Start Here: Smart Home Basics for Beginners
New to smart home gear? This page walks you through the decisions that matter most, in order: which assistant to use, what to buy first, and how to avoid surprise monthly fees. Every link goes to one of our research-based guides.
1. Choose your assistant: Alexa, Google or Apple
| Amazon Alexa | Google Assistant / Gemini | Apple Siri / Home | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best if you | Want the widest device support and shop on Amazon | Use Android, Google services and Chromecast | Use an iPhone and care about privacy and simplicity |
| Starter speaker | Echo Dot or Echo Dot Max | Google Home Speaker (the Nest Mini and Nest Audio were discontinued in 2026) | HomePod mini 2 |
| Works with | The most smart home brands | Most major brands | Fewer brands, growing fast with Matter |
Still unsure? Read Echo Dot vs Nest Mini and our best smart speakers under $100.
2. Know what Matter means
Matter is a shared smart home standard. A device with the Matter logo works with Alexa, Google Home and Apple Home, so you’re not locked in if you switch assistants later. Some Matter devices use Thread, a low-power network that needs a “border router”, which is built into many recent speakers such as the Echo Dot Max, Echo Studio, HomePod mini and some Nest devices. When in doubt, choose Matter.
3. What to buy first
- A smart speaker to control everything by voice: best smart speakers for home.
- Smart bulbs or plugs for the easiest win: best smart light bulbs (renting? see smart lighting for renters).
- A video doorbell to see who’s at the door: best video doorbells.
- Cameras, sensors and a smart lock when you’re ready: follow our 5-step security plan.
4. Watch out for monthly fees
Many cameras and doorbells only save video if you pay a monthly plan. Before you buy, check what works for free. Our guide to security cameras without a subscription lists the best options that record locally, and Ring vs Blink explains the plan costs.
5. When something goes wrong
How we can help
Browse every guide on our Buying Guides page, see how we review products, and check the smart home deals page before Black Friday. Shopping for someone else? See our best smart home gifts under $50.