Entries are now open for the Tom’s Guide Smart Home Awards 2026

The Tom's Guide Smart Home Awards 2026 are officially open for nominations, giving brands a chance to showcase products that are reshaping how people live, work, and rest in their homes.

The awards span five categories reflecting the breadth of the modern smart home: Garden and Outdoor, Home Office, Sleep, Smart Home, and Home Appliances. Each category targets a different facet of domestic life, from robot vacuums and air purifiers to standing desks and smart security systems.

The Garden and Outdoor category covers yard care gear, outdoor entertainment, fire pits, grills, and solar lighting — products that have seen explosive growth as homeowners invest more in outdoor living spaces. The Home Office category reflects the permanent shift toward remote and hybrid work, spotlighting desks, chairs, and organizational tools.

Perhaps the most timely category is Sleep, acknowledging the growing market for technology-assisted rest — from smart mattresses to nightstand gadgets. The Smart Home category rounds out the field with security cameras, Wi-Fi locks, and connected lighting.

Entry costs $250 per product per category, with no limit on submissions. Products can be entered into multiple categories at additional cost. The deadline for submissions is May 22, 2026, with category winners announced at the end of that month.

The awards come at a moment when the smart home market is experiencing significant fragmentation. With dozens of ecosystems competing — from Apple HomeKit to Google Home to Amazon Alexa — independent recognition carries weight with consumers trying to navigate compatibility and quality questions.

What This Means For You: If you're a consumer shopping for smart home gear, keep an eye on the winners when they're announced — they'll serve as a curated shortlist in a market that's otherwise overwhelming. If you're a brand with a qualifying product, the $250 entry fee is a relatively low-cost way to gain visibility in a crowded category. The May 22 deadline gives you about four weeks to prepare submissions.