Smart gadgets aren’t always worth it. They can be incredibly expensive, sometimes selling for thousands of dollars more than their traditional counterparts while adding layers of complexity to previously simple tasks. This extends even to the world of houseplants, where “smart” planters and automated watering systems often overcomplicate the simple joy of nurturing greenery.
Despite its high price tag, smart technology isn’t going away. By 2025, more than 57% of U.S. households will own at least one smart home device. While some smart products can genuinely improve our daily lives through automation and enhanced functionality, others may create more problems than they solve – just ask anyone who’s had a smart watering system malfunction and flood their prized monstera.
Not every appliance needs an internet connection or smartphone app, and not every plant needs a high-tech solution. The following 12 smart home devices were selected because they offer minimal benefits over their standard versions while demanding premium prices and potentially introducing unnecessary complications into your home. From over-engineered plant monitors to unnecessarily connected appliances, these products prove that sometimes the simplest solution is the smartest choice.
1. Light Bulb Speakers

I can’t help but laugh at the idea of smart light bulb speakers. Why combine these ideas? It’s cheaper and more effective to just buy speakers and a light bulb separately.
Smart light bulb speakers go for about $30, but most consumers are better off buying dedicated sound equipment. I have a friend who used two of these, and both sounded staticky.
2. Smart Flowerpots

On paper, the idea of a smart flowerpot sounds fantastic! As a gardener and house plant lover, I can never have enough pots, but these flowerpots don’t work as well as they need to.
Smart flowerpots won’t break the bank, but they cost more than regular planters. The pots display cute faces depending on the plant’s needs, but their expressions aren’t always accurate.
3. Smart Faucets

It’s hard to understand why anyone needs a smart faucet. Why do faucets need an app?
Smart faucets are super expensive, starting at around $400, but they aren’t much different from non-smart ones. Some even have voice recognition, but is that necessary? It’s best to save your money for something better and stick to a good old-fashioned, non-smart faucet.
4. Light Switches

Like many other devices, smart light switches aren’t worth the hassle. They aren’t a bad product, but if you already have smart technology in your house, it can feel redundant.
I have smart lightbulbs in my bedroom. I can change the colors of the lights on my phone, so why also install a smart light switch?
5. Smart Vacuums

I fell for the Roomba hype a few years ago and snagged one for a great price. Even heavily discounted, it wasn’t worth the money.
If you have pets, skip the robot vacuum. Roombas and other smart vacuums can drag pet waste and dander. These slim devices also frequently get stuck underneath couches, chairs, and beds.
6. Smart Washing Machines

What’s wrong with a regular washing machine? Not all modern washing machines have to use smart technology. There is no reason to install one more app on your phone to start or monitor your washing machine.
Smart washing machines are not only silly, but also pricey. Repairs will run you even more.
7. Smart Drying Machines

If we bring up washing machines, how can we not also discuss dryers? It’s safe to say that not many people know that smart dryers exist.
Like smart washing machines, smart drying machines are not cheap. On the lower end, they start at nearly $900. Repairs are also very costly because they are a newer product with lots of moving parts.
8. Smart Toasters

Sometimes, it’s the smallest gadgets that are the silliest. If something isn’t broken, why try to fix it?
Smart toasters use Wi-Fi to toast your bread to “perfection.” Although interesting, these cost-prohibitive gadgets start at about $200. Smart toasters also have touchscreens and about six or more toasting options. They essentially work the same as a regular toaster, but with a touch of smart technology.
9. Smart Thermostats

Despite their popularity, smart thermostats are expensive and not worth the trouble; traditional thermostats work just fine.
While smart thermostats promise homeowners can save on electric bills, these savings aren’t guaranteed. Smart thermostats can be tricky to set up and use, and some even require professional installation. As a self-professed DIY queen, I believe that the difficult installation makes this gadget a pass.
10. Smart Garage Door Opener

Smart garage door openers sound cool, but they don’t always work. They are also relatively expensive and can be a pain to install.
If you already have a garage door opener, why use a smart one? Non-smart garage openers are easy to use, and some even come with a remote control so you don’t have to leave the comfort of your car.
11. Smart Air Fryer

I love my air fryer. I use it almost every day, and although it’s not a smart gadget, it works perfectly.
Smart air fryers are pricey and complicate an already easy process. Some even include 24-hour scheduling, but why would you need this? The chances of you accidentally burning food when you’re in the other room are pretty low, and most people don’t need an app for that.
12. Smart Refrigerators

I don’t understand most smart appliances, including smart fridges. Even a used one could cost thousands of dollars. Plus, they are expensive and hard to repair.
Honestly, the features offered aren’t even helpful. The only smart feature I like is the ability to know if your water filter needs to be replaced. At the end of the day, a fridge is a fridge. As long as it keeps food cold and preserved, it’s doing its job well.