10 Smart Home Ideas That Will Improve Your Home in 2025
There’s no place like home – especially if it’s smart! You don’t need to be a tech enthusiast to enjoy these smart home ideas. In fact, many gadgets are incredibly easy to set up and use. All you need is a reliable Wi-Fi connection to the internet, and you’re good to go. Since the world of smart home technology is always expanding, it can be hard to decide which devices are worth it. We’ve done the research for you. Here are the very best smart home ideas for 2025, updated with the latest household gadgets and cutting-edge smart devices.
Before we dive in, remember that gadgets alone won’t make your home smart. Most of these devices rely on the internet, so you must have a good connection. Fiber internet is still considered the cream of the crop, so consider having it installed if you’re exploring smart home ideas. After all, even the best home automation apps and devices won’t perform well on a sluggish network.
What is a Smart Home?
A smart home is a house equipped with appliances and systems that can be controlled remotely or automated via voice commands, mobile apps, or dedicated remotes. In a smart home, you can manage and automate tasks like locking doors, setting the thermostat, turning lights on or off, and much more, all without manually flipping a switch. There are many perks to having a smart home – from making your life more comfortable to enhancing safety and saving energy.
Thanks to advances in smart home technology, many devices now work together more seamlessly. New standards (like Matter) allow gadgets from different brands to communicate, and automation services (like IFTTT) let you create clever “if this, then that” routines.
For example, you could set your smart lights to blink when your security camera detects motion, or have your thermostat turn down when you lock your smart door. The options are truly endless when your home’s devices act in unison.
Set The Mood with Smart Lighting
Source: Philips Hue
Price: from $25.99 each
Compatibility:Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit (via Hue Bridge)
As far as smart home ideas go, smart lighting takes the cake as one of the most exciting and versatile options. Philips Hue smart lights can be controlled with your voice or a smartphone app. With a simple command, you can change the color and brightness to set the perfect mood – choose a calming soft glow for movie night or a bright energizing light to wake up in the morning. There are built-in scenes like “Relax” or “Energize,” and you can even create your own custom lighting themes. Smart bulbs like Hue are super easy to install (they fit into standard sockets), and a starter kit (with bulbs and the Hue Bridge hub) starts around $69.99.
Smart lighting isn’t just about fun colors – it’s also practical and energy-efficient. You can schedule lights to turn on or off at certain times, so you never come home to a dark house. Forgot to turn off the bedroom lamp? Just ask Alexa or Google to do it, even if you’re already out. Some systems, like Philips Hue paired with the Hue Sync Box, can even sync lights with your music or TV for an immersive experience. And because LED smart bulbs use less energy than traditional bulbs, you’ll save money on electricity too. It’s easy to see why smart lighting is a foundation of many smart home ideas in 2025.
Never Need a Key Again with Smart Locks
Source: August
Price: around $199.99
Compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings
If you’re the type who keeps misplacing keys or worrying whether you locked the door, a smart lock will be a game-changer. Smart locks eliminate the need for physical keys. You can lock or unlock your door with a tap on your phone or a voice command. The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, for example, simply attaches to your existing deadbolt on the inside of your door. It allows keyless entry through your smartphone and can automatically lock behind you or unlock when it senses you arriving home. You can even issue virtual “keys” to family, so you’re not hiding spares under the doormat.
These locks work with your smart home system too. The August lock integrates with Alexa, Google Assistant, and HomeKit, so you could say, “Alexa, lock the front door,” or have it tie into routines (like automatically locking at 10 PM each night). In 2025, many smart locks also support secure fingerprint pads or codes as backup methods. You’ll get notifications whenever the door is opened, and an activity log lets you see exactly who came and went. With a smart lock, you’ll never worry about keys again .
Keep Your Home Safe with Smart Security
Source: SimpliSafe
Price: packages starting from $244.96
Compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, August Smart Lock
Similar to smart locks, a smart security system makes your home safer and more secure. One of the best on the market is SimpliSafe, which has consistently been ranked among the top home security systems (it was recognized as “Best Home Security Overall” by multiple reviewers). SimpliSafe is a DIY-friendly system that comes with a base station, wireless keypad, motion detector, and entry sensors in its starter package. It’s easy to set up; no drilling or complicated wiring required.
What’s great about SimpliSafe in 2025 is how it can be customized and expanded. You can add indoor and outdoor security cameras, glass-break sensors, smoke and CO detectors, panic buttons, and more. The system will send alerts to your phone if any sensor is triggered, and you can arm or disarm it remotely via the app. It also works with voice assistants (Alexa or Google); for instance, you can arm the system by saying “Alexa, arm SimpliSafe to away mode.” Professional monitoring is available for a monthly fee, but even without it, you’ll get instant smartphone alerts. With a smart security setup, your home is guarded 24/7, and you can check in from anywhere to make sure everything’s okay.
Answer Your Door From Anywhere
Source: Google
Price: starting at $179.99
Compatibility: Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Google Play, Apple
No more guessing who’s at the front door! A smart video doorbell lets you see and talk to visitors even if you’re not home. The Nest Doorbell is a popular choice. Ihas a built-in camera that streams a live video feed of your doorstep to your phone. With its tall 3:4 aspect ratio view, you can see people head-to-toe and even spot packages left on the ground. If someone rings the doorbell (or even approaches your door), you’ll get an alert and can open the app to see who’s there in real time.
