Which smart plugs, smart lighting, security cameras and more to buy, compared on compatibility, the real cost and who should skip each one.
Buy the Kasa Matter Smart Plug KP125M. It works with every major home app through Matter and shows what each device costs to run.
Philips Hue vs WiZ vs Govee: which smart lights to buy, whether you need a hub, and how to avoid overloading your Wi-Fi.
Which security cameras and video doorbells are useful without a monthly fee?
Two robot vacuums worth buying: the eufy C10 for hands-off vacuuming on a budget, and the eufy X10 Pro Omni for vacuuming and mopping.
Echo Dot Max, Google Home Speaker or Aqara Hub M3: which one should be the brain of your smart home?
Our picks for the best video doorbells: the best with no monthly fee, the sharpest battery model, and the best for Google Home, with the real cost of each.
Retrofit smart locks that fit over the inside of your deadbolt, so the outside and your keys stay the same.
The ecobee Essential, Nest Thermostat and Amazon Smart Thermostat compared on price, assistants, room sensors and wiring.
Echo Show 8 or Nest Hub?
Cheap sensors that do a lot: leak detectors under sinks, motion sensors for hands-free lights, and door sensors.
Solar and battery security cameras that save video locally.
From the eufy C10 to the Dreame X60 Max Ultra: what you gain at each price step in a robot vacuum, and where to stop.
Robot vacuums that picked up pet hair without tangling in published tests: our picks from Dreame, eufy and Roborock, and what matters if your pet has accidents.
Smart thermostats that handle heat pumps and backup AUX heat properly, from Nest and ecobee, plus what to buy for a ductless mini-split.
Weatherproof smart plugs for patio lights, fountains and holiday displays: our Matter picks from Tapo and Kasa, including a dimmer for string lights.
Light strips that sync with your TV: Govee’s camera kits for most people, and Philips Hue for the fastest, most accurate sync.
Keypad deadbolts you run with codes alone: no app, account or Wi-Fi.
Four Matter devices that work with Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa and SmartThings, and the one thing you need before you buy Thread gear.
Amazon’s October Prime Day runs October 6–7, 2026.
Smart home gifts that work with any phone and are easy to set up: our picks under $50, under $100, under $300 and one splurge, from the products we rate highest.
Black Friday is November 27, 2026 and Cyber Monday November 30.