Top 10 Must-Have Smart Home Gadgets for 2024
Smart home gadgets are no longer a thing of the future—they're here, they're useful, and they’re changing the way we live. From automating daily tasks to enhancing home security, these devices offer convenience, energy savings, and peace of mind, all while making your home a more comfortable and enjoyable place to live. Whether you’re new to smart home tech or looking to upgrade, 2024 brings a wave of new innovations that will make your life easier, safer, and smarter.
Here are the top 10 must-have smart home gadgets for 2024, each chosen for their ability to transform your home into a connected, efficient, and more secure space.
Why you need it: The Amazon Echo Dot has long been a staple of smart homes, and the 5th generation model builds on its already impressive features. Powered by Alexa, the Echo Dot serves as a hub for controlling all your other smart devices. You can ask Alexa to play music, give you the weather forecast, set reminders, control your smart lights, or even order products from Amazon.
Key Features:
Improved sound quality: The 5th gen Echo Dot boasts better sound quality with richer bass, making it a great option for streaming music in any room.
Alexa Routines: These allow you to automate multiple actions with a single command. For example, saying "Alexa, good night" could turn off your lights, lock the doors, and set an alarm.
Smart home control: Compatible with a wide range of devices, from lights and thermostats to security cameras.
Best for: Those looking to start building a smart home ecosystem or expand on their current setup.
Price: Around £54.99
Why you need it: Lighting is one of the simplest ways to dip your toes into smart home tech, and Philips Hue Smart Bulbs lead the pack. These bulbs can change colours, adjust brightness, and be controlled remotely via a smartphone app or voice assistant. Whether you want to set the perfect mood for a movie night or schedule your lights to turn on and off while you’re away, Philips Hue makes it easy.
Key Features:
Wide colour range: Choose from millions of colours to suit your mood or the occasion. Dim the lights for a romantic dinner or brighten them up for working from home.
Energy-efficient: These LED bulbs use less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last much longer.
Automations: Set schedules so your lights turn on or off automatically, or sync them with other smart devices for a fully integrated experience.
Best for: Homeowners looking to create the perfect ambiance or enhance home security by automating lighting.
Price: Starter kits from £59.99
3. Google Nest Learning Thermostat
Why you need it: Energy efficiency is key to any smart home, and the Google Nest Learning Thermostat is one of the best ways to reduce your heating and cooling bills. What makes it stand out is its ability to learn your habits. It tracks when you adjust the temperature and creates a schedule that keeps you comfortable while saving energy.
Key Features:
Learning technology: It monitors your heating and cooling preferences over time and adjusts automatically, saving you energy and money.
Remote control: Manage the thermostat from anywhere using your smartphone. Forgot to turn off the heating before leaving for work? Adjust it on the go.
Energy-saving features: The thermostat knows when you’re away and will automatically switch to eco-mode to conserve energy.
Best for: Homeowners looking to lower their energy bills and live more sustainably.
Price: Around £219.99
Why you need it: If you’re serious about home security, a smart doorbell is a must, and the Ring Video Doorbell 4 is one of the best options available. This doorbell lets you see, hear, and speak to visitors from anywhere. With real-time notifications sent to your phone when someone approaches your door, it offers peace of mind, whether you're home or away.
Key Features:
1080p HD video: Crisp, clear footage allows you to see who’s at your door, whether it's day or night.
Pre-roll video: Unlike previous models, this feature records a few seconds before motion is detected, giving you a more complete picture of what’s happening.
Two-way talk: Communicate with delivery drivers or visitors without opening the door. You can even answer the door when you’re not home.
Best for: Anyone wanting to upgrade their home security system with real-time monitoring and remote access.
Price: Around £179.99
Why you need it: Hate vacuuming? The Eufy RoboVac 30C takes care of it for you. This robot vacuum is powerful yet quiet, with strong suction to pick up dust, dirt, and pet hair. It’s perfect for busy households where keeping the floors clean can feel like a never-ending task.
Key Features:
Boundary strips: Use the included boundary strips to mark off areas the RoboVac shouldn’t enter, ensuring it only cleans where you want it to.
