iRobot Roomba Combo j7+
Price: $1,099Where to buy: iRobot
The Roomba Combo j7+ is the newest robot vacuum from iRobot, and it’s the first one to also do mopping. While most of the competition has been doing mopping and vacuuming with the same robot, iRobot hasn’t. This robot vacuum is basically the same as the j7+, but now it can mop. This one will fully lift up the mop when it is on carpet. It lifts it up over the back of the robot, so it’s not near the ground at all. That’s a step above the competition now. iRobot Roomba Combo j7+ - iRobot
Ring Video Doorbell
This is the “newest” release from Ring, in its video doorbell lineup. Even though this is the 2020 model. You see, video doorbells don’t get updated every year. This is also their cheapest model. So it’s a good place to start. This video doorbell works with existing doorbell wiring or via the rechargeable battery, which is super easy to pop out. As always, it works with Alexa, it also records in 1080p HD video, as well as being able to notify you of people coming to your door.
ECOVACS DEEBOT X1 Omni
This is actually the most expensive robot vacuum we’ve ever put on a gift guide. But it is well worth it. The Deebot X1 Omni quickly became one of our favorite robot vacuums after reviewing it earlier this year. This robot vacuum does just about everything, incredibly. It has a huge dock that is able to empty the dustbin, refill the water reservoir, as well as clean the mop. Now the mop here isn’t the typical mopping pad, instead it has two mopping heads. Which does allow for better cleaning, but it also uses a lot more water for cleaning.
The other big thing that’s new in this model is that it is also has eero built-in. Allowing you to improve your WiFi coverage, without having an ugly router in every room. That is a big deal, especially for a $50 smart speaker.
The new Echo Dot with Clock is essentially the same as the Echo Dot, but it has an LED clock, which has been improved as well. So now you can have messages scrolling across the display as well. Otherwise, it has the same boost to audio quality, and also works with eero for better WiFi coverage.
Nest Doorbell Battery
Price: $179Where to buy: Best Buy
The Nest Doorbell Battery is Google’s first battery-powered doorbell. Meaning that you don’t need existing doorbell wiring to power it. It’s super easy to pop it off and charge too, which is always good. This doorbell can record in 1080p, and does actually identify people. So instead of just telling you someone is at the door, it can tell you who, based on previous pictures of that person. Which is really neat. Nest Doorbell Battery - Best Buy
Google Nest Cam (Wired)
Price: $99Where to buy: Best Buy
This is the latest Nest Cam, and the first one to break that $100 barrier. Making it pretty inexpensive to add the Google Nest Cam to your home. This is a wired model – though there is also a battery option later in this list. The Nest Cam (Wired) is pretty impressive, and comes in three colors: snow, coral and Fog. It is able to record in 1080p HD quality, so you can see what’s going on in your home when you’re home and when you’re not. It works with the Google Home app, making it super simple to setup and use. Google Nest Cam (Wired) - Best Buy
Kwikset Halo WiFi Smart Lock
This smart lock from Kwikset is. a really good one to use. Because it not only works with your keys, but you can also put a PIN in to unlock the door. Which is really nice if you do happen to forget your keys, just don’t forget your PIN.
Google Nest Hub Max
Price: $229Where to buy: Best Buy
The Google Nest Hub Max is a bigger smart display here, at 10-inches. It allows you to interact with the Google Assistant visually, check in on your cameras and so much more. It also has a camera in its bezel, which allows you to use it as another Nest Cam in your home and see what’s going on. Which is really clutch. Google Nest Hub Max - Best Buy
Google Nest Cam Battery
Price: $179Where to buy: Best Buy
Finally, Nest has a battery-powered Cam, and it’s actually really good. We reviewed it back in September. The battery on the Nest Cam Battery is actually pretty decent, it’ll last you around a week, depending on your settings. But if you leave it to the default settings, it can last closer to a month. Nest Cam does encrypt your video, and use two-step verification. So you can rest assured that your video is being secured, and not uploaded to Google’s servers to watch when they want. With Nest Aware, the Nest Cam Battery will be able to identify people as well as animals. Google Nest Camera Battery - Best Buy
Google Nest Thermostat
This is the first new thermostat that Google has put out since purchasing Nest, and it’s a huge departure from its original design. It now looks like a mirror on your wall, which is pretty neat to be honest. The whole point here is for it to blend into your home, and not stand out. The Nest Thermostat will still show you the temperature and such, and work with your voice via Google Assistant. It uses sensors as well as your smartphone to determine whether you are at home or not. And if you are not, it will adjust the thermostat to save money on energy. This is also the first Nest Thermostat that works with the Google Home app, instead of only the Nest app.
Govee Glide Wall Lights
Philips Hue A19 Color Smart Bulb Starter Kit
This starter kit for Philips Hue is a must-buy, if you don’t already have Philips Hue bulbs. This includes the Bridge (which is not needed, but recommended). As well as four A19 75W multi-color bulbs. That’s a good way to start making your home smart with these smart lights. Which we still believe are the best smart lights in the business right now.
