12 Smart Home Upgrades That Are Actually Worth Buying

Smart home upgrades can reduce wasted energy, simplify daily routines, and save time, whether they involve AI-enabled toothbrushes, voice-controlled hubs, or fast-charging accessories.

Turning a home from ordinary to connected can help recover small pockets of time throughout the day, while also trimming energy waste and replacing the hunt for remotes with smoother automated routines. Rather than sorting through endless gadgets and inflated promises, this roundup focuses on the products that genuinely earn their place. Each one aims to deliver practical value and may even free up around 10 minutes in a morning routine—time that could be used for just about anything else. Here’s a look at the devices that deserve attention.

12. Oral-B Electric Toothbrush with App/AI

AI-guided brushing maps your entire mouth in real time, so you never miss a spot.

Missing a few spots while brushing is easy, but the Oral-B electric toothbrush uses technology to help close those gaps. Its AI Brushing Recognition system, trained on thousands of brushing patterns, maps as many as 16 zones in the mouth and provides real-time guidance. It may sound like AI belongs only in cars or meme generators, but here it is focused on dental hygiene.

The companion Oral-B app works like a coach for your teeth, recording sessions and assigning a brushing score that points out places needing more attention. It also includes a Gum Guard feature that watches for bleeding, making it clear when something may be wrong. Over time, the app can even show a full green map of the mouth, offering a more complete way to think about daily brushing.

11. Apple TV 4K (1st Generation)

The A10X Fusion chip delivers instant app loading and crisp 4K HDR visuals.

Streaming should not feel slow, especially when some smart TVs can be frustratingly sluggish. The first-generation Apple TV 4K addressed that problem with an Apple A10X Fusion chip that made apps load quickly and kept navigation responsive. It also delivered sharp 4K (2160p) output with HDR10 and Dolby Vision support.

Sharing videos or photos to the television was simple thanks to AirPlay, which could stream or mirror content from an iPhone, iPad, or Mac without cables. It also supported private listening through AirPods, making it easy to watch shows without disturbing anyone nearby. In many homes, it served as the core of a smoother entertainment setup.

10. Google Home Smart Speaker

Voice commands control lights, music, and scenes across your entire digital domain.

Getting multiple smart devices to work together can be messy, but Google’s smart speakers help organize the process. They function as a voice-controlled hub for Google Assistant, with Gemini for Home set to take over in the future, letting users manage much of the home hands-free. Smart lights such as Philips Hue can be controlled with simple spoken commands to switch on, dim, or cycle through 16 million colors.

They also make it easier to manage music across rooms, which is especially useful when hosting guests and changing the atmosphere without touching a switch. The result is a more convenient and better-integrated system that responds to commands as expected.

9. Anker 10-in-1 USB-C Hub with Smart Display

Real-time telemetry tracks charging power, data speed, and monitor refresh rates on a built-in display.

A desk overloaded with cables and too few ports can be a constant annoyance, especially for more advanced setups. The Anker 10-in-1 USB-C Hub with Smart Display helps solve that problem by combining 10 ports, including HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, and a 100W USB-C PD input for charging. It also includes a 10 Gbps USB-C data port, a 10 Gbps USB-A port, and two additional 5 Gbps USB-A ports.

The built-in smart display shows port status, charging power, and monitor refresh rate in real time. For users driving a single monitor at 4K at 144 Hz or 2K (1440p) at 240 Hz, that readout removes uncertainty about whether performance is fully maxed out. A Pomodoro timer is included as well for focused work sessions.

8. Dyson V15 Detect Cordless Vacuum

A green laser reveals hidden dust while an onboard sensor counts particles and adjusts suction automatically.

Few things are more frustrating than finishing a cleaning session and still spotting dust you missed. The Dyson V15 Detect is built to make vacuuming more precise. Its Dyson Hyperdymium motor spins at up to 125,000 rpm and produces 240 Air Watts of suction. The Laser Slim Fluffy cleaner head projects a green laser that makes tiny particles visible on hard floors, while an onboard sensor counts debris and automatically adjusts suction, with live data shown on the LCD screen.

It also avoids the constant worry of running out of power too quickly. The vacuum offers up to 60 minutes of cordless runtime and takes about 4.5 hours to recharge. Its whole-machine HEPA filtration captures 99.99% of particles down to 0.3 microns, helping keep dust inside the machine rather than back in the room. Cleaning becomes less of a chore and more of a straightforward task.

7. PlayStation 5 (PS5)

An 825 GB NVMe SSD and 10.28 TFLOPS GPU deliver lightning-fast loads and silky 4K gameplay at 120 Hz.

