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Forget speakers and streaming – the UK’s smart home boom is being driven by a massive surge in demand for more efficient heating.
At least that’s according to a new nationwide study, the Smartest Homes Index, commissioned by retailer Argos.
It reveals that while voice assistants and entertainment devices remain the connected home’s core devices, soaring utility costs have turned smart heating into the fastest-growing category.
In the last three months alone, the report claims, searches for “smart thermostat” have surged by a staggering 311%, with “smart heating” searches rising 173%. This highlights the immense growth potential in a sector that is currently owned by only 35% of smart-tech users.
Will Jones, Argos Head of Buying – Technology, explains the evolution of connected living. “Our Smartest Homes Index shows just how quickly the UK is moving towards connected living,” he says. “Customers are not just bringing devices into their homes anymore, they’re building ecosystems that work together behind the scenes.”
Jones adds: “From tech that helps optimise energy use to tools that support comfort and wellbeing, the next generation of smart living is already emerging.”
Nevertheless, the foundation of the UK’s connected home remains entertainment. Smart speakers are the nation’s most-owned device, cited by 74% of respondents, closely followed by smart TVs and streaming gadgets at 73%.
Smart lighting, owned by 27% of users, continues to be a popular entry point.
Beyond entertainment, security is now a major smart-tech driver. Tools that help homeowners feel in control are rapidly gaining ground, with 58% of users owning a smart security device.
The momentum is being pushed by one key demographic: the 35-44 age bracket. Nearly eight in ten (78%) in this group own three or more smart devices, with 56% using them daily, making them the most influential adopters.
Looking ahead, consumer demand is clearly focused on practicality. When asked what they would want to make “smart” next, UK consumers prioritised cleaning and maintenance (20%), home security and door solutions (15%), and heating and energy control (13%).
The next wave of innovation will be about integrating technology seamlessly into the daily, functional aspects of the home.
Key device trend insights:
- Smart speakers and TVs dominate modern British homes: Smart speakers are the UK’s most-owned smart devices (cited by 74% of respondents), closely followed by smart TVs or streaming gadgets (73%), making entertainment and voice-controlled tech the backbone of connected living.
- Security is becoming a major smart-tech driver: With 58% of users owning smart security devices, tools that help homeowners feel in control have become one of the fastest-growing categories.
- Heating and energy control are where demand is rising fastest: Searches for “smart thermostat” have surged 311% and “smart heating” is up 173% in the last three months alone, as households look for more efficient ways to stay warm. Smart thermostats and heating systems are already owned by 35% of smart-tech users.
- Smart lighting continues its steady rise: Now owned by 27% of smart-tech users, lighting remains one of the UK’s most accessible entry points for those beginning their smart-home journey.
- The UK’s most influential adopters are those aged 35-44: Nearly eight in ten (78%) in this age group own three or more smart devices, with 56% using them daily, making them a key driver of product demand and ecosystem growth.
- The next wave of demand is highly practical: When asked what they would want to make “smart” next, UK consumers prioritised:
- Cleaning and maintenance (20%)
- Home security and door solutions (15%)
- Heating and energy control (13%)
The full report can be found here: https://www.argos.co.uk/
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