Christopher NullFreelance Contributor, TechHive
Christopher Null is a veteran technology and business journalist. He contributes regularly to TechHive, PCWorld, and Wired, and operates the websites Drinkhacker and Film Racket. Disclosure: He also writes for Hewlett-Packad's marketing website TechBeacon.
Blue by ADT home security system review: ADT takes another shot at the DIY security space
Blue is a vast improvement over ADT’s first smart home security system, but bugs remain.
Meross Outdoor Smart Plug review: A capable, if basic outdoor plug
Individual socket control and broad support for smart home standards are the highlights of this otherwise generic offering.
Shelly Plug US review: A European brand makes a splash in the States
Though rough around the edges, this affordable smart plug includes some excellent features, such as energy monitoring.
An unusual design is perhaps the only frill on this smart plug.
Enbrighten Outdoor Plug-in Wi-Fi Smart Switch review: Good price, poor performance
This simple outdoor smart plug is hampered by erratic operation.
Premium pricing makes this dimmer a bit of a tough sell.
Nest Secure review: This security offering carries a premium price tag
Save your pennies if you want to adopt Nest’s sleek—yet limited—security offering.
Compatible with 98 percent of water meters, Flume 2 solidifies its place as one of the best ways to keep tabs on your water usage.
Leviton Decora Smart Zigbee 3.0 Plug-in Dimmer review: Not enough features for the price
Certified for use with Alexa and Xfinity Home, but decidedly unimpressive otherwise.
YoSmart YoLink Hub review: A robust, long-range solution for smart home control
With real-world range of more than 300 feet indoors and 1,000-plus feet out, this LoRa-based hub works in situations where better-known technologies won’t.
C by GE Smart Plug review: A simple Wi-Fi plug in the widening C by GE ecosystem
This on/off plug ties in well with C by GE in-wall switches, bulbs, and other smart lighting products.
C by GE 3-wire Smart Dimmer review: You won’t need a neutral wire to install this Wi-Fi dimmer
Even better, numerous C by GE products—smart bulbs, switches, and plugs—can work together, no matter what your wiring looks like.
C by GE 4-wire Motion Sensing+Dimmer review: GE stuffs this smart switch full of features
But do motion sensing, light sensing, and dimmer features justify the hefty price tag?
Orbit B-hyve XR sprinkler timer review: One of the best smart irrigation systems
It’s not perfect, but the B-hyve XR is both flexible and reasonably priced.
It’s not a “smart” smoke alarm, per se, but it does offer solid protection on a budget.