Black Friday 2026
Start a smart home without regrets
Smart devices are some of the most discounted items on Black Friday. Here's what to buy first, and the checks that stop you ending up with five apps that don't talk to each other.
Some links on this page may be affiliate links. If you buy through them, Vanixtro may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Links open a live search, so you see current prices and real reviews on the retailer's site.
Pick one system first
Choose the one that matches the phone and speakers you already have: Apple Home (iPhone), Google Home (Android, Nest) or Amazon Alexa (Echo). Then look for the Matter logo on everything you buy. Matter is a shared standard, so Matter devices work with all three systems and keep working if you switch later.
Start small: lamps first
Beginners who stick with it usually start with a smart plug on a lamp, so it comes on at sunset and turns off when everyone's asleep. It's cheap, needs no wiring, and shows you what you actually find useful before you spend more.
Check it fits your country
Plugs, bulbs and thermostats differ by country. US plugs won't fit a UK, EU, Australian or South African socket, and bulb bases differ too. Buy versions made for your country, from your local store if needed.
Start here
Matter smart plug
The easiest first step. Put a lamp, fan or heater on a schedule, or switch it off from your phone.
What to look for: The Matter logo, energy monitoring to see what each device costs to run, and a slim body that doesn't block the second socket. Many plugs only use 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi; most routers support it, but check the router's settings if pairing fails. Check the plug type for your country.
See options on Amazon ↗Smart bulb
Dim lights or change warmth from your phone or voice. Good for bedrooms and reading lamps.
What to look for: The right base: E26 (US), E27 (Europe and most others), B22 (UK, Australia, South Africa, bayonet) or GU10 (spotlights). Choose tunable white unless they really want colour. Don't use smart bulbs on a normal wall switch that people flick off, because the bulb loses power and goes offline.
See options on Amazon ↗Smart speaker or display (your hub)
Voice control and the 'brain' that runs automations when you're out.
What to look for: It must match your chosen system (HomePod mini, Nest or Echo). If you plan to buy Thread devices (low-power sensors and locks), check it's a 'Thread border router', which many recent models are. A display version adds a camera viewer and a touch control panel.
See options on Amazon ↗
Next steps
Video doorbell
See who's at the door from anywhere, and catch parcel deliveries.
What to look for: Wired (uses your doorbell wiring, never needs charging) or battery (easier to fit). Check subscription costs: many doorbells only save recorded clips with a monthly plan. Models with local storage avoid that. Check it works with your system.
See options on Amazon ↗Indoor camera
Check on pets, kids or an empty house while you're away.
What to look for: A physical privacy shutter or a lens that tilts away when you're home, microSD local storage (no subscription needed), 2K resolution and two-way audio.
See options on Amazon ↗Motion and door sensors
Lights that turn on when you walk in, and an alert if a door is left open. This is where a smart home starts to feel automatic.
What to look for: Matter-over-Thread sensors need a Thread border router (see the hub above). Zigbee sensors need a Zigbee hub. Battery life of a year or more, and a battery type that's easy to buy.
See options on Amazon ↗Smart lock
No more 'did I lock the door?'. Give family or a dog walker their own code.
What to look for: It must fit your door: lock type, door thickness and backset (check the maker's fit guide). A keypad or physical key backup for flat batteries. Renters can choose retrofit models that fit over the inside of the existing deadbolt and keep the outside key.
See options on Amazon ↗Smart thermostat
Heats or cools only when someone's home, which can cut energy use.
What to look for: Compatibility with your heating system. Use the maker's online compatibility checker first, and check whether it needs a C-wire (common wire) or an adapter. Many models are made for North American systems. It involves mains or low-voltage wiring, so use an electrician if you're unsure.
See options on Amazon ↗
Questions
- Do I need a hub?
- Not for Wi-Fi plugs and bulbs. You do need one to run automations while you're out, and for Thread or Zigbee sensors. A smart speaker or display usually does the job.
- Is Matter worth paying extra for?
- Usually yes. It means the device works with Apple, Google and Amazon, so you're not locked in if you change phones.