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Guides, comparisons, and smart home explainers
Independent writing on the gear that goes in your house.
SimpliSafe Home Security System 2026: Reviews, Packages, and Comparisons
Everything you need to know about SimpliSafe home security systems in 2026. Packages, monitoring plans, camera options, and how SimpliSafe compares to ADT and Ring Alarm.
Smart Home Apps: What Actually Controls Your Devices in 2026
Which smart home apps are worth using in 2026? Compare Alexa, Google Home, Apple Home and SmartThings apps, and the devices each controls best.
Smart Home Automation Controller: The 2026 Buyer's Guide
Compare the best smart home automation controller options for 2026. Matter, Thread and Zigbee hubs ranked on local control, ecosystem support and price.
Smart Home Displays: The 2026 Buyer's Guide
Smart home displays compared for 2026 — wall panels, smart hubs with screens and bedside displays ranked on control depth, privacy and price.
Smart Home Ecosystems: How They Fit Together in 2026
A plain-English guide to smart home ecosystems in 2026 — how Matter, Thread and Zigbee fit together, and the devices that work across all of them.
Smart Home Platform Guide: Choosing Your Ecosystem in 2026
Which smart home platform should you build on in 2026? Compare Alexa, Google Home, Apple Home, SmartThings and Matter with the devices that work best on each.
Smart Home Security Devices: What to Buy in 2026
The best smart home security device picks for 2026 — cameras, locks, sensors and doorbells ranked on local storage, Matter support and monthly fees.
Smart Home Sensors: The 2026 Directory
Smart home sensors for 2026: mmWave presence, water leak, smoke and CO detection. Which sensors actually stop your lights turning off while you sit still.
Smart Speakers: The 2026 Directory
Smart speakers compared for 2026. Which models double as Matter hubs and Thread border routers, and which are just speakers with a microphone attached.
Zigbee Smart Home Devices: What They Are and the Best Picks for 2026
Best Zigbee smart home devices of 2026 — hubs, bulbs, sensors, and switches that use the Zigbee protocol for fast, reliable, low-power local smart home control.