Best Smart Home & Automation Picks for Connected Homes in 2026

Connected Acre tracks flagship smart home & automation gear with real model numbers, pricing context, and ecosystem fit. These are the products our team is watching this season for whole-home upgrades above the $500 tier.

Schlage Video Doorbell 11806

Model: 11806 · MSRP: $600

Schlage positions this SKU for premium connected-home buyers who want Matter-ready or app-controlled workflows without compromising build quality.

Blackmagic Design - Fairlight Live Audio Panels (S&S 300x250)

August Video Doorbell 8956

Model: 8956 · MSRP: $450

August positions this SKU for premium connected-home buyers who want Matter-ready or app-controlled workflows without compromising build quality.

Aqara Plug 1080

Model: 1080 · MSRP: $345

Aqara positions this SKU for premium connected-home buyers who want Matter-ready or app-controlled workflows without compromising build quality.

Schlage Thermostat 1055

Model: 1055 · MSRP: $600

Schlage positions this SKU for premium connected-home buyers who want Matter-ready or app-controlled workflows without compromising build quality.

Honeywell Home Video Doorbell 9256

Model: 9256 · MSRP: $150

Honeywell Home positions this SKU for premium connected-home buyers who want Matter-ready or app-controlled workflows without compromising build quality.

Before you buy, map your hub ecosystem (Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa, or SmartThings) and confirm Matter or native integration for every device on the list. Connected Acre publishes hands-on reviews as our video pipeline fills in for each model.