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1

Why We Love It

Review sites love the Google Nest Learning Thermostat for its intelligent programming and energy-saving features. Users rave about its easy installation and the convenience of adjusting their home's temperature from anywhere using the Nest app. The sleek design and high-resolution display also receive high praise.

Pros

  • Learns your schedule
  • Energy-saving features
  • Easy to install

Cons

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

Third Generation Google Nest Learning Thermostat with stainless steel finish

The Google Nest Learning Thermostat, 3rd Generation, is an energy-efficient, programmable smart thermostat that learns your schedule and the temperatures you like, then programs itself to help you save energy and stay comfortable. Its large, high-resolution display features sharp text and graphics, making it easy to read from across the room. It's compatible with most 24V heating and cooling systems, including gas, electric, forced air, heat pump, radiant, oil, hot water, solar, and geothermal.

2

Why We Love It

Users love the Echo Show 8 for its versatility and convenience. The built-in Alexa function is a hit, allowing hands-free control over a range of devices. The HD screen is praised for its clarity, and the device's ability to control other smart home devices is highly appreciated. The privacy controls are also widely commended.

Pros

  • HD touch screen
  • Built-in Alexa
  • Multiple privacy controls

Cons

  • Relatively expensive
  • Requires stable Wi-Fi connection

HD smart display with in-built Alexa assistant.

The Echo Show 8 is a smart display with an 8-inch HD screen, stereo sound, and built-in Alexa. It allows you to voice control your day, show you weather updates, set alarms, and even display lyrics. It can connect to video calling and messaging, and can control your smart home - lights, adjust thermostats, lock doors, etc. - hands-free. With multiple layers of privacy controls including a microphone/camera off button and a built-in shutter.

3

Why We Love It

Reviewers appreciate the Google Nest Learning Thermostat for its intelligent design and energy-saving capabilities. Users enjoy the convenience of being able to control their home's temperature remotely, and its ability to learn their schedule is a standout feature. The compatibility with Alexa is a bonus for many.

Pros

  • Energy saving
  • Works with Alexa
  • Automatic schedule learning

Cons

  • Requires C-wire for installation
  • May not be compatible with all HVAC systems

A smart, programmable thermostat for optimal home temperature control.

The Google Nest Learning Thermostat is a programmable, smart thermostat that learns your habits and adjusts to automatically regulate your home's temperature based on your schedule. It can turn itself down when you're away to avoid wasting energy heating or cooling an empty home. Compatible with most heating cooling systems. It also works with Alexa for voice control. It comes with a larger and sharper display, and is proven to save energy.

4

Why We Love It

Review sites and users praise the Ring Video Doorbell 3 for its advanced features and easy installation. The enhanced motion detection and privacy zones are highly appreciated for the added security they provide. Users also love the convenience of receiving real-time notifications and being able to interact with visitors from their device.

Pros

  • Advanced motion detection
  • Easy installation
  • Interchangeable faceplates

Cons

  • Requires subscription for video recording
  • Limited battery life

Ring Video Doorbell 3 with 1080p HD video and two-way talk

The Ring Video Doorbell 3 enhances your home security with advanced motion detection, privacy zones, and audio privacy. It features 1080p HD video, two-way talk, and real-time notifications, allowing you to see, hear, and speak to anyone at your door from your phone, tablet, or PC. It's easy to install and comes with interchangeable faceplates, allowing you to match your doorbell to your home's exterior. It's compatible with Alexa, enabling you to hear announcements on your Echo devices when your doorbell is pressed and see a live view of your camera if you have an Echo device with a screen.

5

Why We Love It

Reviewers love the Samsung SmartThings Hub for its versatility and ease of use. They appreciate the ability to control all their smart devices from one place, and the easy setup process was a plus. The hub's compatibility with a wide range of devices and brands was highly praised, and users also liked the voice control feature.

Pros

  • Supports a wide range of devices
  • Easy setup
  • Voice control capability

Cons

  • Requires internet connection
  • Limited functionality without compatible devices

Central control hub for smart home devices.

The Samsung SmartThings Hub is a central command center for your smart home. It allows you to connect and control multiple smart devices, including lights, cameras, locks, thermostats, and more. The hub works with a wide range of smart devices from various brands. It also supports voice control via Alexa and Google Assistant. The SmartThings app provides easy setup and control right from your smartphone or tablet.

6

Why We Love It

Users love the added security the Ring Video Doorbell 3 provides. The improved motion detection and enhanced wifi have been praised for their reliability. The ability to see, hear and talk to anyone at your door, irrespective of your location, is highly appreciated by users. The compatibility with Alexa is also a big plus for many.

Pros

  • Improved motion detection
  • Enhanced wifi
  • Compatible with Alexa

Cons

  • Subscription needed for full features
  • Battery needs regular charging

Smart doorbell with enhanced WiFi, improved motion detection and two-way talk.

The Ring Video Doorbell 3 features improved motion detection, enhanced wifi and enables you to see, hear and speak to anyone from your phone, tablet, or PC. It sends notifications to your device when anyone presses your doorbell or triggers the built-in motion sensors. Powered by the rechargeable battery pack or connects to doorbell wires for constant power. Easy installation with included tools. Connect your Ring doorbell with Alexa to hear announcements on your compatible Echo device when your doorbell is pressed and see a live view of your camera if you have an Echo device with a screen.

