Smart products for smart homes

Build a smarter home without the guesswork.

Top 10 lists for every room, head-to-head comparisons, and plain-language setup guides for Alexa, Google Home, Apple Home and Matter.

Ecosystem hubs

Pick your platform, then pick your gear

Devices work best when they match the assistant you already use. Start with the guides for your ecosystem.

Smart Home Starter · Kit builder

What should I buy first?

Answer a few quick questions about your home, your phone and your budget range. You'll get a starter list matched to the ecosystem you already use, linked to our guides.

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  1. 01
    Which assistant do you use?AlexaGoogleSiriNone yet
  2. 02
    Where do you want to start?SecurityLightingClimateEntertainment
  3. 03
    Do you rent or own?RentOwn
  4. Your starter kitA short list of device types plus the setup guides to go with them.
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How we review

Our process, in plain view

  1. Research the categoryWe compare specs, compatibility and what owners need from a device before choosing what to cover.
  2. Look at setup and daily useApp experience, ecosystem support and how easy the device is to live with.
  3. Weigh privacy and securityAccount security, data controls and update support all count.
  4. Say how we knowEach review says whether it's based on hands-on use or research, and gets updated when things change.
Written by

Smart Homes Specialist

The writer behind Smart Homes Reviews, covering smart home devices, voice assistants and home automation in plain language since 2017.

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Services

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Glossary

Smart home terms, decoded

Matter
An open smart home standard from the Connectivity Standards Alliance. Certified devices can work with Alexa, Google Home, Apple Home and SmartThings, over Wi-Fi, Thread or Ethernet.
Thread
A low-power wireless mesh network for smart home devices. It needs a Thread border router, which is built into some smart speakers, displays and hubs.
Zigbee
A low-power mesh protocol on 2.4 GHz, common in bulbs and sensors. It needs a Zigbee hub or coordinator.
Z-Wave
A low-power mesh protocol on sub-GHz frequencies, so it doesn't compete with Wi-Fi. It needs a Z-Wave hub.
Wi-Fi 6
The 802.11ax Wi-Fi standard. It handles many connected devices at once more efficiently than older Wi-Fi.
Full glossary coming soon
FAQ

Smart home questions, answered

What is a smart home?

A home whose lights, locks, thermostats, cameras or appliances connect to the internet or a local hub, so you can control them from an app, by voice, or on a schedule.

Do I need a hub?

Not always. Many Wi-Fi and Matter-over-Wi-Fi devices connect straight to your router. Zigbee and Z-Wave devices need a compatible hub, and Thread devices need a Thread border router.

Alexa, Google Home or Apple Home: which should I choose?

Start with what you already own. The assistant on your phone or speakers is usually easiest. Matter-certified devices can work across all three.

Do smart devices work without internet?

It depends on the device. Some support local control on your home network. Others need a cloud connection for remote access, voice control or automations.

How do I keep smart cameras and locks secure?

Use a unique password, turn on two-factor authentication, keep firmware updated, and review which apps and accounts have access.

How does this site make money?

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