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Smart home starter kit 2026 – how to start smart (without locking yourself in)
Which hub and gadgets should you start with? We compare IKEA Dirigera, Philips Hue, Home Assistant Green and Shelly and explain Matter, Zigbee and Thread in plain English.
Our picks
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| Model | Score | Best for | Pros | Cons | Buy |
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 IKEA Dirigera | 8.2 | Beginners who want a simple, cheap smart home |
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 Philips Hue Starter Kit | 8.4 | Buyers who prioritise lighting and quality |
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 Home Assistant Green | 8.5 | Tech enthusiasts who want full control and privacy |
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 Shelly Plus 1PM | 8.0 | Enthusiasts who want to make existing lighting smart |
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Contains affiliate links. If you buy through our links Pi93 AB may earn a commission – at no extra cost to you. Commission does not affect which products we recommend or how they are ranked.
A smart home sounds like a lot, but most people benefit from a few simple things: lights that switch on automatically, a plug that turns off, a sensor that warns of a water leak. The problem is that many people start with the wrong gadgets and end up in a tangle of apps.
This guide helps you start small and expand without locking yourself in. We do not quote prices; use check current price.
Who is this guide for?
- Beginners who want to try a smart home
- Anyone who wants to automate lighting and sensors
- Anyone who wants to keep an eye on electricity use
- Anyone curious about Home Assistant but unsure where to start
How we evaluate
We do not test every combination of devices and hubs and have no test flat. We rely on:
- Specifications and standards: Matter, Zigbee, Thread, Wi-Fi.
- Owner reports: stability, pairing, updates.
- Local control: does the device work without a cloud service?
- Ecosystem size: are there many compatible devices?
- Privacy and security.
Scores are editorial judgements.
Our picks
Home Assistant Green – for those who want full control
Home Assistant is an open platform that controls most things locally. The Green is a ready-made hub. You get a lot of freedom and privacy, but it takes time to learn.
IKEA Dirigera – easiest and cheapest to start with
The Dirigera is an affordable hub that supports Matter. IKEA’s range of bulbs, sensors and plugs is broad and cheap. There are limits to advanced automation, but for many it is plenty.
Philips Hue Starter Kit – for lighting
Hue is the market leader in smart lighting and well proven. It is pricier, but very stable and has a large range.
Shelly Plus 1PM – for enthusiasts
A small relay that measures consumption and makes existing lighting smart. Installation must be done by an authorised electrician.
Comparison criteria
Standard: Matter, Zigbee, Thread
- Matter: common standard that improves compatibility.
- Zigbee: proven, low-power, good for sensors and bulbs.
- Thread: modern mesh technology that Matter can use.
- Wi-Fi: simple but can burden the network.
Local or cloud-based
Local control works even if the internet goes down and is better for privacy. Cloud-based systems can stop working if the manufacturer shuts down the service.
Ecosystem
Choose a system with many compatible products. Avoid closed systems without Matter support.
Security and privacy
Updates, passwords and camera policy.
Price
Expect costs to grow as you expand.
Common mistakes
- Starting with too much.
- Mixing ecosystems without a plan.
- Buying cameras from unknown makers.
- Doing electrical work yourself: fixed wiring requires an authorised electrician.
- Automating too much: if the family finds it complicated, you have got it wrong.
Verdict
- Best for beginners: IKEA Dirigera.
- Best for lighting: Philips Hue Starter Kit.
- Best for full control: Home Assistant Green.
- Best for enthusiasts with an electrician: Shelly Plus 1PM.
Smart homes are most useful alongside big loads. Read about wallboxes and heat pumps and how they can be controlled. You will find more guides in the Smart home category.
FAQ
What is Matter?
Matter is a common smart home standard that lets devices from different manufacturers work together. It reduces lock-in, but not all features are yet supported by all devices. Always check compatibility.
Zigbee, Thread or Wi-Fi – which should I choose?
Zigbee and Thread are low-power and form mesh networks, which suits sensors and bulbs. Wi-Fi is simple but can burden the network with many devices. Matter works over both Thread and Wi-Fi.
Do smart homes work without internet?
It depends on the system. Local systems like Home Assistant work without internet for most functions. Many cloud-dependent devices stop working if the internet or the manufacturer’s server goes down.
Can I do electrical installations myself?
No. In Sweden fixed electrical installation may only be done by an authorised electrician. Devices wired into the wall or junction boxes (such as Shelly relays) therefore require an electrician. Smart bulbs and plugs you simply plug in are fine.
Are smart homes secure?
Risks exist, such as weak passwords and outdated software. Use unique passwords, update devices, separate IoT devices onto their own network if you can, and avoid cameras from unknown manufacturers.
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