Hands-on reviews of cameras, plugs, locks, sensors, and hubs, with honest cons and the monthly-fee traps flagged before you buy.
Expert Reviewed · Last updated June 23, 2026 · This article is regularly updated with the latest information and recommendations. Google’s first new smart speaker in six years ships June 25 for $99.99. It’s built for Gemini, and it’s a bigger deal than just another speaker — here’s what you need to know before pre-ordering. … Read more
Why Humidity Matters More Than Temperature Most people obsess over thermostat settings but ignore the moisture in their air. Here is the thing: humidity affects how hot your home actually feels. A 78-degree room at 30 percent humidity feels comfortable. That same room at 70 percent humidity feels like a sauna. Your body cools itself … Read more
Temperature sensors are cheap — 15 to 30 dollars each. But a cheap sensor in the wrong spot is worse than no sensor at all. It tells your thermostat the living room is 78 degrees when it’s actually 72, and your AC runs longer than it needs to. Or it says the bedroom is 68 … Read more
For most smart home setups, the Amazon Echo is the best smart speaker because Alexa has the largest device compatibility. The HomePod 2nd gen is best for sound quality, and the Google Nest is best for answering questions. All three handle basic smart home commands well. Video: Made by Google — official product demo But … Read more
Water damage is the most common and most expensive home insurance claim. The average cost of a water damage claim is over 11,000 dollars. And the most common cause isn’t a dramatic pipe burst — it’s a slow leak from a washing machine hose, ice maker line, or water heater that goes unnoticed for hours … Read more
House fires cause over 3,000 deaths and 11 billion dollars in property damage annually in the US alone. Most fatal fires happen at night when people are sleeping and can’t smell smoke until it’s too late. Carbon monoxide — the silent killer — claims another 400 lives per year. Smart fire safety isn’t about replacing … Read more
Robot lawn mowers have been around for years, but until recently they cost 2,000 to 5,000 dollars and required professional installation with buried wire boundaries. That’s changing fast. New models under 1,000 dollars use GPS and cameras instead of buried wire, and some are even smart home compatible. But do they actually work? And are … Read more
Here’s the dirty secret of smart homes: most of them become very dumb the moment the power goes out. Your Wi-Fi router dies, your smart lights won’t turn on, your thermostat stops working, and your security cameras go blind. The house that was automated an hour ago is now less functional than a non-smart house … Read more
Window sensors are the most underrated device in smart homes. Most people think they only do one thing: tell you if a window is open or closed. And sure, that’s their job. But what you can do with that information is what makes them a must-have. A 20 to 30 dollar contact sensor on a … Read more
Why Your Garage Is the Most Overlooked Room in Your Smart Home Most people start their smart home in the living room or kitchen. But the garage is where some of the most practical automation happens. From securing your biggest entry point to controlling the climate where you store tools and vehicles, a smart garage … Read more