Disclosure: This guide contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links—at no extra cost to you.
Published: April 2025
Build a Smarter Home from Day One
Starting a smart home in 2025 doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re moving into a new place or upgrading an existing flat, this Smart Home Starter Kit guide helps UK households choose the top essential devices for convenience, automation, and energy savings right out of the box.
We’ve handpicked 5 reliable, easy-to-use devices that every beginner should consider—covering lighting, heating, security, voice control, and energy usage.
Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) – Smart Speaker & Control Hub Read Full Review
The Echo Dot (5th Gen) acts as your central voice assistant, letting you control smart lights, plugs, heating, and more with just a command. Its improved speaker delivers surprisingly rich sound, and it doubles as a mini hub for your automation routines.
Philips Hue White Ambiance – Adaptive Smart Lighting Read Full Review
Philips Hue bulbs are ideal for setting the mood with warm-to-cool white tones. Easily dim lights or schedule routines to match your lifestyle. These bulbs work flawlessly with Alexa and Google Assistant, giving you full control by voice or app.
tado° Smart Thermostat V3+ – Intelligent Heating Control Read Full Review
The tado° V3+ smart thermostat adjusts heating based on presence, weather, and routine—perfect for saving money and reducing energy waste. Compatible with most UK boilers, it offers full remote control via app and voice, with support for Alexa and Google Home.
Bosch Smart Home Security II – Complete Starter Kit Read Full Review
This all-in-one Bosch starter kit includes motion sensors, door/window contact, smoke alarm, and smart hub—all connected to your phone. It supports Alexa and Google Assistant, with real-time alerts and automation triggers that enhance peace of mind without subscriptions.
Tapo P110 – Energy Monitoring Smart Plug Read Full Review
Use the Tapo P110 to control appliances remotely, schedule usage, and monitor power consumption. It’s ideal for managing energy-hungry devices and offers real-time reporting. Compact and affordable, it’s a great way to dip into smart automation.
Your Smart Home Journey Starts Here
These 5 essentials cover lighting, heating, security, automation, and energy savings—making them the perfect starter kit for anyone looking to upgrade their home in 2025. Start small, expand gradually, and enjoy the benefits of a truly connected lifestyle.
Explore More Buying Guides