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Guides, comparisons, and smart home explainers
Independent writing on the gear that goes in your house.
Best Ecobee Thermostat Alternatives in 2026: Top Smart Thermostats Compared
Ecobee thermostat alternatives for 2026: Nest Learning Thermostat, Honeywell X8S, Aqara W200, Nest Thermostat, Mysa and Sensi by price, Matter and wiring.
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The Best Nest Alternatives in 2026
Nest alternatives for 2026: ecobee and Aqara thermostats, Aqara, eufy and Arlo cameras, ecobee doorbell and the First Alert Nest Protect replacement.
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Best Video Doorbell in 2026: Smart Doorbell Cameras Compared
The best video doorbells of 2026 compared: Nest, Ring, Tapo, eufy, Aqara, Wyze, ecobee and Reolink. October prices, plan costs, wiring and storage.
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Best Govee Lights Alternatives in 2026: Smarter Smart Lighting Options
Looking for Govee lights alternatives in 2026? We ranked Philips Hue, LIFX, Nanoleaf, and more by ecosystem compatibility, Matter support, and value for money.
Best Home Security Systems in 2026: Cameras, Alarms & Video Doorbells Ranked
The best home security systems of 2026 compared — cameras, video doorbells, and alarm systems from Ring, Eufy, Arlo, Wyze, and more. Find the right setup for your home.
Best SimpliSafe Alternatives in 2026: DIY Home Security Without the Monthly Fees
Looking for SimpliSafe alternatives in 2026? We ranked the best DIY home security cameras and systems — from Ring to Arlo — that protect your home for less.
Best Smart Home Devices in 2026: Top Picks Across Every Category
The best smart home devices of 2026 ranked by category — thermostats, robot vacuums, smart locks, cameras, and more. Find the top-rated devices for your setup.
Best Smart Switches in 2026: Smart Light Switches & Dimmers Ranked
The best smart switches and dimmers of 2026 ranked — Lutron Caseta, Leviton, Kasa, and more compared on reliability, no-neutral-wire support, and Matter compatibility.
Ring Doorbell Alternatives 2026: Best Video Doorbells to Use Instead
Looking for Ring doorbell alternatives in 2026? Compare Eufy, Arlo, Wyze, and Google Nest on video quality, local storage, subscription cost, and HomeKit support.
The Best Alternatives to myQ in 2026
Looking for alternatives to myQ? Five smart garage controllers with Matter support, local control and no restricted integrations, compared for 2026.
The Best Alternatives to Vivint in 2026
Alternatives to Vivint without the multi-year contract. Six DIY security setups for 2026 with no monitoring fees, local storage and Matter support.
The Best Wyze Alternatives in 2026
The best Wyze alternatives in 2026. Compare Aqara, Eufy, TP-Link Kasa, Ring and Arlo on price, Matter support, local control and no-fee storage.