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We Tested 16 Newfangled Robot Vacuum-Mop Combos. Don’t Buy One.
by Sabine Heinlein
The current robot vacuum-mop combos are too fickle, flawed, or expensive to recommend. But we expect they’ll get better.
The Best Smart Doorbell Camera
by Rachel Cericola
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.
The Best Smart Smoke Alarm
by Roy Furchgott
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.
The Best Google Home–Compatible Smart-Home Devices
by Thom Dunn
Get the most out of your Google Assistant speaker with these smart-home devices designed to work with it.
I Thought I’d Found a $99 Fix for My Balky Air Conditioning. I Was Wrong.
by Roy Furchgott
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.
If You’ve Turned Your Home Into an Airbnb, You Need Smart Devices
by Jon Chase
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.
The Best Smart Thermostat
by Roy Furchgott
Smart thermostats like our pick, the Ecobee Premium, can make your home’s HVAC more energy efficient without sacrificing your comfort.
The Best Outdoor Security Camera
by Rachel Cericola
An outdoor security camera will alert you the moment it detects prowlers, package deliveries, and unexpected (or unwanted) animals and visitors.
The Best Smart Bird Feeders
by Rachel Cericola
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.
The Best Smart Plugs
by Kathryn Rath
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.
The Best Security Cameras for Your Home
by Rachel Cericola
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.
The Best Alexa Smart Speakers
by Rachel Cericola and Grant Clauser
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.
The Best Smart Sensors for Alexa, Apple Home, and Google Home
by Eric Chiu
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.
The Best Smart Speakers for Your Home
by Rachel Cericola
Voice-controlled smart speakers make it easy to summon music news, trivia, timers, and more, and to control smart devices, too.
The Best Smart Garage Door Opener Controller
by Megan Wollerton
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.
The Best Smart Strip Lights
by Rachel Cericola
Smart strip lights are flexible lengths of controllable LEDs that provide decorative lighting throughout your home. Here are the four sets we recommend.
The Best Smart Locks
by Jon Chase
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.
The Best Smart Window Shades and Blinds
by Megan Wollerton
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.
The Best Home Security System
by Rachel Cericola
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.
The Best Smart LED Light Bulbs
by Megan Wollerton
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 Best Smart Hose Timers
by Megan Wollerton
A smart hose timer allows you to automate watering your lawn or garden without having to install a complex and pricey irrigation system.
How a Dozen Smart Home Devices Allow One Savvy Septuagenarian to Age in Place
by Rachel Cericola
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.
The Best Smart Outdoor Lighting for Backyards, Pathways, and More
by Rachel Cericola
Outdoor lighting enhances home security. Smart lighting makes it versatile and attractive. Here are our picks for smart bulbs, path lights, and fixtures.
The Best Smart Sprinkler Timer
by Megan Wollerton
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.
The Best Indoor Security Camera
by Rachel Cericola
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.
The Best Smart Home Devices to Help Aging in Place
by Rachel Cericola
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.
The Best Robot Lawn Mower
by Doug Mahoney
New robot mowers are closer than ever to achieving the dream of automated lawn care.
The Secret to Making Your Kitchen Great for Cooking and Entertaining: Smart Lighting
by Megan Wollerton
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.
25(ish) Wirecutter Picks to Upgrade Your Backyard
by Wirecutter Staff
Here’s a selection of our favorite gear to help turn your backyard into an outdoor oasis, including our go-to string lights, fire pits, patio gear and more.
The Best Smart Water-Leak Detector
by Eric Chiu
Water-leak sensors, which keep you in the loop if your plumbing fixtures spring a leak, can prevent a small spill from becoming a big problem.
The Best Smart Security Devices to Make Your New Home Feel Safe
by Rachel Cericola
New homeowners quickly discover that they also have new worries. These smart security devices provide peace of mind whether you’re home or away.
The Best Smart Assistive Devices for People With Disabilities
by Rachel Cericola
For anyone with disabilities or mobility challenges, smart devices can be profoundly empowering and can enable more independent living.
Seeing the Light: When to Use a Smart Bulb, Switch, or Plug
by Rachel Cericola
Smart lighting is easy. Picking out the best smart lighting for your needs isn’t. We show you when it’s best to choose smart bulbs, plugs, or in-wall switches.
6 Easy Smart Home Essentials for Renters
by Rachel Cericola
You don’t need to own your house to enjoy the magic and convenience of smart-home devices. These affordable devices allow any renter to smarten their place up.
The Best In-Wall Smart Outlet
by Rachel Cericola
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.
Google Assistant Smart-Home Starter Kit
by Grant Clauser
If your smart speaker is a Google Home, here are the best devices that work with it.