5 smart home gadgets I consider completely non-negotiable - and why

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Tech is best when it makes your life easier. And with a plethora of gadgets, gizmos, and gear on the market in every major category, it isn't always easy sorting out what's good from what's great. Home tech isn't spared from this fate, either. With robot lawn mowers and window washers , automated vacuum mops , and more, we're probably closer to the life we saw on The Jetsons than ever before.

Also: 10 useful smart home gadgets that make life so much easier

But not every new product is practical or fit for your lifestyle. It takes plenty of trial and error and intentional upgrades to take your home from totally typically to sneakily smart. Here are the five smart home gadgets I use in my home, and why I think you should consider them, too.

Also: I automated my home's most unexpected electronics - here are 5 ingenious results

My new house has a small living room, and I didn't want the TV to be the main focal point. That's why I scooped up this Hisense art TV that doesn't lack any smart features. It's made plenty of guests do a double-take, and it gets endless compliments.

Also: My canvas art TV gets endless compliments, and it's cheaper than Samsung's Frame TV