Home security systems—once the exclusive domain of high-priced professional installers—have never been more affordable, and the hardware and software is simpler, more intuitive, and easier to set up than ever…
For the past several years, Amazon has held a big September event to show off its latest hardware, and 2023’s presentation included a doozy: a new Alexa with ChatGPT-like conversational…
The remote control can make or break your streaming experience, which might explain why device makers are offering increasingly better ones, sometimes at an additional cost. The best streaming remotes…
At a glanceExpert's Rating Pros Very bright, in both white and color Can be trimmed to fit (or extended) Lots of presets and programming options Very affordable Cons Power supply…
While most modern soundbars rely on an HDMI cable to connect to HDTVs and 4K TVs, there are still plenty of soundbars on the market with legacy audio inputs that…
Here’s a good reason to get off the sofa: a soundbar that morphs into a karaoke machine as soon as you pick up its microphone. Slated to go on sale…
At a glanceExpert's Rating Pros Straightforward setup Flexible storage options, including local storage on a microSD card Reliable motion detection and clear video quality Cons Smart detection requires subscription No…
Light is light, right? Not exactly. The light that comes from the overhead fluorescents at your office is probably nothing like the light that pours from your favorite chandelier at…
When the first renderings of a supposed HomePod with a screen hit the interwebs, I was not a fan. The look was pretty basic: a full-size HomePod with a circular…
Whether you’re an aspiring meteorologist, a storm chaser, or the most casual of weather nerds, a DIY home weather station delivers the a great way to track Mother Nature. Smartphone…
At a glanceExpert's Rating Pros Inexpensive, and very easy to use Extensive logging of multiple climate conditions Battery-powered, so no cable needed Cons Requires a SwitchBot hub SwitchBot’s hygrometer isn’t…
At a glanceExpert's Rating Pros Efficient cleaning Bagless auto-empty station saves money in the long run Adept at avoiding obstacles on the floor Cons Mopping is an afterthought Will eat…
One of the key differentiators between home security cameras and video doorbells has nothing to do with their specifications or even their performance. If you’re considering the long-term cost of…
As more cord-cutters realize how easily they can cycle through different streaming services, TV programmers are turning to bundles to stop them. Disney+, Hulu, and Max, for instance, are now…
At a glanceExpert's Rating Pros Multifunctional Smart features Voice control High-quality light Cons No audio alarm Expensive Plastic build Our Verdict Between its lovely design and its excellent sunrise mimicry,…
Renting an apartment or house doesn’t mean you must forgo the convenience of a smart home; in fact, you might be surprised by the possibilities for making your home life…
Ecobee has been trying to expand its smart home footprint beyond thermostats for several years, positioning its best-in-class smart thermostats and its very good security camera (and video doorbell) as…
iRobot’s latest budget vacuums have picked up a key ability: the ability to empty their own dustbins. Just announced by iRobot and on sale now, the vacuum-and-mop Roomba Combo 2…
An external streaming device is the best way to access online video services without replacing your entire TV. By plugging one of these devices into your TV’s HDMI port, you’ll…
At a glanceExpert's Rating Pros Faster app load times than other Google TV devices Google TV software helps you keep track of movies and shows Doubles as a Google Cast…