The Best Voice-Controlled Gadgets That Actually Work

Elena Craft
Jul 21
3 min read

By Elena Craft, Barkley Home Stores

Voice control is one of those things that sounds brilliant in theory, but sometimes feels like trying to train a cat. You ask it to dim the lights and it adds nappies to your shopping list. You say “goodnight” and it starts playing ABBA. But when it works? Pure magic.

Here’s a rundown of the voice-controlled smart gadgets that actually deliver the goods in 2025, no shouting required.

1. Amazon Echo (5th Gen)

The OG smart speaker just keeps getting better. The 5th Gen offers crisper sound, snappier responses, and better far-field voice detection (i.e. it hears you whispering from the bathroom). It integrates with almost everything and is still the go-to for Alexa lovers.

2. Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen)

It’s a screen. It’s a speaker. It’s a silent sous chef. Nest Hub gives you visuals when you need them — recipes, timers, weather — and lets you control your smart home with just your voice. Bonus: it doesn’t have a camera, so it won’t make you feel watched.

3. TP-Link Kasa Smart Plugs

Simple, cheap, reliable. These are the “yes-men” of the smart plug world. Connect them to your kettle, lamp, or slow cooker and command them with Alexa or Google. Ideal if you like the idea of boiling water without getting up.

4. Philips Hue Bulbs

Still the gold standard for smart lighting. Whether you want a soft sunrise, a disco party, or bedtime dimming, these bulbs take direction like a pro. Set scenes with voice commands or create entire moods with a single phrase like “movie night.”

5. Ecobee Smart Thermostat

Warmth, on demand. It supports voice control via Alexa, and doesn’t need a separate hub. You can say “set temperature to 20 degrees” from bed and roll back into your duvet cocoon. What a time to be alive.

6. Eufy RoboVac (Voice-Enabled Models)

“Alexa, ask RoboVac to start cleaning.” Boom — done. These robot vacuums work with voice assistants and handle dust, crumbs and pet hair with surprisingly little drama. Some even map your home and avoid cables.

7. Sonos One (Gen 2)

If you want rich sound and smart control in one stylish speaker, this is it. With Alexa or Google built in, the Sonos One doesn’t just fill the room with sound — it does what it’s told. Mostly.

8. Govee LED Light Strips

Mood lighting made easy. These strips change colour and brightness with simple voice commands. Great for behind your TV, under cabinets, or lining the ceiling like a trendy tech dungeon.

Bonus Tips for Voice Control That Doesn’t Drive You Mad

Name things clearly: “Living room lamp” beats “Light 12C-A.” Every time.
Use routines: Link commands together, like “Good morning” to open blinds, start the coffee, and turn on the news.
Group devices by room: So you can say “Turn off upstairs” and not list five lamps like you're calling roll at school.

Final Thoughts

Voice control doesn’t have to be annoying. With the right gadgets and a bit of setup, it can be seamless, satisfying, and just a little bit futuristic. These gadgets prove you don’t need to spend a fortune or sacrifice your sanity to get your home talking back — in a good way.

Next up? We’ll dive into the smart home trends you’ll actually want to follow in 2025.