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A connected home device is a physical product used in a home that connects to the internet or communicates with other connected devices to exchange information or enable remote control, monitoring, alerts, or automation. A thermostat you adjust from an app, a networked light bulb, and a security camera you can check remotely are all examples.
What makes a home device “connected”?
The defining feature is communication: the device can send or receive information over the internet, or communicate with other connected devices. That link may let you control it remotely, receive an alert, monitor what is happening, or automate an action.
This is a practical consumer definition, not a single universal boundary. The FTC’s 2015 description of consumer Internet of Things (IoT) devices excluded computers, smartphones, and tablets, while its staff report noted that IoT had no widely accepted definition. A phone can control connected home equipment without being classified as a consumer IoT device under that FTC framing. FTC description of consumer IoT · FTC staff report on IoT definitions
CISA uses a broad description of IoT or smart devices as objects connected to the internet, including household categories such as appliances, lighting, home assistants, and home security. Whether a particular product counts as a connected home device depends on both its networked functions and the context in which the term is being used. CISA Internet of Things (IoT) Tip Sheet
#1 Best Overall
- Echo Hub — An easy-to-use smart home control panel redesigned for your home. Arrange controls on your dashboard to quickly adjust devices, view cameras, start routines, and more.
- Customize your dashboard — Arrange devices into sections and resize them to focus on what matters most. Create a personalized layout that matches how your family uses their connected devices.
- Reimagined for your home - With an Alexa+ and compatible Ring subscription (sold separately), get Ring camera event summaries to stay in the know. Search your Ring footage using simple voice commands. Create routines by voice, activate modes to manage multiple devices at once, and chat with Alexa to easily control your smart home.
- Home security for the whole family — Use Echo Hub to easily arm and disarm your compatible security system, making it easy for everyone in your family to manage home security. Use the Alexa app and compatible cameras, locks, alarms, and sensors to check in while you're out.
- Works with thousands of Alexa compatible devices — WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, Matter, Sidewalk, and Thread devices sync seamlessly with the built-in smart home hub.
Which devices are connected in a home?
Ordinary household products become connected home devices when they gain networked functions. The category includes products used for climate control, lighting, safety, entertainment, and everyday tasks.
- Climate and energy: connected thermostats and appliances that monitor or manage energy use.
- Lighting and controls: networked light bulbs and other devices that let you control lighting or home energy functions.
- Safety and monitoring: security systems and internet-connected cameras that provide remote video or audio feeds.
- Entertainment and assistance: smart TVs and voice assistants.
- Appliances: household equipment that connects to the internet or participates in connected functions.
A device does not have to use a particular brand or platform to qualify. Its connected feature—not the product label—is what matters. The FTC’s consumer guidance and CISA’s tip sheet identify these kinds of household products as IoT or smart-device examples. FTC guidance on internet-connected devices · FTC guidance on buying or selling a smart home
Rank #2
- MEET ECHO SHOW 15 - A stunning 15.6" Full-HD (1080p) smart display that's perfect for your kitchen and ready to show you more. Use customizable widgets to keep your day on track, watch your favorite shows with Fire TV and powerful vibrant sound, and enjoy natural video calling, with 3.3x zoom and wide field of view.
- FAMILY ORGANIZATION HUB - See your top widgets at a glance, like your family’s calendars and to-do lists, local weather, smart home, and more.
- ALL YOUR FAVORITES, ALL RIGHT HERE - Built-in Fire TV unlocks endless entertainment, so you can enjoy your favorite content from thousands of apps like Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube, Apple TV, and more (subscription may be required). Fire TV remote included. Plus, now you can quickly add a device to play music with Active Media - start playing a song in the kitchen, then add the living room and bedroom on the fly.
- SMART HOME CENTRAL - Control smart devices with your voice or a few taps using the smart home dashboard. Easily turn on all your living room lights at once or check live camera feeds to see what's happening around your home.
- YOUR FAVORITE MEMORIES ON DISPLAY - Brighten your space (and your day) by turning your home screen into a photo slideshow that displays your favorite memories. Auto curate your images and show off your favorite family memories.
