Audio and Video

Smart device adoption grows but setup stumps 52% of users

15 August 2025
Source: Parks Associates

About 45% of U.S. internet households own at least one core smart home device — this excludes smart speakers — and about 20% own a video doorbell. But according to new research from Parks Associates, the set-up process for smart home devices continues to plague consumers.

In the new report, Parks Associates said 52% of DIY users report setup or connectivity issues revealing that the user experience continues to be one of the main problems in smart home adoption.

The fact that nearly half of internet households have a core smart home device shows it has moved beyond the early adopters and into the mainstream. But for the segment to continue adoption, it will need to deliver more user friendly solutions.

“The smart home market has matured, expanding the need for an enhanced user experience to reach next-gen adopters as well as interoperability and standards to deliver a seamless smart home,” said Daniel Holcomb, senior analyst at Parks Associates.

Other top problems Parks Associates found among DIY smart home users include:

  • Difficulty with physical installation
  • Difficulty connecting to other devices
  • Too much time to set up
  • Difficulty configuring settings
  • Difficulty learning how to use
To contact the author of this article, email PBrown@globalspec.com


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