9 Best Gadgets to Make Your Home Smart

We’ve long gotten used to essential household appliances like washing machines and refrigerators. But science doesn’t stand still: manufacturers regularly launch new gadgets that replace manual labor, simplify daily routines, and bring more comfort to our homes. Imagine how cool it would be to come home from work and find the kettle already hot and your favorite slot on cookiecasino.com/fi ready for your first spin. This — and much more — is possible with smart devices. Here are the most useful smart home devices.

Smart Door Lock

A familiar scene: you’re standing at the door with heavy bags, unable to dig out your keys. Or you step out for a minute to grab a delivery, and the door locks behind you. A smart lock helps avoid these issues.

Functionality depends on the brand and model, but typical features include:

• Keyless entry and locking
• Access control (e.g., temporary codes for guests or a nanny)
• Intrusion alerts and activity logs (parents can get notifications when their child leaves or enters the home)
• Integration with other smart devices — for example, when everyone leaves the house, leak and gas detectors are automatically activated

Pros:
You can manage the lock remotely via a smartphone app, making it ideal for contactless guest check-ins when renting out your place. These locks often provide better security than traditional ones. Most also offer backup access with a physical key in case the electronics fail.

Cons:
Installation and replacement can be tricky — at the very least, the mounting holes must match your old lock.

Smart Sleep Pillow

This pillow monitors your health during sleep, evaluates sleep quality, and sends the data to a mobile app. You can also set an alarm that goes off during the lightest sleep phase — considered the most optimal time to wake up. Based on the analysis, the pillow might even remind you not to drink coffee at night or stay up too late.

Pros:

• Sleep tracking
• Nature sounds or music to help you fall asleep
• Monitoring of heart rate, breathing, and body movement

Cons:
Users report that the app is sometimes buggy: certain settings reset or can’t be configured with a single tap. The alarm may not ring exactly when scheduled — for instance, if you’re in deep sleep at 6:00 AM, it will wait until you’re in a lighter phase.

Robot Vacuum Cleaner

While not ideal for deep cleaning, this gadget is great for maintaining everyday tidiness. Depending on the model, it may sweep or mop floors.

Modern models vary in suction power, navigation, dustbin size, and more. Choose one based on your needs. For example, a two-story house might need a model with height sensors — so it turns back at the top of stairs instead of falling. Consider the coverage area too: a larger apartment may require a stronger battery.

Pros:

• Autonomous operation: maps the room, cleans, and returns to the dock
• Picks up dust, small debris, and pet hair
• Customizable via app: schedule, noise levels, no-go zones, etc.

Cons:
If you choose and set it up correctly, there aren’t many. The only routine tasks: cleaning the brushes and bin, refilling the water tank, and replacing filters.

Self-Cleaning Station

This is an upgraded version of a mopping robot vacuum. It comes with a base that not only charges the robot but also washes and dries the mop pads and empties the dustbin. The base usually includes clean and dirty water tanks and a dust bag. Some models connect directly to plumbing, eliminating the need to monitor tank levels.

Pros:
Besides standard robot benefits, this one is nearly fully autonomous. The owner only needs to occasionally clean the round brush and replace the dust bag and filter.

Cons:

• Price: usually double that of a regular robot vacuum
• Disposable dust bags: since these stations are still rare on the Russian market, it may be hard to find replacement bags for some models.

Smart Curtain Rod

Some people love falling asleep in darkness and waking up to sunlight. Regular curtains can’t provide that experience — if you close them at night, the room stays dim in the morning. If left open, you’ll be bothered by streetlights. A smart curtain rod solves this: curtains open and close automatically according to a schedule.

Pros:

• Multiple control options: voice command, remote, timer, or syncing with sunrise/sunset
• Adjustable curtain opening from 0 to 100%
• Touch-activated: a light tug triggers automatic opening or closing
• Quiet operation — most models stay under 35 dBA, which is as quiet as a soft conversation

Cons:

• Limited design options
• Only one power source — they run either on electricity or a battery, with no hybrid versions yet

Smart Light Bulb

Unlike traditional bulbs, smart bulbs offer added features:

• Timer-based or sound-based activation (e.g., clap control)
• Adjustable brightness and color
• Integration with other smart home systems like Alisa, Marusya, and others

Pros:
Customize lighting to match your mood — dim it for a romantic dinner or brighten it for reading. While you’re away, lights can turn on and off on a schedule to create the illusion of someone being home.

Cons:
The more advanced the device, the higher the risk of malfunction.

Touchless Trash Can

Equipped with motion sensors, these trash cans open when you bring your hand close. Some models let you adjust the distance for activation. The lid gently closes a few seconds later. A manual button allows you to keep the lid open longer, if needed.

Trash bags are securely fastened inside. Some models even automatically seal and replace the bags — once full, the bag is sealed, and an alert sounds.

Pros:

• Sealed lid prevents odors
• Wide range of bin sizes
• Some models include interior lighting for use in the dark

Cons:

• Not all models fit standard trash bags
• Runs on batteries or a rechargeable unit — you’ll need to monitor power levels
• Limited design variety

Automatic Pet Feeder

Pets with digestive issues often require 4-6 small meals a day. If you work long hours, an automatic feeder is a lifesaver. It dispenses food into a dish at scheduled times.

To prevent your pet from breaking into the feeder, the lid locks securely. Some models include voice recording: when food is dispensed, it plays a message from the owner calling the pet. For wet food, choose a feeder with a cooling feature to keep it fresh.

Pros:

• Adjustable portion sizes and feeding times
• Great for feeding pets while you’re away — from 1 to 90 days
• Airtight lid keeps food fresh
• Some models are designed for feeding multiple pets
• Wide variety of designs and feeding types available

Cons:
Feeder malfunction could leave your pet hungry. Battery levels must be checked regularly. If you’re away, it’s best to have someone check on your pet daily and ensure the feeder is working.

Keychain Tracker

To make the most of this gadget, install the app and pair it with your smartphone. Attach the smart tag to your keys, bag, wallet, or pet’s collar — it acts as a beacon.

To find a lost item, tap the app, and the tracker emits a loud sound. Some models work in reverse: pressing the button on the tracker makes your phone ring. Others can show the tag’s location on a map.

Pros:

• Lightweight and minimalist
• Loud alert sound

Cons:

• Runs on batteries — you’ll need to monitor the charge

Even the most unusual gadgets are finding their way into our homes. Devices once seen only in sci-fi books are becoming part of everyday life. These smart inventions are a clear sign that progress is moving at lightning speed.