I think the best use case I’ve seen for nfc tags are periodic reminder reset. Place a nfc tag near your filter register then when you change your hvac filter, scanning the tag records the date which can then be used to send notifications when it’s time to change the filters again.

I have U-Bolt Pro Z-Wave locks and they’ve worked quite well for me.

For sensors and switches I’ve had good luck with Zooz, which is also Z-wave.

For bulbs I’ve had good luck with Tp-Link KL-135 Wi-Fi bulbs.

I’ve heard lots of good things about Aqara and will be who I use when I want to use zigbee devices.