Christopher NullFreelance Contributor, TechHive
Christopher Null is a veteran technology and business journalist. He contributes regularly to TechHive, PCWorld, and Wired, and operates the websites Drinkhacker and Film Racket. Disclosure: He also writes for Hewlett-Packad's marketing website TechBeacon.
Iris Smart Hub (2017) review: Lowe’s offers an affordable smart-home system for the hacker mindset
A new professional monitoring option puts the focus squarely on security.
Samsung SmartThings Hub (2018) review: Samsung’s smart hub finally goes wireless
The third-generation SmartThings Hub is equipped with the latest in ZigBee and Z-Wave technology, and it no longer requires an ethernet cable to join your home network.
Dahlia Home review: Finally, I can repurpose my old iPhone as a smart home hub (said no one ever)
Here’s a truly innovative solution in search of a problem.
When you really need to light up the night with just a size E26 bulb, this monstrous LED will do the job.
TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Outlet review: The Kasa Smart KP200 covers all the basics
You won’t need a smart home hub to control this smart outlet, but it will work with smart speakers running Alexa, Google Assistant, or Cortana.
GE Vintage LED bulbs review: 21st century lighting with a turn-of-the-last century aesthetic
These energy-efficient LED bulbs might be prettier than the lamps you’ll use them in.
LIFX A19 (2018) smart bulb review: The Wi-Fi bulb to beat keeps getting better
Shine on, you crazy lightbulb.
LIFX Beam review: Six feet of decorative lighting that ties into your smart home
This smart lighting kit will give your walls some dynamic visual flair.
LIFX Mini smart bulb series review: Not quite as bright, but smaller and cheaper than the LIFX A19
We like the color-tunable bulb best, but all three are good values.
iClever Smart Plug Wi-Fi Mini Outlet review: Smart plug pricing nears rock bottom
With a price tag of just $14, the road to commodity status for this product category is nearly complete.
We liked First Alert's first smart smoke/CO detector, but this iteration removes that model's best features and doesn't act much like a smart device at all.
Koogeek O1US Smart Surge Protector review: A power strip for the HomeKit set
With just three outlets and a $60 price tag, this one is a tough sell.
ConnectSense Smart Outlet 2 review: A solid smart plug gets marginally better
ConnectSense extends the appeal of its winning smart outlet, adding Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa in addition to HomeKit support.
Smart Alert for Mail (SAM) review: How to check your mailbox without leaving the house
Tired of trudging out to your mailbox only to find that your mail hasn't arrived yet? SAM will notify you the moment it arrives—as long as your box isn't too far from your house.
iDevices Outdoor Switch review: A premium smart outlet you can use in the yard
This HomeKit-compatible smart outlet is protected from the weather, so you can extend the perimeter of your smart home into wet and damp locations such as your patio and porch.