A new study revealed the 12 most searched for smart devices in the UK, with smart TVs ranking number one. 

By using keywords, Very.co.uk identified what appliances and contraptions Brits were most interested in, from smart thermostats to smart sockets. 

Smart technology is certainly on the rise, as connected devices are projected to reach 30.9 billion units globally by 2025.

But what makes these devices smart, and what are the range of features that may have peaked the public’s interest? 

Below, we go through the top 12 smart devices and some of their various features. 

Smart TV 

A TV with smart features is the new normal, and was the most searched for smart device. While basic features are widely available, in-house capabilities range as broadly as price tags. 

Most smart TVs will require an internet connection, where users can then launch different apps in a typically intuitive interface. 

Products range largely on their collection of available apps, voice command capabilities, and overall connectivity to the home. Some smart TVs are simply TV’s with built in streaming apps, others can connect to your home’s lights and thermostats. 

With the broad range of options available for smart TVs, it is hard to tell from this data what features are most appealing to UK consumers. Basic smart TV elements, such as featured apps, seem to be the norm. 

Smart Thermostat 

Winter is coming, and the energy crisis may make investing in a smart thermostat all the more worthwhile. These were the second most searched for smart devices in the UK, and are more advanced than the ‘smart readers’ sometimes offered by energy companies. 

Smart thermostats can connect via bluetooth or wifi to smart phones, tablets, and laptops so users can more easily control their home temperature. 

These devices can help you keep better track of your energy usage throughout the day just as smart meters can. Users can even change their temperature settings remotely. 

A new feature setting certain models apart comes via  ‘geofencing technology’ which automatically changes your temperature settings by tracking when you leave or enter your home using the GPS settings in your paired smart device. 

They also allow your thermostat to move to a power-saving mode when you leave the house, potentially saving consumers money.  

Smart Locks 

Smart locks are not just more secure, but can actually make your house more accessible (for people you want to be in there).

Smart locks have a range of features, allowing you to connect your smart devices, set up a personal pin code, or even use voice commands to open your door. 

Many still provide physical keys, but remove the hassle that comes with losing them by providing multiple ways to get back into your home while maintaining security. 

Smart locks are not just great at keeping people out, but can also be great for letting guests and workers in by allowing multiple ‘guest codes’ to be set up for friends and contractors alike. 

Smart locks can also be paired with other security devices to automatically lock if an alarm is set off.

Geofencing is again popular with smart locks as you can pair your smart phone with the lock, and automatically lock your door when you are outside a set perimeter. 

Smart Light Bulbs

Forget to turn your lights off when you leave the house? Smart bulbs might just be the solution for you. 

Smart light bulbs are fairly self-explanatory – the bulbs can connect to wifi or bluetooth and can be controlled remotely with other smart devices like your mobile phone. 

Geofencing again can be used to automatically turn lights off when you leave the house.

Smart bulbs can also connect to other smart devices in the home, like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.  

While more expensive than traditional bulbs, they do last longer and use less energy, so a few may be worthwhile to tackle rising energy costs while upgrading to a smart home. 

Smart Speakers 

Smart speakers are on the rise, and do much more than play music. In reality, smart speakers are more akin to digital assistants who users can communicate with via voice commands. 

Most digital devices come with similar features and can be paired with other smart devices – a central hub for the rest of your smart home. 

The major choices are Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple’s Siri. These do not work particularly well in tandem, so making the right initial choice is perhaps why so many UK consumers took time to research them. 

Some speakers allow consumers to use multiple assistants on the same platform – potentially the best choice for those who are not ready to commit to one virtual voice. 

Smart Doorbells 

Similar to smart locks, the most basic smart doorbells simply add an extra layer of security to your home and can be paired with a number of devices. 

Video and recording features are typical of most doorbells, but the capabilities range drastically. 

Two-way speakers, motion detecting, and even facial recognition are some of the more advanced features. 

Some models’ motion sensing can differentiate between moving cars, animals, and people, allowing for fewer false alarms to plague your notifications. 

A major difference between smart doorbells is if they are wired or wireless – wireless may be easier to connect, but battery lifetimes are shorter. Wired doorbells need to be installed, but won’t lose power unless there is a power outage, and can easily connect to existing doorbell wires. 

Smart Plugs

Essentially, smart plugs make your old appliances “smarter” by connecting them to a wifi-enabled plug that can be controlled by your paired smart devices. 

Instead of buying a smart bulb for a lamp, for instance, you can simply buy a smart plug which can be controlled via an app or hub, and can even keep track of your energy usage.

The advantages of a smart plug are considerable as they can be used with any normal appliance to make it a bit more efficient. From kettles to Christmas tree lights, this might be the most adaptable add-on out there for the casual smart device enthusiast. 

Smart Toilets

While there are some major advancements in toilet technology, with certain models using urine and stool samples to track the user’s health, most UK consumers were likely looking at slightly less high-tech – and arguably invasive – toilets. 

Common functions of smart toilets include easy to use bidets, dryers, and self-cleaning features. 

Perhaps sparked by the days of toilet paper hoarding, bidets are making a comeback among consumers. 

While they are typically more expensive than regular toilets, smart toilets may save consumers money in the long run as they replace the need for toilet paper. 

Smart Heating

Smart heaters are typically stand alone electric heaters that can directly connect to wifi to be controlled by other smart devices. 

This would be most appealing perhaps to those without central heating or for special events, as it would enable users to control their heaters as a more centralised system, as well as keeping better track of their overall energy consumption. 

While they appear to have less features as smart thermostats, smart heaters can be controlled remotely and workin the smart hub ecosystem as an alternative.

Home Drone

This is arguably the most confusing search term used in Very.co.uk’s analysis. It could refer to small drones that would be given as gifts that could sensibly be used in a home or outdoors to take photos or videos. 

Conversely,  it could be referring to a new trend in security of using drones to record potential disturbances once triggered by a paired alarm.

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Security drones for the home are still largely in development, but in field tests, they can be triggered by motion sensing or through your smart phone to video your home in a predetermined route, which will be shown on your paired smart device.  

Smart Washing Machine

Even washing machines are following the smart hub trend, with newer models coming wifi and bluetooth-enabled.

More practical features include capacity measuring, allowing them to use the appropriate amount of water and energy depending on the load. Users can track energy, and even add items during a cycle. 

Smart Showers 

Also on the water and energy saving trend, smart showers allow users to control every aspect of their shower experience through other smart devices. 

Not only does it allow you to determine the exact temperature of the shower, but it can also control the water pressure and you can pre-set the duration to automatically lessen your water use. 

Overall Trends

Energy-saving is one of the more common reasons users may be on the lookout for smart devices, especially with the cost of living crisis being felt across the board. Security is also a major concern, as top searched devices added an extra layer of protection and control over one’s home.