Disney’s Smart Home wasn’t too far off when it predicted our homes would one day be able to answer our every need. I mean, did you think we’d be able to order pizza or turn off the lights with a simple voice command? I definitely didn’t.
Now, smart home tech is everywhere, and it’s here to help you with everything from ordering groceries to setting the temperature to automating safety features like leak detection. And while some of these gadgets may seem unnecessary, the comfort and convenience they provide make them well worth the investment — especially if you can find them at a discount.
Here are our top picks for the best smart home devices on sale this week:
Best smart speaker deal
Why we like it
Read our full review of the Echo Dot (5th Gen) here.
During Prime Day, we saw discounts on just about every major smart speaker model, but those deals have since dried up. This week, the best smart speaker deal we could find is actually a bundle deal.
Amazon’s offering the Echo Dot (5th gen) with a free Sengled Smart Color Bulb for $49.99 (a savings of 19.99). This bundle is a pretty good “starter kit” for anyone who either doesn’t already have a smart speaker at home or wants to expand their existing smart home setup.
The Echo Dot (5th gen) is pretty much the same functionality-wise as the Echo Dot (4th gen), except this model is smaller and doesn’t have Dolby audio. But it’s still a great smart speaker for basic voice commands, smart home control, and Alexa skills.
The smart bulb included in this bundle works with Alexa, so you can set routines or turn it on/off with your voice.
More smart speaker deals
Best smart plug deal
Why we like it
The Kasa Smart Plug HS103P2 (2-Pack) is our top pick for the best smart plug deal. One major perk? No hub needed! Just plug it in, connect to WiFi, and you’re in control.
Mashable Deals
This smart plug deal includes two Kasa Smart Plugs for $13.99. That’s 30% off the list price and a budget-friendly way to get a taste of what smart home tech can do. Perfect for night lights, holiday decorations, or anything you want to control on a schedule or remotely.
More smart plug deals
Best smart thermostat deal
Why we like it
One nice thing about living alone is that you can set the temperature as low or as high as you want to without worrying about annoying anyone else in the house. But that’s not exactly cost- or energy-efficient unless you have a smart thermostat.
The Google Nest Learning Thermostat is a programmable smart thermostat that learns just how you like your home’s temperature. You can also control it remotely via the Nest app (so you can turn it up or down while you’re away) or with your voice through Google Assistant or Alexa. There’s also a little leaf symbol that appears when you set an energy-efficient temperature, so you know you’re saving money on your utilities.
