Best Smart Home Gadgets of 2020

If you're looking for a gateway gadget, something that lets you slip effortlessly into the convenience and comfort of a smart home, a smart plug is your answer. The TP-Link HS100 Smart Plug is especially user-friendly because it doesn't require a hub—just plug it in and it's good to go. And when you're ready to take it up a notch, the unit is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing you to use voice commands. Save energy, remotely turn lights on and off when you're away from home, and never worry that you forgot to shut off a device again with this smart plug.

Price: $17 (usually $50)

Another effortless entry point into the world of smart homes is a smart light switch. Whether you want to flip on your porch lights, cut the power to the ceiling fan that's sending too much of a breeze down your neck, or turn on those holiday lights without taking a single step out into the snow, you can do it all from your smartphone or tablet via your home's Wi-Fi network. With this smart light switch, there is no subscription or hub required. Simply wire it in and enjoy remote access to your home from wherever you are.

Price: $50

Let there be light: voice-controlled, dimmable light. You can control TP-Link's smart bulbs directly from your smartphone or tablet via the free Kasa app with no need for a hub. In the morning, you can set the light bulbs to turn on at the same time your alarm goes off to help you rise and shine. You can also program and save different lighting settings to match your moods. These smart light bulbs are a seamless addition to any smart home, as they are compatible with Android, iOS, and Google Assistant.

Price: $54 (usually $70)

As an alternative to smart light bulbs, you can get a smart dimmer. With the Belkin Wemo Smart Dimmer, you can control the ambience using your home's Wi-Fi network. Anything a traditional dimmer switch can do, a smart dimmer can do remotely. If you want to dim the lights and your smartphone is within arm's reach, there's no need to get off the couch. If you want even more control, this smart dimmer syncs with both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa to provide a hands-free, voice-controlled experience.

Price: $80

Imagine how convenient it would be if your smartphone was also the key to your house. With the Kwikset Kevo Bluetooth Deadbolt, it can be. Simply tap your phone to unlock your door. And with the Kevo mobile app, you can decide who else can open your door and grant them temporary or permanent access. If you ever lose your smartphone, don't worry. There's a lost phone reset feature, so your "smart keys" will never fall into the wrong hands.

Price: from $155

One of the most unnecessary expenditures is the money you waste simply by forgetting to adjust the thermostat. With the Nest Learning Thermostat, even if your smartphone dies and you can't connect to update the temperature of your home, you won't have to worry because this thermostat has you covered. The third generation of this smart thermostat even adjusts to changing seasons. Since houses do not warm or cool evenly, you can prioritize the most important rooms in your house with a Nest Temperature Sensor. You'll also get detailed energy-use reports, so you can more accurately track your energy usage and hopefully save some dollars.

Price: $249

The health of your lawn depends on when and precisely how much you water it. An old-fashioned timer is okay, but what happens if the weather changes? Orbit's smart sprinkler system has built-in technology that looks ahead to weather forecasts and adjusts accordingly. Of course, if you'd like to control your sprinklers remotely or via Alexa, you can do that as well. This smart sprinkler system controller comes in its own weather-resistant case, so it can be mounted either indoors or outdoors. Take advantage of this smart gadget to conserve water and save on your electric bill.

Price: $120 (usually $180)

Before Samsung's QLED, your television was merely the hub of your home entertainment system. Now it's the hub of your entire home. Besides offering remarkable definition and contrast with over a billion colors and an enhanced ambient mode that lets the television blend in with your decor when not in use, Samsung's QLED Smart TV is enabled with Bixby, a voice assistant that allows you to do everything from search for content to dim the lights. By using the SmartThings app, you can see who is at the door, check your calendar, and adjust the thermostat, all without leaving the couch.

Price: $5,293 (usually $6,000)

You're on the way to work or headed off on what's supposed to be a stress-free vacation, but suddenly you can't remember if you shut the garage door. We've all experienced that nagging feeling, but with the Chamberlain MyQ Smart Garage Door Opener, you can set your mind at ease. No matter where you are, if you have your smartphone with you, you can check your garage door's status and close or open the door as needed. It's easy to install, but it does require a monthly subscription fee if you want to link the device to Google Assistant.

Price: $74 (usually $100)

With Zmodo's smart security camera, you can watch a high-definition security feed from your smartphone, tablet, or computer, no matter where you are. Utilizing the built-in microphone on the camera, you can enjoy two-way audio for added peace of mind. The smart night vision feature and customizable motion detection ensure your home is always secure. Zmodo is also compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa, so you can control your smart security camera via voice commands.

Price: $60

Carbon monoxide (CO) is invisible. It's also odorless and deadly. The Nest Protect Smart Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm detects both smoke and carbon monoxide and alerts you when there's a danger. Nest's smart alarm will also send you alerts via your phone in the event that something happens while you're away. The smart detection system can even differentiate between fast- and slow-burning fires, while pinpointing the location. To provide added peace of mind, the Nest Protect constantly checks its smoke and carbon monoxide sensors and the battery level, so you always know that everything is working properly.

Price: $119

You've been bitten by the smart bug. Now you can control your entertainment, lights, and appliances remotely. But you've created a new problem: you're inundated with remote controls. Luckily, Logitech has an all-in-one solution. The Harmony 650 is a universal smart remote you can program through your computer. It does the work of eight remotes by utilizing infrared technology (so you will need a line of sight to the device you wish to control). Its color screen makes it easy to quickly identify apps and channels. And with one-click activation, there's not much of a learning curve. Currently, the remote supports over 6,000 brands, and Logitech has an ever-growing database of products to keep this smart remote from ever becoming obsolete.

Price: $33