5 Smart Home Starter Devices Compared
By the BargainTop10 Editors · Updated 2026-10-28
How this page was made: we haven't hands-on tested these products. We compared manufacturer specifications, independent reviews and retailer listings, cited at the end of the page. If you buy through our Amazon links we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you; it doesn't change what we recommend. How we research
These five devices cover the usual first steps in a smart home: a hub or speaker, plugs, lighting and a camera. Ranked in the order we suggest buying them. If you haven't chosen between Google Assistant and Alexa yet, read how to start a smart home first.
Quick comparison
| # | Product | Best for | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) | A Google Assistant home that wants a screen and Matter/Thread support | Check Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) price |
| 2 | Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) | An inexpensive Alexa speaker and routine trigger | Check Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) price |
| 3 | TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug Mini (EP10) | The cheapest way to make a lamp or fan smart | Check TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug Mini (EP10) price |
| 4 | Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance A19 Starter Kit | Colour lighting with the widest ecosystem support | Check Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance A19 Starter Kit price |
| 5 | Wyze Cam (v3 discontinued; see v4) | An inexpensive indoor/outdoor camera with local microSD storage | Check Wyze Cam (v3 discontinued; see v4) price |
The picks in detail
Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen)
Google lists a 7-inch 1024×600 touchscreen, three far-field mics with a mute switch, Matter support and a Thread border router, which makes it a good base for future devices. Its Soli radar powers Motion Sense and Sleep Sensing, which was launched as a free preview; check its current status.
Why it may suit you
- ✓7-inch touchscreen
- ✓Matter support and Thread border router
- ✓Soli radar for Motion Sense and Sleep Sensing
Trade-offs
- ✗Sleep Sensing tracks one sleeper; check its current availability
- ✗Google Assistant only
Best for:
A Google Assistant home that wants a screen and Matter/Thread support
Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen)
The 5th-gen Dot adds a room temperature sensor that can trigger Alexa routines (reviewers found it can be a few degrees off) and eero built-in, which lets it extend an eero Wi-Fi network in the US.
Why it may suit you
- ✓Built-in temperature sensor for routines
- ✓Tap gestures
- ✓eero built-in Wi-Fi extender (US)
Trade-offs
- ✗No screen
- ✗Reviews say the temperature sensor can be a few degrees off
Best for:
An inexpensive Alexa speaker and routine trigger
TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug Mini (EP10)
TP-Link lists the EP10 as hub-free, 15 A maximum load and compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant and SmartThings. It connects only to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, a common setup snag.
Why it may suit you
- ✓No hub needed
- ✓Works with Alexa, Google Assistant and SmartThings
- ✓15 A maximum load
Trade-offs
- ✗2.4 GHz Wi-Fi only
- ✗Rated for 120 V (US) use
Best for:
The cheapest way to make a lamp or fan smart
Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance A19 Starter Kit
The 75 W kit includes four A19 bulbs rated up to 1,100 lumens and a Hue Bridge. You can control bulbs over Bluetooth in one room, but the Bridge unlocks the full feature set and more rooms.
Why it may suit you
- ✓75 W-equivalent bulbs up to 1,100 lumens (75 W kit)
- ✓Bridge included in starter kits
- ✓Bluetooth control for a single room without the Bridge
Trade-offs
- ✗The full feature set needs the Bridge
- ✗Premium price per bulb
Best for:
Colour lighting with the widest ecosystem support
Wyze Cam (v3 discontinued; see v4)
Wyze says the Cam v3 is no longer available and lists the Cam v4 as its replacement; we haven't reviewed the v4's specs yet, so check its product page. The v3 offered 1080p, colour night vision, IP65 weather resistance and microSD local recording, with smart detection alerts behind the Cam Plus subscription.
Why it may suit you
- ✓v3 specs: 1080p, colour night vision, IP65
- ✓microSD slot for local recording (card sold separately)
Trade-offs
- ✗Wyze has discontinued the v3 and lists the Cam v4 as its replacement
- ✗Person/vehicle/pet/package alerts need a Cam Plus subscription
- ✗Outdoor use needs a separate outdoor power adapter (v3)
Best for:
An inexpensive indoor/outdoor camera with local microSD storage
Our take
Start with one assistant device (Nest Hub or Echo Dot), add a couple of smart plugs, then lighting. Leave cameras for last and check which features need a subscription before buying.
Frequently asked questions
What's the best first smart home device?▼
Do Philips Hue bulbs need a bridge?▼
Do Wyze cameras need a subscription?▼
Compare smart home devices on Amazon
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Browse smart home devices on AmazonSources
Checked on 2026-10-28.