Is a smart TV or thermostat a connected device?
Yes, if it connects to the internet or other devices to exchange information or provide connected functions. A smart TV with networked features and a thermostat that can be monitored or adjusted through an app fit the definition. A product does not need to offer every possible feature: remote access, sensing, alerts, or automation can each be a connected function.
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Connectivity can make a home easier to monitor and control. You may be able to adjust a thermostat while away, check a camera feed, or have lighting respond automatically. Those features can also involve information being collected or transmitted, and an insecure device may create privacy or security risks. The details vary by product, so check what data it handles and what app, internet, or cloud functions it depends on. CISA’s discussion of IoT convenience and security · FTC security guidance
Rank #3
- Powered by SmartThings: Connect, monitor, and automate your home through the SmartThings app. Build a reliable, unified smart home using Samsung's proven ecosystem
- Matter + Zigbee Smart Home Hub: Supports the newest Matter standard plus Zigbee for lighting, sensors, plugs, switches, thermostats, and more - thousands of compatible devices. PLEASE NOTE: Z-Wave not supported
- Easy Setup with Wi-Fi or Ethernet: Get started in minutes using Wi-Fi or a wired Ethernet connection for apartments, houses, and expanding smart home systems - Z-Wave not supported
- Automations That Work for You: Create custom routines for security, lighting, comfort, and energy savings. Many local automations continue working even if your internet goes offline
- Wide Device Compatibility: Connect compatible smart devices from Aeotec and many other brands to build a unified system for lighting, voice control, energy management, and climate settings
What should you check before relying on one?
Consider what the device can do locally and what requires an app, internet connection, or cloud service. Also check what information it collects, whether the manufacturer explains software-update support, and which security and privacy controls are available. A device may lose some smart functions or become more exposed to security problems when manufacturer support ends; continued updates should not be assumed. FTC guidance on smart-device software updates
Secure devices already in your home
- Change default passwords or credentials, and use unique credentials where possible.
- Turn on two-factor authentication when the device or account offers it.
- Enable the device’s security features and install available software, firmware, and app updates.
- Disable features you do not use, or disconnect devices that are no longer in use.
These steps follow FTC consumer guidance for connected devices. FTC guidance on securing devices at home
Rank #4
- New size, more viewing area: The 11“ smart display features a vibrant Full-HD touchscreen with 60% more viewing area versus Echo Show 8 (2025 release), built-in smart home hub, AZ3 Pro chip for powerful performance, and Omnisense technology for highly personalized experiences.
- Content looks and sounds incredible: Watch shows on Prime Video, Netflix, and more on the vibrant Full-HD 11" screen and enjoy room-filling spatial audio, crisper vocals, wider sound stage, and up to 2x bass versus Echo Show 8 (2023 release). With Alexa+, find the name of that song you love and discover new shows based on your preferences.
- Your everyday assistant: The 11" display makes it easy to see recipes and calendars at a glance, find meal inspo, and manage your shopping lists. With Alexa+, find recipes based on foods you love, make reservations, order groceries, and more.
- Simple Smart Home control: Pair and control thousands of devices that work with Alexa without needing a separate smart home hub. Easily view your camera feeds. Manage lights, thermostats, and more using the display or your voice. With Omnisense technology, you can activate routines via temperature, presence, or visual ID detection.
- Crystal-clear video calls: Video calls feel natural on the vibrant 11" screen with a centered, auto-framing camera, 3.3x zoom, and noise reduction technology. Use live view to check in on your family, pets, and more while you're away.
What should happen to connected devices when a home changes hands?
Connected equipment can retain account access, settings, and personal information after a move. Before selling or handing over a home, make an inventory, remove your administrative access and personal data, reset the devices, and review privacy settings and permissions. Check whether each warranty and software-support policy transfers to the next owner. A buyer should confirm which devices are included and whether they can be securely set up under new accounts. FTC guidance for buying or selling a smart home
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