Smart home buying guides

Updated October 7, 2026

Decision guides that start from your home, your budget and the gear you already own.

Smart kitchen

GuideSmart under-cabinet lighting for the kitchen GuideSmoke alarm near the kitchen: stopping false alarms GuideRefrigerator and freezer temperature alarms GuideWhich smart plug for kitchen appliances like a coffee maker or kettle?

Smart living room

GuideHow to make a ceiling fan smart GuideWhich smart lighting to choose for your living room

Smart bedroom

GuideSunrise wake-up lighting: how to set it up with smart bulbs GuideWhich air purifier is right for a bedroom?

Smart bathroom

GuideBathroom fan humidity sensor switch: types, sizing, wiring GuideMotion night lights for the bathroom and hallway

Smart home office

GuideLighting for video calls at home GuideUPS or surge protector: which one your home office needs

Smart garage

GuideMake your garage door opener smart: retrofit controllers and safety GuideHeat alarm or smoke alarm for the garage: which one fits

Smart yard, porch and outdoors

GuideOutdoor smart lighting: what to buy for the porch, path and yard GuideOutdoor smart plugs: weatherproof ratings, GFCI and safe loads GuideHoliday lights on a smart timer: sunset schedules, loads and tripped GFCIs GuideIs a smart sprinkler controller worth it? Savings, wiring and setup GuideSmart hose timer: watering the yard without a sprinkler system GuideHOA rules for security cameras, video doorbells and outdoor smart devices GuideWhich low-voltage landscape lighting transformer size should you buy

Laundry, basement and utility rooms

GuideSump pump alarm and backup options GuideWasher and dryer done notification: 4 ways to set it up GuideWhich dehumidifier size do you need for a basement?

Smart home for renters

GuideSmart lock for renters: options that leave no trace GuideHow to make a window air conditioner smart GuideSmart lighting without rewiring GuideSmart apartment intercom: what you can change and what you cannot GuideCan you put a camera outside your apartment door?GuideMoving out: what to do with your smart home devices GuideCan renters install smart devices? What your lease allows

Smart home for older adults

GuideHow to check on an elderly parent living alone, without a camera GuideFall detection at home: what the devices do and where they fall short GuideMedication reminders with a smart speaker and other smart devices GuideSmart speakers and displays for older adults: what helps and what to switch off GuideAutomatic stove shutoff devices: what exists and what needs a professional

Smart home for new parents

GuideNursery temperature and humidity monitoring GuideCordless and smart shades for child safety GuideHow to secure a Wi-Fi baby monitor or nursery camera

Smart home for pet owners

GuideMotion sensors and pets: how to avoid false alarms GuideTemperature alerts for pets home alone GuidePet camera features that matter, and whether a treat dispenser is worth it GuideSmart pet feeders: what to check before you buy GuideWhich smart pet door suits your home and your pet

Smart home without monthly fees

GuideVideo doorbell without a subscription: what works GuideSecurity cameras with no monthly fee GuideWhich smart home hub works with no subscription?

Privacy and local control

GuideDoes your smart home work without internet?GuidePutting smart devices on a separate network GuideSmart speaker privacy settings to change GuideTurn off smart TV tracking (ACR)GuideThe U.S. Cyber Trust Mark explained GuideIndoor cameras and privacy at home GuideLocal voice control without the cloud

Energy saving with smart devices

GuideWhich devices use the most standby power at home GuideTime-of-use rates: automating your home around peak hours GuideWhole-home energy monitor: what it shows and whether to buy GuideSmart control for an electric water heater

Away from home and vacation

GuideFreeze alerts for pipes: sensors that warn you early GuideSmart home checklist before a vacation GuideRemote monitoring for a cabin without internet GuideGeofencing in a smart home: setup and fixes GuideWhat size portable power station do you need for a router, fridge and smart home?

