I connected my first smart lights in 2017, and my setup has only grown in complexity since then. A large portion of my career has been spent covering the smart home industry, and as a result, I've tested out dozens of different devices. In that time, I've learned one rather surprising fact: the best smart home devices are usually pretty dumb. The simplest solutions are often the ideal choice; for instance, rather than replacing and rewiring my light switches with "smart" switches, I can just throw something like the Switchmate over the top of my existing switch. It's a cheap, fast solution to what could otherwise be an involved project.

My approach to the smart home is simple: if it ain't broke, don't fix it. So-called "dumb" devices can make your home significantly smarter and more convenient, and they often cost far less than truly smart alternatives.

A lot of dumb devices are easily reversible

That makes them renter-friendly

More than 30% of people in the United States rent their homes. If you've never lived in an apartment, let me tell you a secret: they really don't like it when you start rewiring things. That means you often can't install a smart doorbell, thermostat, or anything else that requires extensive changes. Smart switches are out of the question, too. You might get lucky and rent a place that already has those things installed, but there's no guarantees.

That's why "dumb" devices are so useful. For example, the Switchmate attaches to existing light switches with nothing but magnets. It runs on batteries, so it doesn't need a connection to the electrical system, but it has in-app timers and can sync with both Amazon Alexa and Google Home for proper voice control. All it does is toggle an internal, physical lever that, in turn, flips your light switch on or off. There's beauty in simplicity. And if you move somewhere else, it's easy to pull off the light switch (and it also means less cleaning for you, since the Switchmate will have probably caught most of the dust).

Devices like the Switchmate and the Fingerbot work with existing infrastructure, rather than asking users to complete a lengthy installation and/or setup process.

They offer better compatibility

A button is a button

The smart home world is full of walled gardens—devices that only work with a set number of other devices. The advent of Matter was set to change that, but the practical, real-world application of the protocol has yet to show many results. But take something like the Fingerbot. It exists for the sole reason of pressing whatever button it's attached to. Sure, it connects to your phone and can work with smart assistants, but really? It's just a way of pressing a button from afar. And that's absolutely brilliant.

The Fingerbot presses buttons, and that's basically it — but if the button can be depressed, the Fingerbot can activate it. Instead of going through the process of installing a Chamberlain garage door opener, just add a Fingerbot; it can press the switch to open and close the door for you. You can have it power on air purifiers, start coffee machines, and so much more. The fact is, most devices in your home are perfectly functional as they are. They just lack connectivity.

Fewer features usually means a lower price point

Smart functionality, smart spending

Let's say you want to turn on all the lights in your kitchen at once. You could drop $34 on a two-pack of Philips Hue bulbs (and that doesn't include the price of the Hub, either), or you could spend $10 on a Switchmate. You would probably need more than just two bulbs for your entire kitchen, anyway, and those costs can add up fast. You might not get the dimming features with the Switchmate, but I'll be honest: I've had smart lights for years, and I can't think of the last time I adjusted the brightness. I have them set on a schedule and can turn them off through voice control, and those are the main features I use. If you're looking for convenience, you don't need a lot of extraneous bells and whistles.

Then there are the accessory devices, like magnetic boundary strips for robot vacuums. You can absolutely set up boundaries in the app, but those can be wiped out in software updates or ignored because of a glitch. A $10 physical barrier that stops a robot vacuum from going somewhere problematic, like underneath that TV stand you forgot to cable manage, is a much more reliable solution.

It's easy to fall into the "good enough" trap

Sometimes the more advanced option is the better choice

Something like the Switchmate or the Fingerbot is a great solution for usability, especially if you're trying to solve a specific problem. On the other hand, neither of the two devices are exactly what I'd call "sleek." If aesthetics are important to you, a bulky square sitting atop a visible appliance isn't going to be the most appealing option. And while these work great at what they do, it's easy to tell yourself you'll upgrade later and end up with the same devices for years. If that happens, you don't get to experience what a fully integrated device is capable of. I mentioned smart lights earlier; while I typically don't adjust anything, the ability to dim the lights or use one of the flicker settings can be a great option for ambiance during a home cooked meal.

For most people, dumb is still smarter

"Good enough" sometimes is actually good enough

Here's the thing: aesthetics matter, but it's a question of how much they matter. How often do you really look at your light switches? There's also the consideration that, if you don't own your home, a more advanced solution might not be on the table. In a situation like that, a somewhat clunky, visible device is better than no smart functionality at all. Sometimes, good enough really is good enough. The tech industry has conditioned consumers to believe they need the latest and greatest, but when a $10 solution does exactly what you need, why opt for a $200 option with features you might never use? If you decide that's not enough, you can always upgrade later down the line.

Smart devices are like printers

I never buy expensive printers, simply because I never use the extra features they include. I only need it to print pages of text; I don't care about professional-grade photo prints. And that's also how I view smart devices. For most use-cases, the simpler option gets the job done. I have Hue bulbs in my office because I enjoy being able to adjust the color temperature to my mood, but I don't need fancy lighting in the bathroom. There, a Switchmate is more than enough.