Amazon unveiled its "helpful, capable robot for your home" named Astro toward the end of 2021, charging a cool $1,000. If you think that sounds steep for what seems to amount to Alexa on wheels, we agree — but there are plenty of other smart-home gadgets that are actually are worth the splurge. We've rounded up a bunch of tried-and-true smart-home products that earn reviewers' raves for making their lives easier.
Prices and availability are subject to change.
$63 from Amazon for 3
Want to turn on lights or appliances from your phone? It's as simple as plugging them into this sleek Wemo plug. You can schedule them remotely or even randomize lights to make it look like you're home when you're actually sipping margaritas on the beach. With Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, you can control Wemo with your voice, too.
Related: Going-Out-of-Town Checklist to Keep Your Home Secure
$119 from Amazon
The Nest Protect does double duty as a smoke detector and carbon monoxide alarm. Spoken alerts and push notifications leave no doubt about whether something's wrong, and in case of a false alarm, you can easily hush it with your phone. It even tests itself automatically every month.
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$180 and up from SmartWings
If you rely on opening and closing your blinds to regulate the temperature of your home, it might be a wise move to invest in smart shades. SmartWings offers blinds and shades that are operated via remote control, app, or voice control, and that pair with smart home devices like Alexa, Google Assistant, and more. Available in a swath of sizes, styles, and fabrics, the shades can be easily customized to complement your home's decor.
$60 from Amazon
You'll never have to deal with annoying solicitors again with the Ring Video Doorbell. Use your phone to see, hear, and speak to anyone who's at the door. Motion-detection alerts will tell you whether someone's there even if they don't ring the bell.
Related: Ways to Upgrade Your Home That Will Save Money
$249 from Amazon
Whether you have a second-floor washer, a flood-prone basement, or an aging water heater, this leak detector can alert your phone immediately if it detects even a tiny bit of moisture. It also tells you exactly how much water you’re using, as well as where and when you’re using it, so you can find ways to cut back and save on utility bills.
$25 from Amazon
You know that sinking feeling when you can't remember whether you closed the garage door? Banish it forever with the Chamberlain MyQ Smart Garage Hub. Control access remotely with your smartphone, know when someone comes or goes, or get alerts if your garage door is left open for a certain amount of time.
$369 from Amazon
Kick your feet up and enjoy with this robotic vacuum and mop, featuring 3D technology that helps keep it from getting stuck or crashing into furniture. Schedule cleanings anywhere using your phone, or control it with your voice using Alexa or Google Assistant.
$35 from Amazon
The old saying is true: Good things come in small packages. The Alexa-compatible Blink Mini is a compact way for anyone to keep tabs on things, but it still has the most important features, including high-definition video, motion detection, two-way audio, and smartphone alerts.
Related: Hidden Dangers Lurking in Your Home — and What to Do About Them
$1,498 from Home Depot
Scan a frozen-food barcode and your oven will know exactly what to do — what a world. You can also control the oven from your phone, using a remote-start feature to preheat even if you aren’t home.
$80 from Amazon
If you rely on a window air conditioner, ductless mini-split, or other remote-based A/C to stay cool, the Cielo Breeze will let you control it from anywhere with your phone. It can even note your location and turn on the A/C before you arrive — no more coming home to a stuffy apartment or bedroom.
$144 from Amazon
Sous vide cooking isn't just for professional chefs anymore. Attach the Anova to any water-filled pot, put your food inside in a sealed bag, then set the cooker time and temperature, either on the Anova or with your phone. You'll get an alert when it's time to eat.
$538 from Walmart for 2
These compact plug-and-play speakers use Wi-Fi to stream music in any room of your home. Different units can be paired for bigger sound, too. But the One's biggest claim to fame is that it has Alexa built in, letting you control the speaker and any Alexa-enabled smart-home devices with simple voice commands.
$163 from Amazon
A big storm is coming, but does your irrigation system know that? Save water and money with this forecast-connected controller, which is smart enough to adjust sprinkler operation based on the weather. Build schedules, set up custom zones, and control everything from your phone or with your voice using Alexa or Google Assistant.
Related: Little Home Improvement Projects That Make a Big Impact
$181 from Amazon
A smart thermostat not only saves energy; it saves money on monthly power bills, so consider this an investment that will pay for itself even more quickly when bought at a discount. The included room sensor measures occupancy and room temperature in an especially important spot, and you can control the thermostat from anywhere using a phone or Alexa.
Related: Things to Make Life Better and Save Money While Staying at Home
$30 from Target
Know someone who's always losing their keys or wallet or other personal belongings? A couple of these AirTags would make a great stocking stuffer for anyone who already owns an iPhone or other Apple products and keep the lost belongings to a minimum.
$190 from Amazon
If you're an avid weather watcher, this personal weather station will let you monitor conditions in your own yard and get phone alerts about wind speed, rainfall, temperature, and humidity. Ask Alexa for the weather, and she can tell you what your station has detected.
$350 from Amazon
The Arlo Pro cuts the cord on your outdoor security cameras, giving you the freedom to monitor any nook and cranny. The weather-resistant cameras include rechargeable batteries, two-way audio, and wide-angle viewing. They're also compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant.
$80 from Amazon
Tired of relying on your cellphone, but don't want to pay a big monthly bill for a landline? Connect the Ooma Telo to the internet and you'll get free nationwide calling. You'll also get caller ID, call waiting, voicemail, and smart-home integration with Alexa.
$119 from Amazon
Baby monitors have come a long, long way. Owlet’s camera streams high-definition video and can be paired with a "Smart Sock" that lets parents track everything from their baby’s heart rate to oxygen levels. A background audio feature means you can use your smartphone for other tasks while keeping an ear out for the baby.
$119 from Amazon
Make any remote-operated ceiling fan smart with this internet-connected hub. Use a phone to control speed, direction, and light. Better yet, connect it to Alexa or Google Assistant and turn your fans off and on with your voice.
$250 from Amazon
Looking for a smartphone-friendly security system that won't break the bank? The Ring system doesn't require professional installation or monitoring (though it's available for $20 a month). Control the alarm, sensors, and motion detector from your phone. Got a Ring doorbell or an Alexa device? It will integrate with those, too.
$70 from Amazon
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Don't have a smart TV? You can still ditch cable with the Roku. As long as your TV has an HDMI port, it offers easy access to streaming channels and hands-free control using a voice remote feature. Better yet, it’s compatible with your new 4K display as well as Alexa and Google Assistant.
$149 from Amazon
Stop worrying about whether you locked the front door. With August, you can check in from anywhere, lock or unlock remotely, and monitor who comes and goes. It’s compatible with your existing deadbolt, and you’ll get to keep and continue using your existing keys.
$600 from Best Buy
This all-in-one heater, fan, and air purifier will be useful year-round, and its sleek, blade-free design means it can keep a place of honor in your living room even if you have small kids or pets. Control it with your smartphone or voice commands.