Best Holiday Deals on Smart Home Devices

The SimpliSafe The Essentials SS3-01 security system is one of the best options out there for DIY home security. It receives above-average ratings across the board, with the exception being a less-than-ideal rating for data privacy (a common result for a majority of systems we’ve tested). Of course, the system also works with SimpliSafe’s security cameras, the CR-tested SimpliSafe Doorbell Pro SS3 video doorbell, and the smart lock. You can opt for self-monitoring or pay a subscription fee for professional monitoring. And you can purchase extra contact and motion sensors to cover your whole home.

Why it’s a good deal: Amazon and Best Buy are discounting a number of SimpliSafe bundles by about 40 percent. In addition to the kit above, Amazon is discounting 8-piece, 9-piece, 10-piece, and 12-piece kits.

If you’re looking for a home security system at a reasonable price, consider the Eufy 5 Piece Home Alarm Kit. It performs well in a number of our tests, including security essentials, motion detection, ease of setup, ease of use, and data security. Aside from working with Eufy security cameras, its feature set is a bit bare-bones; it lacks a battery backup, cellular backup, and sensors for smoke/fire and water leaks. Still, it’s a decent system that you can monitor yourself from the Eufy smartphone app or via Eufy’s professional monitoring service, which is priced lower than many competitors’ services at just $10 per month or $100 per year. You can also purchase extra contact and motion sensors to cover your whole home.

Why it’s a good deal: This security system bundle used to cost $160 but has been selling for $130. And if you use the code WS24BF5HAK, you’ll get $30 off.

The Ecobee Home Security Solution earns high marks in our lab tests for its strong data security and its ability to resist hacks. The system breaks the mold of your typical home security system; it doesn’t have a base station, a keypad, key fobs, a menu of specialized sensors, battery backup, or cellular backup. Instead, the system relies on the Ecobee Smart Camera or an Ecobee smart thermostat (not included in this kit), in concert with Ecobee’s motion and contact sensors. The system requires a minimum $5-per-month fee to function that also adds other features, such as 30 days of cloud video storage, smoke alarm detection, smartphone app controls, and voice control via Amazon Alexa and Apple Home/Siri. A $10-per-month plan adds professional monitoring.

Why it’s a good deal: This is the same discount we saw during Cyber Monday.

The Ring Alarm (second generation) is one of the best DIY home security systems in our ratings, performing well in our tests for ease of setup, ease of use, data security, security essentials, and more. The system works with Amazon Alexa for voice control, as well as Ring video doorbells and security cameras, allowing you to set them to automatically record any activity when the alarm goes off. If you sign up for optional professional monitoring, you’ll receive 60 days of cloud video storage for Ring cameras and doorbells as well as access to Alexa Guard Plus, a set of security features for Amazon Echo smart speakers that includes an emergency helpline you can call hands-free just by saying, “Alexa, call for help.” In addition to the bundles highlighted above, Amazon is discounting an eight-piece kit, a 14-piece kit, and an eight-piece kit with a Ring Indoor Cam. Best Buy is also discounting a nine-piece kit with a Ring Indoor Cam.

Why it’s a good deal: These full-featured security system kits are discounted anywhere from about 32 percent to 36 percent off list price. Existing Ring Protect subscribers can also receive an additional 10 percent discount either at Ring.com or Amazon (provided you’ve linked your Amazon and Ring accounts together).

If the idea of buying a security camera from a lighting company gives you pause, know that GE Lighting was recently acquired by the high-end home automation company Savant, so it knows a thing or two about security cameras. This Cync indoor-only model offers great video quality, strong data security, and speedy response time in our tests. It also features a microSD card slot for local video storage and a manual privacy shutter, which you can close if you don’t want the camera watching you while you’re home. Other features include voice and app control via Amazon Alexa and Google Home/Assistant, person detection, and monitoring zones.

Why it’s a good deal: This camera is about 30 percent off its usual list price, and just a few dollars more than we saw during the holiday weekend.

For a higher-end camera, consider the Arlo Pro 4. It connects directly to WiFi (no need for a hub) and features a built-in spotlight for color night vision, a rechargeable battery, a siren, and voice control via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. In our tests, it offered great response time for alerts, robust data security, and plenty of smart features. The only flaw is that its video quality doesn’t match its claimed 2K resolution. Cloud video storage and additional features (such as person, package, vehicle, and animal detection) require an Arlo Secure subscription.

Why it’s a good deal: The single camera is now only $17 more than its Prime sale price, and the three-pack is $20 better (though it was $20 less during Cyber Monday).

