Best smart home security
The five systems worth buying, ranked by who each actually suits.
Read moreBuying guides
Best-of rankings and buying guides
Choose by the job you want done. Explore product shortlists and practical buying advice for security, lighting, climate, shades, appliances and access.
A ranking is only useful if you know how it was made. Ours order products by how often we would actually recommend them, using the criteria in our methodology — not by commission rate. Where the honest answer is a cheaper product, that is what you will find at the top.
Security systems
Whole-system rankings for different situations.
Best DIY home security
Self-install systems, plus how to plan sensor placement properly.
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Best no-monthly-fee security
Everything that works without a subscription, and what you give up.
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Best apartment security
Nothing drilled, everything reversible, all of it moves with you.
Read moreCameras, doorbells and devices
Individual product categories.
Best smart doorbells
The camera most people buy first — and how to check your wiring.
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Best security cameras
Indoor and outdoor picks, plus the placement mistakes that ruin footage.
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Best outdoor cameras
What survives real weather, and what IP ratings actually mean.
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Best smart thermostats
Room sensors or learning? Diagnose your problem first.
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Best smart locks
Retrofit and deadbolt picks, plus the door checks that prevent returns.
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Best motorized blinds & smart shades
Six picks for slatted blinds, cellular shades and rollers, with movement, controls, costs and fit explained.
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Best motorized roller shades
Six brands compared on fit, power, smart controls and buying support, including Norman and Graber.
Read moreDecision guides
How to think about the choice, before you look at products.
How to choose a system
Six questions, in order, that eliminate most of the market.
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Smart home for renters
What installs without drilling and comes with you when you move.
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Robot vacuum buying guide
Match floors, pets, clutter, dock space and maintenance to the cleaner you choose.
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Smart appliance buying guide
Evaluate connected features alongside offline controls, service and everyday performance.
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Bulbs, switches or plugs?
Choose the kind of control that fits your lighting and household.
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Smart garage compatibility
Check the opener, controller and fitting before ordering.
Read moreStart here if you are new to this
Our first smart-home project guide helps you choose a goal, check compatibility and plan the complete setup. For a specific area, browse the topic library.
If you already have a shortlist, use a head-to-head comparison or a brand review to understand the differences.
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