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The 7 Best Smart Home Gadgets Of CES 2025
There's a lot to keep track of at CES: TVs, cars and AI (so much AI), but the latest innovations in smart home devices are always a huge draw. Homes are becoming increasingly complex places with a myriad of different products and platforms handling cleaning, entertainment, climate control and security.
Sure, there's the obvious hardware that makes an appearance in Vegas each year, like the 7 best robot vacuums we've seen, but there's also been a plethora of new products to serve those aforementioned sectors.
The Tom's Guide team has been walking the show floor for the last week and has been documenting their findings on our rolling live blog. So here are my seven picks of the most intriguing smart home gadgets we've seen at this year's show.
1. Lockly Styla
This smart lock is the obvious first pick for the best smart home innovation as we awarded it the best smart home device in this year's Tom's Guide CES Awards. Although we'll have to test it ourselves to see if it merits a place on the list of best smart locks, it's certainly one of the best-looking we've ever seen on first inspection.
The smart lock uses several different mechanisms for unlocking: A 2K security camera at the top, a doorbell button, a keypad with numbers that change position to deter thieves, an RFID reader and a fingerprint reader inside the handle (your index finger naturally touches it when taking hold) and a standard key lock.
The price is likely to be the most off-putting feature of this device, as it will cost a hefty $699 when it goes on sale. But as you'd guess from the name, this is a fantastic-looking device, and the elongated bar form factor will look great on a sleek, modern front door.
2. SwitchBot K20+ Pro
There are a lot of robot vacuums to choose from at CES, but one of the most interesting from a smart home perspective is the SwitchBot K20+ Pro. Why? This little robovac can dock with many accessories — a fan, an air purifier, a security camera, and an iPad holder, for example. This gives it enormous potential to be something of a smart home jack-of-all-trades.
For example, you could use it as a standard robot vacuum but then have it serve double duty as a patrolling sentry by attaching the security camera while you're out of town on a trip. What's more, because SwitchBot is opening up the underlying ecosystem, FusionPlatform, to third parties, we could have a whole family of attachments and automations to make this product even more useful in the future.
Pricing for the vacuum or the various modules has not been announced, but the company hopes to release some or all of the kit in May or June 2025.
3. Samsung Vision AI
Artificial intelligence had to make an appearance on this list at some point, and Samsung's announcement of Vision AI at CES 2025 had the company proclaiming it would create "adaptive, intelligent companions to simplify and enrich daily living."
While the primary usage seems to be putting it into the company's TV sets, it's also being used in more conventional smart home tech. Samsung is putting Vision AI into the Samsung Bespoke Smart Fridge from last year. The result is a refrigerator that can scan its own contents and analyze what's there to figure out what you're running low on. Helpfully, Samsung also announced a new partnership with Instacart, allowing said fridge to prompt you to easily order more groceries if it thinks you're running low. All the information is displayed on the 9-inch screen on the front of the fridge.
Vision AI lets the fridge recognize "up to 37" different kinds of food, including fresh fruit and vegetables. So, you'll soon have no excuse for not eating your recommended daily veggies.
4. Bird Buddy Petal camera
Want to know the kinds of insects that are making themselves at home in your yard? You'll want to check out the new Petal camera from Wonder — the company known for the Bird Buddy smart bird feeder.
The Petal uses a 4K, 12MP camera atop a flexible "stem" that will identify the insects that land nearby thanks to an AI the company calls Nature Intelligence. You'll get a notification on your phone when the camera spots something interesting, and you can interact with a chatbot to learn more about it, for example, whether you've got carpenter bees in your yard.
One neat feature is that you can accessorize the camera with a solar "leaf" that keeps its battery charged while interchangeable lenses will give you different views of these little botanical visitors.
According to Wonder, the Petal will be available in spring but pricing is yet to be announced.
5. AI Motion Pillow
One of the most significant uses of your home is sleep. There's been a whole heap of sleep-related tech on show at CES 2025, but the AI Motion Pillow will interest anyone who has to deal with snoring in the bedroom. The device uses high-quality memory foam and AI to try and position your head to prevent or stop snoring.
