Smart home components

The network comes first. Smart home reliability problems are network problems far more often than device problems. Solid Wi-Fi coverage everywhere you will put a device is the prerequisite. Many low-power devices also use Thread or Zigbee mesh networks, which need a border router or hub.

Hubs and controllers. A hub bridges different radio protocols and runs automations locally so they keep working when your internet goes down. Local control is worth prioritizing — it is the difference between a house that works during an outage and one that does not.

Switches and plugs. Smart plugs are the cheapest entry point and require no wiring. Smart in-wall switches are better long term because the wall control still works normally for guests, but they are line-voltage work and many require a neutral wire that older switch boxes lack. Have an electrician confirm before you buy.

Sensors, locks, cameras and thermostats. Contact, motion, water-leak and temperature sensors are cheap and do the most useful automation work — a leak sensor under the water heater is arguably the best value in the whole category. Locks and cameras raise privacy and security questions worth thinking about separately.

How to choose

Fix the network before buying devices

Mesh Wi-Fi with coverage in the garage, basement and yard prevents most of the frustration people blame on devices.

Prefer devices with local control

Automations that run on a local hub keep working when the internet or the manufacturer's cloud goes down.

Check the neutral wire before buying smart switches

Many smart switches need one and older boxes often lack it. This is an electrician question, not a store question.

Buy leak and smoke sensors early

They are inexpensive and are the devices most likely to prevent an actual expensive event.

Check the standard, not just the brand

Matter and Thread support make a device far more likely to still work if you change ecosystems later.