Google Assistant Smart-Home Starter Kit

The Google Nest Audio produces decent bass for its size and can be paired with another Nest Audio speaker to become a stereo set. The Nest Audio can play music on demand from YouTube, in addition to all the popular streaming audio services, and it responds quickly to voice commands and questions.

This small speaker is surprisingly loud for its size, and it has all the features the Nest Audio does despite a much lower price.

Home cooks and devoted Google app users who want to access Google Assistant via a screen will love this smart display. Its touchscreen makes watching video or video calls comfortable, as well as getting quick access to Google Calendar and Google Photos.

This mini smart display has the same abilities as larger Google Assistant–enabled models, minus a built-in camera (which may be a comfort for privacy seekers). The small size is a great fit for bedside tables, along with its new sleep-tracking abilities.

This smart plug is easy to use, cheap, and small enough to hide behind furniture. It also performs basic smart-plug tasks reliably and can track the amount of time you’re using electrical devices.

This weatherproof smart plug withstands snow, rain, heat, and dust, and it has two outlets that you can control independently.

This affordable bulb is easy to set up with Google Home and includes a collection of fun and useful modes and Scenes.

This dependable smart bulb has a great app and was the top performer at low light levels.

Nest’s most-advanced thermostat learns your habits and then creates an energy-efficient schedule. It features a large, easy-to-understand display and has wide compatibility with HVAC systems.

Ecobee’s top-tier model comes with the best remote sensor we’ve tested, a built-in microphone and speaker, Google for voice control, and an air-quality monitor.

One of the few smart thermostats able to control inefficient electric baseboard heaters, the Mysa model uses scheduling, geofencing, and an “Eco” mode to help you save money and energy.

This reliable, affordable dimmer switch uses Wi-Fi, so it doesn’t need a hub, and it’s easy to use both at the switch and in the app.

This traditional rocker dimmer (which, unlike a toggle switch, you don’t flip up or down) is reliable and inexpensive. The companion app has a few quirks, but the switch works well on Wi-Fi and is compatible with Google Home.

In addition to connecting over a reliable network, this model works with many smart-home devices, doesn’t require a neutral wire for installation, and has an easy-to-use traditional rocker paddle.

This doorbell sends fast alerts, captures clear audio and video, and offers free and paid subscription levels—including an option for 24/7 recording.

Arlo’s slick doorbell can alert you to people, packages, animals, and cars going by. Its wide, 180-degree field of view and square aspect ratio reduce blind spots so you can see people or packages.

Similar to our runner-up model, the Eufy Security Video Doorbell 2K offers a clear 2K image and options for cloud and local storage. However, it doesn’t need doorbell wiring, since it has a battery that can operate for up to four months on a full charge.

This easy-to-install, sharp-looking Schlage deadbolt works flawlessly, is intuitive to use, and provides robust security.

This fast, quiet, and largely friendly deadbolt replacement has an excellent fingerprint reader.

The top feature of this compact, versatile, and quiet smart lock is a fast (though sometimes faulty) fingerprint reader, and its rubber number keys will please most anyone.

A nearly identical model to our top pick, this keypad smart lock replaces a doorknob—not a deadbolt—with an accessibility-friendly lever handle.

This camera offers a sharp image, four choices for video storage, and a continuous recording option, and it can distinguish between different motions and sounds. It also costs less than many others with similar features.

The Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight is a battery-operated outdoor Wi-Fi camera that provides clear 2K images. And it can distinguish between people, animals, vehicles, packages, and general motion (though you’ll need to sign up for a subscription for those advanced features).

This smart controller is the most flexible and easiest to use for your yard or garden irrigation system.

The Orbit B-hyve XR is rugged and has on-device and local control. It is able to handle larger yards for less money than our other picks, though its app isn’t as easy to use.

This value-packed model doesn’t skimp on features but is suited for smaller yards or irrigation systems.