Smart home technology has come a long way in recent years, and the more affordable and less complicated devices in use today have become a practical option for homeowners. From smart thermostats to voice-activated lighting, these features are no longer a luxury or a novelty — they are quickly becoming part of the modern home experience.

As more people jump on the smart home bandwagon, it raises an important question: How much value do these upgrades add to both daily life and your home?

Smart home technology has changed the way we interact with our homes. But like any innovation, it comes with both benefits and challenges.

Some of the pros include:

Convenience: Smart devices can handle everyday tasks, like turning off lights, adjusting the thermostat, or locking your front door, all without having to lift a finger. Voice assistants, like Amazon Alexa, make it even easier with simple voice commands.

Energy efficiency: Smart thermostats and lighting systems learn your habits and can adjust automatically, helping you save on energy bills and reduce your overall environmental impact.

Enhanced security: From motion and glass break sensors to doorbell cameras and remote locks, smart security systems let you monitor and protect your home from anywhere, sending real-time alerts straight to your phone.

Remote access: Whether you're at the office or on vacation, you can control your entire home from your phone. Forgot to close the garage? No problem. Want to warm up the house before you get home? Done!

Customization and flexibility: Many systems let you connect and control multiple devices through one app. You can create routines through integrated systems. For instance, maybe you want to create a “Good Night” mode that dims the lights, lowers the thermostat, and locks the doors at a certain time.

While these are all definite advantages, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider, which include:

High potential costs: While prices have come down over the years, setting up a smart home still isn’t cheap, especially if you continually add new features. Between buying compatible devices, upgrading Wi-Fi, and possibly hiring out the installation, the investment can add up.

Compatibility and complexity: Unfortunately, not all devices work well together. For example, because they are competing companies, Ring doorbells and cameras don’t easily integrate with Google Home. As a result, you may find that different platforms can be a headache to set up, or you may need multiple apps to manage everything smoothly.

Internet dependence: While the internet is what keeps everything running smoothly in a smart home, it all depends on whether your connection is stable. If your Wi-Fi goes down or glitches, many smart features can stop working or become unreliable until you’re back online.

Security risks: As great as smart tech is for enhancing home security, it can be a double-edged sword. Since everything is connected to the internet, there's always a risk of hacking or data breaches. Most issues can be avoided by taking preventative steps, like using strong passwords and keeping your devices and apps updated.

Evolving tech: As we have all seen, technology changes and improves at lightning speed. A device that’s top-of-the-line today could be outdated in just a few years. This means you might need to upgrade regularly to stay current, which brings us back to the issue of cost.

Smart technology doesn’t just change how we live — it can also play a role in how homes are bought and sold. While many buyers are interested in smart home features, there are a few things to keep in mind when looking at overall marketability and value.

These upgrades tend to appeal most to younger buyers, particularly Millennials and Gen Z. According to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) 2025 Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends Report, 11% of buyers said smart home features were one of the reasons they purchased a new home. Among those, 18% were aged 35–44, compared to just 8% of buyers aged 60–69.

Some features may be more desirable than others. For example, devices that improve security and energy efficiency, like smart thermostats and doorbell cameras, are generally more valuable to buyers than luxury or entertainment-focused devices, like audio systems, automated blinds, or smart appliances. Keep in mind that if a smart home setup is overly complex or difficult to manage, it may intimidate buyers who aren’t very tech-savvy.

So, is smart home technology worth the investment? The answer really depends on your goals. If you're looking to make every day routines run a little smoother, smart home devices can be a great fit. If you're thinking about resale value, basic smart features can help your home stand out in a competitive market.

Like everything in life, balance is key. For most homeowners, the best return in terms of both lifestyle and property value comes from choosing simple, widely compatible devices that improve day-to-day comfort, safety, and efficiency. When in doubt, talk to a real estate professional about what makes the most sense for your home and local market.