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T3 announced its 2025 Smart Home award winners on 30 June 2025, recognising five products tested and reviewed by its Home team during the preceding year. The awards cover smart speakers, security, video doorbells, lighting and energy management—but the right winner depends on your home, ecosystem and tolerance for subscriptions or installation work.
This is T3’s editorial verdict, not an industry-wide certification. Product availability, prices, software features and regional compatibility may have changed since the announcement, particularly for buyers outside the UK.
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The five T3 Smart Home winners at a glance
| Category | Winner | Highly commended | Best suited to | Main caveat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Smart Speaker | Amazon Echo Show 21 | Sonos Era 300 | Alexa households wanting a large control screen and Fire TV device | Large, expensive and not a conventional audio-first speaker |
| Best Smart Security Device | EufyCam S3 Pro | Arlo Essential 2K Outdoor Security Camera | Buyers seeking a multi-camera security bundle | Requires a hub and feature availability should be checked against current storage terms |
| Best Smart Video Doorbell | Ring Battery Video Doorbell (2024) | Eufy E340 Video Doorbell | Users wanting simple installation and a mature app | Battery use and Ring subscription requirements may affect ownership cost |
| Best Smart Lighting | Nanoleaf Pegboard Desk Dock | Philips Hue Twilight | Gaming desks and home offices | It is not a substitute for whole-room lighting |
| Best Smart Energy Product | Tado X | Eve Weather | Compatible homes needing room-by-room heating control | Compatibility and installation depend on the heating system |
See T3’s winners announcement and its earlier Home finalists list for the original award coverage.
Best Smart Speaker: Amazon Echo Show 21
T3 chose the Amazon Echo Show 21, an unconventional winner in a speaker category. Its appeal is the combination of Alexa, a very large 21-inch display, Fire TV functionality, smart-home controls and everyday organisation tools such as timers and lists.
#1 Best Overall
- Getting started with smart home has never been easier - An all-in-one kit with a quick guided setup makes starting your smart home easy.
- A setup so easy, it feels like magic - Just unbox, plug it in, and tap to get started.
- One hub with endless possibilities - the Echo Hub works with thousands of connected cameras, lights, locks, plugs, thermostats, speakers, and more—bringing your smart devices together in one convenient hub.
- Peace of mind, anytime - The included four lights can be easily set to make it look like you’re home when you’re away.
- Works with thousands of Alexa-compatible devices like Ring security cameras to build a smarter, safer home.
In practice, it is closer to a communal smart-home hub and compact television than a traditional voice assistant. It could suit a kitchen, family room or Alexa-focused household that wants one large interface for entertainment and compatible devices.
Who should skip it: Buyers wanting compact voice control, privacy-focused hardware or the best music-first speaker may prefer another format. T3 highly commended the Sonos Era 300, which is the more conventional premium speaker. The shortlist also included the Amazon Echo Spot, second-generation Apple HomePod and Audio Pro G10.
Best Smart Security Device: EufyCam S3 Pro
The EufyCam S3 Pro is a hub-and-two-camera security bundle. T3 praised its 4K video, day-and-night image quality, audio features and improved AI detection, particularly because the detection was presented as practically useful rather than simply a marketing feature.
Rank #2
- Complete Project-Based Learning Path – Build 13 progressive projects (LED blink → button control → PIR motion sensor → music playback → motorized doors/windows → SK6812 RGB lighting → fan control → LCD display → gas alarm → temperature/humidity monitor → RFID door unlock → Morse code access → WiFi control → mobile APP remote control). Each project builds on the previous one, ensuring you understand both the electronics and the programming logic behind every smart home feature.
- Master Two Industry-Standard Languages – Learn to code in both Arduino C++ and MicroPython with 13 detailed tutorials for each language. Compare how the same hardware behaves under different programming approaches – a valuable skill for any aspiring engineer. Perfect for classrooms teaching multiple coding languages or self-learners who want flexibility.
- Build a Real WiFi-Controlled Smart Home – Assemble the wooden house structure and integrate sensors to create a functioning smart home system. Control lights, fans, door servos, and RGB lighting directly from your mobile APP (iOS/Android) . Experience how IoT works in real life – from manual control to automated responses based on temperature, humidity, motion, and gas detection.
- Comprehensive Online Wiki with No Guesswork – Our detailed online tutorials (also accessible via the packaging) include wiring diagrams, full code explanations, and step-by-step assembly guides for every project. Whether you're a complete beginner or a teacher preparing lessons, the structured content eliminates confusion and helps you succeed from project 1.
