Is your home outdated? 10 smart gadgets will take it to next level

Sonos Era 100 (the best smart speaker)

The best smart speaker is the Sonos Era 100. It's compact and has great sound, which, when set up via the iPhone app, gives you deep bass and clear highs. Despite the absence of TruePlay in the Android version, the sound is still excellent.

The Sonos Era 100 supports streaming services such as Spotify and Pandora and easily integrates into a multi-room audio or home theater system.

Sonos Era 100 (photo: Engadget)

Amazon Echo (newest model)

For those on a budget, there are several smart speakers available for around $100. We recommend considering newer models from Google, Amazon, or Apple. Of these three, the Echo has the best sound quality, with powerful bass and rich midrange.

You can also connect two devices for stereo sound. HomePod mini sounds balanced, while Nest Audio stands out with good bass. It all depends on which voice assistant you prefer.

Amazon Echo (photo: Engadget)

Google Nest Hub 2nd Gen (Google's best smart display)

The Google Nest Hub 2nd Gen has a 7-inch screen, making it ideal for most rooms. It also works great as a digital photo frame, automatically selecting the best photos from your Google Photos library. You can watch YouTube, Netflix, and other streaming services on the screen.

If you don't need a camera, the Nest Hub is great for more intimate places like the bedroom and has a sensor to track your sleep patterns.

If you want a display with a camera, we recommend the more expensive Nest Hub Max model, which supports video calling via Google Duo, Meet, and Zoom. The camera also allows you to use Face Match to recognize family members and display information in a personalized way.

Additionally, Hub Max features gesture controls for controlling media playback and improved sound quality with a larger speaker.

Google Nest Hub 2nd Gen (photo: Engadget)

Philips Hue Smart Light Starter Kit (the best smart lights)

One of the easiest ways to implement smart home technology is to replace your regular light bulbs with smart ones. Smart bulbs allow you to control your lighting remotely via an app (via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth) or by voice.

They provide automation and scheduling, allowing you to turn lights on and off at a set time, as well as adjust brightness and color temperature.

The White and Color Ambiance LED Smart Ambiance Smart Button Starter Kit contains three Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance 60W bulbs, a hub for controlling up to 50 bulbs, and a Smart Button for on/off without a phone.

This kit offers more flexibility in lighting customization, allowing you to not only change the brightness but also experiment with color.

Philips Hue works with Google, Amazon, and Apple HomeKit. The lamps connect to the hub via the Zigbee protocol, which makes them more reliable and does not overload your home Wi-Fi network.

Philips Hue Smart Light Starter Kit (photo: Engadget)

Kasa Smart Light Bulbs (the best budget smart bulbs)

Kasa Smart WiFi is considered one of the best budget options. The lamps are easy to install and securely connect, and the mobile app is easy to use. These lamps support the full-color spectrum, and changing the color is simple by scrolling through the color wheel in the app. You can also customize the white light temperature by adjusting it from warm to cool.

In addition, you can set up a schedule for turning the lamps on and off in the app, and the "usage" section shows the energy consumption of each lamp and an estimate of savings compared to conventional lamps.

Kasa Smart Light Bulbs (photo: Engadget)

Blink Outdoor 4 (4th Gen) (best wireless security camera)

Blink's latest wireless security cameras, although named "outdoor", are great for both outdoor and indoor use as a home security system.

The Blink Outdoor 4 is weather-resistant and features night vision, motion detection, and two-way audio. Recordings can be stored in the cloud via the Blink Subscription Plan or locally on Sync Module 2 using a USB drive (sold separately).

However, it is worth noting that Blink is only compatible with Alexa, which may be a limitation for some users.

Blink Outdoor 4 (4th Gen) (photo: Engadget)

Arlo Essential Video Doorbell (the best doorbell camera)

If you need a camera for your door, it's better to choose a video doorbell than a separate camera. Arlo Essential Video Doorbell is compatible with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Apple HomeKit.

The camera shoots in HDR format with a 180-degree viewing angle, which allows you to see the whole person and can call your phone when you press the doorbell. It also provides two-way audio so you can talk to your visitor.

Arlo Essential Video Doorbell (photo: Engadget)

iRobot Roomba Vac Robot Vacuum (Q0120) (best budget robot vacuum)

This model is an updated version of the Roomba 694, a previously popular budget robot vacuum. The changes include several design improvements, resulting in a more compact silhouette and a larger battery.

Otherwise, it's still the same great entry-level robot vacuum with powerful suction, smart navigation for more efficient cleaning, and app support.

Roomba is equipped with a three-stage cleaning system that allows it to efficiently pick up dirt and avoid obstacles. If the robot encounters a particularly dirty spot, it focuses on it, cleaning it thoroughly before continuing to clean.

iRobot Roomba Vac Robot Vacuum (Q0120) (photo: Engadget)

iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ (the best robot vacuum and mop)

The Roomba Combo j9+ is the perfect combination of a robot vacuum cleaner and a mop. It has incredible suction power, deep floor cleaning, and a variety of smart features to get around obstacles, including pet droppings.

The model is equipped with the new Clean Base, which automatically fills the liquid tank. Compared to other Roomba models, the Combo j9+ requires minimal intervention from you to get your floors perfectly clean. It is one of the best robot vacuums and cleaners for pet owners.

iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ (photo: Engadget)

TP-Link Deco AXE5400 (the best Wi-Fi 6 mesh router)

The TP-Link Deco XE75 Wi-Fi 6 router is a great combination of ease of use and power. The three-component system includes three white devices that provide Wi-Fi 6 coverage up to 660 square meters.

The system supports three speed bands with a dedicated Wi-Fi 6 band that can be used for both backhaul and Wi-Fi 6 device connections.

TP-Link Deco AXE5400 (photo: Engadget)

We also have an article about 5 smart gadgets that will ensure a good and healthy sleep.