Amazon and Best Buy. The retailers have practically every iPad on sale. If you're looking for the best cheap iPad deal — Amazon has the previous-gen 10.2-inch iPad (WiFi/64GB) on sale for $249. That's this tablet's all-time price low. Meanwhile, Amazon has the 10.9-inch iPad Air (WiFi/64GB) on sale for just $499. That's the lowest price ever for this 2022 tablet. These iPad deals are coming in and out of stock, so make sure to get them while they're available. 

Best iPad deals and sales Best iPad deals accessories Best iPad deals on refurbs How I find the best iPad deals

I've been tracking iPad deals for over a decade. I've purchased multiple iPads as gifts and I've also owned various iPads since the launch of the original iPad tablet. (I currently own the iPad mini 5th gen). As a result, I can spot a good iPad deal from an ordinary sale. I also know where and when you'll find best iPad deals. 

Generally speaking, Amazon and Best Buy are my go-to retailers for iPad deals. No other retailer comes close to offering the prices you'll find at Amazon and Best Buy. Amazon is usually the better retailer as Best Buy doesn't always have iPads on sale. However, the retailers tend to price match each other. So if you see one iPad on sale at Best Buy, chances are high Amazon is also offering that price (or will in the very near future). 

One of my favorite ways to save money on your next iPad purchase is to trade-in your old model. You can usually get $50+ for your old iPad from the likes of the Apple Store or Best Buy. You can then use that credit to buy any new iPad of your choice. 

Note: iPad deals on new models can usually be found within a month of the tablet's release, sometimes faster. If you can afford to wait a few weeks, you can save from $20 to $50 off. (Amazon is usually the first retailer to discount newly announced iPads). 

Which iPad should I buy?

Not sure why iPad is right for you? Currently, these are the models that Apple offers: 

10.2-inch iPad ($329): It may be dated, but the 2021 iPad (9th gen) is still a very capable iPad. It can be purchased at most retailers — including Apple — and it's frequently found on sale for $279. It has a 10.2-inch display, A13 Bionic CPU, and 8MP (f/2.4) rear camera and 12MP (f/2.4) front camera. The mainstream tablet is not only the most affordable iPad, but it's also the best value for your dollar. It can also be used for sketching and drawing, thanks to its Apple Pencil (1st gen) support. Check out our iPad 2021 review to see our full thoughts on Apple's budget tablet. 

10.9-inch iPad ($449): The current-gen, entry-level iPad debuted in 2022. It features a 10.9-inch display and Apple's A14 Bionic CPU. Unlike its predecessor, you get a 12MP (f/1.8) rear camera and USB-C port. It supports Magic Keyboard Folio as well as the first-gen Apple Pencil. 

8.3-inch iPad mini ($499): True to its name, the 2021 iPad mini 6 is the smallest tablet in Apple's lineup. But don't let its size fool you — the iPad mini is one powerful tablet. The 2021 iPad mini features an all new thin-bezel design, a larger 8.3.Inch Liquid Retina display, A15 Bionic CPU, 12MP wide camera, and USB-C connectivity. It also works with the Apple Pencil 2. 

10.9-inch iPad Air ($599): The iPad Air is the tablet you pick when you want more horsepower than what you'll get from Apple's entry-level iPads. It packs Apple's powerful M1 chip, a 12MP front camera with Center Stage, and 5G connectivity (optional). In our iPad Air 2022 review, we said the Editor's Choice tablet sets a new standard for ultra-thin tablets and is one of the best tablets you can buy. Although it costs $599, it can be frequently found at $551 or $499. 

If you want unrivaled power, you'll want to check out the iPad Pros. The latter come in 11-inch and 12.9-inch flavors and use Apple's M1 CPU. 