BoostIQ technology: Automatically increases suction power when needed, such as when it detects carpets.
Wi-Fi enabled: Control the vacuum via an app or voice commands using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
Best for: Busy individuals or families looking for an easy way to keep their home clean with minimal effort.
Price: Around £229.99
6. TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug
Why you need it: With the TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug, you can turn virtually any electronic device into a smart device. From lamps and fans to coffee makers and heaters, you can control them remotely with your phone or a voice assistant. It’s a simple, affordable way to automate your home.
Key Features:
Voice control: Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Samsung SmartThings, allowing you to control connected devices hands-free.
Schedule and timer: Set devices to turn on or off at specific times or create a timer for when devices should automatically shut down.
Energy monitoring: Track how much energy your devices are using to help you cut down on your electricity bills.
Best for: Anyone looking to automate existing appliances without breaking the bank.
Price: Around £14.99 each
7. Sonos One (Gen 2) Smart Speaker
Why you need it: When it comes to smart speakers, the Sonos One delivers not just on intelligence but on sound quality too. Unlike some other smart speakers, which can be heavy on features but lacking in audio quality, the Sonos One provides rich, room-filling sound while still offering all the voice assistant perks you expect from Alexa and Google Assistant.
Key Features:
Superior sound quality: Deep bass, crisp highs, and a well-balanced sound make this speaker perfect for music lovers.
Voice assistant integration: Ask Alexa or Google Assistant to control your music, check the weather, or adjust other smart devices in your home.
Multi-room audio: Sync multiple Sonos speakers throughout your home for a fully connected audio experience.
Best for: Audiophiles who want a smart speaker with excellent sound and home integration features.
Price: Around £199
8. Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera
Why you need it: Security cameras are essential for many homes, and the Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera offers high-quality, wire-free security that’s simple to install. Its standout feature is its 2K HDR video quality, which delivers crystal-clear footage, and the integrated spotlight provides colour night vision for enhanced clarity after dark.
Key Features:
2K HDR video: Higher resolution than many competitors, offering a clearer view of what’s happening around your property.
Integrated spotlight: Lights up the area to deter intruders and allows for better night vision.
Two-way audio: Speak to anyone near your camera via your smartphone, whether it's to deter potential intruders or greet a visitor.
Best for: Homeowners looking for high-quality, comprehensive security with minimal installation effort.
Price: Around £219.99
Why you need it: The August Smart Lock Pro is the key to modern home access. This smart lock lets you lock and unlock your door remotely, monitor who’s coming and going, and grant access to guests, all from your smartphone. It works with your existing deadbolt, so you can keep your current keys as a backup.
Key Features:
Remote access: Lock or unlock your door from anywhere, perfect for letting in guests or service providers when you're not home.
Auto-lock and unlock: Set the door to automatically lock when you leave and unlock as you approach, saving you from fumbling for keys.
Guest access: Grant temporary or scheduled access to friends, family, or guests through the app.
Best for: Those looking for a seamless way to manage home access and improve security.
Price: Around £199.99
Why you need it: Want smart lighting without the hassle of a hub? The LIFX Mini Smart Bulb is a hub-free option that connects directly to your Wi-Fi. Despite its small size, it offers a wide range of colours and dimming options, making it a versatile addition to any room.
Key Features:
Hub-free: Connects directly to your Wi-Fi, making setup simple and straightforward.
Voice control: Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit, allowing for easy voice-activated control.
Millions of colours: Choose from a vast colour range to set the perfect mood for any occasion.
Best for: Anyone wanting a simple, affordable smart lighting solution without the need for extra hardware.
Price: Around £19.99
Final Thoughts
Smart home technology is becoming more accessible and impactful every year, and 2024 brings an exciting range of gadgets that can help you automate daily tasks, enhance your home security, and add comfort to your everyday life. Whether you’re looking to start small with smart lighting or want to invest in a fully integrated smart home experience, these 10 must-have gadgets will provide a great foundation for building a more connected and efficient home.
Now is the perfect time to take the plunge into smart home living, why not start upgrading your home today?
