What smart home tech do you recommend?
The Smart Home Tech That’s Actually Worth Your Money (and Sanity)
Written by Brian Huie
Let’s get real—smart home tech can be a slippery slope. One minute, you’re installing a couple of voice-controlled lights, and the next thing you know, your fridge is sending you passive-aggressive reminders about expired yogurt. So, before you turn your house into a full-blown surveillance state, let’s talk about where smart tech actually makes sense.
The two areas worth your attention (and your cash)? Lighting and security. Everything else—your WiFi-connected air fryer, your AI-powered plant whisperer—is just extra. Start by upgrading your exterior lights with smart bulbs or motion-activated security lighting. Stick to one ecosystem (Ring, Nest, whatever) because trying to get multiple brands to play nice together is like herding cats, and you don’t need that chaos in your life. Smart lighting around your yard doesn’t just make your place look like a modern architectural digest—it also sends a message to would-be lurkers: Move along, nothing to see here.
Once you’ve lit up the Bat-Signal, the next move is a smart security system. And no, this doesn’t mean hiring some overpriced service that still makes you sign a contract like it’s 1998. Modern security systems are easy DIY setups with endless add-ons: smart smoke detectors that notify your phone, emergency service integrations, and cameras that let you confirm whether that motion alert is an actual intruder or just an aggressive raccoon.
Speaking of not letting strangers into your house—smart locks. Game-changer. No more hiding a key under a fake rock or playing locksmith roulette when you forget yours. With smart locks, you can grant access to dog walkers, house cleaners, or your extremely flaky friend who never shows up on time. Some even have hidden keypads, auto-lock when you leave a set perimeter, and let delivery drivers in under controlled conditions (because porch pirates are the worst). If aesthetics matter, August locks are the MVP—letting you keep your decorative handle while still getting all the smart security perks.
And if you want to take things up a notch? Smart switches and fans inside make life smoother. Nothing feels more futuristic than turning on your lights from your phone—whether you’re away longer than expected and don’t want your place looking abandoned, or you just want your dog to have some ambiance while you’re gone.
So, if you’re thinking about diving into smart home tech, start with the essentials. Keep it simple, keep it functional, and whatever you do—don’t let your appliances start judging you.