There are a lot of anti-snoring solutions out there but this is interesting because it's a non-invasive design. The smarts are in a small white box called the AI Motion System, which records sleep time and snoring to build a pattern. From there, it starts to learn when you start snoring and activate airbags inside the pillow to gently alter head position to stop it from happening.
6. Ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential
Take a look at the best smart thermostats you can buy and you'll see the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium tops our list. However, the downfall of the product is its $250 price tag — which was just addressed at CES 2025 with the introduction of the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential.
At $129 it's nearly half the price of the Premium model with only a few small trade-offs — like being made of plastic rather than nickel. Despite this, it retains one of the company's best features: compatibility with Ecobee's remote sensors so you can monitor the temperature and occupancy in multiple rooms to better manage how hot or cold you want your house.
This gives Nest a run for its money and is scheduled to go on sale in March at all major retailers. It'll also come with a 3-year warranty and is Energy Star certified.
7. Ring Smart Smoke Alarm
Ring is synonymous with smart home tech, but while it made its name in video doorbells, it's now branching out into smoke alarms. Announced at CES as part of a partnership with Kidde, the company's first smoke alarm will notify users in the event of a fire in their home.
If it picks up smoke, the detector will blast out a siren and send an alert to the Ring app. For additional safety, customers can sign up for a 24/7 Smoke & CO Monitoring service, where an agent will contact any emergency contacts you have in your Ring app, as well as the local police and fire departments.
The Ring Smart Smoke Alarm will be available in April exclusively through The Home Depot and will retail for $54.97. If you want to sign up for the monitoring service, that will be available on April 2 for an additional $5 per month.
More from Tom's GuideCES 2025: Smart Kitchen Gadgets Taking Cooking To A New Level
Brisk It Origin 940
photo by authorThe 2025 edition of the Consumer Electronics Show kicked off today with global leaders in every sector of the tech world meeting in Las Vegas to present their latest innovations.
Most of the innovation seen in smart cooking at CES this year revolves around built-in AI capabilities. AI in grills and countertop ovens, for example, can assist by providing inspiration for your next meal and to monitor the cooking status of food to ensure the product is cooked to perfection. The capabilities in each product range in the amount of work you actually have to do with your own hands.
Another apparent emerging trend in smart cooking is sous vide-style technology. Using proprietary technologies, several gadgets are using low temperature cooking by surrounding the food with steam rather than submerging in water. These all-in-one appliances also sear the food for you, making cleanup much easier, all in a fraction of the time that sous vide cooking would take.
Brisk It Zelos 450
Photo by author Brisk ItBrisk It is the first outdoor grill with built-in artificial intelligence capabilities. The company is rolling out its brand new Vera generated AI technology, which is designed specifically with grilling and cooking in mind. Through the app, you can scan your pantry and it will let you know what recipes you can make with what you're currently stocking. You can also input photos that you see on Instagram and it will tell you how to recreate it. Or, you can go (relatively) old school and just type in something like, "give me a burger recipe for 5 people, but one of them has a lactose allergy and nothing spicy." Within seconds, you're ready to grill.
In tandem with Vera, Brisk It revealed its new, more affordable grill at CES, the Zelos 450, which will hit the market next month for $399. If you already have the pro models, the Origin 940 ($849) and Origin 580 ($699), you will still be able to backwards upgrade the software to power it with Vera. Those models are larger, have an LED screen, and are easier to clean ash out of.
"It can be as passive or as active as you want it to be," Christopher Huang, Brisk It founder and CEO, tells me. Experienced cooks don't need to use the AI capabilities if they prefer not to, but still have a high-performance grill at their fingertips. "The automation software doesn't take all control away, in the same way Tesla self-driving autopilot doesn't completely take control away from you," Huang says. "But our connectivity rate for our purchasers is 94%," indicating that most customers do integrate the Vera component. The wood pellet smoker and grill can get as low at 165 degrees Fahrenheit, good for smoking, and as high as 500 degrees Fahrenheit, good for searing. It also detects unexpected scenarios, like forgetting to flip your food, and recognizes those errors to adapt the cook to make sure the food still comes out well.
