Once a fable, the smart home is now attainable for many. Though, since all homes are different, there’s no one-size-fits-all method for finding the best smart home devices. Our reviews of the latest smart thermostats, smart speakers, and security systems will help you figure out what’s right for you. And as smart assistants, like Amazon’s Alexa and the Google Assistant, grow in capability, we put them to task to see just how helpful they are.
Featured stories
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The best budget robot vacuums
You don’t have to spend a fortune to have a robot clean your floors. Here’s our pick of the most cost-effective bots you can buy right now.
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The best robot vacuums
Floor-sweeping robots are only getting better, with new mopping skills, better navigation chops, and more automation, meaning less work for you. We picked the best bots you can buy right now.
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9
Verge Score
Google TV Streamer review: smarter than your average set-top box
With more storage, a (slightly) faster processor, and some proper smart home chops, Google’s new take on the Chromecast is its best attempt at a streaming device yet.
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6
Verge Score
Echo Spot review: this smart alarm clock hits a sweet spot
Amazon’s new Echo Spot strikes a good balance between smart speaker and smart display.
The new $130 Diva smart dimmer for ELV+ lighting brings higher-tech lighting control to the Caseta smart lighting line's new look.
Designed for low-voltage fixtures like under-cabinet, track, accent, and tape lighting, it costs twice as much as the standard dimmer but offers phase-selectable dimming.
Lutron also launched its Caseta Pico paddle remote in five new colors.
If you buy something from a Verge link, Vox Media may earn a commission.
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This smart smoker makes barbecuing indoors a breeze
The GE Profile Smart Indoor Smoker delivers on its promise of bringing smoking indoors, but sadly its smarts didn’t make me a better pitmaster.
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9
Verge Score
Battle of the best robovacs (that iRobot doesn’t make)
We put the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra head-to-head against the DreameBot X30 Ultra to find out which of these Roomba competitors’ flagship robot vacuums is the best.
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8
Verge Score
Smart string light showdown: Nanoleaf versus Lifx
Which is the best bet to bedazzle your backyard?
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5
Verge Score
This iPod-like button could be a great smart home controller
With customizable icons and an intuitive click wheel, the Linxura solves a big problem with smart buttons. But it needs to dial up its integrations before it’s worth your money.
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The best robot vacuum for me is the one I hacked
Robot Vacuums can be privacy nightmares. That is unless you run Valetudo.
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8
Verge Score
Yale Assure Lock 2 review: almost perfect
Yale’s latest smart locks offer something for everyone: Apple Home Key, a fingerprint reader, and compatibility with every platform. You just can’t have it all. (And there’s still no support for Thread or Matter.)
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7
Verge Score
Brilliant’s new smart home controller makes it easier to put a touchscreen on your wall
The new plug-in version of Brilliant’s wired smart switch is simpler to install and just as easy to use. But still-limited integrations keep it from being truly brilliant.
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I just got review units of Amazon’s latest Alexa-powered smart speaker and will be putting them through their paces this weekend. Throw any questions you have about the newest (and cheapest) Echo at me in the comments below, and I’ll be sure to answer them in the review.
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Aqara’s Video Doorbell G4 launches on Amazon today in North America and Europe for the bargain price of $120, that's $80 less than its closest HomeKit Secure Video-compatible competitor. Alongside Apple Home, the G4 works with Google Home and Amazon Alexa.
Featuring dual power sources, 1080p video, 24/7 recording capability, locally stored facial recognition, and free cloud storage, this smart buzzer ticks a lot of boxes.
Look for our full review on the site later this week.
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