A smart home starter setup does not need to be complicated or expensive. The goal is to begin with a few reliable devices that work well together and are easy to manage day to day.
The recommendations on this page focus on simple, proven devices that are a good starting point for most homes using Google Assistant.
How to use these recommendations
Each section below covers a core smart home category. You can start with just one device type or mix a few, depending on what you want to automate first.
The budget picks work well for getting started. The HomeTechHacker recommendations balance reliability and features. The step-up options are better suited for people who want more flexibility or plan to expand over time.
Table of Contents
Smart Bulb Recommendations
Most people love the Philips Hue lights, but they do require an investment in the Hue ecosystem to get the most out of them.
Preview
Budget Pick
HomeTechHacker Recommendation
Step-up Pick
Product Name
Tapo TP-Link Smart Light Bulbs, 16M Colors RGBW, Dimmable, Compatible with Alexa and Google Home, A19, 60W Equivalent, 800LM CRI>90, 2.4GHz WiFi only, No Hub Required, L530E(4-Pack)
LIFX Color Smart Light Bulbs E26 (2-Pack), Matter Compatible RGB + Tunable White (800 Lumens), WiFi Dimmable Color Changing (2.4GHz), Compatible with Apple HomeKit, Alexa & Google
Philips Hue Smart Light Bulbs Starter Kit, Includes (1) Bridge, (2) 60W A19 Bulbs, White and Color Ambiance LED Color Changing Lights, 800LM, E26, Control with App or Voice Assistant
LIFX Color Smart Light Bulbs E26 (2-Pack), Matter Compatible RGB + Tunable White (800 Lumens), WiFi Dimmable Color Changing (2.4GHz), Compatible with Apple HomeKit, Alexa & Google
Philips Hue Smart Light Bulbs Starter Kit, Includes (1) Bridge, (2) 60W A19 Bulbs, White and Color Ambiance LED Color Changing Lights, 800LM, E26, Control with App or Voice Assistant
All of these have energy monitoring. I own the Tapo smart plugs and own and have reviewed the Shelly Smart Plug Plus.
Preview
Budget Pick
HomeTechHacker Recommendation
Step-up Pick
Product Name
TP-Link Tapo Smart Plug Mini, Matter Compatible, Compatible with Alexa, Google Home & Samsung SmartThings, Energy Monitoring, 15A, UL Certified, 2.4G Wi-Fi Only, Tapo P110M(2-Pack)
Shelly Smart Plug, Smart Home WiFi and Bluetooth Outlet with Power Metering, Works with Google Home, Alexa, Home Assistant, Smart Socket, No Hub, Easy Setup, Remote Control, Plus Plug US
Eve Energy (Matter) – Smart Plug, App and Voice Control, 100% Privacy, Matter Over Thread, Works with Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings
TP-Link Tapo Smart Plug Mini, Matter Compatible, Compatible with Alexa, Google Home & Samsung SmartThings, Energy Monitoring, 15A, UL Certified, 2.4G Wi-Fi Only, Tapo P110M(2-Pack)
Shelly Smart Plug, Smart Home WiFi and Bluetooth Outlet with Power Metering, Works with Google Home, Alexa, Home Assistant, Smart Socket, No Hub, Easy Setup, Remote Control, Plus Plug US
Our recommendation and the step-up pick are dimmers. The budget pick is great if you don’t need dimming. My review of the Brilliant Smart Control Light switch will give you more details on this elegant switch. If you are interested in a great solution that allows you to use your existing light switch or dimmer, check out my reviews of the Shelly 1 and the Shelly Dimmer.
Preview
Budget Pick
HomeTechHacker Recommendation
Step-up Pick
Product Name
TP-Link Tapo Matter Smart Light Switch: Voice Control w/Siri, Alexa & Google Assistant | UL Certified | Timer & Schedule | Easy Guided Install | Neutral Wire Required | Single Pole | Tapo S505
TP-Link Tapo Matter Smart Dimmer Switch: Voice Control w/Siri, Alexa & Google Assistant, UL Certified, Timer & Schedule, Easy Guided Install, Neutral Wire Required, Single Pole, Tapo S505D
Brilliant Smart Home Control (Plug-In Panel) — Alexa Built-In & Compatible with Ring, Sonos, Hue, Google Nest, Wemo, SmartThings, Apple HomeKit — In-Wall Touchscreen Control for Lights, Music, & More
TP-Link Tapo Matter Smart Light Switch: Voice Control w/Siri, Alexa & Google Assistant | UL Certified | Timer & Schedule | Easy Guided Install | Neutral Wire Required | Single Pole | Tapo S505
TP-Link Tapo Matter Smart Dimmer Switch: Voice Control w/Siri, Alexa & Google Assistant, UL Certified, Timer & Schedule, Easy Guided Install, Neutral Wire Required, Single Pole, Tapo S505D
Brilliant Smart Home Control (Plug-In Panel) — Alexa Built-In & Compatible with Ring, Sonos, Hue, Google Nest, Wemo, SmartThings, Apple HomeKit — In-Wall Touchscreen Control for Lights, Music, & More
Smart speakers and displays act as the central voice interface for a Google-based smart home. They enable you to control devices, run routines, and access information without needing your phone.
This page contains affiliate links. If you purchase an item using an affiliate link I will receive a small commission at no cost to you. Affiliates do not influence my recommendations. Read my disclosures for more information.
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