7

Why We Love It

Reviewers love the August Smart Lock Pro for its easy installation and high level of security. The ability to control and monitor their door from anywhere was a standout feature among users. The keyless entry system and real-time tracking of who comes and goes were also highly praised. Users appreciated the device's compatibility with smart home systems like Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri.

Pros

  • Easy installation
  • Keyless entry
  • Real-time tracking

Cons

  • Dependent on Wi-Fi connectivity
  • Limited compatibility with certain lock types

Smart lock with remote access and advanced security features.

The August Smart Lock Pro + Connect lets you control and monitor your door from anywhere. It allows you to lock and unlock your door, control keyless access, and keep track of who comes and goes, all from your phone. The device is easy to install and attaches to your existing deadbolt, so you can still use your keys. It also works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri for voice control.

8

Why We Love It

The Echo Show 8 is beloved by users for its versatility and hands-free control. Reviewers praise its ability to perform a wide range of tasks — from controlling smart home devices to making video calls. The device's sound quality and HD display were also lauded. Its privacy features, such as the camera shutter, were appreciated by those concerned about security.

Pros

  • Hands-free control
  • Versatility
  • Privacy features

Cons

  • Dependent on Wi-Fi connectivity
  • Limited functionality without compatible devices

HD smart display with built-in Alexa for hands-free control.

The Echo Show 8 is a versatile smart display that features an 8-inch HD screen and stereo sound. It comes with Alexa built-in, allowing you to control your smart home, make video calls, watch movies, check the weather, and more — all hands-free. The device also includes a privacy shutter for the camera and has the ability to work with other smart devices in your home.

9

Why We Love It

Users love the iRobot Roomba 675 for its efficient cleaning and smart navigation. The ability to schedule cleanings and control the device remotely was a standout feature among reviewers. Users also appreciated the device's ability to adapt to different surfaces. Despite its occasional struggles with high-pile carpets and obstacles, the Roomba 675 is highly praised for making home cleaning easier.

Pros

  • Efficient cleaning system
  • Smart navigation
  • Remote control and scheduling

Cons

  • Struggles with high-pile carpets
  • Can get stuck on obstacles

Robot vacuum with smart navigation and scheduling capabilities.

The iRobot Roomba 675 Robot Vacuum is a smart cleaning solution for your home. It features a 3-stage cleaning system and dual multi-surface brushes to pick up everything from small particles to large debris. The device uses smart navigation to efficiently clean your floors and can be controlled via the iRobot HOME App. You can schedule cleanings, monitor its activity, and even start or stop the device from anywhere.

Product Comparison

Compare features across all products in this category

6 Features 6 Products Updated Oct 03, 2025
Product Smart Home Compatibility Installation Ease Energy Efficiency Video Quality Voice Control Capability Navigation Technology
1 Google Nest Learning Thermostat
Yes Easy to install Learns your schedule and saves energy N/A N/A N/A
3 Ring Video Doorbell 3
Yes Easy installation N/A 1080p HD video Compatible with Alexa N/A
3 Samsung SmartThings Hub 3rd Generation
Yes Easy setup N/A N/A Supports Alexa and Google Assistant N/A
5 August Smart Lock Pro + Connect
Yes Easy installation N/A N/A Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri N/A
6 Echo Show 8 – HD smart display with Alexa
Yes Easy installation N/A 8-inch HD screen Built-in Alexa for hands-free control N/A
7 iRobot Roomba 675 Robot Vacuum
Yes Easy to set up N/A N/A Compatible with Alexa Smart navigation
1

Google Nest Learning Thermostat

Smart Home Compatibility
Yes
Installation Ease
Easy to install
Energy Efficiency
Learns your schedule and saves energy
Video Quality
N/A
Voice Control Capability
N/A
Navigation Technology
N/A
3

Ring Video Doorbell 3

Smart Home Compatibility
Yes
Installation Ease
Easy installation
Energy Efficiency
N/A
Video Quality
1080p HD video
Voice Control Capability
Compatible with Alexa
Navigation Technology
N/A
3

Samsung SmartThings Hub 3rd Generation

Smart Home Compatibility
Yes
Installation Ease
Easy setup
Energy Efficiency
N/A
Video Quality
N/A
Voice Control Capability
Supports Alexa and Google Assistant
Navigation Technology
N/A
5

August Smart Lock Pro + Connect

Smart Home Compatibility
Yes
Installation Ease
Easy installation
Energy Efficiency
N/A
Video Quality
N/A
Voice Control Capability
Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri
Navigation Technology
N/A
6

Echo Show 8 – HD smart display with Alexa

Smart Home Compatibility
Yes
Installation Ease
Easy installation
Energy Efficiency
N/A
Video Quality
8-inch HD screen
Voice Control Capability
Built-in Alexa for hands-free control
Navigation Technology
N/A
7

iRobot Roomba 675 Robot Vacuum

Smart Home Compatibility
Yes
Installation Ease
Easy to set up
Energy Efficiency
N/A
Video Quality
N/A
Voice Control Capability
Compatible with Alexa
Navigation Technology
Smart navigation

Frequently Asked Questions About Smart Home Appliances

What makes a smart home appliances 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 appliances 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 appliances?

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.