Smart Home Articles | Tom's Guide

What is a mesh Wi-Fi router, and do you need one?

By Sarah Brown, Brian Westover

If you have a large home or one with an unusual layout, you probably encounter Wi-Fi dead zones and could use a mesh-router system.

Arlo Video Doorbell review

By Mike Prospero

Editor's Choice

The Arlo Video Doorbell has nearly all the features you'd want in a video doorbell, and it costs less than the competition.

Best video doorbells in 2020

By Mike Prospero

These are the best video doorbells based on video quality, notifications, smart home integration and more.

Best dishwashers in 2020

By Sharon Franke

The best dishwashers for every family size and budget.

Best smart light switches in 2020

By Mike Prospero

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

The best Google Home compatible devices in 2020

By Kate Kozuch

The best Google Home compatible devices, from smart lights and thermostats to smart switches and Chromecast.

Wyze Bulb review: Best budget smart bulb

By Kate Kozuch

Editor's Choice

The Wyze Bulb is a real steal at $8 a pop

WeMo Mini smart plug review

By Mike Prospero

The WeMo Mini smart plug makes it a cinch to make your floor lamp or some other appliance into a “smart” device.

Amazon Echo Dot with Clock review

By Kate Kozuch

Editor's Choice

The Amazon Echo Dot with Clock makes it easy to see the time and packs punchy sound in a small, familiar package.

Best smart smoke detectors in 2020

By Mike Prospero

Smart smoke detectors are connected to the internet and relay alerts to your smartphone, or automatically turn on the lights. Here are the best.

Best Amazon deals in June 2020

By Hilda Scott

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

What is a smart air conditioner — and where to buy them

By Mike Prospero

These in-window and in-wall air conditioners can be controlled from your smartphone or with Alexa and Google Assistant.

Best home security cameras in 2020: Top wireless and outdoor models

By Mike Prospero

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

Ring Video Doorbell 2 Review: A Solid Video Doorbell for Any Door

By Susie Ochs

Ring Video Doorbell 2 is flexible enough to go anywhere, plus it has good motion-alert settings and low cloud-storage costs.

Ring Floodlight Cam price drops below $200 in Best Buy Memorial Day sale

By Philip Michaels

Save $50 on the home security camera and get a free Echo Dot speaker.

Arlo Pro 2 Memorial Day sale: 34% off two-camera kit

By Mike Prospero

Our favorite outdoor home security camera is on sale at Best Buy this Memorial Day weekend.

Apple HomePod 2 may be imminent: Here are 5 things we want

By Roland Moore-Colyer

Apple looks like it's trying to shift its HomePod, potentially to make way for a HomePod 2.

The best Wi-Fi extenders in 2020

By Brian Westover

The best Wi-Fi extenders give you more range without sacrificing speed or spending time with complex set-up and management.

The best smart home devices in 2020

By Kate Kozuch

The best smart home devices can raise your home's IQ, from security cameras and Wi-Fi locks to cutting edge light bulbs.

The best Alexa speakers in 2020

By Mike Prospero, Kate Kozuch

Amazon—and others—offer a multitude of speakers to get its Alexa voice assistant. Here are the best Alexa speakers.

Ring vs. Nest: Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus and Nest Hello compared

By Mike Prospero

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

Where to buy adjustable dumbbells: These retailers still have stock

By Louis Ramirez

We're showing you all the stores where you can still buy adjustable dumbbells so you can stay fit from the safety of your home.

Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus review

By Mike Prospero

The Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus offers a new Pre-roll feature that lets you see more of what’s happening outside your door, but it’s not quite as good as the Nest Hello.

Best DIY home security systems in 2020

By Florence Ion

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.