Huang's goal with Brisk It is to create "one-click barbecue," from shopping through clean up. While there's still more than just one click necessary, Huang believes he is well on his way to making that happen through Brisk It. Brisket is the "holy grail" of barbecue and can be challenging to cook, inspiring the name Brisk It.
Dreo ChefMaker 2 and ChefMaker
Photo by author Dreo ChefMakerMost known for its portable space heaters and fans, Dreo is beginning to make a dent in the kitchen appliance market. Its flagship kitchen product, the ChefMaker Combi Fryer, takes the concept of sous vide with the functionality of an air fryer basket. The sleek interface has endless amounts of proteins to cook, along with personal preferences. The company has a patent on its water mist feature, which mimics a sous vide water bath. The steam cooks the meat at a low temperature and retains its moisture. It also sears the food once the steaming mode is complete. The ChefMaker also has an attached probe to monitor the internal temperature of the meat. A chef demonstrated cooking a steak filet, which took about 55 minutes before it was ready to eat (with some dry rub seasoning, it was simple and delicious). Depending on the water temperature plus searing it afterwards, a typical sous vide can take hours.
At CES, Dreo is introducing its ChefMaker 2, which is integrated with AI. While the product is more compact than the original ChefMaker ($359), the basket is bigger so it can cook more food at once. The original ChefMaker will upgrade with the AI integration once the product rolls out.
Agari Kitchen
Photo by author Agari KitchenThis kitchen appliance looks like a mini vault sitting on your countertop. What makes the Agari stand out from any other kitchen appliance is that it combines steam, pressure and artificial intelligence to create a professional-quality dish. Agari has a patent pending on a 3D scanning technology, where an infrared temperature sensor and two cameras, which live inside the appliance, scan the raw food right when you place it inside. The touchscreen on top displays the food that it has identified inside, along with the food's size and shape to determine the type of cook and amount of time to cook it for. It essentially uses the AI component to recognize the food and then the proprietary technology to cook it well with a steam generator and pressure.
"You're not going to get that professional quality in a pressure cooker or an air fryer," cofounder and CEO David Velan tells me. "It's hard to get a good chicken breast that's juicy. In the Agari, you can get a moist chicken breast with a sear in about 20 minutes." That's largely because the round shape makes it ideal for high pressure and low temperature cooking. It claims to retain juices better than a pressure cooker, or even an air fryer or classic sous vide for that matter. What also makes it different is the double-wall pressure design, which is also patent pending. It heats up in under a minute and sears both sides of the meat before you're ready to eat it.
The product launches on Kickstarter in April for $849 (plus a discount for Kickstarter purchases) and is expected to sell commercially shortly after.
Chef iQ Mini Oven
photo by author Chef iQ Mini OvenAt CES, Chef iQ debuted its iQ Mini Oven, which is expected to hit the market next month. While there's no superfluous AI integrated, the smart oven connects to an app that guides the oven how to cook specific recipes. With many settings from air fry, broil, toast and reheat, the iQ Mini Oven is an ergonomic and aesthetic appliance that could easily become your go-to in the kitchen. While it provides guidance if you want it, you aren't going to be overwhelmed if you just want to throw in a piece of bread and toast it. In fact, the app has a neat sliding scale for how golden you want your toast or bagel to turn out.
The edge-to-edge glass door makes the iQ Mini Oven seem larger than it really is. The inside turns a bright white light, and through the glass door, you can clearly see how your food is looking mid-cook, much better than a conventional oven. There are also small lights on the inside of the door that direct you where to place the metal tray for the type of cook you're aiming for.
The iQ Sense probes are sold separately, but are necessary to get the full function out of the mini oven. They come in different lengths for different protein thicknesses and pair with the recipe that you're cooking in the mini oven. The charging case is also a speaker, so it rings out to you when you've reached your desired internal cooking temperature.
Chef AI team at CES 2025
photo by author Chef AITwo years into building the AI-integrated cooking technology, cofounders Maxwell Deng and Martin Khormai debuted Chef AI at CES 2025. Their goal is to make cooking a simpler process for everyone and making it as close to a hands-free process as possible. While they debuted the software in the form of a smart oven, Chef AI is a technology that can be integrated into most cooking appliances.
