Best Smart Home Devices of 2017 Gift Guide
The 21 Best Smart Home Devices of 2017
As POPSUGAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. If you buy a product we have recommended, we may receive affiliate commission, which in turn supports our work.
This was the year that I discovered just how glorious a smart home can be, and luckily, it was also a year in which some of the most innovative devices made their debut. From lights to music to fitness and more, ahead, I've highlighted the 21 devices that really changed my life this year. And the best part? Each and every one of these items is perfect for gifting and requires no knowledge or existing products to become the centerpiece of your loved one's smart home.
C by GE
The C by GE Sol ($150) was my very first smart home device, and I've never loved a piece of tech quite as much as I love this fancy-pants, high-quality light. It controls everything in my living room, and it's always there for a solid round of Alexa-fueled Jeopardy (if you haven't tried it yet, DO IT.)
Echo Show
The Amazon Echo Show ($180) makes any room it's in about 300 times smarter — and, of course, finally gives us the chance to have a screen alongside our voice-controlled devices. And did I mention it makes for the best karaoke? Because damn, does the music function make for the best karaoke, with scrolling lyrics for all of the songs in the Amazon Music library.
Pilgrim Zoe Aroma Essential Oil Diffuser
Pilgrim Collection Zoe Aroma Essential Oil Diffuser ($120) is one of the most luxurious smart home devices on the market — fill your home with the delectable scents of essential oils, and enjoy one of the best aromatherapy experiences of your life.
Eero Home WiFi
The Eero Home WiFi System ($348) completely elevated my quality of life in just the span of a couple minutes. Just plug in the base and the two beacons around your home, and experience the full power of WiFi as it was meant to be — with none of the headaches of deadspots or dropoffs.
Logitech Harmony Elite
Control all of your smart home products with one single device: the Logitech Harmony Elite ($250) lets you use one remote to turn everything on and off, and you can even set routines to group your devices (like a DVR and TV or game console) to turn on at once.
Verilux HappyLight Touch
Beat the Winter blues with the Verilux HappyLight Touch ($100), the ultimate (and stylish) way to get UV-free, full-spectrum light therapy.
Canary Home Security Device
The Canary Home Security Device ($129) ensures that your home is always safe, no matter where you are. View your home at any time through the live stream, set and disarm your alarms, and get alerts for unexpected movement directly on your phone.
Hue Starter Kit
The Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance Starter Kit ($139.99) transforms any room into a voice-controlled lightshow with these fantastically imaginative light bulbs that can go from a standard white or warm yellow to any color in the rainbow.
Furbo Dog Camera
The Furbo Dog Camera ($249) completely changes the experience of being a pet owner away from home. I use it regularly with my cat when I'm traveling and it lets me check in on him and give him a treat for good measure, regardless of where I am during the day.
Stealth Interactive Core Trainer
Game the hell out of your workout with the Stealth Interactive Core Trainer ($299). Not only are they the smartest planks you'll ever do, but they're also the most fun — you're actively trying to beat a video game as you exercise your way to a happier you.
Sonos One
Sonos makes the best speakers around, and with the recent addition of Alexa voice control, the Sonos One ($199) is hands down the smartest speaker ever.
Apple TV 4K
I absolutely adore my Apple TV 4K ($180), and it's the center of my smart home as it can control all of my devices through HomeKit. Oh, and it's hard to imagine life without the incredible 4K HDR-quality TV and video it delivers.
Nest E
Nest Thermostat E ($169) is one of the oldest smart home devices in the game — and this model tops anything that comes before it. Save money, be more eco-friendly, and replace all those busted thermostats with this sleek and sexy easy-touch device.
Lutron Caseta Wireless Bridge
Customize even the oldest light fixtures in your home with the Lutron Caseta Wireless Smart Bridge ($100), which lets you add a dimmer switch onto any light you own.
Google Home Mini
This is everything you love about Google, all in one tiny, doughnut-shaped device. You can't go wrong this holiday season with the Google Home Mini ($49).
Roku Streaming Stick
Cut the cord and get yourself a Roku Streaming Stick ($34) — and, bonus, control the stick through any of your other smart home devices.
Sengled Element Plus
For the smart-light newbies, the Sengled Element Plus ($46) is a great way to test out what it's like to control your lights by voice or by phone, all while providing a wide range of bright to warm.
ConnectSense Smart Outlet
Turn any device on and off with your voice or your phone with the ConnectSense Smart Outlet ($60) — each outlet can power two separate devices and will give you the most control you've ever had over just how much power it is you use on a day-to-day basis.
Nest Cam IQ
With the Nest Cam IQ ($299), you never, ever have to worry about your home when you're out, ever again. Just plug it in, and check back whenever you're concerned about what might be going on via the easy-to-use app – and voila, cross that one extra stresser off your list. Oh, and did we mention that at Bed Bath and Beyond you get a free Google Home Mini with your purchase? Who doesn't love to give gifts and get to keep a gift for themselves!
66 Audio Pro Voice
OK, so maybe headphones aren't typically part of a smart home, but the 66 Audio Pro Voice Bluetooth Headphones ($139) are Alexa-powered and make you feel just like you're at home no matter where you are (and they're a must-have for anyone who's got smart devices making their lives just that teensy bit easier.)
TP-Link Smart Plug Mini
I'm a huge fan of the TP-Link Smart Plug Mini ($59) because it's the easiest to use outlet adapter out there. It's compatible with Alexa and Google, and I'm not kidding when I say I've got these babies on my Christmas tree lights right now!
