As the winter months draw in, it gets colder and darker, and you also tend to spend more time indoors. One of the ways you can enjoy your home more during the colder months is by adding smart gadgets to make your home warmer, safer, and more interactive.

From smart water sensors to detect any leaks during bad weather, to multi-cookers to make delicious soups and warm meals when it's chilly.

Having smart gadgets in your home can make your life easier and more efficient, being able to control things through smart apps and voice control is the future of tech.

Here are the best smart gadgets for winter.

Premium pick

1. Google Nest Thermostat

8.60 / 10
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The Google Nest Thermostat is an ideal option for your home to stay warm during the winter months while also being energy efficient. The thermostat will turn down by itself when you leave your home, therefore you won't have to worry about heating an empty house again. You can also control, program, and schedule in the Google Home app on any smart device, anywhere, anytime. In addition, you can control the temperature using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant voice control.

The thermostat uses HVAC monitoring which will give you peace of mind, sending alerts when something doesn't seem right, as well as helpful maintenance reminders.

Everything you need for installation is included in the purchase, so you can get going straight away. The thermostat is easy to install, usually taking around 30 minutes to complete.

The Nest is designed to work without a C wire, but for some systems, you may need one, or another suitable power accessory. The Nest is compatible with 85% of heating and cooling systems, making it a great all-around choice.

Key Features
  • Save at home and away
  • Control remotely from Google Home app
  • Easy-to-install and truly DIY
  • Monitors HVACs to safeguard them from damage
Specifications
  • Brand: Google
  • Integrations: Alexa, Google Assistant
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi
  • Display: LCD, mirrored glass lens
  • Weight: 0.6lbs
Pros
  • Setup takes only 30 minutes
  • Savings Finder feature always looks for more ways to save on utility bills
  • Quick Schedule feature lets you program the device from app
  • The Energy History and Home Report feature offers insights on energy conservation
Cons
  • You need to purchase the Trim Kit separately
Buy This Product
Google Nest Thermostat
Editors choice

2. Ring Floodlight Cam

9.40 / 10
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An outside floodlight is an ideal winter gadget, lighting the way for you to enter your home safely, and deter any unwanted guests. The Ring Floodlight Cam boasts a 3D motion sensor, so when you're arriving home, leaving home, or expecting visitors you'll be able to see clearly who is around your property up to 30-foot away.

The floodlight has a 1080p HD security camera, with two-way talk and audio+. It also has a 100dB loud security siren, which is effective at alerting you if someone is crossing your boundary. The birdseye camera can monitor what's going on outside your property at any time with motion detection with added real-time alerts through the Ring app.

The Ring Floodlight Cam can also be paired with Amazon Alexa, Using commands you'll be able to view areas of your property using just your voice, making keeping an eye on your home easier than ever.

Key Features
  • Motion-activated LED floodlights
  • Can be paired with Alexa
  • Built-in 110dB security siren
  • See, hear, and speak to anyone on camera
Specifications
  • Power Source: Hardwired (100-240V)
  • Compatability: Amazon Alexa
  • What's Included: Flood light camera only
  • Manufacturer: Ring Store
Pros
  • Accurate motion detection notifications on app
  • 2000 Lumen LED flood lights
  • Easy DIY installation
  • Motion zones up to 30ft
  • Complete control from Ring app
Cons
  • Pricey compared to some competitors
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Ring Floodlight Cam
Best value

3. Ember Smart Mug 2

9.00 / 10
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Keeping your warm drinks hot during the winter months is made easy using the Ember Smart Mug 2. With the extended battery life, you will be able to keep your drinks perfectly warm for up to 1.5 hours, choosing the exact temperature to your taste, ranging from 120F to 145F. The mug will automatically shut off when it is empty and with the smart sensor it will also wake up when it senses liquid or movement.

The Ember Smart Mug 2 can be app controlled using your smart device; once paired you will be able to set your preferred temperature, receive helpful notifications, customize presets, and more, ensuring your hot drinks will be perfect for you, every time.

Overall this is the perfect gadget for the colder months. You'll never have to worry about your coffee going cold again while you're at work or leading a busy family lifestyle.