Want a floodlight camera for less than $100? The Wyze Cam Floodlight is the model for you. It receives high marks for video quality, data security, and response time in our tests. It also offers a good array of features, including color night vision, monitoring zones, a siren, two-way audio, voice and app control via Amazon Alexa and Google Home/Assistant, and a microSD card slot to store video footage without a subscription. A Wyze Cam Plus subscription can be used to store footage in the cloud and add object recognition for people, packages, vehicles, and pets.

Why it’s a good deal: Walmart’s price is the best available right now.

The Arlo Essential Wired Indoor Camera isn’t the lowest priced indoor-only camera, but it’s a great option for anyone who already owns other Arlo gear. In our tests, it offers decent video quality, speedy response time for alerts, strong data security, and plenty of features, such as monitoring zones and voice and app control via Amazon Alexa, Google Home/Assistant, and Samsung SmartThings. Cloud video storage and additional features (such as person, package, vehicle, and animal detection) require an Arlo Secure subscription.

Why it’s a good deal: This is the same discount we saw during Amazon’s Prime Early Access Sale.

Arlo’s smart floodlight camera sets itself apart from other models in design alone. The sleek device doesn’t immediately give itself away as a security cam, and because it runs on a rechargeable battery, you won’t have to worry about pesky wires. The camera records a 160-degree angle in 2K (with high dynamic range, or HDR), though our tester found that the quality wasn’t quite as sharp as 2K ought to be. It also has two-way audio and color night vision. You have to pay for a subscription if you want motion detection alerts, though, and we found that setup was a little troublesome, resulting in a call to customer service to get things running smoothly.

Why it’s a good deal: This camera is on sale for more than 35 percent off its list price.

The Eufy SoloCam S40 is the first security camera CR has tested with a built-in solar panel to recharge its battery. In our tests, it offers superb video quality and data security, as well as speedy response times. The camera doesn’t offer great data privacy, though, which is common among these devices. It features monitoring zones; person alerts; voice and app control via Amazon Alexa and Google Home/Assistant; a built-in siren; color night vision (thanks to its built-in spotlight); and 8 gigabytes of memory to store footage locally.

Why it’s a good deal: Amazon has this camera on sale for the lowest price we’ve seen all year, while Eufy is taking $70 off when you use the on-page coupon.

The TP-Link Kasa Cam KC120 is a CR Best Buy thanks to its combination of great performance and price. This TP-Link offers impeccable video quality and response time, as well as strong data security. The camera’s features include monitoring zones, voice and app controls via Amazon Alexa and Google Home/Assistant, two-way audio, and a magnetic mount. Video clips can be stored in the cloud by subscribing to a Kasa Care plan, but this camera comes with a free two-year cloud storage plan that gives you a rolling two days of video storage.

Why it’s a good deal: This camera is 50 percent off its list price, making it the lowest price we’ve ever seen.

The TP-Link Kasa Smart KL125 smart bulb offers the best bang for your buck among the 10 smart lightbulbs we’ve evaluated. It retails for $15 per bulb and offers a great array of colors and dimming performance that come awfully close to the pricier Philips Hue. The bulb also works with Amazon Alexa, Google Home/Assistant, and Samsung SmartThings for voice and/or app control.

Why it’s a good deal: This is a solid discount, especially because it’s just $1 more than you’d pay for a single bulb—a four-pack is just $30.

If you like a lot of light, the Wyze Bulb Color offers a higher 1,100-lumen count for brightness for about the same price as many competing 800-lumen bulbs. In our evaluation, it displayed impressively bright colors, as well as great white tuning (the ability to change from warm to cool white) and dimming. Its only downsides are a clunky setup process and somewhat laggy responsiveness. But if you can look past those flaws, the Wyze Bulb Color is still a great option, thanks to its array of automation features and support for both Amazon Alexa and Google Home/Assistant.

Why it’s a good deal: Amazon and Best Buy are discounting a two-pack of the Wyze Bulb Color by about $7, netting you a savings of 26 percent. Amazon currently won’t be able to ship for a month or two, so Best Buy may be the better choice.

Interested in a smart lock but tired of hubs and dongles? The August WiFi Smart Lock is one of a growing number that connects directly to WiFi, with no hub needed. This August is also a retrofit model, meaning it replaces only the interior side of your deadbolt, so you can keep your existing keys. It performs quite well in our tests, including those for ease of remote access and convenience features. Those features include auto-locking and unlocking, voice and app control (via Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit/Siri, Google Assistant, and Samsung SmartThings), access logs, electronic keys, and a door sensor.

Why it’s a good deal: This is a solid discount, beating its Prime Day sale price from July by $50.

