Are Smart Home Devices Worth It

Are smart home devices worth it? On most of my home automation videos I get questions asking why do we even need smart homes? I’ve spent years building out my smart home, adding lights, switches, locks, cameras, water sensors, motion sensors, voice assistants, and even more devices. Let's take a look at four of the big reasons why so many of us do it.

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[davidwright]

I really love my smart home stuff. The main reason that I got into SH is that it gives me something constructive to do. I really enjoy making things work just the way that I need them to. You were correct about the Harmony. When I sit down on the couch and press one button, it turns on the TV, receiver and whatever else needs to come on plus the table lamp, the TV backlight and the ceiling fan. All this from one button press. Awesome. I think the Harmony is the best SH thing that I have invested in. Any time I want to add something to my SH the wife says "do we really need that" and then after a few months of use she changes her tune. She also likes the SH. Thanks for your videos and comments, they are pretty spot on.

[johnmcnaught]

I used to think such gadgets were the toys of the hobbyists, but I've come around and see the benifits. For the physically challenged it's a godsend. As I'm old now and becoming ancient, I grudgingly admit some of these technologies may be in my future.

[rabaanum]

Now this is exactly the kind of video I didn't even know I was looking for! Thank you for making this. It helped take me off the fence 👌🏽

[ShaneCreates]

Great video! My favorite aspect of a
Smart home is automations. In my opinion, that’s where you can really notice the added convenience on a day to day basis.

[gordoa]

Thanks for always making videos that are always on point. And you get it!! To your continued success!

[lucidmoses]

I used to be into smart homes. Still have a bunch of modules but I found three problems with them.
1) Life has too many exceptions to the rule. i.e. No I don't want it to turn on the hall light when I enter if the kids have left there door open.
2) Reliability. for example. Far to often the system thought the light was on when it in fact was not.
And that brings me to;
3) Way too much time fiddling with the system. Replacing old modules with new ones due to tech changes, To much time setting up and changing the programming. I don't want to spend two hours a day fiddling with software to save 5 minutes.
So, now I use a few simple standalone things. Programmable thermostats for the House and bathroom floor. An automated lights for the downstairs and outsides steps. And a smart remote for the entertainment system.
So, far from automation free, but scaled back.

[randyrice]

Another excellent and helpful video. Convinced me that there are things I would like in the house I'm going to build. It has lots of windows and voice controlled shades to open/close them all at once would be wonderful.

[daluvofnikki]

I am all in. If I had a newer house I would be going all in even further. My house is a bit old so I am struggling a bit, but it hasn't stopped me for going all in as much as I can. I have Security Cameras, Smart Speakers, a Smart Lock, Smart Plugs, Smart Bulbs, Smart Motion Sensors and a RoboVac.


I love smart home devices. I have never considered them as "Toys" and I honestly don't understand why some people see them as such. There will always be new tech. The light bulb replaced, candlesticks, lanterns and oil lamps. The electric water and gas heaters replaced fireplaces that once heated our homes. Being able to control your heat using a thermostat was unheard many, many years ago. Now you can set the temperature in your home. Sinks in your home weren't always a thing. You had to go outside to a well to get drinking water and water to wash and clean your clothes. The washing machine replaced hand washing boards and the dryer replaced the clothes line outside in your yard or the back of your house. Technology is always improving the way we do things. Smart Home devices are no different. They just improve the way we are doing things in our day to day lives. Now I am not old enough to have used any of the aforementioned things, but I know they existed. My Grandparents (God Rest Their Souls) could tell a story or two about not having a sink inside of the house, having to wash by hand all of the time, cutting wood for the stove so they could cook. I grew up knowing nothing of the sort. Children today will know nothing but being able to control their home's with the tech coming out now. My Niece is 5 yrs old (loves tech) and by the time she is 15. Most of the tech that some people are turning their noses up at will be mandatory in new homes being built. The office buildings they will be working in will have some of this tech installed.


I am glad you touched on what a game changer this technology is for the differently able community. People who cannot speak, people who cannot walk, people who cannot move will all benefit from these new technologies.

[johnmiller]

Literally just found you Matt and this series. I really like what you’re doing and how you get a potentially complex topic across in a straightforward no nonsense way. I have a few basic smart home devices - Nest thermostat, Echo Dot, smart plugs, ring door bell - and want to expand so your series is perfect to point me in the right direction. I’m hooked!!

[technologymusings]

I totally respect the reasons why one would add smart home devices, but my preference is still to utilize high quality non-networked devices that won't become obsolete as web backend change or app development stops. For example Lutron's Caseta switches can be used and paired with additional Pico switches without requiring a hub.

[AnimalFacts]

I'm not in yet... but I do like the lighting, ac control and the idea of things like water leak sensors.

[ahale]

Thank you, Matt! Great video as always. I had never considered the accessibility benefits to smart home technology. Your videos are always good food for thought.

[bradto]

I really enjoyed watching your video yesterday. I was struck by your comment about a smart home should be doing things automatically instead of one doing things with a smart phone or smart screen. I realized I haven't been using my smart home devices effectively. I am now letting my motion sensors turn off my lights, and I feel more relaxed and not obscessed about my lights. Much thanks!

[menock]

I do like how the price of smart home products have come down. It is a great idea for people with special needs to be able you run things when mobility is a challange. Recently my father-in-law couldn't walk from a knee injury. If their home was automated things would have bee so much easier. But seems that generation has a hard time making that switch. I love it, being able to control lights when not home to make it appear someone is home along with my security cameras bring huge peace of mind. Thanks for another great video, keep them coming!

[DamionOrona]

Another great video and thanks in advance. Always on key!!!

[rudikessler]

Good overview on aspects, thanks Matt. I use SH devices to a certain extent. Thermostates saved me a lot of money and this has paid off within a year. Returning home from a business trip earlier than planned and turning on heating while waiting at the luggage belt is helpful.
Accessibility is an overlooked aspect, we don't care unless we are concerned.

[kaitlyn__L]

Oh thank you for bringing up the accessibility stuff!! All of my personal uses are in that realm, and I agree that marketing focuses way too much on convenience.

It's a common refrain, that what is merely convenient for most will be life enabling for some. Some of those spurious infomercial products that people make fun of were just overstock of accessibility aids, in fact.

So I really appreciate your going into how "well I can just go to the light switch, what's the point" doesn't always apply to everyone, and so the products aren't inherently expensive useless toys. I see a lot of people lambasting IoT like "who needs to have their phone trigger a [device]", and it's so obvious they think the answer is no one.

And to that matter, a hundred or so years ago, electric lights were the pointless luxury, because people were fine with lighting oil lamps or gas lights when it got dark. It was only a few decades past initial availability that they came to be seen as crucial for safety and comfort. People scoffed at the idea of wanting to quickly put a light on and off again, but people nowadays will hardly think control of their lights with a switch was a luxury.

[decline]

I bought a smart lock after I got my Tesla, and not ever having to carry keys has been so freeing.

[royrodriguez]

Great content, superb editing and lighting! Love your videos so far.

[jsouto]

We do it because we like innovation. Those that dont are well within their right as an individual. However, those that condemn the technologies because "old school" works just fine, should consider how they got to see this video and their current standard of life....We MUST keep pushing tech forward....