Honest picks for a smarter home

Smart home gear that’s worth it, explained plainly

Plugged-In Home compares smart plugs, lights, cameras, locks, thermostats, speakers and robot vacuums on what matters day to day: easy setup, working with the phone and assistant you already have, and the real cost once subscriptions are counted.

products compared: 47; products compared
guides and reviews: 39; guides and reviews
categories: 11; categories

Updated Sep 30, 2026
No paid placements

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Illustration of Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen)

Top pickThe best smart thermostats for heat pumps

Best smart thermostat8.9/10

Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen)

8.9/10

The best-looking learning thermostat, now usable beyond Google Home thanks to Matter.

Check price on AmazonUsually under $300

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All products (47)

Editor’s picks

The best in every category

All products (47)

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Best overall smart plug
9.2/10
Kasa Matter Smart Plug KP125M (2-pack)
One plug that works with Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home and SmartThings, and shows what each device costs to run.
Check price on Amazon for Kasa Matter Smart Plug KP125M (2-pack) (opens in a new tab)Usually under $50 for two
Best whole-home lighting
9.0/10
Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance A19 (2-pack)
Premium color bulbs that earn their price once you add a Hue Bridge and grow the system.
Check price on Amazon for Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance A19 (2-pack) (opens in a new tab)Usually under $100 for two
Best budget robot vacuum
8.3/10
eufy Robot Vacuum C10 (self-emptying)
Laser mapping and a self-emptying dock for much less than a flagship.
Check price on Amazon for eufy Robot Vacuum C10 (self-emptying) (opens in a new tab)Usually under $300
Best smart thermostat
8.9/10
Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen)
The best-looking learning thermostat, now usable beyond Google Home thanks to Matter.
Check price on Amazon for Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) (opens in a new tab)Usually under $300
Best doorbell with no subscription
8.7/10
eufy Video Doorbell E340
Two cameras, one watching for packages, and no monthly bill.
Check price on Amazon for eufy Video Doorbell E340 (opens in a new tab)Usually under $200
Best budget camera
8.7/10
Wyze Cam v4
Sharp 2.5K video and free local recording from a very affordable camera.
Check price on Amazon for Wyze Cam v4 (opens in a new tab)Usually under $50
Best renter lock with Wi-Fi built in
8.5/10
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen)
Fits over the inside of your deadbolt, keeps your keys, and needs no hub.
Check price on Amazon for August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) (opens in a new tab)Usually under $250

All products (47)

Latest

Guides and reviews

All guides and reviews

Buying Guides
The best smart plugs of 2026: which one to buy for your home
The best smart plugs for Apple Home, Alexa and Google Home.
Buying Guides
The best smart bulbs and light strips: Hue, WiZ or Govee?
Buying Guides
Security cameras and doorbells: what you actually get without a subscription
Buying Guides
The best robot vacuums that don’t cost flagship money
Buying Guides
Which smart speaker or hub should run your home?
Product Reviews
Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) review: worth it now it works with everything?

Buying Guides
The best smart plugs of 2026: which one to buy for your home
The best smart plugs for Apple Home, Alexa and Google Home.
Buying Guides
The best smart bulbs and light strips: Hue, WiZ or Govee?
Philips Hue vs WiZ vs Govee: which smart lights to buy, whether you need a hub, and how to avoid overloading your Wi-Fi.
Buying Guides
Security cameras and doorbells: what you actually get without a subscription
Which security cameras and video doorbells are useful without a monthly fee?
Buying Guides
The best robot vacuums that don’t cost flagship money
Two robot vacuums worth buying: the eufy C10 for hands-off vacuuming on a budget, and the eufy X10 Pro Omni for vacuuming and mopping.
Buying Guides
Which smart speaker or hub should run your home?
Echo Dot Max, Google Home Speaker or Aqara Hub M3: which one should be the brain of your smart home?
Product Reviews
Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) review: worth it now it works with everything?
Our take on the Nest Learning Thermostat 4th Gen: Matter support, no C-wire needed, the included sensor, and who should skip it.

All guides and reviews

Why trust us

Recommendations you can check

How we choose products

101
Compatibility first
Every pick lists which apps it works with: Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa, SmartThings and Matter.
202
Real cost, not sticker price
We count subscriptions, bags and hubs, so the cheapest box doesn’t win by accident.
303
Who should skip it
Each product says who it’s wrong for. No product is right for everyone.

How we choose products

Frequently asked questions

Do you test every product?

No, and we don’t pretend to. We compare manufacturer specs, trusted published reviews and long-term owner feedback, and say where our view comes from. See how we choose.

Are the prices current?

No. Where we show a price, it’s a rough guide from the prices we’ve seen, rounded, not a live quote. Prices change often, so the button always opens the store’s current price and deals.

How do you make money?

Some links are affiliate links. If you buy through one, the store pays us a small commission at no extra cost to you. It never decides our picks.