The 6 Smart Home Devices That Earned a Permanent Spot in My Home

Testing smart home gadgets is one of the most enjoyable parts of my job, but it’s rare for a device to truly earn its place in my everyday life. In 2025 alone, I experimented with dozens of devices—from robotic vacuums to Wi-Fi sprinkler controllers—but only a select few stood the test of time. These are the gadgets that didn’t get boxed up after the review ended. Instead, they’ve become part of my routine because they actually make life easier, safer, or just more enjoyable.

At the top of my list is the smart plug that transparently tracks energy usage. It may look unassuming, but the level of insight it provides into how much energy my devices consume has paid off in lower electric bills and better habits. Another staple is the smart thermostat I reviewed earlier this year. While some may find them gimmicky, this one reliably adjusted temperatures based on real occupancy patterns, and the integration with voice assistant made comfort as easy as speaking a sentence.

One surprising keeper has been the smart door lock. Despite initial skepticism about trading a physical key for my phone, the convenience of remote access and scheduled codes for guests has made it indispensable. It’s also eliminated those late-night trips to double-check if the door’s locked. Similarly, I came to depend on a particular indoor camera—not for security per se, but for the peace of mind it offers when I’m away, especially when checking on pets or ensuring everything’s fine at home.

Smart lighting often promises convenience but usually ends up being more complex than it’s worth. That wasn’t the case with a particular model I tested that not only created the perfect ambiance but also integrated seamlessly with the other devices in my ecosystem. Whether I’m setting the mood for movie night or automating wake-up lights, it delivers consistent and intuitive results. Likewise, a compact robot vacuum still runs on a schedule each afternoon, quietly tackling the dust I never knew accumulated daily.

In a world overflowing with connected gadgets, it’s easy to get caught up in hype. But these six devices proved themselves by adding meaningful value without demanding constant attention. They didn’t just pass the review phase—they became reliable members of my household. If you’re shopping for smart home solutions, these are a great place to start for both function and dependability.