Smart Home Articles | Tom's Guide

Windmill Air Conditioner review: Quiet, stylish and powerful

By Kelly Woo published 29 June 22

The Windmill AC is a stylish smart window air conditioner.

Amazon Echo Show 15 hung vertically on wall

The best smart displays in 2022

By Kate Kozuch published 29 June 22

Here are the best smart displays, from Echo Show devices with Alexa to the Google Nest Hub speakers with Google Assistant.

Early Prime Day deal: Amazon mesh Wi-Fi router just dropped $140

By Rory Mellon published 29 June 22

The Eero Pro 6 two-pack has dropped to just $259 in this early Prime Day deal — ideal for eliminating dead zones and boosting your Wi-Fi signal throughout your home.

iPadOS 16 — Apple just cleared the air on rumored iPad HomeKit downgrade

By Mike Prospero published 29 June 22

Apple clarified that the iPad will still function as a HomeKit hub in iOS 16, but with one major caveat.

Best DIY home security systems in 2022

By Mike Prospero published 28 June 22

The best self-installed, or DIY home security systems include motion and entry sensors, a loud siren and professional monitoring, all for a reasonable monthly fee.

Scout Alarm Small Pack Alarm System door sensor

Scout Alarm Small Pack Alarm System review

By Richard Baguley published 27 June 22

The Scout Alarm system is well priced and easy to install yourself, but it is missing some components.

Best home security cameras in 2022: Top wireless, indoor and outdoor models

By Mike Prospero published 27 June 22

Here are the best home security cameras that allow you to watch the inside and outside of your home from anywhere.

Best Amazon deals in June 2022: Today's best sales

By Louis Ramirez published 27 June 22

The best Amazon deals today from Alexa-powered smart home devices to smartwatches.

The best dehumidifiers in 2022

By Cynthia Lawrence, Emily Long published 24 June 22

With summer here, here are the best dehumidifiers to suit every home, lifestyle and budget.

Apple confirms a surprise downgrade for iPads with iOS 16 [Update]

By Malcolm McMillan published 24 June 22

With iPadOS 16, Apple has removed the ability to use iPads as HomeKit hubs.

Alexa could impersonate voices of dead loved ones — but should it?

By Kate Kozuch published 24 June 22

Amazon demonstrated how Alexa can mimic someone's voice, even if they're dead. It's impressive — but also creepy.

Best robot vacuum deals in June 2022

By Louis Ramirez published 23 June 22

The best robot vacuum deals from iRobot, Eufy, Shark, and more.

Best cheap robot vacuums

By Katie Mortram published 23 June 22

The best robot vacuums for wallet-friendly cleaning.

A Golden Retriever sitting on a sofa as someone vacuums the hardwood floor in front of it

Best vacuum cleaners 2022: Top picks for your home

By Cynthia Lawrence, Meghan McDonough published 23 June 22

The best vacuum cleaners will tackle your floors and make housework less of a chore.

The best smart plugs in 2022

By Katie Mortram published 23 June 22

The best smart plugs can help make your home safer, more convenient, and save you money.

Best smart light switches in 2022

By Mike Prospero published 22 June 22

Smart switches connect to your home Wi-Fi network, letting you control your lights with a phone, tablet or voice-controlled smart speaker.

Best clothes dryers in 2022

By Katie Mortram published 22 June 22

The best clothes dryers (gas and electric) for every budget and family size.

Owlet Dream Duo baby monitor review

By Kerry Davis published 21 June 22

Owlet’s expensive monitor is best if you’re committed to sleep training

a lifestyle photo of the Philips Hue Go portable table lamp

Philips Hue just reinvented the table lamp and track lighting — here’s how

By Roland Moore-Colyer published 21 June 22

New Philips Hue Perifo offers more control and customization over your smart home lighting, while the Hue Go portable table lamp could transform your summer evenings.

I test video doorbells for a living — and this is the one I installed for my mom

By Mike Prospero published 19 June 22

There are lots of video doorbells; here's the one I picked for my mom.

The best smart locks in 2022

By Mike Prospero published 17 June 22

These are the best smart locks based on installation, security, features, and smart home compatibility.

A hand using the Fire stick remote control

How to use the Amazon Fire TV Stick

By Henry T. Casey published 16 June 22

Tips for setup, downloading and mastering the Alexa remote help, to learn how to use the Fire TV Stick.

The best stand mixers of 2022

By Cynthia Lawrence, Sharon Franke published 16 June 22

Enjoy a bake-off with one of the best stand mixers for making cakes, bakes and more.

Someone controlling a smart light via their phone

9 things you never knew you could do with smart lights

By Katie Mortram published 16 June 22

If you’re a fan of smart lights, you should check out these 9 tricks that can take them to the next level.

Best water leak detectors in 2022

By Mike Prospero published 15 June 22

The best water leak detectors can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars in repairs, but which one is right for you?

Ring vs. Nest: Ring Video Doorbell 4 and Nest Doorbell (battery) compared

By Mike Prospero published 15 June 22

For many, the top video doorbell comes down to Ring vs. Nest. Here's how the two compare on price, video quality and features.

Man holding coffee mug sitting in front of Echo Show on a video conference call

This Alexa feature makes video calls on Echo Show so much better — how it works

By Kate Kozuch published 15 June 22

Here's an Alexa feature that makes video calls on Echo Show so much better.

Best outdoor security cameras in 2022

By Mike Prospero published 14 June 22

The best outdoor security cameras for keeping tabs on your home and yard.

Best smart smoke detectors in 2022