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
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.
How to Evaluate Cameras, Video Doorbells and Smart Locks
Learn what to check before buying security cameras, video doorbells, and smart locks: storage, encryption, power, lock ratings, backup, and key override.
Smart Temperature and Humidity Sensors for Rooms, Basements and Freezers
Smart temperature and humidity sensors help you monitor room comfort, basements, freezers, and more. This guide covers placement, alert thresholds, battery life, and automations.
How to Automate Your Lights: Schedules, Sunset, Motion and Scenes
Set up light automations using schedules, sunset offsets, motion triggers, and scenes. Avoid common household annoyances and keep wall switches functional.
Smart Home for Renters: No-Wiring, No-Drill Devices
A practical guide to no-wiring and no-drill smart home devices for renters, covering plugs, bulbs, sensors, cameras, locks, and mounts that protect your deposit.
Smart Home Schedules: Sunrise, Sunset and Vacation Modes
Learn to program smart home schedules with sunrise and sunset triggers, weekday/weekend variations, vacation modes, and daylight saving time adjustments.
Smart Home for Beginners: Where to Start
A plain-English guide for beginners on where to start with a smart home, from choosing a platform to your first automations and security basics.
Water Leak Sensors: Where to Place Them and What to Buy
A guide to water leak sensor placement, types, and features including hub vs Wi-Fi, freeze alerts, and automatic shutoff valves.
Why Smart Devices Need 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi (and How to Connect Them)
Learn why many smart devices use 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, why setup fails on combined bands, and how to connect them reliably.
Mesh Wi-Fi vs Wi-Fi Extender: Fixing Dead Zones
Learn the differences between mesh Wi-Fi and extenders to fix dead zones, including setup tips and smart device compatibility.
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.