GUIDE · Home Automation
Smart Home Products Actually Worth Buying
We tracked which of 90 devices were still in daily use after a year.
Daniel Reyes · August 12, 2026 · 2 min read
Smart Home Desk
Home Automation
Everything the smart home desk has published on home automation — tested, measured and updated as products change.
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NEWS · Home Automation
The Smart-Home Devices People Actually Keep Using
Interaction rates collapse for most categories by week twelve. Four survive.
Tested in this category
Independently scored
Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen)
The most polished heating control, with scheduling that genuinely reduces runtime.
- Score
- 8.9 / 10
- Price band
- $250 – $300
Best for: Households wanting set-and-forget savings
Price band last checked 2026-08-11. Live pricing arrives with our retailer feed.
Philips Hue Hue White & Color Starter Kit
Still the most reliable smart lighting system once you're past two rooms.
- Score
- 8.8 / 10
- Price band
- $180 – $220
Best for: Whole-home lighting scenes
Price band last checked 2026-08-11. Live pricing arrives with our retailer feed.
Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch
A slim retrofit smart lock with reliable fingerprint entry and real key backup options.
- Score
- 8.5 / 10
- Price band
- $220 – $300
Best for: Renters and retrofit installs
Price band last checked 2026-08-11. Live pricing arrives with our retailer feed.
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