How to Set Up a Smart Home in 2025: A Beginner’s Guide

Smart homes are no longer a futuristic dream they’re here, and they’re smarter, safer, and more accessible than ever. Whether you're tech-savvy or just starting out, setting up a smart home in 2025 doesn't have to be overwhelming. With a little planning and the right devices, you can transform your living space into a connected, efficient, and secure environment.

In this beginner’s guide, we’ll walk you through the essentials of getting started with smart home technology from choosing a smart ecosystem to installing your first devices. Let’s make your home smarter, one step at a time.

Contact us to report infringement.

1. Start with a Smart Home Ecosystem

Before buying any gadgets, it’s important to choose a smart home ecosystem that suits your needs. This is the foundation on which all your smart devices will communicate. The most popular platforms in 2025 are:

• Amazon Alexa

• Google Home (Google Assistant)

• Apple Home (HomeKit)

• Samsung SmartThings

• Matter (the new universal standard that allows cross platform compatibility)

  
  

Tip: If you already own a smartphone or smart speaker, you might already be in an ecosystem. For example, iPhone users often benefit from choosing Apple Home, while Android users might lean toward Google Home or SmartThings.

Why this matters: Choosing one main ecosystem helps avoid compatibility issues and allows for better automation and voice control across devices.

2. Choose a Smart Hub (If Needed)

Not all smart homes need a dedicated hub these days, but depending on your setup, it can help unify devices and automate routines.

• Amazon Echo, Google Nest Hub, or Apple HomePod can act as both speakers and hubs.

• Samsung SmartThings Station or Aqara Hub M3 are great for advanced automation or if you use Zigbee or Thread based devices.

• Matter has reduced the need for proprietary hubs, making it easier to mix and match devices across ecosystems.

  
  

Pro tip: Look for devices with the Matter logo this ensures they’ll work across platforms and future proof your investment.

3. Start Small with Key Devices

Instead of trying to automate everything at once, begin with a few core devices. These offer the best mix of convenience, security, and value.

A. Smart Speakers or Displays

Your smart assistant lives here. Use it to control devices with your voice, play music, set timers, and get updates.

• Amazon Echo (5th Gen) or Echo Show

• Google Nest Hub (3rd Gen)

• Apple HomePod Mini

  
  

B. Smart Lighting

Control lights remotely, schedule them, or use motion sensors to turn them on automatically.

• Brands to consider: Philips Hue, LIFX, Nanoleaf, or IKEA Dirigera

• Choose bulbs, switches, or lamps based on your home layout and budget

  
  

C. Smart Plugs

A simple way to make any appliance ‘smart’ great for lamps, kettles, or fans.

• Look for models with energy monitoring for added insight into your electricity use.

  
  

D. Smart Thermostats

Control your heating remotely and save money on energy bills.

• Top choices in the UK: tado°, Nest Learning Thermostat, or Hive Active Heating

  
  

E. Smart Security Devices

From doorbells to cameras, smart security adds peace of mind.

• Video doorbells: Ring, Arlo, or Eufy

• Indoor/outdoor cameras: Blink, Google Nest Cam, or Reolink

• Smart locks: Yale Linus, Nuki Smart Lock 4.

  
  

4. Connectivity: Wi-Fi and Thread Matter

Your home network is the backbone of your smart system. If your Wi-Fi is spotty, your devices may struggle.

Tips:

• Upgrade to a mesh Wi-Fi system if your home has dead zones (e.g. TP-Link Deco, Eero, Google Nest WiFi Pro)

• Ensure your router supports Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E for better speed and device handling

• Devices using Thread (a low power, mesh networking tech) offer faster, more reliable connections and are central to Matter-compatible systems

  
  

5. Set Up Automations and Routines

Once your devices are installed, it’s time to create routines that make life easier.

Examples:

• "Good morning" routine: turns on lights, starts your kettle, reads the weather

• "Away mode": turns off lights, adjusts thermostat, arms cameras

• Motion triggered lights for hallways or bathrooms at night

  
  

Each ecosystem has its own app for managing routines. Some are more advanced than others Samsung SmartThings and Apple Home offer deeper automation, while Alexa and Google focus on ease of use.

6. Keep Privacy and Security in Mind

Smart devices collect data so it's important to manage permissions and keep your network secure.

Best practices:

• Change default passwords

• Enable two factor authentication on your accounts

• Regularly update your devices’ firmware

• Use guest Wi-Fi for visitors and keep your smart devices on a separate network if possible

  
  

Voice privacy: You can review and delete voice recordings in your assistant's app settings.

7. Plan for Expansion

As you get more comfortable, you may want to expand your setup with:

• Smart blinds or curtains

• Robot vacuums (e.g. Roborock, iRobot)

• Smart fridges, ovens, or washing machines

• Home energy monitors and solar integration

• Voice-controlled TVs or media setups

  
  

By starting with the basics, you’ll have a solid, scalable foundation. Thanks to Matter and other open standards, you’ll have more freedom to add new devices without worrying about compatibility down the line.

Final Thoughts

Setting up a smart home in 2025 is easier, more affordable, and more powerful than ever before. With Matter unifying the market and voice assistants growing smarter, you don’t need to be a tech wizard to get started.

Begin with a strong ecosystem, focus on the core devices that matter most to you, and build out as you go. Whether it’s saving energy, boosting security, or just adding a bit of convenience to your day, a smart home is well within reach.

Happy automating!

— Simon Wilson, Tech Tips & How-To Guides, The Tech Advisor