Console releases can feel like major events, and the PlayStation 5 marked a significant upgrade. It uses a custom AMD Zen 2 8-core CPU running at 3.5 GHz alongside an RDNA 2 GPU capable of 10.28 TFLOPS. With 16 GB GDDR6 memory and an 825 GB NVMe SSD, load times are very fast and far removed from the delays associated with older systems.

Those specifications support gameplay in crisp 4K up to 120 Hz, including Variable Refresh Rate for smoother motion. The DualSense controller adds adaptive triggers and advanced haptics that provide a more tactile experience. The system is available in a standard version for $499 and a Digital Edition for $399, appealing to both competitive players and casual groups.

6. Nintendo Switch Successor (“Nintendo Switch 2”)

Rumored upgrades promise higher resolutions and frame rates in the same travel-friendly hybrid design.

Portable gaming continues to move beyond quick mobile distractions and toward more complete experiences that can travel anywhere. “Nintendo Switch 2” is a placeholder name for Nintendo’s next console, and rumors suggest it will keep the familiar hybrid format with a portable main unit and detachable controllers. Reports also point to upgraded hardware, although official specifications have not been confirmed.

If those expectations prove accurate, the system could bring richer graphics both at home and on the go. Fans are especially interested in the combination of a travel-friendly design and better performance, which could reshape portable gaming once formal details are revealed.

5. IKEA SKÅDIS Pegboard / Wall Shelf System

Tool-free clip-in accessories let you reconfigure shelves, hooks, and containers in seconds.

Modular storage systems make it easier to adjust a space whenever needs change. The IKEA SKÅDIS line uses a pegboard format that serves as a flexible base for accessories. Shelves, hooks, and containers clip into place without tools, so the layout can be changed quickly. Swapping a shelf for a headphone hook can be faster than choosing something to watch.

It is especially useful for desks, where it can display items such as keyboards or plants in a clean, organized way. The lightweight design also makes it a practical choice for renters who cannot drill into walls. The SKÅDIS helps turn clutter into a more deliberate and functional setup.

4. Freestanding TV Floor Stand with Cable Management

Vertical poles and hollow columns hide wires while supporting TVs up to 70 inches without drilling.

Mounting a large television on the wall usually means tools, studs, and a level of commitment many renters prefer to avoid. A freestanding TV floor stand offers a similar look without damaging the wall. These stands can support TVs up to 65 to 70 inches and use a vertical pole design that gives the impression of a mounted screen. Built-in cable management hides wires inside hollow columns, keeping the area neat.

For anyone who wants a polished entertainment setup without risking a security deposit, it is a practical solution. Many models also include swivel and height adjustment, making it easier to find the best viewing angle while keeping cords out of sight.

3. Electric Spin Scrubber

Rotating brushes spin at 200-350 RPM for 60-120 minutes per charge, tackling grout and grime effortlessly.

Scrubbing surfaces by hand can feel like a never-ending arm workout. An electric spin scrubber removes much of that strain with a motorized brush designed for tougher cleaning jobs. Powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, these cordless tools typically run for 60 to 120 minutes per charge. Their brushes rotate at 200 to 350 RPM, making difficult cleaning tasks far easier.

That means cleaning day does not have to take over the whole weekend. The tool can handle grout, bathtub rings, and kitchen backsplash grime with the right attachment. Instead of working through the pain, you let the machine do the hard part and get a cleaner result with far less effort.

2. Philips Hue Smart Lighting

16 million colors and tunable whites from 2000-6500 K deliver vibrant, customizable atmosphere via voice or app.

Lighting is no longer just about turning a room on and off; many people now want atmosphere. Philips Hue offers a full smart lighting ecosystem that goes far beyond ordinary bulbs. Its range includes A19 bulbs, lightstrips, and outdoor fixtures, all managed through a single app. The White & Color Ambiance bulbs offer 16 million colors, tunable whites from 2000-6500 K, and brightness levels that often reach 800-1100 lumens. Most connect through a Hue Bridge, which can coordinate up to 50 lights.

That makes it easy to create a mood for a quiet evening or a movie night with a specific color scheme. Integration with Google Home adds another layer of convenience, allowing a simple voice command to change the whole room. Philips Hue is often treated as the benchmark for smart lighting thanks to its strong color performance and brightness.

1. Rapid Cold Brew Coffee Machine

Silent operation delivers custom cold brew in roughly 10 minutes, no rattling or grinding required.

Mornings already come with enough pressure, so a hot drink may not sound especially appealing. A rapid cold brew machine can deliver cold coffee in about 10 minutes. Just add your preferred coffee, press a few buttons, and the process begins quietly, without the rattling and grinding associated with many traditional machines.

These devices act like compact coffee makers that produce a custom cold brew on demand. If a caffeine boost is needed before an early video call, the brew can be ready in minutes. Their compact designs also help them fit neatly into modern kitchens without using too much counter space.