Where to Place Smart Sensors for Reliable Automations
Learn where to place motion, contact, leak, and temperature sensors for reliable smart home automations, plus common mistakes and coverage testing.
Smart Home
Smart home devices explained with compatibility first: lighting, plugs, hubs, sensors, security devices, thermostats, speakers and displays, networking, automation, energy monitoring and the protocols that connect them.
Security Camera Storage: Local vs Cloud (and Cameras Without Subscriptions)
Local storage keeps footage on a card, base station, or recorder; cloud storage adds remote access and smart alerts. Learn which fits your home and how to avoid subscription fees.
Smart Displays: Screens for Controls, Cameras and Calls
Smart displays add a screen to your smart speaker for video calls, camera feeds, and visual controls. Learn how to choose one for your home.
Network Switches and PoE Switches for Cameras and Hubs
A network switch adds wired ports for cameras and hubs. This guide covers PoE, PoE+, budgets, gigabit ports, VLANs, cables, and safe placement.
Motion-Based Automations and How to Avoid False Triggers
Reduce false alarms from motion-based automations. Learn about sensitivity, blind time, conditions, and combining sensors for reliable triggers.
Smart Home Routines and Scenes Across Platforms
Learn the difference between scenes and routines, how to set them up across Alexa, Google Home, Apple Home and SmartThings, and tips for cross-platform compatibility using Matter.
Energy-Monitoring Smart Plugs: Watts, kWh and Accuracy Limits
Understand how energy-monitoring smart plugs track watts and kWh, their accuracy limits, and why they should never be used with space heaters.
Home Energy Dashboards: Using Your App and Utility Data
Use your utility’s Green Button data and energy-monitoring smart plugs in your smart home app to track usage, shift loads, and understand time-of-use rates.
Smart Home Without a Hub: What Works and the Trade-Offs
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Matter-over-Wi-Fi devices can work without a hub. Learn the trade-offs, including cloud reliance, battery life, router load, and when a hub is worth adding.
How to Evaluate Wi-Fi Routers and Mesh Systems
A practical pre-purchase guide to comparing Wi-Fi routers and mesh systems, from Wi-Fi standards and ports to security features, firmware support, and listing red flags.
Smart Home: Device Guide
Smart home setup starts with understanding how devices communicate. See the compatibility and protocols guide to make sure your gear works together.
For a useful starting point, look through the smart home buying guides and home automation sections. You can also compare options in the smart home comparisons.