Smart home gifts are a great way to introduce someone to voice control and automation without a big project. The best ones are simple to set up and immediately useful.
We picked four easy-to-install gifts across Alexa, Google, and Hue ecosystems.
What to Look For
- Ecosystem: Match Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple Home if they already use one.
- Setup: Plug-in devices are easiest.
- Wi-Fi: Most devices need 2.4GHz Wi-Fi.
- Privacy: Speakers and displays with mic-off buttons give more control.
- Starter kits: A starter kit gives a complete experience in one box.
Our Top Picks
Amazon Echo Pop
Echo Pop is a compact Alexa speaker for bedrooms and small rooms, with a mic-off button.
An affordable first step into a smart home.
Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen)
Google's Nest Hub has a 7-inch touchscreen for smart home controls, calendars, photos, and video, with no camera.
Great for kitchens and nightstands.
Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance Starter Kit
Philips Hue is one of the most established smart lighting systems, and the starter kit includes color bulbs and the Hue Bridge.
A premium gift that transforms a room.
Kasa Smart Plug with Energy Monitoring (KP115)
Kasa's KP115 smart plug adds app and voice control to any outlet and tracks energy use.
A simple, useful upgrade for lamps and appliances.
How We Chose
We chose smart home gifts that are easy to install and work with popular ecosystems, across speakers, displays, lighting, and plugs.
Bottom Line
The Echo Pop and Google Nest Hub are the easiest smart home gifts. Philips Hue is the premium pick, and the Kasa smart plug is the best stocking stuffer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Philips Hue need a hub?
The starter kit includes the Hue Bridge, which unlocks the full feature set.
Will these work with Alexa and Google?
Echo Pop uses Alexa and Nest Hub uses Google Assistant. Hue and Kasa work with both.
Do smart plugs work with any device?
They work best with devices that turn on when power is supplied, like lamps.
Does the Nest Hub have a camera?
No, the 2nd Gen Nest Hub has no camera.
