This is a WIRED buying guide recommending stylish smart home gadgets that add convenience without detracting from a house's exterior appearance, updated for July 2026 with a new pool-cleaning robot pick. It targets homeowners keen to add smart features such as locks, doorbells and lighting to their outdoor spaces without the bulky, obviously "techy" look many such devices have.

– LevelLock Pro (from $349): a smart lock that replaces only the rear mechanism, keeping the original-looking front; supports NFC, Apple Home Key and Matter
– Google Nest Doorbell, Wired 3rd Gen (around $180, often discounted): a video doorbell with a slimmer, less obtrusive design than rivals like Ring
– Birdfy Nest Duo (around $320): a smart birdhouse with cameras that lets owners watch nesting birds while adding a neat feature to the front yard
– BeatBot AquaSense 2: newly added pick for households with pools