Smart home basics

GuideSmart devices keep going offline: how to fix it GuideSmart plug or device won’t connect to Wi-Fi: fixes that work GuideShare smart home access with family and guests GuideHow to start a smart home: a four-week plan GuideDo you need a smart home hub? It depends on the radio GuideSmart home routine ideas that earn their keep GuideA smart home without a smartphone: buttons, voice and automation GuideWhich smart home gift for whom: a decision guide

Accessible smart home

GuideAutomatic door openers for home accessibility and wheelchair access GuideRenters with disabilities: reasonable modifications for smart home access GuideSmart home for blind or low-vision users

Matter and Thread

GuideWhat is Matter? A plain-English guide GuideThread border router: what it does and whether you need one GuideMatter multi-admin: one device, several apps GuideMatter bridges: use your Zigbee devices with Matter GuideMatter device won’t pair: step-by-step fixes GuideSwitching smart home ecosystems without starting over

Alexa smart home

GuideAmazon Sidewalk explained: should you turn it off?GuideAlexa without a hub: which smart home devices connect GuideAlexa and Matter: Echo devices, Thread and what you can add

Google Home smart home

GuideGoogle Home Matter hubs: which devices work and which add Thread GuideGoogle Home presence sensing: how “home” and “away” work

Apple Home (HomeKit)

GuideApple Home hub requirements: HomePod, Apple TV and Thread GuideHomeKit Secure Video: how it works, what it needs and its limits GuideWhich smart plug should you buy for Apple Home?

Home Assistant

GuideZigbee and Wi-Fi interference: how to choose channels GuideIs Home Assistant worth it for your home?GuideSetting up a Zigbee coordinator for Home Assistant GuideHome Assistant remote access, done safely GuideWhich door, motion and leak sensors for Home Assistant or SmartThings?

SmartThings

GuideZ-Wave explained for US homes GuideDo you need a SmartThings hub?

Smart lighting

GuideHow to choose smart bulbs GuideSmart switch without a neutral wire GuideSmart dimmer with LED bulbs: fixing flicker and buzz GuideSmart 3-way switch: how it works and what to buy GuideHow to install a smart light switch safely GuideWhy smart bulbs turn on after a power outage GuideSmart bulbs for recessed lights: sizes, fixtures and options GuideLumens and color temperature by room for smart bulbs

Smart plugs and outlets

GuideEnergy-monitoring smart plugs: what the numbers mean GuideSmart plug and space heater: is it safe?GuideWhich appliances can go on a smart plug, and which cannot

Smart thermostats

GuideSmart thermostat without a C-wire: your real options GuideWhat temperature to set your thermostat to save money GuideSmart thermostat rebates and free thermostat offers from utilities GuideSmart thermostat for a heat pump: what to check GuideSmart control for a ductless mini-split GuideThermostat wire colors explained GuideSmart thermostat for electric baseboard heat GuideAre smart vents worth it?GuideOne room too hot or cold? Using remote room sensors GuideSmart thermostat for landlords: limits and tenant control GuideWhich smart thermostat fits your HVAC system GuideWhich smart thermostat works with Alexa, Google Home and Apple Home?

Smart locks

GuideWill a smart lock fit your door? The measurements that decide GuideSmart lock battery dead: how to get in and how to avoid it GuideAre smart locks safe? What the real risks are GuideSmart lock for a sliding glass door: your options GuideSmart home setup for Airbnb and short-term rental hosts GuideWhich smart lock for kids, guests and cleaners?

Video doorbells

GuideVideo doorbell without existing wiring: what works GuideVideo doorbell and your existing chime: what works GuideHow high to mount a video doorbell, and at what angle GuideWhich video doorbell for brick, stucco or vinyl siding?

Home security cameras

GuideWhere to place home security cameras GuideSecurity cameras and neighbors: what the law allows GuideSolar-powered security cameras: does solar really work?GuideSecurity camera night vision: infrared vs color GuideWhich security camera for your driveway?GuideWhich security camera resolution do you need?

Sensors and alarms

GuideDoor and window sensors: 10 automations that are worth setting up GuideWhere to place motion sensors: height, angle and heat sources to avoid GuideSmart home insurance discounts: which devices count and what to ask GuideWireless interconnected smoke alarms: what to know before buying GuideWhere to place carbon monoxide detectors GuideSmart water shutoff valve: actuator or inline valve

Wi-Fi and networking

GuideHow many smart devices can your Wi-Fi router handle?GuideExtending Wi-Fi to the garage, yard or a detached building GuideWhich router should you buy for a smart home: the features that matter

Indoor air quality

GuideIndoor air quality monitors: what PM2.5, CO2 and VOC mean GuideSmart humidity control: humidifiers and dehumidifiers GuideWildfire smoke: keeping indoor air cleaner

Robot vacuums and mops

GuideRobot vacuum for pet hair: what to look for GuideRobot vacuum for thick carpet and rugs: what to check GuideRobot vacuum for a small apartment: size, noise and dock GuideRobot vacuum cameras and privacy: settings to check GuideRobot mops on hardwood floors: what to check first GuideWhich robot vacuum for a multi-floor home?