Best smart tech for 2026

Smart home tech connects everyday devices to the internet, so you can control things like your lights, heating, and even appliances from your phone or with voice commands. That means you can conveniently change settings from wherever you are.

There’s a lot of choice when it comes to smart home devices and the best option depends on which tech you’re using. We recommend picking brands that are compatible with tech you already use. If you’re just starting out, a smart speaker by Apple or Samsung and a smart doorbell by Eufy or Ring can make a great first step.

To choose the right smart home devices for you, you’ll need to think about which service you already use most, whether that’s Apple, Samsung, Amazon, or Google. Apple HomeKit only works with Apple devices, but most other brands work best with their own products but are also cross- compatible with others. Always check on the product page before you buy.

Yes, smart devices mostly rely on an internet connection to work. There are a few options out there that work locally, but anything with cloud-based storage and remote connections to your phone will need Wi-Fi.

We recommend starting small, with one or two devices, and growing your smart home gradually. For example, a smart speaker and hub is a great way to start. That’ll give you voice-activated searches, reminders, and music on command, while the hub preps you for making the next step with lighting, heating, or anything you think will help you out most.

Usually, you’ll need some sort of smart hub to link all your devices and connect to your phone. Some models will connect directly to your phone with an app, but if you want everything in one place, a hub is a great shout. For voice commands, you’ll need a smart speaker too, so it can hear what you’re saying and link to other devices, like lights and heating.