Smart Home
Smart home setup, security systems, automation, home tech
Smart home gear is the rare home category where prices fall over time instead of rising. That makes the buying question less about affording it and more about which pieces are actually worth wiring into your house — and which ones become e-waste when a company shuts down a server. Security cameras, video doorbells, smart locks, thermostats, leak sensors and whole-home automation all sit here.
Our guides price full setups rather than individual gadgets, including the parts people forget: subscription fees for cloud video, professional monitoring contracts, the electrician visit for hardwired devices, and whether your insurer gives a discount for monitored systems or leak detection. We also cover the practical side of resale — most smart devices don't add appraised value, but a few (smart thermostats, hardwired security, leak shutoffs) do reduce your running costs enough to pay for themselves.
This section currently holds 9 in-depth guides and 1 state-by-state cost report. Everything is free to read, with no signup and no paywall.
Latest in Smart Home
Recently published & updated guides
Home Network & Wiring Upgrade Cost in 2026: Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and Whole-Home Connectivity
What it costs to upgrade your home network in 2026 — mesh Wi-Fi vs. wired Ethernet, structured wiring during a remodel, real price ranges, and whether connectivity adds home value.
Smart Thermostat ROI in 2026: Do They Actually Pay for Themselves?
A clear-eyed look at smart thermostat return on investment in 2026 — real payback math, rebates that change the equation, when they don't make sense, and how to maximize savings.
Using a Smart Home to Cut Your Energy Bills in 2026: What Actually Works
Which smart-home devices genuinely lower your utility bills in 2026, which are gimmicks, realistic payback periods, and how to automate savings without overspending on gadgets.
Home Office Setup Cost in 2026: What to Spend, What to Skip, and What Pays You Back
A real budget for building a home office in 2026 — desk, chair, tech, lighting, and the electrical work nobody mentions — plus how a remote-work room affects your home's value and bills.
Cost Guides
More Guides
Best Smart Thermostats 2026: Features, Costs & Energy Savings Compared
Compare the best smart thermostats in 2026 — Nest, Ecobee, Honeywell, and Amazon. Prices from $80–$350, annual savings up to $180, plus installation costs and utility rebates.
Smart Home Setup Guide 2026: What to Buy First (& What to Skip)
Building a smart home in 2026? Learn what to buy first, which ecosystem to choose (Alexa vs Google vs Apple), budget tiers from $200 to $1,500+, and common mistakes to avoid.
AI Home Design Tools 2026: Plan Your Remodel Before You Spend
The best AI interior design and home renovation visualization tools in 2026 — what they do, top picks, free tiers vs paid plans, real limitations, and how to use them to plan a remodel.
AI Home Valuation Tools 2026: How Accurate Are AVMs Really?
How AI home valuation tools and AVMs like Zestimate work in 2026, how accurate they actually are, and when to trust an online estimate versus paying for a real appraisal.
Best AI Tools for Homeowners 2026: Save Money on Your Home
The best AI tools for homeowners in 2026 across cost estimating, design, energy savings, security, and maintenance — what each is genuinely good at, where it falls short, and real costs.
How to use the smart home numbers on this page
Every cost figure we publish is a range, not a quote. National averages are a starting point for budgeting and for spotting a bid that's wildly out of line — they are not a substitute for getting three written estimates from licensed contractors or lenders in your own market. Labor rates, permit fees, material availability and local code requirements move these numbers more than anything else, which is why our project pages break costs down state by state instead of quoting a single national figure.
If you're early in the process, start with a calculator to get a ballpark, then read the guide that matches your situation to learn which line items are negotiable and which ones aren't. If you're already holding quotes, use the guides to check what should be included in the scope of work before you sign anything.