Smart home devices: The best automated tech from robot vacs to smart lights ...Middle East

SMART home devices can be game-changers for everyday life.

Whether it’s hands-free help, mood-boosting lighting, or a vacuum that does the dirty work, I’ve tested these top picks that truly deliver.

There’s no shortage of smart home devices out there, making it tricky to know which ones are really worth it.

They’re all about making life easier, whether that’s dimming the lights without moving an inch or setting timers to keep your day on track.

I’ve tried a range of gadgets, from budget-friendly options to premium picks, including Alexa voice-assisted smart speakers and the best robot vacuums.

Whether you’re just dipping your toes into smart tech or looking to level up your setup, the right devices can really transform your home.

I’ve tested each one to make sure they actually make life easier, so you can add them to your home with confidence.

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How I tested

To make sure these gadgets are worth your money, I got hands-on with each one in my own home, testing them over the course of a month to see how they hold up in everyday life.

I looked at ease of use, installation, app functionality, voice control responsiveness, and overall value for money.

I also checked how well these devices play together. Because a truly smart home should feel seamless.

Best smart speakers

Google Nest Mini

Google Nest Mini, £49

Pros:

Cons:

Rating: 7/10

I’ve accidentally become a bit of a smart speaker connoisseur, with the Google Nest Mini being one of three scattered around my house.

This one lives in my bedroom, and despite its compact size, it packs an impressive punch when it comes to sound.

Unlike Amazon’s Echo devices, the Nest Mini doesn’t offer free on-demand music, so I’ve synced mine with Spotify to get access to all my playlists and podcasts. 

But if you’re looking to dodge subscriptions, there’s a clever workaround: you can connect YouTube to the speaker via Bluetooth for on-demand playback.

For me, it’s my go-to for setting alarms, and its small size is perfect for a clutter-free nightstand.

At just £49, the Nest Mini is super affordable and a great entry point if you’re new to the world of smart speakers.

When choosing between the Nest Mini and other options, it’s worth considering your existing devices. 

If you’re already deep in the Android and Google ecosystem, the Nest Mini is a no-brainer.

Echo Pop

Echo Pop, £44.99

Pros:

Cons:

Rating: 7/10

The Echo Pop is the latest addition to my smart speaker lineup, and at £44.99, it’s positioned as a competitor to the likes of the Google Nest Mini.

It tackles all the usual smart speaker tasks, such as setting timers, converting measurements, and playing music while I cook, making it a reliable kitchen companion.

And it’s compact enough to perch on top of my microwave, saving valuable counter space, which is a win in my kitchen.

There’s not much that sets the Echo Pop apart from other models, but it’s a solid choice if you’re looking to build out an Alexa ecosystem.

The sound quality is typical for a smaller, entry-level speaker; it’s not going to blow you away, but it gets the job done.

It pairs easily with other Echo devices, with mine usually synced up with my Echo Dot for stereo sound, which comes in handy when family barbecues roll around in the summer.

You can also make announcements and have two-way conversations with other Echo devices, and though I haven’t found a real need for that, it’s a nice option to have.

I managed to snag mine during the Prime Day sale for half the price, which I think is a fair deal for what it offers.

Echo Dot

Echo Dot, £54.99

Pros:

Cons:

Rating: 9/10

The Echo Dot is by far the most popular Alexa device in my home and has been a key part of our daily routine for a few years now. 

It’s used by everyone, from my not-so-tech-savvy relatives to my surprisingly tech-astute nieces and nephews. 

It sits in the living room, where the sound quality is noticeably more powerful and clear compared to the smaller speakers I own. 

However, it’s become a bit more frustrating to use without a music subscription, and you’ll often run into Alexa prompting you to sign up for a subscription, which can be a bit of a hassle.

The good news is that syncing it up to any paid music service you already have solves that problem.

It’s also incredibly sturdy, so if you’ve got a large family with toddlers and unruly little ones running around like me, this device can take a beating.

My family’s Echo Dot has been drawn on, spilt on, and even carried off by toddlers, and with a quick clean, it still performs as well as it did on day one.

Another perk is how well it integrates with other smart home devices.

I’ve got my lights and robot vacuum synced up to it, which has really helped modernize my 70s-built bungalow in Essex and make it feel a lot more 21st century.

While my smaller speakers do the job, for the small price jump to £54.99, it’s a great starting point for anyone looking to make their home smarter.

Best smart lighting

Philips Hue White & Ambient Light Starter Kit

Philips Hue White & Ambient Light Starter Kit, £169.99

Pros:

Cons:

Rating: 8/10

The Philips Hue White & Ambient Light Starter Kit has made a big difference in how I light my home, offering easy customisation for every mood. 

I like a warm hue for the room of an evening to help wind down, but a bright light to wake me up on those grey mornings, and the adjustable settings are spot on.

Setting up was simple, initially through Bluetooth, then with the Hue Bridge for expanded functionality. 

The Bridge lets me sync with other smart devices and control my lights remotely, but it does come at an extra cost if you’re not buying a starter kit.

That’s a little disappointing as the Bridge is a great addition that allows you to schedule your lights and control them from anywhere.

That said, the integration with Alexa is smooth, and being able to control the lights with my voice is super convenient, especially when I’m lounging on the couch.

While the bulbs are more expensive than standard ones, their quality and energy efficiency make them worth it, and they promise to last just shy of 3 years.