Swipe to scroll horizontally

Apple iPad deals history Model Apple Store (MSRP) Lowest sale price 10.9" iPad (64GB/2022) $449 $399 10.2" iPad (64GB/2021) $329 $269 8.3" iPad mini (64GB/2021) $499 $399 10.9" iPad Air (64GB/2022) $599 $499 10.9" iPad Air (64GB/2020) $599 $379 11" iPad Pro (128GB/2022) $799 $749 12.9" iPad Pro (128GB/2022) $1,099 $999 Guide to finding the best iPad deals

Where to find the best deals: Generally speaking, Amazon tends to offer the best iPad deals. On any given day of the week you'll typically find discounts that run the gamut from $50 to $200 off. Other retailers like Best Buy, B&H Photo, and Walmart tend to offer similar prices. However, it's rare that they undercut Amazon's iPad deals. 

Check all colors: Amazon tends to give different color iPads different prices. For instance, the base iPad 32GB tablet in black might sell for a discounted $299 price, but the white model might sell at full price. So when looking for iPad deals at Amazon, it's worth checking various colors for the lowest price.

Check older iPad models: Apple's newest iPads pack the most power. However, oftentimes previous-gen iPads still pack enough muscle for your everyday needs. They can also be purchased for a lot less than any current-gen iPad. So it's always worth checking older iPad models (when available) to save some extra cash.

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So Long, Calibri: Microsoft Has Settled On A New Font For Its Office Apps

Enlarge / Microsoft's new "Aptos" font family. Microsoft reader comments 278 with

Two years ago, Microsoft announced its plans to move away from using Calibri as the default typeface for Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook, and the other apps in the suite formerly known as Microsoft Office. The company introduced five candidates for replacement fonts, and a winner has emerged: a font family called Aptos, formerly known as Bierstadt.

Further Reading 32 years in, Microsoft has decided to rebrand "Microsoft Office"

Microsoft has never laid out in so many words why it feels it needs to move away from Calibri, though today's announcement implies that Aptos was made with high-resolution, high-density displays in mind. Calibri replaced Times New Roman as the suite's default font in Office 2007, at a time before "Retina" displays and when 1024×768 and 1280×800 screens were still the norm—a ClearType font, Calibri itself was a response to the shift from CRT to LCD screens.

Aptos was created by Steve Matteson, who is also responsible for Windows 3.1's original TrueType fonts (including Times New Roman, Arial, and Courier New) as well as Segoe, which has been Windows' default system font since Vista and is also used for Microsoft's current logo. Given Matteson's history with Microsoft, choosing Aptos over the others feels like the safest possible choice.

The main flavor of Aptos is a sans-serif font—described by Matteson as "Helvetica" but with "a bit of a human touch" that makes it "more approachable and less institutional." But like Apple's San Fransisco typeface, Aptos comes in many different styles, including condensed, monospaced, and serifed versions.

The post about Aptos' ascension, like the original post about the five typeface candidates, is full of the highfalutin language you sometimes get when you ask design people to talk about design things. From the piece (the quote is Matteson's):

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He designed the font with a slight humanist touch. He wanted Aptos to have the universal appeal of the late NPR newscaster Carl Kasell and the astute tone of The Late Show host Stephen Colbert. "There's always that little voice inside of me saying, 'You know, you gotta try to sneak in a little bit of humanity. You can't just use rulers and straight edges and French curves (a template used to help draw uniformed curves) to make all these shapes mechanical.' I did that by adding a little swing to the R and the double stacked g," he said. Steve wanted the font to be more universal and less mechanical or institutional. Aptos had to induce trust and be engaging to read.

Aptos is described as a font with "warmth" that is "professional and yet relatable." Relative to Arial, it is also "more mechanical and rationalized" with "a lack of somewhat fussy curves." Matteson says he drew the initial shapes by hand on paper rather than on a computer so that they wouldn't become too "ephemeral." The post also highlights that a lowercase l and an uppercase I are made to look different, something you'll understand the importance of if you read this sentence again.

The five fonts that were vying to replace Calibri; Aptos is the font formerly known as Bierstadt. Microsoft

The switch to Aptos begins today for Microsoft 365 subscribers; for people who bought the standalone perpetually licensed Office 2021, Calibri will presumably remain the default. Calibri will remain an option pinned to the top of the former Office apps' font selection menu, along with Times New Roman and Arial.

As for the options that lost the default typeface contest—Tenorite, Skeena, Seaford, and Grandview—they'll all continue to be available in Microsoft's apps as non-default options. Everyone's a winner.

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