Start Here: Your Smart Home Journey
New to smart home technology? This page is your roadmap. We’ll walk you through exactly what to buy first, how much to budget, and which ecosystem to choose — all tailored for UK homes.
What Is a Smart Home?
A smart home uses connected devices that you can control from your phone, voice assistant, or automated routines. In practical terms for a UK household, that means:
- Heating that adjusts automatically — saving £100–£190 per year on gas bills
- Lights that respond to your schedule — no more leaving them on all day
- A video doorbell — see who’s at the door from your phone, even when you’re out
- Smart plugs — kill standby power on devices that quietly drain electricity
You don’t need to rewire your house or spend thousands. Most people start with one or two devices and build from there.
Where to Start: The 3-Device Foundation
If you only buy three things, make it these. They cover the highest-impact areas (energy savings, security, convenience) and work together regardless of which ecosystem you choose.
1. Smart Plugs (£10–£15 each)
The cheapest, lowest-risk way to start. Plug one in between your TV and the wall socket, set a schedule, and stop paying for standby power overnight. A four-pack typically saves £30–£60 per year.
2. Smart Thermostat (£90–£250)
The single biggest money-saver. A smart thermostat learns your schedule, turns heating off when you leave, and lets you control your boiler from your phone. Most UK households save 10–15% on heating bills.
👉 Best Smart Thermostats UK 2026
3. Video Doorbell (£50–£180)
See visitors, delivery drivers, and unexpected callers from anywhere. Battery models need no wiring — just stick them to your door frame. Look for models with no mandatory subscription.
👉 Best Video Doorbells UK 2026
How Much Does It Cost?
| Device | Typical Cost | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Smart plugs (×4) | £40–£60 | £30–£60 |
| Smart thermostat | £90–£250 | £100–£190 |
| Video doorbell | £50–£180 | — |
| Total | £180–£490 | £130–£250/year |
Most setups pay for themselves within 12–18 months through energy savings alone.
Choose Your Ecosystem
Before buying anything, decide which voice assistant you’ll use. This determines which devices work together seamlessly.
| Ecosystem | Best For | Starter Device | UK Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Alexa | Widest compatibility, budget-friendly | Echo Dot (5th Gen) | ~£50 |
| Google Home | Google users, Nest products | Nest Mini (2nd Gen) | ~£50 |
| Apple HomeKit | iPhone users, privacy focus | HomePod Mini | ~£99 |
Not sure? Try our Smart Home Setup Wizard — answer 4 questions and get a personalised recommendation.
Your First Week
- Day 1: Set up your smart plugs. Connect them to your TV, games console, and any device that stays on standby. Set a schedule to cut power overnight.
- Day 2–3: Install your smart thermostat. Most DIY-friendly models (tado°, Hive) take under an hour. Set your heating schedule and enable geofencing.
- Day 4–5: Mount your video doorbell. Battery models need no wiring — use the included adhesive mount or screws. Download the app and set up motion alerts.
- Day 6–7: Explore automations. Set your lights to turn on at sunset. Create a “leaving home” routine that turns off heating and locks the door.
What to Read Next
- Best Devices to Cut Energy Bills UK 2026
- How to Set Up a Smart Home on a Budget
- Best Security Cameras UK 2026
- What Is Matter? The Future of Smart Home
- Smart Home Savings Calculator — estimate your savings
- Compatibility Checker — check if your devices work together
Questions? Get in touch — we’re happy to help.