10 Smart Gadgets That Could Instantly Upgrade Your Backyard
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You have the itch to upgrade your backyard but aren't sure where to start. A smart gadget could be the answer. If you already use some of the best smart gadgets of 2026 , you know what a game-changer they can be. If you're new to connected tech outdoors, you may be surprised by how much you can change with a single gadget.
Entertainment is an obvious place to start with backyard upgrades. Hosting, family time and relaxation can all benefit from a more enjoyable outdoor space, but convenience, maintenance and security can make just as much of a difference. Smart technology can help with all of them, from taking some of the work out of everyday chores to making your backyard more comfortable and secure.
I've put together 10 smart gadgets I've come to love in and around my own backyard. Some are unique gadgets you may not have considered. Others are simple devices that can make things you already own a little smarter. Whether you're looking for more entertainment, easier yard maintenance or a better outdoor setup after dark, there's something here for a range of needs and budgets.
ANSI The X7 2000 ANSI Smart Projector is an easy way to add more entertainment to your backyard without committing to a permanent setup. It has native 1080p resolution, 2,000 ANSI lumens, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, plus autofocus and keystone correction. It can also rotate 180 degrees and has built-in speakers. It's currently about $200 on Amazon.
I was a little worried about spending that much on a projector and ending up with something that was hazy or dim. Fortunately, the picture has been sharp enough for outdoor movie nights and bright enough for the way I use it. I'm also a big proponent of gadgets being easy to use. I don't want to read a book of instructions before being able to enjoy something, and setup here was quick and straightforward. It connected to my phone and laptop without any major issues.
I mostly use it for movie nights. We bring blankets, pillows and snacks, set up outside and spend the evening watching a movie together. That's probably my favorite use for it, but it's not the only one. You could hook up a gaming console, put on a football game while everyone hangs out outside or use it to show photos during a backyard get-together. If you're considering a projector for more than just backyard movie nights, the best projectors for a home theater in 2026 will offer the features you need. And since it's portable, you can also bring it back inside or use it somewhere else.
HARYMOR A smart bird feeder is something I didn't realize I needed until I started watching the birds visit my mother-in-law's backyard on her HARYMOR Smart Bird Feeder . It has a camera, solar charging, motion alerts and an app that lets you watch birds from your phone. Its AI can also identify different species. It's currently around $116, making it a relatively inexpensive way to enjoy your backyard even more.
Sometimes we sit in the breakfast nook visiting when she receives a notification that a bird is at the feeder. If we can't see it clearly from the window, we pull up the app to view the camera feed to see the bird in real time. The solar panel is another nice touch because there's no need to worry about manually recharging or using a cord. The AI identification is pretty good at getting the bird right, although, as expected, it has been wrong a handful of times.
What I really like about this backyard upgrade is that it gives everyone something to look at. Instead of occasionally noticing a bird at the feeder through the window, we can see close-up videos, get to know the species that frequently visit and add a bit of natural wonder to our breakfast chatter.
Govee I spent a long time searching for the perfect outdoor string lights. Maybe a little too long. What can I say? I've been burned a few times, buying string lights only for them to immediately stop working or work inconsistently. After months of comparing reviews and revising my top picks, I finally settled on the Govee Outdoor String Lights 2 .
The lights were not the easiest to string. They came with zip ties, but they seemed almost too small to actually tie around anything. I ended up using my own materials to hang them. Once they were up, though, I was happy. The lights are highly customizable, with 16 million colors, individual bulb control, music-reactive effects and Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility. You can also adjust the brightness and choose from 48-, 96- and 144-foot options, starting at around $90 on Amazon.
What I like most is how easily I can change the mood. I can use warm, subtle lighting when we're sitting outside on a normal evening or switch to something more colorful when we're having people over. It makes the backyard feel more intentional and put-together.
ANTHBOT The idea of a robot mowing my lawn still feels a little futuristic to me. Even in the age of AI, watching the ANTHBOT M5 drive around my backyard still fascinates me. The smart mower uses RTK positioning and dual-camera vision to navigate without boundary wires, and you can map different areas of your yard and control the mower through the app. It can handle slopes up to 45 percent, automatically return to its charging station and even adjust its cutting height through the app. It's currently around $680.
Setup required a little bit more than just pulling it out of the box and pressing a button. Once I had everything mapped, though, I liked being able to tell it where to mow and letting it handle the routine work. Which is convenient when it seems like you're having to mow every other day.
The cameras are also designed to recognize and avoid obstacles, which is useful if you have toys, outdoor furniture or other random things that end up in the yard. The biggest upgrade here isn't exactly the mower itself. It's been getting…
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