About 85% of homeowners in the USA rely on at least one smart home device, with the intention to invest in security and energy management, according to a report from Vivint.

The smart home and security firm also found that 61% of homeowners have purchased one to three smart devices in the past year, and more than half (55%) plan to purchase new smart devices over the next 12 months.

One in five specifically intend to purchase an outdoor security camera (20%) and/or a smart doorbell (19%) in the next 12 months. And 77% of homeowners are interested in a smart home option that provides holistic energy management.

Utah-based Vivint’s research unveils how the home – including what’s inside it and how its inhabitants interact with it – has evolved over the past five years, driving new needs and preferences among homeowners.

Today, homeowners expect their living spaces to perform various functions beyond rest and relaxation. More than a quarter (27%) currently work from home, more than two in five (41%) also use their home as a gym space, and nearly half (48%) regularly host friends and social gatherings.

“As homeowners become more digitally engaged and conscious of what is available in the market, smart home expectations are shifting as quickly as the technology that underpins them,” said Jim Nye, chief product officer at Vivint. “While priorities are constantly evolving, our research shows others remain unchanged: the desire for connected, intuitive, affordable smart options that keep homes and what matters most within them safe and secure.”

The top ten most commonly owned smart devices include smart TV or streaming hub, smart speaker or voice assistant, smart doorbell, outdoor security camera, smart thermostat, indoor security camera, smart lighting, robot vacuum, smart plugs or outlets, and smart locks or keyless entry.

When asked about the future of smart technology, homeowners report they are the most excited about security and protection (37%). In fact, a fifth specifically intend to purchase an outdoor security camera (20%) and/or a smart doorbell (19%) in the next 12 months.

Technology brings the expectation of convenience, and this is heightened in the smart home arena. Among current homeowners, 22% believe there could be even more convenience, customisation and personalisation with their smart devices, and more than half (54%) report that ease of use and ease of installation or set up is a top consideration.

The industry offers a wide variety of products, but this can feel overwhelming, and disjointed experiences are a dealbreaker. Some 41% of homeowners who use smart devices do not actually consider their homes smart, 63% prefer to have all devices integrated in one platform or app, and when asked what might prevent them from making a purchase, 20% say there are too many different apps or ecosystems, while 18% cite a lack of compatibility with their existing devices.

Cost is top of mind for everyone. It ranks as the number one consideration for more than half (53%) of all homeowners, including smart home device users and non-users alike.

While homeowners are cognizant of their finances, energy management is emerging as an important factor, not only for the environment, but also as a vehicle to help manage their expenses. More than three-quarters (77%) of homeowners are interested in a smart home option that provides holistic energy management and efficiency, as 59% report that their energy bills have increased in the past 12 months. Additionally, 32% say they look for energy efficiency, monitoring or reporting in their smart home, while 40% of non-smart home users say energy efficiency is a top consideration if they are purchasing a smart home device.

“This study reveals a clear direction for smart home providers: offer devices that integrate together and create a level of personalisation, convenience and accessibility that truly makes their daily lives much easier, not busier and not more cluttered,” said William Stovall, senior vice president at Vivint (www.vivint.com).

Amid growing needs, increasingly disjointed devices and rapidly rising costs, the smart home industry has reached a critical turning point. Consumers are more excited about developments in the technology and they are vocal about their preferences. They see the value in investing in top tier products, but only if those options can effortlessly meet and exceed their expectations.

For more about the report, go to www.vivint.com/company/howwehome.

To complete the survey, 5000 US homeowners were interviewed online in October 2025. The survey was commissioned by Vivint and conducted by market research company OnePoll.

Download the full report at experience.vivint.com/sites/default/files/files/2025-12/Vivint%20How%20We%20Home%20Report.pdf.