The Chef AI technology includes weight sensors built into the legs of the product, essentially making the appliance one big scale. Along with a built-in thermal camera, this allows the system to understand what's cooking inside, down to the olives on a pizza, so you don't need to input you're cooking. A custom chip receives that information so that it knows the time and temperature to cook that specific food without using a probe. It is also able to detect calories, sodium and other macros in the food. The only button that would be needed is a start/stop button. All other settings like the mode (bake/broil/air fry) are chosen on an app. The door opens automatically and closes once you walk away from it. The team at Chef AI demonstrated their own smart oven integrated with Chef AI at CES, but their goal was to meet trusted home appliance brands who may be interested in integrating it into their already-existing products.
Figo sous vide machine
photo by author Figo Sous VideWhat makes Figo different than any other sous vide system is its built-in refrigeration system. Figo is not a precision cooker wand that gets attached to a larger vessel that gets filled up with water. It solves a lot of the problems that people have with sous vide due to its long cook time.
The process starts like normal: vacuum-sealing your food in bags, which are included. A vacuum hose is attached to the Figo. The bags get placed inside the chamber, which is empty to start, and you fill the water into the tank attached to the back of the machine. If you don't want to start the sous vide right away, you can leave your food inside and the machine will keep it cold. This lets you use it like a slow cooker, which people often like to start before heading off to work, then it's ready when they get home. The Figo allows you to set a time that you want the refrigeration to stop and the sous vide cooking to start. Once it starts, water fills up from the bottom of the chamber. Once it's done cooking, the water drains back into the tank. It's also able to cool down at that point if you're still not ready to eat it. You can control it all from an app. You will have to sear it afterwards yourself to get a crust on your food. Figo debuted at CES and is now available direct-to-consumer for $399.
5 Smart Home Gadgets That Are Very Easy To Set Up
By Adnan AhmedJan. 5, 2025 1:45 pm ESTWe've gone from big workstations being converted into protable laptops, and then into smartphones that we carry around in our pockets. We find tech in cars, as wearables, or at the gym. There has, therefore, been a spike in demand for smart homes. It really doesn't take a lot to convert a regular home into a smart one — just the right kinds of gadgets.
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From thermostats that automatically control the coziness in your house to RGB light strips that react and dance to the music you're playing — there are several must-have devices to transform your house into a smart home. Sometimes, though, these products can be complex in what they offer, and end up requiring comprehensive installations.
After all, the joy of using a new gadget just by plugging it in and turning a few switches should be experienced by all. You'd be surprised to find out just how many of these devices exist that seem pretty simple to install, but can make a sizeable difference in converting your abode into an intelligent one. This is why we have compiled a list of some excellent smart home devices that are easy to set up. You can find out more about our methodology at the end of this read.
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Govee Smart Light BulbsLight bulbs that connect to your phone and can cycle between different colors are some of the most inexpensive smart home devices you can buy. With a 4.6-star rating on Amazon, the Govee Smart Light Bulbs come as a four-pack for $34.99, but you can grab a single piece for $12.99, too.
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Each light bulb is capable of over 16 million colors, which you can pick on your phone. There are dedicated scene modes built into the app that play well at different times of the day. Govee's lights are also compatible with Amazon's Alexa and the Google Assistant, so you can simply use voice commands to control them. Other features include a timer and automatic scheduling to turn them on during the night, and back off when you're heading to sleep. Party freaks will have fun playing with the music sync mode.
When it comes to installation, it really doesn't get easier than this. All you need to do is screw in the bulb, grab the Govee Home app that's on iOS and Android, turn the switch on, and tap the "+" button in the app to start searching for the device. For most of these smart home devices, you need to be connected to a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi band. Also make sure your lamp or light fixture supports the same base as any smart light bulbs you're buying.
