Category: Tools & Gear

Power-User · Level 3 of 3 Most people are fine with Alexa, Google Home, or Apple HomeKit running their smart home. But there is a point where those app ecosystems start to feel like a ceiling — automations stutter when the internet hiccups, devices from different brands refuse to work together, and the rules you…

Starter · Level 1 of 3 A smart plug is the lowest-stakes purchase in a smart home, which is exactly why it is worth getting right — you will probably end up with several, so the small differences add up. The good news is that the category is mature and reliable, and you do not…

The first real decision in home automation is which ecosystem to build on. Plain-English pros and cons of Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit, and how to pick for your phone, budget, and privacy.