For many, smart devices have long been a part of everyday life. This is demonstrated by the new study by Reichelt Elektronik, one of the most relevant online distributors of electronics and information technology in Europe, according to which 75% of Spaniards use at least one smart device in their home. Among the most popular smart devices are multimedia equipment, such as connected televisions and sound systems (65%), followed by voice assistants, such as Alexa or Google Home (50%), and cleaning equipment, such as robot vacuum cleaners (38%).
By far the most cited reason for purchasing smart devices is to enjoy greater comfort at home (47%). This is followed by practical functions such as remote access to smart devices or process automation (36%), as well as interest in technology and the new possibilities it offers (29%). The need to optimize energy consumption, increase home security and reduce costs is also a relevant reason for 28% of Spaniards.
Smart homes are interesting but not essential
A clear majority considers that investing in smart devices pays off: 61% of Spaniards claim to have saved money thanks to them, especially on heating or electricity. However, respondents rank greater comfort (56%) and increased efficiency in daily tasks (40%) as the main benefits, even ahead of financial savings (38%). Furthermore, 23% highlight their contribution to sustainability.
Although seven out of ten Spaniards say that smart devices make their lives easier, many still do not consider them essential. 48% define them as a useful, but not essential, complement. Likewise, one in two users recognizes that they do not want to become too dependent on these smart devices.
Among the main drawbacks reported are its high price (34%), dependence on the internet connection and electricity supply (33%), possible errors or malfunctions of smart devices (23%) and concerns about data privacy (23%).
WiFi dominates, while Matter and Zigbee remain great unknowns
Regarding the way in which smart devices communicate with each other, the study reflects a clear predominance of the best-known standards over specific protocols for smart homes. Wi-Fi is, by far, the most used connectivity technology: 86% of Spaniards claim to use it regularly. Bluetooth occupies second position, with 77% active use.
At the opposite extreme are specialized protocols such as Matter, a relatively new and multi-platform connectivity standard, completely unknown to 64% of users and actively used by only 8%. The situation is similar in the case of Zigbee, unknown to 67% of the population and used by only 7%, as well as Z-Wave, which 63% do not know and only 7% use. Thread has a higher degree of familiarity: 26% have heard of this protocol, although only 14% actually use it to connect their smart devices.
Home Assistant constitutes the main exception. With 26% active use and a knowledge level of 64%, the open source platform is positioned as the most used specific solution for smart homes.
Security plays a fundamental role
Respondents have very high expectations regarding security for smart home devices. 80% attach great importance to manufacturers having transparent data protection policies, while 78% value both regular security updates and the possibility of using smart devices without an internet connection.
Likewise, encrypted data transmission between smart devices and servers (75%), local processing of information without cloud storage (70%) and certifications issued by independent security organizations (73%) are also priority aspects for a vast majority of users.
At the same time, cybersecurity concerns continue to hold back the purchase of more smart devices. 35% fear that one of their computers could be hacked or accessed without authorization, while 34% are concerned about the theft or misuse of their personal data. Additionally, 33% fear system failures that could create security risks and 31% express uncertainty about how their data is used or shared.
Smart homes are consolidated in Spain
Three out of every four Spaniards use smart devices and, according to the study, more than half claim to have saved money thanks to them. For many, the smart home has ceased to be a novel concept and has become a regular part of their daily lives. However, consumers continue to make a clear demand to the sector: to reinforce security, transparency and trust in smart devices.
Wi-Fi is, by far, the most used connectivity technology, since 86% of Spaniards claim to use it regularly
«The reichelt elektronik study shows that the smart home has surpassed the fad phase and has become part of everyday life in Spain. The barriers related to price, compatibility and ease of use are becoming lower,” says Arno Doncks, Product Manager Home Security and Smart Home at reichelt elektronik. “The next challenge is clear: those who want to take advantage of the full potential of smart devices will have to gain the trust of consumers in terms of security and data protection, since these continue to be the areas in which there are the greatest reservations among Spanish users.”