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Amazon Smart PlugThe simplest of smart gadgets are devices that you can turn on or off remotely. While the majority of tech-infused appliances now share this functionality, there is a way to bring this feature to any non-smart device you have at home — courtesy of the Amazon Smart Plug. While there are loads of other options at varying prices that you can buy and be perfectly happy with, this one just works. Besides, with over half a million ratings and a price tag of $24.99, this smart plug does everything you need and nothing you don't.
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Setting it up is easy. Just plug this in your wall socket, and add the device using the Alexa app on your phone. From there, simply plug in any appliance and turn its switch on like you normally would. You will now be able to control this product through the Alexa app, by turning the smart plug on or off. Whether it's a kitchen appliance or an expensive lamp that you wish to automate, using your voice commands to control the smart plug is all you'll have to do.
Echo Dot 5th Gen Smart SpeakerAmazon is one of the major speaker brands, and its Echo lineup of smart speakers has always offered good value. The Echo Dot 5th Gen retails at $49.99 and brings the perks of Alexa to your home. This specific model has over 100,000 ratings, with an average score of 4.6-stars on Amazon.
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The Echo Dot can be connected to Spotify, Apply Music, and other services — including the in-house Amazon Music platform. You can also connect it to your phone via Bluetooth and play audio through any app. Aside from being a smart speaker, you can use Alexa with the Echo Dot to control other smart devices in your home. The speaker comes in three elegant-looking colors, and has buttons to control the volume and microphone. There's a ring light near the bottom that serves as a privacy indicator, too.
Setting up your Echo Dot is straightforward — all you need to do is plug it to a convenient wall outlet, and add it to the Alexa app on your phone. Picking the right spot for a smart speaker like the Echo Dot is crucial, something that's good for both the acoustics and wireless connectivity.
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Chromecast with Google TVThe original Chromecast was launched in 2013, and it eliminated the need to invest in an entirely new smart TV. We've seen several generations of the product since then, including the Chromecast with Google TV. Even at face value, it can convert your regular television into a smart one — with access to Wi-Fi, and several streaming apps. But there are many other Chromecast features that make it a device worth buying. The 4K version will cost you $49.99, but there's a cheaper HD variant that you can pick up if your TV only supports resolutions up to 1080p. The product has over 30,000 ratings and a score of 4.6-stars on Amazon.
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Beyond watching your favorite movies and TV shows, you can control compatible smart home devices using voice commands. Not many devices are easier to set up than a Chromecast. The stick with the cable goes into the HDMI port on your TV, and the remote controls the entire experience. Once you connect the Chromecast to your TV, make sure you switch sources to the associated HDMI input. The remote also requires two AAA batteries to work, which are included in the package.
Blink MiniIntroducing an indoor camera in your home can significantly level up the security of your family and belongings. At just $29.99, the Blink Mini is one of the most affordable ways to get started. It's trusted and has nearly 300,000 ratings, with an average score of 4.4-stars on Amazon. You can also pick up the newer Blink Mini 2 that retails at $39.99, which features an LED spotlight and weather resistance, making it viable to use outdoors.
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The camera features both day and nighttime recording, and has support for two-way audio and motion detection. You can view a live feed of the camera on your smartphone, or on any smart display that's connected through Alexa. Being so compact and low profile has its advantages — there are several places you can install Blink cameras, both inside and out. While there is support for saving video clips to the cloud, you will need to pay a monthly subscription.
As far as setup goes, the Blink Mini is perhaps the easiest security camera to configure. First, mount the camera on its stand, and connect it to power using the included cable. Then, launch the Blink Home Monitor app on your Android or iOS phone, create an account, and pair the camera.
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How these products were chosenFrom smart lights to speakers, there is an ever growing list of smart home devices you can buy. Some of these are plug-and-play solutions, while others, like a robot vacuum, require some effort with installation. For this list, we made sure to pick out items that were easy to set up, both in terms of complexity, and the number of steps.
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All products mentioned on this list are from reputed brands, and have amassed several thousand reviews by legitimate customers on Amazon. When shopping for gadgets to convert your home into a smart one, be sure to check for customer reviews, compatibility with your existing appliances or wall outlets, and any ecosystem advantages you can have through Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa.
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