Smart home devices

Whole-home energy monitors can help you save on electrical bills—but you may find that there are simpler alternatives.

An outdoor security camera will alert you the moment it detects prowlers, package deliveries, and unexpected (or unwanted) animals and visitors.

There is such a thing as too much sun in your home. And a nifty feature in a set of smart blinds provides a perfect solution.

Amazon’s line of Echo smart speakers are the best option for bringing Alexa into your home. We’ve got picks for nearly any setup and situation.

A smart dimmer works like a regular switch but makes it easy to put lights on a schedule, automate them with other devices, and control them remotely.

Security cameras keep a watchful eye on all your prized possessions—not only your stuff, but family and pets, too—and send an alert when motion is detected.

Wi-Fi security cameras can help protect your family and possessions. We’ve reviewed and picked the best models for every area of your home.

Whether you want a paradise or a playground, these devices make it easy to enhance the way you use your backyard.

Smart outdoor lighting provides a near-instant way to enhance the look of your yard and home, to add flair during holidays, and to boost safety.

Smart-home devices can be the solution to brightening up your darkened doorstep.

A smart plug boosts the IQ of un-brainy devices such as lamps, fans, or string lights, letting you easily set them to turn on or off on a schedule or on command.

Skip the pricey big-box Halloween decorations and conjure up these kid-safe front porch scare tactics using devices you may already own.

A good home security system should make it easy to find peace of mind. It can alert you to an open door or window, frighten away prowlers, and call for help.

Smart bulbs and plugs can do so much more than just turn on and off with an app. Here are a few easy tips to get the most out of smart lighting.

There’s more to a kitchen than just cooking. Smart lighting lets you adjust and optimize the lights for cooking, entertaining, cleanup, and breakfast the next day.

These smart devices can transform the ambiance and comfort levels of any space in the time it takes to open an app and screw in a light bulb.

The way you light a room goes a long way in defining its ambiance. These stylish smart lights and fixtures let you tweak your lights to suit your mood.

An in-wall smart outlet replaces a traditional electrical outlet and makes automation a permanent part of your home. Our pick is the Geeni Current+Charge.

Delight the bird-watcher in your life with a smart feeder that captures close-up videos and photos and can even identify what species visit.

Smart strip lights can put some pizazz into an office, kitchen, or dorm room. Here are three sets we recommend.

The current robot vacuum-mop combos are too fickle, flawed, or expensive to recommend. But we expect they’ll get better.

A smart doorbell camera allows you to see who’s on the other side of your front door so you can screen visitors and package deliveries—even if you aren’t home.

Smart smoke alarms are pricey, but unlike traditional ones, they can alert you to a problem even when you’re not home. The Google Nest Protect is our pick.

Get the most out of your Google Assistant speaker with these smart-home devices designed to work with it.

I had high hopes that Flair Smart Vents would cure my inefficient HVAC. They didn’t work as planned, but they pointed to a better fix that might help most homes.

Smart-home gear is ideal for managing short-term rentals, making it easy to keep tabs on your property while offering convenience for your guests.

Smart thermostats like our pick, the Ecobee Premium, can make your home’s HVAC more energy efficient without sacrificing your comfort.

These tiny devices are smart home helpers. They detect and alert you about motion, temperature, or open or closed doors and windows—and they can tell other smart devices to act.

Voice-controlled smart speakers make it easy to summon music news, trivia, timers, and more, and to control smart devices, too.

A smart garage-door opener controller provides remote control and alerts you whenever your garage opens or closes. Some can open automatically when you get home.

A smart lock lets you go key-free and know whenever someone comes and goes. Our pick, the Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt, is sturdy, simple, and reliable.

Smart shades and blinds can be set up to open or close on a schedule or at your command. They save energy, make life more convenient, and can help boost home security.

A smart hose timer allows you to automate watering your lawn or garden without having to install a complex and pricey irrigation system.

A reader shares how a small collection of smart devices make her days more convenient and secure, and have enabled her to live more independently.

A smart sprinkler timer transforms a regular home irrigation system into an automated one that optimizes water usage and better ensures the health of your greenery.

Smart-home devices can make it easier, safer, and more comfortable to age at home. They’re also great tools for caregivers who want to stay in touch.