Smart home technology is no longer a futuristic fantasy; it’s rapidly becoming the norm. By 2025, nearly 90% of U.S. households will use some form of smart device, and that number is expected to climb to 99% by 2029. But with countless options flooding the market, which devices actually deliver on their promises?
Instead of relying on expert opinions, we asked you, our readers, to weigh in. The results of our first-ever Readers’ Choice Awards reveal which brands are truly winning in the smart home space.
The Devices You Trust: Key Findings
Our survey, conducted from November 2024 to March 2025, uncovered clear favorites across key categories. Here’s what our readers had to say:
Security Cameras: Blink Takes the Lead
With 62% of households using outdoor cameras and 36% indoors, security is a top priority. Blink emerged as the winner, scoring 7.8 out of 10, narrowly beating Ring and Wyze (both 7.7). While Ring is popular for ease of setup, privacy concerns remain a significant issue for many. Readers praised Blink for its affordability, ease of use, and free cloud storage. Wyze was rated best for cost, but its audio quality and motion detection lagged behind.
Smart Assistants: Google Still Reigns Supreme
Smart assistants act as the central nervous system of the smart home. Google dominated our survey, edging out Amazon Alexa by a narrow margin. Readers valued Google’s superior question-answering capabilities, while Alexa remains a strong contender for routine tasks and integrations. However, frustrations with voice recognition errors and syncing issues were common across both platforms.
Smart Lights: TP-Link Shines Bright
Philips Hue, the premium brand, holds a strong reputation, but TP-Link emerged as the overall favorite, offering a compelling balance of price and performance. Readers appreciated TP-Link’s affordability, while acknowledging Hue’s higher price point. It’s worth noting that TP-Link has faced scrutiny for security vulnerabilities and aggressive pricing practices.
Smart Vacuums: iRobot Keeps Things Clean
The choice between iRobot and other brands comes down to simplicity versus advanced features. iRobot dominated our survey, with readers favoring its ease of use and reliability. Some preferred simpler models over high-tech options, emphasizing convenience over complexity.
What Readers Are Saying
Beyond brand preferences, our survey revealed common pain points:
- Motion Detection Delays: Many readers complained that security cameras don’t record enough footage before motion is detected.
- Voice Assistant Errors: Frustrations with voice recognition errors and syncing issues remain a persistent problem.
- Complexity vs. Simplicity: Some readers prefer simpler, more reliable devices over feature-rich but complicated options.
The Bottom Line
The smart home market is booming, but the best devices aren’t always the most expensive or feature-packed. Our Readers’ Choice Awards reveal that affordability, ease of use, and reliability are key factors driving consumer satisfaction. As smart home technology continues to evolve, these preferences are likely to remain central.
The next survey will run in 2026