Key Features
  • Precision sensors for temperature and liquid detection
  • Long lasting Li-ion battery
  • Auto sleep
  • Up-to-date intelligence
Specifications
  • Brand: Ember
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth
  • Color: Black
  • Material: Ceramic
  • Battery: Yes
  • Weight: 0.56lbs
  • Capacity: 10oz
  • Dimensions: 7.9 x 4.14 inches
  • Power Supply: AC
  • Sensor and DPI: 4 sensors
  • RGB Lighting: No
  • Programmable Buttons: No
  • Wireless: Yes
  • Battery Life: Up to 90 minutes
  • Battery Type: Li-ion battery
Pros
  • You can hand-wash the mug
  • Works without the mobile app
  • Stainless steel core for longer service
  • You can submerge it in water up to 1 meter
Cons
  • Doesn't support Google Home or Amazon Alexa
Buy This Product
Ember Smart Mug 2

In the winter months when the bad weather sets in, a smart water sensor is the perfect gadget for your home. Preventing leaks and water damage, using real-time alerts the Govee will instantly send notifications to your smart device as soon as any leak is detected. It works even when you're not at home, allowing you to act quickly and avoid any damage to your property or belongings.

The Govee works even when Wi-Fi is temporarily unavailable, sounding a loud alarm at 100dB, it's loud enough to be heard anywhere in your home. The alarm also has a mute button for when the leak is found, with a waterproof, sealed design that allows you to use in high moisture areas.

Key Features
  • Loud alarm up to 100dB with muting option
  • Real-time water leakage alarms and notifications
  • IP66 waterproof device
  • Dedicated drip and leak detection sensors
Specifications
  • Brand: Govee
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi
  • Color: White
  • Battery: Yes
  • Weight: 0.76lbs
  • Dimensions: 3.46 x 1.77 x 1.04 inches
  • Power Supply: AC, battery
  • Sensor and DPI: Water leak sensor
  • Switches: Yes
  • RGB Lighting: No
  • Programmable Buttons: No
  • Wireless: Yes
  • Battery Type: AAA
Pros
  • Completely remote operation of satellite sensors
  • Multiple notification and alert methods that don't go unnoticed
  • Detects leak or drip efficiently
Cons
  • Doesn't come with voice command feature
  • Only supports 2.4GHz Wi-Fi
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Govee WiFi Water Sensor

What more could you want on a chilly day, than a nice warm, home-cooked meal, such as soup, rice, beans, and more? These are all easily achievable using the 13 one-touch smart programs on the Instant Pot Smart Wifi, making it easy and effortless to get perfect results each time. This multi-cooker offers eight kitchen appliances in one, with a pressure cooker, steamer, and warmer included.

This multi-cooker can be connected to Alexa and Wi-Fi, making controlling your Instant Pot easy using the app or voice control. The app includes access to an incredible 1,000 recipes, making achieving your favorite dishes easy.

This is the perfect appliance for cooking for the family, with a large six-quart capacity, large enough to cook for up to six people. It's also ideal for meal prepping and batch cooking, saving you time in the future.

A great thing to note is the advanced safety protection, coming with 10 built-in safety features such as a safety lock, and overheat protection. This ensures not only perfect cooking results but the reassurance of safety as well.

Key Features
  • 8 kitchen appliances in one
  • Compatible with Alexa and Wi-Fi
  • 13 one-touch smart programs
  • 10+ built-in safety features
  • 6qt. capacity
Specifications
  • Manufacturer: Instant Pot
  • Color: Silver/black
  • Type: Multi-cooker
  • Quantity: 1
  • Brand: Instant Pot
  • Size: 13.2 x 12.2 x 12.5 inches
  • Programs: 13
Pros
  • Free recipes on the app
  • 6-quart large capacity cooks for up to 6 people
  • Very durable
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Cook up to 70% faster
Cons
  • Limited customization via the app
  • Costs extra for Wi-Fi
Buy This Product
Instant Pot Smart Wifi

Keeping warm is a top priority in the winter. With the Atomi Portable Tower Space Heater you will be able to keep warm wherever you are, from your work desk to your couch. The quiet heating technology warms the air to 70 degrees in as little as just two seconds, providing heat for rooms of up to 750 square feet.

This heater is both Wi-Fi enabled and voice-activated (compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant). You will be able to control your heating hands-free or using the free Atomi app. Here you'll be able to change temperature, adjust scheduling, on/off, and more. The heater also has a large touchscreen panel for use without the app.

You won't have to worry about safety with this smart heater, either, since it boasts features like overheat protection, a tip-over safety switch, and a carry handle. However, there is no child lock, so if you don't want the settings to be adjusted by your little ones, keep it out of reach.

