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.
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The best doorbell cameras
We pick the best video doorbell cameras for keeping an eye on people, packages, and anything else that comes across your front porch.
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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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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Verge Score
Smart string light showdown: Nanoleaf versus Lifx
Which is the best bet to bedazzle your backyard?
The best robot vacuums
Floor-sweeping robots are only getting better, with new mopping skills, better navigation chops, and more automation, so less work for you. We picked nine of the best bots you can buy right now.
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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.
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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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.)
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.
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.
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.
7
Verge Score
Amazon Echo Show 15 review: Alexa’s on your wall
This Echo Show on the wall is the fairest smart display of them all. Updates to support Fire TV, new widget options, and a better Photo Frame mode make the flagship Echo a winner.