Beyond the basics of video and two-way audio (so you can converse with the visitor), the Nest Doorbell offers some smart perks. It can send intelligent alerts that distinguish between a person, an animal, or a package delivery. With a subscription, it can even recognize familiar faces. You can be on the other side of the world and still answer your door – for example, telling the delivery person “please leave the package by the gate” via the doorbell’s speaker. Many smart homeowners pair their video doorbell with smart locks or smart displays.
Imagine your doorbell rings and you see the video on your kitchen smart display, and you can unlock the door remotely if it’s a trusted visitor. It’s like having an extra set of eyes (and a butler’s voice) at your front door, making home security and convenience better than ever.
There’s More to Smart Speakers Than Listening to Music
Source: Sonos
Price: $249.99
Compatibility:Amazon Alexa and Sonos Voice (built-in), works with Apple AirPlay 2 and Google Assistant devices
Smart speakers can do so much more than play your favorite tunes. In fact, they often serve as the central hub for your home’s automation. Take the Sonos Era 100. This cutting-edge smart device delivers rich, room-filling sound for music and podcasts, but it’s also equipped with microphones to listen for voice commands. With Alexa built-in, you can ask questions (“What’s the weather?”), set timers and alarms, control other smart home gadgets, and more. The Sonos Era 100 is essentially the next-gen version of the popular Sonos One, upgraded with stereo sound and Bluetooth connectivity for 2025.
What makes a speaker like this great for smart homeowners is its versatility. Want to dim the lights? Just tell your speaker, since it’s connected to Alexa or your ecosystem of choice. Need to add something to your shopping list or check the news? Your voice assistant has you covered. The newest home entertainment gadgets like this also feature multi-room audio – you can link multiple smart speakers throughout your house to play synchronized music (perfect for parties or cleaning days). And if you have friends over, you can impress them by saying, “Hey Alexa, play chill lounge music and set the living room lights to blue.” In seconds, your speakers and smart lights work together to create the vibe. Clearly, smart speakers are about convenience and ambience, not just music streaming.
Open Your Smart Garage Door Wherever You Are
Source: myQ/Smart Garage Hub
Price: $29.99
Compatibility:Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, myQ App (plus integrations with services like Amazon Key)
A smart garage door opener is pretty self-explanatory – it’s essentially a smart lock for your garage. With a device like the Chamberlain myQ Smart Garage Control, you can check your garage door’s status and open or close it right from your smartphone. Imagine you’re halfway to work and can’t remember if you left the garage open. Instead of turning back, you just glance at the app, and if it’s open, tap a button to close it remotely. Problem solved! As long as your garage motor is compatible (most are), the myQ system is easy to install and connects to your Wi-Fi to enable remote control.
Smart garage controllers also integrate with other smart home systems. For example, you can use voice commands: “Hey Google, close the garage door.” Some, like myQ, have special integrations – myQ works with Amazon Key, which (with your permission) lets Amazon delivery drivers open your garage to leave packages safely inside. You can receive real-time alerts whenever the door opens, so you’ll know when family members come and go. It even allows scheduling, like automatically closing at night in case someone forgets. With a smart garage setup, you’ll never do the “did I forget to close it?” panic again. It’s convenience, security, and peace of mind, all in one small gadget.
Smart Cleaning Will Make You Forget About Vacuuming
Source: iRobot
Price: $399.99
Compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant
When it comes to popular smart home ideas, robot vacuums rank high for many happy homeowners. It’s not hard to see why – these smart cleaning appliances save you time and energy by vacuuming (and even mopping) all by themselves. The iRobot Roomba i3+ is a great example of how far these devices have come. When you first set it up, it maps your floor plan so it won’t miss a spot. You can schedule the Roomba to clean while you’re at work or asleep, and it will methodically cover every room. If the battery runs low mid-cleaning, it returns to its dock, recharges, and then resumes where it left off.
The Roomba i3+ also comes with a special trick: a self-emptying base. After each cleaning session, the robot automatically empties its dustbin into the base, which can hold weeks’ worth of dirt. You don’t have to think about vacuuming or even emptying the vacuum for a month or more. It’s truly “set it and forget it.” And with Alexa or Google integration, you can start a cleanup with your voice (“Alexa, ask Roomba to start vacuuming the kitchen”). Higher-end models even have smart obstacle avoidance (to dodge things like pet toys or socks on the floor), but even this mid-range Roomba learns and improves over time with software updates. In short, a smart robot vacuum keeps your floors clean without you lifting a finger, making it one of the best home automation devices for a busy household.
Stay Warm & Cozy with a Smart Thermostat
Source: Ecobee SmartThermostat with Voice Control
Price: $249.99
Compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings (Alexa and Siri built-in)
Do you wake up too hot or too cold at night? Love to save energy? Then a smart thermostat is the perfect smart home upgrade for you. The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium is one of the latest and greatest models. Like most smart thermostats, it lets you set and adjust your home’s temperature from your phone or with voice commands. But the real magic is that it learns your routine and optimizes heating and cooling to match. For instance, it can learn what time you leave for work and automatically dial back the heat or AC to save energy while you’re out. Many smart thermostats, including the Ecobee, also use sensors (and even your phone’s location) to detect when you’re home or away and adjust settings accordingly.
