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1

Why We Love It

Reviewers love the Nest Learning Thermostat for its intelligent learning features, which adapt to your schedule to save energy. The bright, bold display is a hit, as it's easy to read from across the room. Users also appreciate the alerts for extreme temperature changes, which can prevent damage to their homes. With the added convenience of smartphone control, it's easy to see why this thermostat is a favorite.

Pros

  • Easy to install
  • Smart learning features
  • Energy-saving

Cons

  • Pricey
  • Requires C-wire for some systems

Third-generation Google Nest Learning Thermostat in stainless steel finish.

The Google Nest Learning Thermostat automatically adapts as your life and the seasons change. Just use it for a week and it programs itself. Nest helps save energy by learning your habits and adjusting itself accordingly. The device features a bright and easy-to-read display and connects to your smartphone for remote adjustments and monitoring. It also sends alerts if your home is getting too hot or too cold.

2

Why We Love It

Users rave about the Nest Learning Thermostat's ability to learn their habits and save energy. They also love the convenience of controlling it from their phones. Reviewers often mention its sleek design and compatibility with other smart devices.

Pros

  • Learns your habits
  • Energy-saving
  • Remote control

Cons

  • Higher price point
  • Requires C-wire for some systems

A self-learning smart thermostat with remote control.

The Google Nest Learning Thermostat is a smart thermostat that learns your habits and adjusts itself to help save energy. You can control it from anywhere with the Nest app. It features a sleek design and can interact with other Nest and Google Home products. It also sends alerts if it detects extreme temperatures or if your furnace is acting up.

3

Why We Love It

Reviewers love the Philips Hue Smart Bulb for its wide range of colors and brightness levels. They enjoy being able to set the mood with different lighting scenes. Users also appreciate its energy efficiency and compatibility with smart home systems.

Pros

  • Full color spectrum
  • Voice control
  • Energy-efficient LED

Cons

  • Requires Hue Bridge
  • Higher price compared to other bulbs

A smart LED bulb with adjustable colors and brightness.

The Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance A19 LED Smart Bulb offers a full spectrum of colors along with cool to warm white light. It can be controlled from your smartphone or with voice commands using Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. It also supports routines, timers, and custom scenes. A Hue Bridge is required for use.

4

Why We Love It

Users and reviewers commend the Ring Video Doorbell 3 for its enhanced features that significantly improve home security. The adjustable motion zones and dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity are often highlighted for their efficiency. Many users also appreciate the two-way talk feature, which allows them to communicate with visitors from anywhere. The easy installation and user-friendly app also receive positive feedback.

Pros

  • Enhanced motion detection
  • Dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity
  • Two-way talk feature

Cons

  • Subscription service required for optimal features
  • Some find installation tricky

Wifi-enabled video doorbell with improved motion detection and easy installation

Ring Video Doorbell 3 is a next-generation video doorbell that offers enhanced features and security. It comes with adjustable motion zones, including the added near motion zone that reduces false notifications. It also features dual-band 2.4 and 5.0 GHz wifi connectivity, offering more options for optimizing your device's connection. With its easy installation, you can set it up yourself in minutes. The Ring Video Doorbell 3 allows you to see, hear, and speak to visitors from anywhere with its 1080p HD video and two-way talk features.

5

Why We Love It

Users love the flexibility of the Philips Hue Smart Bulb, with its wide range of customizable colors and the ability to control the lights from their smartphone or with their voice. Despite the need for a Philips Hue Bridge, users find the setup easy and the energy efficiency and long lifespan of the bulb help to offset the initial cost.

Pros

  • Wide range of colors
  • Energy-efficient
  • Long lifespan

Cons

  • Requires Hue Bridge
  • Pricey compared to standard bulbs

Philips Hue A19 LED Smart Bulb with white and color ambiance options.

The Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance A19 LED Smart Bulb lets you choose from 16 million colors to instantly change the look and atmosphere of your room. Control your lights remotely with the Philips Hue app or with your voice using Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri. The bulb is energy-efficient and lasts up to 25,000 hours. Requires a Philips Hue Bridge for full functionality.

6

Why We Love It

Reviewers love the August Smart Lock Pro for its easy installation and convenient features like auto-lock and unlock. Users appreciate the ability to control and monitor their door from anywhere. Integration with smart home systems is also frequently mentioned positively.

Pros

  • Remote control
  • Auto-lock and unlock
  • Easy installation

Cons

  • Requires Wi-Fi bridge
  • Occasional app issues

A smart lock with remote access and auto-unlock feature.

The August Smart Lock Pro (3rd Gen) with Connect Hub allows you to securely lock and unlock your door from anywhere. It features DoorSense to tell you if your door is securely closed and locked. You can also set it to auto-unlock when you arrive home and auto-lock when you leave. It integrates with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit.

More Specific Lists

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Product Comparison

Compare features across all products in this category

6 Features 3 Products Updated Oct 03, 2025
Product Remote Control Energy Efficiency Voice Control Color Spectrum Auto-Lock Feature Installation Ease
2 Google Nest Learning Thermostat - Smart Thermostat for Home - Stainless Steel
Yes Learns habits to save energy No N/A N/A Requires C-wire for some systems
3 Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance A19 LED Smart Bulb
Yes Energy-efficient LED Yes Full color spectrum available N/A Requires Hue Bridge
5 August Smart Lock Pro (3rd Gen) + Connect Hub - Zwave, HomeKit & Alexa Compatible
Yes N/A Yes N/A Yes Easy installation
2

Google Nest Learning Thermostat - Smart Thermostat for Home - Stainless Steel

Remote Control
Yes
Energy Efficiency
Learns habits to save energy
Voice Control
No
Color Spectrum
N/A
Auto-Lock Feature
N/A
Installation Ease
Requires C-wire for some systems
3

Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance A19 LED Smart Bulb

Remote Control
Yes
Energy Efficiency
Energy-efficient LED
Voice Control
Yes
Color Spectrum
Full color spectrum available
Auto-Lock Feature
N/A
Installation Ease
Requires Hue Bridge
5

August Smart Lock Pro (3rd Gen) + Connect Hub - Zwave, HomeKit & Alexa Compatible

Remote Control
Yes
Energy Efficiency
N/A
Voice Control
Yes
Color Spectrum
N/A
Auto-Lock Feature
Yes
Installation Ease
Easy installation

Frequently Asked Questions About Smart Home

What makes a smart home the "best"?

We evaluate products based on quality, performance, value for money, user reviews, durability, and ease of use. Our rankings are updated regularly to reflect the latest market offerings and user feedback.

How often do you update your smart home recommendations?

Our team continuously monitors the market for new products and updates our recommendations quarterly. We also adjust rankings based on user feedback and new testing results.

Do you test all the products you recommend?

Yes, whenever possible, we physically test products in our labs. For products we can't test directly, we rely on verified user reviews, expert opinions, and detailed specifications to make informed recommendations.

What if I'm looking for a specific type of smart home?

Our top 10 list covers the most popular and highly-rated options. If you have specific requirements, check our detailed product descriptions and pros/cons to find the best match for your needs.