- Everything You Need to Get Started – (TIPS: Batteries are NOT Included)This kit includes the ESP32 development board, expansion board, wooden house parts, all sensors and modules (DHT11, PIR motion, gas sensor, RFID, SK6812 RGB, servo motors, fan, LCD1602, etc.), and connection cables. NOTE: 6x AA batteries are required (NOT Included). The kit is unassembled – you'll build it yourself following our online tutorials, making the learning experience truly hands-on.
T3 described the system as requiring no subscription, but that should not be read as a guarantee that every configuration or advanced feature has no ongoing cost. Before buying, check current cloud-storage terms, AI functionality, local-recording options, replacement hardware and regional plans. Camera position, Wi-Fi coverage and power arrangements also affect real-world results.
Highly commended: The Arlo Essential 2K Outdoor Security Camera. T3’s wider shortlist included the Reolink Altas PT Ultra, Ring Outdoor Cam Plus, Ultion Nuki Plus and Yale Linus Smart Lock L2. That broad list shows that T3 treated smart security as more than just surveillance cameras.
Best Smart Video Doorbell: Ring Battery Video Doorbell (2024)
T3 selected the Ring Battery Video Doorbell (2024) for its easier installation, improved detection and audio performance, and mature Ring app. It is aimed at homeowners or renters who want a straightforward battery-powered doorbell without complicated wiring.
Rank #3
- WHAT'S IN THE BOX - This starter kit includes one Hue Bridge and four E26 smart light bulbs; to get started, install your Bridge and color changing light bulb using the Hue app, and you’re ready to go
- CREATE AMBIANCE WITH COLOR - Set the mood with millions of colors and a library of preset light scenes designed by Hue’s lighting experts—with special holiday scenes and the option to create your own
- DIM EASILY - Adjust from full brightness all the way down to 2% using the Hue app to achieve the right level of lighting with your smart light bulb, whether you’re reading or unwinding before bed
- CONTROL WITH YOUR VOICE - Connect to your preferred home assistant and control your led light bulb effortlessly with voice commands—compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Home
The trade-offs are equally practical: batteries need charging, performance depends on Wi-Fi and mounting position, and cloud-based features may depend on a Ring Protect plan. Basic operation and subscription-dependent features are not the same thing, so check Ring’s current plan names, prices and inclusions before purchase.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsHighly commended: The Eufy E340 Video Doorbell, which may appeal more to buyers prioritising local storage or a different camera configuration. Other shortlisted models were the Arlo 2K Wireless Video Doorbell, Tapo D235 and Yale Smart Video Doorbell.
Best Smart Lighting: Nanoleaf Pegboard Desk Dock
The Nanoleaf Pegboard Desk Dock won because it combines lighting with physical desk organisation. It provides storage for accessories such as chargers and controllers alongside colour-changing lighting, gaming-focused features and more than 16 million colours and scenes, according to T3’s coverage.
Rank #4
- WHAT'S IN THE BOX - Includes one Hue Bridge and four Hue White and Color Ambiance smart 75W A19 light bulbs suitable for most fixtures; Perfect for decorative and general lighting anywhere in your home
- UNLOCK THE FULL POWER OF HUE WITH THE INCLUDED BRIDGE - Enjoy automations control from anywhere in the world, and a secure, stable connection that won't drain your Wi-Fi. Use Matter to connect smart home devices to your Hue smart lighting system.
- ENJOY PRESET SCENES - Light your routines throughout the day; Set a 24-hour natural light scene that mimics the sun or choose light to help you focus unwind, and more
- VOICE CONTROL - Convenient smart control; Set up voice control in the Hue app and use simple voice commands to control your lights with Alexa or Google Assistant
- PERSONALIZE YOUR LIGHT - Create the ultimate mood lighting with dynamic light effects that show subtle changes in brightness and color; Customize in the app
That makes it a particularly distinctive choice for a gaming setup, workstation or home office. It is not, however, the obvious choice for someone fitting out an entire room or seeking inexpensive, practical task lighting. Decorative colour effects should not automatically be treated as a replacement for a well-positioned work light.
Highly commended: The Philips Hue Twilight. T3 also shortlisted the Govee Ceiling Light, Govee Table Lamp 2 Pro x Sound by JBL and WiZ Gradient Floor Light. Choose among them based on whether you need desk organisation, a conventional lamp, ceiling coverage or broader room lighting.