The Kwikset Premis 919TRL 15 SMT is best for iPhone users because it works with Apple’s HomeKit smart home ecosystem and Siri digital assistant. In our tests, the Premis was very resistant to kick-ins and lock picking, but it’s susceptible to attack from a cordless drill. Still, this lock comes with some very helpful features, including an access log to keep track of who comes and goes, a tamper alarm, an auto-lock feature, and the ability to create and share PINs with others. Just note that because this lock uses Bluetooth and HomeKit, you’ll also need an Apple TV, Apple HomePod, or Apple iPad (that’s constantly plugged into an outlet) in your home to control the lock remotely.

Why it’s a good deal: This is within a few dollars of the best price we’ve seen.

The August Smart Lock is a retrofit model, meaning it replaces only the interior thumb-turn side of your home’s deadbolt. (The benefit of this solution? You can keep your current house keys and let the exterior side of the deadbolt continue to match your front door’s knob or handle set.) This August model does quite well in our tests, especially when it comes to its ease of connectivity and many convenience features. Those features include auto-lock, auto-unlock, an access log to track who comes and goes, and electronic keys for guests. However, this deal doesn’t include the August Connect WiFi Bridge, $79, which adds remote control via the August app and voice control via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

Why it’s a good deal: This smart lock is about $28 off its usual list price.

The Bosma Aegis retrofit smart lock receives high scores across the board in our tests, including for its ease of remote access. It also comes with plenty of features, such as auto-locking, auto-unlocking, voice and app control via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, electronic keys, an access log, a door open/close sensor, and a tamper alarm to warn you of a possible break-in.

Why it’s a good deal: With the on-age coupon, this smart lock is $54 off, matching the best price we’ve seen all year.

The Google Nest Thermostat is technically more of a WiFi-enabled programmable thermostat than a truly smart thermostat that learns your routine, but some people might prefer that. It offers great manual controls in our tests, as well as a few useful features, such as presence sensing to tell whether anyone is home, a smartphone app for remote control and programming, and voice control via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. 

Why it’s a good deal: This is a good discount. It was priced at about $100 during the last big sales, and it’s now on sale for about $10 less.

The Emerson Sensi Touch ST75 isn’t the most automated smart thermostat, but some consumers prefer a thermostat that doesn’t make changes on a whim. This Energy Star-certified model also does quite well in our manual operation tests. Its smart features include app and voice control with the four major systems (Amazon Alexa, Apple Home/Siri, Google Home/Assistant, and Samsung SmartThings), a color touchscreen, smart reminders for filter changes and maintenance, humidity readings, and a backlight for easy adjustments in the dark. Note: This thermostat requires a C-wire for installation (see our buying guide for more details).

Why it’s a good deal: This thermostat is $40 off its list price, netting you a savings of 24 percent.

The Google Nest Learning Thermostat has been around for a while, but it’s still one of the top models in our ratings, thanks to its impeccable automation skills. It also offers a ton of smart features, including an occupancy sensor, geofencing, and voice and app control via Amazon Alexa, Google Home/Assistant, and Samsung SmartThings. One note: If your current thermostat lacks a C-wire, you might also need Google’s wiring adapter to complete installation. It’s sold separately for $25 at Amazon, Best Buy, Google, and Walmart.

Why it’s a good deal: The thermostat is still available for the same price we saw during Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

The Eufy T8200 video doorbell is an all-around great option, with strong scores for video quality, response time, and smart features in our tests. Those features include 4 gigabytes of internal memory to save recordings (no monthly fees here!), monitoring zones, person detection, voice control via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, and the ability to leave recorded messages for visitors.

Why it’s a good deal: Use the code WS24BFVD2KW to get $80 off this doorbell, the same price we saw for Cyber Monday.

The Google Nest Video Doorbell (Battery) offers impressive data security, speedy response times, and decent video quality in our lab tests. It’s also one of few video doorbells to give you monitoring zones, object recognition (of people, packages, animals, and vehicles), and 3 free hours of cloud video storage without a monthly subscription. The doorbell works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, and has the option to be wired to a doorbell circuit for continuous power. Cloud video storage and additional features (such as facial recognition) require a Google Nest Aware subscription.

Why it’s a good deal: This doorbell is still available for its Cyber Monday price, matching the best price we’ve seen.

The Ring Video Doorbell Wired is the cheapest model in Ring’s lineup. In our tests, this bell received high scores for its video quality and data security, but we found its response time and free feature set a bit lacking. The latter mainly includes monitoring zones and voice control via Amazon Alexa. And while this doorbell needs to be wired for power, it won’t ring your home’s existing doorbell chime. However, if you already own an Amazon Echo smart speaker or display, it can act as a chime for the doorbell. Cloud video storage and additional features require a Ring Protect subscription.

