Still, replacing every appliance you own with a smart version could quickly get very expensive, so it makes sense to pick up smart tech at smart prices.
Best smart home deals right now
What is a smart home?
A smart house is a connected house. Its devices are on the same Wi-Fi network and can be controlled remotely via a smartphone or smart speaker with voice-command. Connected devices can range from TVs, thermostats, security cameras, to even kettles and toothbrushes. See our round-up of the best smart home devices here. Was: £349.99 Now: £247.95 (29% off) Controllable from your phone and with no monthly fee, the Yale Smart Home Alarm currently has £102 off. Was: £309.99 Now: £178.95 (42% off) Save £178 on this two-camera security set from Netgear, complete with free cloud storage for your recordings.
Alexa vs. Google Assistant vs. Siri
In our Echo Dot vs Google Nest Mini comparison, we found that Alexa needs questions to be phrased more carefully than the Google Assistant, but it performs better when it comes to shopping requests. In contrast, the Google Assistant is better at search-based questions. This split may seem obvious, but it’s useful to know when deciding which device best caters to your needs. On the Google side of things, the Google Nest Mini offers similar functionality and pricing to the Echo Dot. It also has larger counterparts in the Google Home and Google Nest Max, while the Google Nest Hub also packs a touchscreen display. Look for prices below these at sales events, or bundle deals, which you can usually get from retailers like Currys PC World or Argos. If you’re an iOS enthusiast, our colleagues over at Macworld UK also compared Siri’s performance on the Apple HomePod to the Echo and Google Nest. The HomePod is best if you primarily use Apple products and streaming services to start with. The HomePod isn’t compatible with all smart devices though, so you’ll have to be careful which devices you buy. Apple does list products compatible with its HomeKit ecosystem, which you can see here.
Do I need Alexa or Google Assistant to run smart home devices?
You don’t necessarily need a smart assistant to have a connected smart home. Smart assistants allow you the freedom of voice-free control, but you can just as well control the smart device from your phone. Most smart devices have dedicated apps (or even remotes) that control settings and functions.
Smart home deals: What to expect
Third-Party speakers deals
Third-party speaker manufacturers with smart support are also sometimes discounted, though they’re less aggressive. You can find portable smart speakers with Bluetooth connectivity too, such as the Ultimate Ears Megablast, which featured on our round-up of the best smart speakers.
Smart home – small gadgets
More expensive smart home products like thermostats and full lighting kits see big offers, but keep an eye on smaller products like smart plugs or single smart bulbs – the savings might be smaller, but if you’re planning on picking up a few it can really add up. For more inspiration, check out our guide to the best smart home tech, as well as our more specific and detailed round-ups of the best smart lighting, smart heating, and smart kitchen gadgets.
Where to find smart home deals
Most major electronics retailers sell smart home stuff, along with just about anywhere else that sells tech. Sign up for Prime now.
Argos Currys Very AO.com Tesco John Lewis
Best smart home deals of January 2020
When is Black Friday 2020 – should you wait for a better deal?
Black Friday will take place on Friday 27 November, immediately followed by Cyber Monday on 30 November. Traditionally the biggest sales event of the year, it may yet throw up some even greater tech deals – but with so much uncertainty around finance and retail, and no guarantees regarding what discounts we will see, we advise you not to wait: if you see a deal you like, on a product you need, and you can afford the outlay, buy it today. Was: £349.99 Now: £247.95 (29% off) Controllable from your phone and with no monthly fee, the Yale Smart Home Alarm currently has £102 off. Was: £309.99 Now: £178.95 (42% off) Save £178 on this two-camera security set from Netgear, complete with free cloud storage for your recordings. Tech Advisor’s Deputy Editor, Dom covers everything that runs on electricity, from phones and laptops to wearables, audio, gaming, smart home, and streaming - plus he’s a regular fixture on the Tech Advisor YouTube channel.