The benefits go beyond comfort – it’s also about saving money and being eco-friendly. A device like Ecobee can analyze your energy usage and provide reports, showing how much you’re saving. In fact, some users save hundreds of dollars a year because the thermostat avoids wasting energy on an empty house. By cooling or heating only when needed (and often scheduling heavy usage for times when electricity is cheaper), a smart thermostat is a latest household gadget that can pay for itself in a year or two. Plus, it’s convenient to be able to say “Hey Siri, turn up the heat to 72,” without getting out of bed. Some models (like the Ecobee Premium) even have voice assistants built in and can serve as smart speakers themselves. Overall, this device keeps your home climate perfectly cozy and efficient year-round.
Conserve Energy with Smart Plugs & Outlets
Price: $24.99 (single plug)
Compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit
One of the simplest new smart home ideas for 2025 is using smart plugs to make any appliance smarter and more efficient. A smart plug is a small adapter that you plug into a regular wall outlet. Then you plug your lamp, fan, coffee maker – you name it – into the smart plug. Now you can control that device’s power via an app or voice command, just like a built-in smart appliance. The Belkin Wemo smart plug, for example, works with all the major platforms. Plug in a Wemo, connect it to Wi-Fi, and suddenly you can tell Alexa to turn on your old floor lamp or have Google Assistant power off a space heater.
The big benefit here (aside from convenience) is energy savings. Many gadgets draw power even when they’re “off” – this is called vampire or standby power. Smart plugs help you combat that. You can schedule devices to fully turn off at certain times (so you’re not wasting electricity overnight or while you’re at school/work). The Wemo plug’s app lets you set timers or even randomize lights when you’re on vacation for security. Some smart outlets even monitor energy usage of whatever is plugged into them, so you can identify power hogs. Essentially, any device up to 15 amps can be controlled – think lamps, fans, humidifiers, holiday lights, curling irons (never wonder if you left it on again!). It’s an easy, affordable upgrade that turns your regular devices into smart devices and helps ensure you’re not burning money on unused power. Smart plugs are truly one of the best home automation devices to start with for beginners, and in 2025 they’re smaller, cheaper, and more reliable than ever.
Transform Movie Nights with Smart TVs
Product Example: Samsung 55″ QLED Smart TV (Q7F, 2025 model)
Price: $529.99
Compatibility:Amazon Alexa & Bixby (built-in), works with Google Assistant and Apple AirPlay 2
Your home entertainment can be as smart as the rest of your house! Modern smart TVs are essentially big-screen computers with amazing picture quality. Take Samsung’s latest Q7F 4K QLED TV – it not only delivers a stunning image with vivid colors, it also has smart features baked in. This TV runs on Samsung’s Tizen platform and comes with multiple voice assistants: you can actually choose between Alexa or Samsung’s Bixby (and it works with Google Assistant or Siri/AirPlay via your other devices). What does that mean? You can pick up the remote and just speak to search for shows, adjust volume, or even ask the TV to show your front door camera feed while watching a movie.
Smart TVs in 2025 streamline your entertainment experience. All the popular streaming apps (Netflix, Disney+, YouTube, etc.) are built right in – no external streaming stick needed. The TV can also communicate with your other smart devices. For instance, you could set up a movie-night routine: when you play a movie on the TV, your smart lights automatically dim and your smart thermostat adjusts for a cozy temperature.
Some of the newest home entertainment gadgets like this Samsung QLED also have features like Samsung TV Plus, which gives you free streaming channels, and advanced picture modes that can adapt to your room’s lighting. Plus, with HDMI-CEC control and Alexa, you can say “Alexa, turn on the Xbox” and the TV will switch inputs and power on your console. Essentially, a smart TV brings all your entertainment into one hub (live TV, streaming, music, games, and smart home monitoring) all accessible with a click or a voice command.
Our Favorite Smart Home Ideas for 2022
If you’re thinking of upgrading your living space with some smart home tech, these ideas are a great place to start. From smart lighting and locks to the newest smart entertainment gadgets and appliances, each category offers unique benefits. The beauty of a smart home is that the more devices you have, the more they can work together in creative ways.
Most of these gadgets are compatible with each other through ecosystems or services like IFTTT, and the new Matter standard makes it even easier for devices to communicate. For example, you can have your smart lights blink when your robot vacuum finishes cleaning, or set your smart thermostat to turn down when your smart garage door closes for the night.
Ultimately, smart homeowners can customize their homes to an incredible degree. Your home can practically run itself! The comfort, security, and efficiency gains are well worth it. Which of these smart home ideas is your favorite? Perhaps you’ll mix and match several to create your own cutting-edge smart home setup. The possibilities in 2025 are truly endless, and living in a connected home has never been more accessible and fun. Enjoy your smart home journey, and let your house take care of you!