Why it’s a good deal: This doorbell is currently 38 percent off at a handful of retailers. Best Buy is also selling this doorbell with a plug-in chime for $60, netting you a savings of $30.

The Arlo Essential Wired Video Doorbell didn’t perform as well as the battery-powered wire-free version in our lab tests, but the wired doorbell is still a worthy contender for your front door. It offers superb data security, decent video quality, and a good amount of smart features. Its only weaknesses are its sluggish response time for alerts and loading live feeds and its lackluster data privacy, but that’s a common issue with most doorbells we test. Its features include high dynamic range video, voice and app control (via Amazon Alexa, Google Home/Assistant, and Samsung SmartThings; Apple HomeKit requires an Arlo base station), monitoring zones, and recorded messages that will play if you can’t answer the door. Cloud video storage and additional features (such as person, package, vehicle, and animal detection) require an Arlo Secure subscription. 

Why it’s a good deal: It’s now on sale for almost 50 percent off, matching its Prime Day price. Amazon is technically out of stock, but you can still buy it this sale price—you’ll get an email when there’s an estimated shipping date, and you won’t be charged until the item ships. This might be a good option if you have a store credit or gift card at Amazon.

Want a battery-powered video doorbell that isn’t made by Amazon or Google? This Arlo model is a great alternative. In our tests, it receives high scores for its video quality and data security, but we found it to be a bit slow when it comes to its response time for alerts and loading live video feeds. Its features include a rechargeable battery, optional wiring contacts to wire it to a home’s doorbell circuit, high dynamic range for clear video in brightly lit or dark spots, and voice and app control via Amazon Alexa, Google Home/Assistant, and Samsung SmartThings. Cloud video storage and additional features (such as person, package, vehicle, and animal detection) require an Arlo Secure subscription.

Why it’s a good deal: This video doorbell is $10 less than its usual price, but $30 more than the best we’ve seen.

The TP-Link Kasa Smart KD110 is a great video doorbell for the money, with strong data security, fast response times, and decent video quality. It comes with a plug-in doorbell chime and features monitoring zones, voice and app control via Amazon Alexa and Google Home/Assistant, person detection, and local video storage using a microSD card (sold separately). Video clips can also be stored in the cloud by subscribing to a Kasa Care plan.

Why it’s a good deal: This doorbell is $18 off, netting you a savings of 30 percent.

The Arlo Essential Wired Video Doorbell didn’t perform as well as the battery-powered wire-free version in our lab tests, but the wired doorbell is still a worthy contender for your front door. It offers superb data security, decent video quality, and a good amount of smart features. Its only weaknesses are its sluggish response time for alerts and loading live feeds and its lackluster data privacy, but that’s a common issue with most doorbells we test. Its features include high dynamic range video, voice and app control (via Amazon Alexa, Google Home/Assistant, and Samsung SmartThings; Apple HomeKit requires an Arlo base station), monitoring zones, and recorded messages that will play if you can’t answer the door. Cloud video storage and additional features (such as person, package, vehicle, and animal detection) require an Arlo Secure subscription. 

Why it’s a good deal: It’s now on sale for almost 50 percent off, matching its Black Friday price.

If you hate that sinking feeling when you drive away and then wonder if you remembered to shut your garage door, you might want to consider giving it an upgrade with a Chamberlain MyQ Smart Garage Control. This affordable little gadget connects to your garage door motor and allows you to remotely open and close your door, see its open/close status, and schedule it to automatically close if it’s left open. While this device doesn’t really work with smart home systems (such as Amazon Alexa or Apple Home), it does work with the Amazon Key and Walmart+ InHome in-garage delivery services, which allow Amazon and Walmart drivers to leave packages in your garage to keep them safe from porch pirates.

Why it’s a good deal: This smart garage door opener is just $3 more than its Black Friday price.

The Meross MSG100 Smart Wi-Fi Garage Door Opener was the best smart garage door opener controller in our home evaluation. It was relatively easy to set up and install (though not as easy as the Chamberlain model above), and it worked flawlessly with all of the major smart home systems (Amazon Alexa, Apple Home/Siri, Google Home/Assistant, and Samsung SmartThings).

Why it’s a good deal: This Meross smart garage door opener is $5 off with the on-page coupon. It was $10 off for Black Friday, so it’s not the best discount we’ve seen, and may get cheaper again later in the month.