The best smart home setup depends on whether you prioritise security, energy monitoring, or convenience. Lorex Security Centers dominate the market for camera-based systems, while Wiser Energy leads for power management, and Smart Home Plugs offer the most affordable entry point.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall: Lorex Smart Home Security Center With 2K Video Doorbell
£199.99 (was £349.99). This system combines a 2K video doorbell with a dedicated security hub, giving you professional-grade monitoring without monthly subscription fees. The doorbell’s high resolution and wide viewing angle catch package thieves and visitors clearly.
Verdict: Best balance of price, features, and ease of installation.
Best Budget: Lorex Smart Home Security Center (Base Model)
£149.99. The entry-level hub supports multiple cameras (sold separately) and offers 24/7 local recording without cloud subscriptions. It’s ideal if you already have cameras or want a future-proof foundation.
Verdict: Cheapest way to build a scalable security system.
Best for Multiple Cameras: Lorex 2K Smart Home System With Wire-free Cameras
£299.99 (was £419.99). Includes the hub plus battery-operated 2K cameras and indoor pan-tilt Wi-Fi cameras. The wireless approach eliminates cable runs, and batteries last months between charges.
Verdict: Complete system for homes where wired cameras aren’t practical.
Best for Energy Savings: Wiser Energy Smart Home Monitor
£299.99. Tracks real-time electricity use by circuit, identifies energy vampires, and integrates with smart plugs for granular control. Unlike generic monitors, it breaks consumption down to individual appliances.
Verdict: Essential if you’re serious about cutting energy bills.
Best Budget Starter: Smart Home Plug
£13.44. The cheapest way to automate lighting, fans, or heaters. Works with most smart home ecosystems and logs power consumption. Buy multiple for whole-home control.
Verdict: Impulse buy that actually delivers on automation.
Best for Alerts: Feit Smart Home Wireless Audible Alarm
£44.99. A battery-powered smart alarm that integrates with your hub for door/window sensors, motion detection, and smartphone alerts. No hardwiring required.
Verdict: Reliable perimeter security at pocket money prices.
How We Chose
- Security first: Prioritised systems that don’t require ongoing cloud subscriptions (Lorex’s local recording is a major advantage)
- Scalability: Ranked products that work together—hubs that accept multiple sensor types, plugs that work across brands
- Real-world value: Ignored premium-priced gimmicks; focused on measurable ROI (energy savings, fewer false alarms, faster emergency response)
- Installation reality: Favoured wireless and retrofit-friendly options over systems requiring rewiring
Quick Comparison
| Product | Price | Best For | Standout Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lorex Security Center + Doorbell | £199.99 | All-in-one security | 2K doorbell + hub in one |
| Lorex Base Hub | £149.99 | Budget builders | Local storage, no subscriptions |
| Lorex 2K Wireless System | £299.99 | Multi-camera homes | Battery cameras, no cables |
| Wiser Energy Monitor | £299.99 | Energy tracking | Circuit-level consumption data |
| Smart Home Plug | £13.44 | First-time automators | Affordable, effective, portable |
The Bottom Line
If you need security today, buy the Lorex Smart Home Security Center With 2K Video Doorbell at £199.99—it’s the fastest path to professional monitoring without subscriptions. For energy savers, pair it with the Wiser Energy Monitor (£299.99) to track consumption in real time. Start with a single Smart Home Plug (£13.44) if you’re new to automation and want to learn the basics before investing further.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the cheapest smart home system I can buy?
A single Smart Home Plug at £13.44 is technically the entry point, but it only controls one device. For a system, the Lorex base hub at £149.99 is cheapest—it accepts multiple cameras and sensors, though you’ll need to buy those separately.
Do smart home security cameras require monthly fees?
Lorex systems store footage locally on the hub (no subscription), but cloud backup and mobile alerts are optional extras. Most competitors demand monthly plans; Lorex’s local approach saves hundreds annually.
Can I mix different smart home brands together?
Not always seamlessly. Lorex hubs work with Lorex cameras and compatible third-party sensors. Smart plugs usually play well with Alexa or Google Home. Check compatibility before buying if you have existing devices.
Is a smart energy monitor worth the money?
Yes, if your electricity bill is over £120/month. The Wiser Energy typically pays for itself in 12–18 months through pinpointed savings (finding the idle furnace, gaming PC left on standby, etc.). Below £60/month, the ROI is harder to justify.
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