Key Features
  • Voice-activated and Wi-Fi-enabled
  • Built-in overheat protection
  • Cool-touch handle and housing
  • 360-degree tip-over safety switch
  • Oscillating movement
Specifications
  • Brand: Atomi smart
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi
  • Integrations: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant
  • Color: Black
  • Weight: 8.33lbs
  • Capacity: 750 sq. ft.
  • Dimensions: 29.7 x 10.6 x 10.3 inches
  • Power Supply: AC
  • Switches: 5
  • RGB Lighting: No
  • Wireless: Yes
Pros
  • Enough buttons for app-free operation
  • Heats the surrounding air to 70 degrees in two seconds
  • Large heating range
Cons
  • No child lock
Buy This Product
The Atomi Portable Tower Space Heater

As the winter draws in, the weather is colder, the evenings are darker, and the home becomes a place you spend more time in. With the Brilliant Smart Home Control, you can easily control many areas of your smart home in one easy-to-use place. You can manage your smart lighting, security cameras, thermostats, and more.

This smart control unit has Alexa built-in, making it easy to use hands-free with voice control for anyone in your home. Similarly, you can also download the companion app, allowing you to control your home from anywhere.

The control has a five-inch LCD touchscreen and a built-in camera with a privacy shutter. There's also a built-in motion sensor, perfect for the darker evenings, making it easy to see who is at your door or outside your property even in the dark. The smart control is compatible with a wide range of products, like the Ring Doorbell, Sonos speakers, and more.

Key Features
  • Comes with built-in Alexa voice control
  • Built-in motion sensor
  • Built-in camera with privacy shutter
  • Turns regular lights into smart lights
Specifications
  • Brand: Brilliant
  • Integrations: Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant
  • Neutral Wire Required: Yes
Pros
  • Supports LED, CFL, halogen, incandescent bulbs, and multi-way
  • Easy to use
  • Compatible with Ring Doorbell
  • No subscription needed
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Basic wiring skills required
Buy This Product
Brilliant Smart Home Control

Having a bath or shower in the colder months can be a relieving experience. But the thought of getting out of the tub to be greeted with a cold towel can be offputting. What could be a better bathroom accessory than a heated towel rail? The UNIQUE PLUS LIFE Heated Towel Rack has a large six-bar capacity, made from durable stainless steel, which is both rust and wear-resistant.

The rail comes with a built-in timer and temperature adjustable button, and the LED display makes it easy to see these features and adjust them when needed. You're also able to adjust the features using the intelligent Wi-Fi control, the Tuya smart life app, and Amazon Alexa.

The towel warmer has an intelligent temperature controller, making it safe to have in your bathroom. After turning it on, it will warm up and reach the temperature you set from 45-60 degrees and stay at a constant temperature without the worry of it getting hotter and hotter. The towel rain will warm up in as little as 10 minutes, so if you turn it on before your shower, your towel will start warming by the time you finish.

Key Features
  • Large 6-bar design
  • Built-in timer
  • Rust-resistant material
  • Temperature adjustable
  • Wi-Fi and Alexa controlled
Specifications
  • Brand: UNIQUE PLUS LIFE
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi
  • Color: Black
  • Material: Stainless steel
  • Weight: 6.49lbs
  • Dimensions: 26 x 21 x 4 inches
  • Power Supply: Corded Electric
  • Display: LED
  • Compatible with: Alexa, Google Home
Pros
  • Fast heating within 10-15 minutes
  • Visual LED display
Cons
  • Can be difficult to install
  • 4.5-foot cord may be too short for some installations
Buy This Product
UNIQUE PLUS LIFE Heated Towel Rack

FAQ

Q: Which Smart Device Is Best?

Smart devices add convenience to home or office life. Therefore, it's difficult to say one device is better than another. Depending on your requirements, you may want to invest in smart security cameras, a smart thermostat, smart doorbell, and so on.

Q: What Devices Help to Keep a Room Warm?

There are plenty of devices that can help keep a room warm other than central heating. For example, you can install a heated towel rail in your bathroom, or a space heater in your living room or bedroom.

Q: What Is the Cheapest Way to Stay Warm in the Winter?

The economical way to stay warm is to install a smart thermostat if you own a centralized heating system in your home. Smart thermostats learn from your lifestyle and adjust the heating and cooling to save energy.