The Tool Desk
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Tado X is a family of smart-heating products rather than one thermostat SKU. The range described by T3 includes the Wireless Smart Thermostat X, Wired Smart Thermostat X, Smart Radiator Thermostat X, Wireless Temperature Sensor X, Heat Pump Optimizer X and Bridge X.
Best Value
- 【Easy Setup, One Control】With Matter, Skip the step of downloading and registering multiple manufacturers' apps every time you buy a new device. Instead, head straight to certified smart home platforms like Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings, or AiDot to control all your Matter devices.【TIP】Matter-certified hub or controller (HomePod, Echo Dot, Nest, SmartThings Hub) is required for Apple Home/Alexa/Google Home/SmartThings platforms. Alternatively, the AiDot app can be used without hub
- 【Offline-Ready Control】Once you've set up your Matter-certified devices on your LAN, they'll be able to communicate with each other directly, using the Matter protocol. This means that if your home internet connection goes offline, your Matter-certified devices will still be able to communicate and be controlled within your LAN, without relying on the internet or cloud services.
- 【Remote Control from Anywhere】Use the app to turn electronics on before you arrive home and off after you leave, no matter where you are. Using the smart plug that work with alexa manage your power usage and save money.
- 【Hands-free Voice Control】Control linkind homekit plug using simple voice commands through Apple HomeKit, Siri, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and SmartThings, without the need for physical input such as buttons or switches.
- 【Flexible Scheduling & Timer】Effortlessly reduce energy usage with automatic device shutdown after a set time. For example Chrismas Tree, TV, Lamp, Fan, Humidifier,Blenders, Lightbulbs
T3 praised room-by-room heating control, smartphone management and energy-saving information in the companion app. It is potentially the most transformative winner for a compatible home, but also the one that needs the most preparation. Compatibility depends on the boiler or heat pump, wiring, radiator valves, heating controls and local installation requirements. Costs can also rise as more rooms receive thermostats or sensors.
App-generated savings estimates are not the same as independently measured savings. Actual results depend on insulation, weather, heating-system efficiency and household behaviour.
Highly commended: Eve Weather. The shortlist also included the fourth-generation Google Nest Learning Thermostat, Tapo P110M and Wunda Smart Room Thermostat. Eve Weather is a different kind of product, so the choice depends on whether you need heating control or environmental and energy-related monitoring.
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How the winners compare for buyers
| Product | Main strength | Setup | Recurring-cost risk | Consider an alternative if… |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Echo Show 21 | Large-screen Alexa, Fire TV and smart-home control | Low to moderate | Usually hardware-led, but ecosystem and privacy preferences matter | You mainly want high-fidelity music or a small assistant |
| EufyCam S3 Pro | Complete multi-camera security system with AI detection | Moderate | Verify storage and advanced-feature terms | You need one inexpensive camera, local-recording flexibility or a smart lock |
| Ring Battery Video Doorbell (2024) | Simple installation and established app | Low to moderate | Check Ring Protect requirements | You want local-only storage or minimal cloud dependence |
| Nanoleaf Pegboard Desk Dock | Desk organisation plus interactive lighting | Moderate | Expansion accessories may add cost | You need whole-room lighting or functional task illumination |
| Tado X | Room-by-room heating management | Moderate to high | Check subscriptions, accessories and installation | Your heating system is incompatible or you only need energy monitoring |
What to check before buying
- Region: Confirm the local model, bundle, voltage, radio standard and app-region support. UK-tested products may not map directly to US configurations.
- Ecosystem: Check support for Alexa, Google Home, Apple Home or Matter at the exact SKU and current firmware level.
- Total cost: Include hubs, mounts, batteries, radiator valves, sensors, installation and any subscription—not just the headline hardware price.
- Privacy and storage: Establish where recordings are stored and which detection features work locally or require the cloud.
- Installation: Doorbell placement, camera sightlines, Wi-Fi strength and heating-system wiring can matter more than an award badge.
- Availability: Prices and product status may have changed since June 2025. Treat retailer widgets in the original announcement as historical snapshots, not current pricing.
The verdict
T3’s 2025 Smart Home winners favour products that combine smart functionality with an obvious everyday use. The Echo Show 21 is the broadest entertainment-and-control device; the EufyCam S3 Pro is the strongest fit for a complete camera bundle; and the Ring doorbell is the accessible installation choice. The Nanoleaf is the most specialised winner, while Tado X offers the greatest potential benefit only when a home’s heating system is compatible and the owner is prepared for a more involved setup.
Use the awards as a shortlist, then verify current regional availability, platform support, subscriptions and installation requirements before ordering.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