If you’re new to smart home tech, the Philips Hue Starter Kit is another easy integration.

Best smart plugs

Tapo P110M Smart Plug

Tapo P110M Smart Plug, £16.99 £10.99

Pros:

Cons:

Rating: 9/10

The humble smart plug is a great starting point for anyone hesitant about diving into the world of smart gadgets and gizmos.

It’s one of the most affordable, beginner-friendly options out there, and it’s far from intimidating.

Take the Tapo P110M, for example. I had it up and running in minutes, and the benefits were immediate.

At just £10.99 for the single plug (when on sale), it’s a bargain, and it supports most Matter ecosystems, be it Google, Alexa, or Apple.

There’s also the Tapo app, which, while it’s not always ideal to add yet another app to your phone, offers some genuinely useful features you don’t often get with other smart plugs.

For instance, you can monitor how much energy the connected device is using, not just daily but over weeks and months.

It’s a handy way to spot where you could cut back on consumption.

My favourite feature has to be the scheduling tool; I’ve set my living room lamp to switch on and off at specific times, so there’s one less thing to think about.

There’s also an Away Mode, which randomly turns the device on and off to make it look like someone’s home, a welcome extra layer of home security.

I ended up pairing mine with Alexa since my Echo Dot lives in the same room as the lamp I plugged into the Tapo.

Now, I can embrace my inner couch potato and just ask Alexa to turn the lamp on or off.

The only minor downside? The physical power button is on the side of the plug, which can make it tricky to access depending on where your socket is.

That said, since I mostly use the app, it’s not a dealbreaker for me, and it otherwise ticks all the right boxes.

Best robot vacuums

Dreame X50 Ultra Complete

Dreame X50 Ultra Complete, £1,399 £1,199

Pros:

Cons:

Rating: 9/10

As my first go with a robot cleaner, unboxing the Dreame X50 Ultra Complete before it hit the shelves genuinely felt like getting a new toy at Christmas.

It’s not just a pretty face either, although its sleek white and silver design does blend in nicely with my kitchen, it has the brains and brawn to match.

I ran into a few hiccups setting it up at first (not surprising with pre-release tech), but once those were ironed out and it was calibrated, it mapped my kitchen with pinpoint accuracy.

The 20,000 Pa suction is seriously impressive and made a better job of my crumb-riddled kitchen floor than I anticipated.

The mopping feature left my floors gleaming, making it perfect for tackling everyday dirt, but I was most impressed by how it recognised my kitchen floor mats without me having to set any parameters in the app.

Speaking of the app, it’s pretty intuitive, though there’s a lot to get to grips with.

That’s not necessarily a bad thing; you can customise your experience, including schedule cleaning (so you always come home to clean floors).

It vacuumed and mopped my tiled floor in just nine minutes, although my larger living-dining room took 39 minutes.

Over time, it learns and gets quicker, but since you can get on with other things while it works, the runtime isn’t a big deal.

That said, the Pro-Leap feature struggled with my kitchen step, which at 12cm was way above its 6cm climbing limit.

Even so, the Multi-floor mapping meant I could easily help it over the step without too much hassle, and it was still way easier than doing all the vacuuming myself.

The base station is a bit noisy when emptying, but considering how powerful and effective it is, that’s a small price to pay.

It automatically tucks itself into its base station when done, so it never runs out of battery, topping up as soon as it is finished emptying.

If, like me, you use it on multiple levels and it can’t return to its base, it heads back to its starting point, running for up to 220 minutes before running out of juice.

The biggest sticking point? The price. There’s no denying it’s an expensive buy, but in my book, it’s worth every penny.

Where to buy

When it comes to buying smart home gadgets, you’re spoiled for choice. You can find them in the tech aisles of big-name retailers or directly from official brand websites.

Here are some top places to check out:

Keep an eye out for seasonal sales like Prime Day or Black Friday, these are the perfect opportunities to snag the best deals and upgrade your home without emptying your wallet.

What is a Smart Home?

A smart home is all about using internet-connected gadgets to control and automate things like lighting, heating, security, and more. 

With the right devices, you can manage almost everything in your home using your voice, smartphone, or automated routines.

If you’re new to the world of smart tech, check out our what is a smart home?’ explainer to get the lowdown on how it all works.

What are the types of Smart Home devices?

These days, there’s a smart gadget for just about everything in your home.

You’ve got smart speakers, thermostats, cameras, lights, locks, and even appliances, each designed to make your life easier and your home smarter.

And with new tech coming out every year, there’s always something exciting on the horizon that you’ll soon wonder how you ever lived without.

Are smart home devices safe?

Yes, but it’s important to be smart about privacy and security, so stick to trusted brands and update your devices.

Be aware that some smart gadgets, like speakers and cameras, can collect data and listen in, depending on the settings. 

Always check the privacy policies and adjust the settings to control what’s being recorded or shared.

Are smart home devices worth it?

Smart devices make life easier, can save you money, and help keep your home safe.

They’re especially handy if you’ve got a busy household, love tech, or just want to make your every day a bit simpler.

You can automate chores, check in on your home no matter where you are, and even cut down on your bills.

If that sounds like your kind of thing, smart gadgets are definitely worth it.

How to connect smart home devices

Most smart home devices connect via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or through dedicated hubs through your smartphone. 

Here’s the general rule of thumb to get started:

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