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.
Populife Smart Deadbolt review: Ultra-cheap and attractive, but lacking in the operations department
Steer clear of this bare-bones smart lock.
Minut Smart Home Alarm review: This impressive, low-cost home security system emphasizes privacy
It’s non-invasive because it operates by detecting body heat instead of relying on cameras, and it’s inexpensive because it doesn’t depend on your deploying sensors all over the house.
Aqara Smart Home Starter Kit review: This muddy smart home kit has a glimmer of promise
This bare-bones, but budget-friendly kit covers just the basics and is very weak in terms of home security.
Garadget review: Open your garage door with open-source technology
If you have the patience for delving into user forums if you need help, Garadget is worth a look.
Kwikset Halo smart deadbolt review: Wi-Fi in, attractive design out
Kwikset’s smart lock gains in connectivity, but loses out in the looks department.
The Emporia Vue gives great insight on your home's carbon footprint by monitoring how it consumes electricity.
Bulbrite Solana color-changing A19 smart bulb review: A fair generic built for Wi-Fi
An immature app keeps Bulbrite's color-changing smart bulb from meriting a strong recommendation.
Nexx Smart Wi-Fi Garage Door Controller NXG-200 review: Sophisticated, but very expensive
This garage door controller Wi-Fi retrofit kit has some advanced features, but that might not be enough to justify its high price tag.
Kleverness Smart Lighting review: This hub-based lighting system is unfinished and expensive
Smart light switches and dimmers are often superior to smart light bulbs, but the Kleverness system is most certainly not.
These smart(ish) vintage-style bulbs offer Wi-Fi connectivity.
Yale Assure Lever with Connected by August review: Yale lets you ditch its own app for August’s
Alas, Yale’s hardware and August’s wireless technology make for truly unhappy bedfellows.
This wire-free smart controller doesn’t just work well, it’s also priced to move (just be aware of the cost to control a second door opener).
Philips Hue Smart Plug review: Just the basics, except for the price tag
Is the Philips brand name worth double the price for a commodity smart plug?
Netatmo Smart Alarm System with Camera review: This jumble of components won’t work for everyone
Adding the Netatmo Smart Siren and Netatmo Smart Door and Window Sensors to a Netatmo Indoor Camera yields a somewhat simple home security system.
It’s Bluetooth-only, however, so you can’t integrate it into the rest of your smart home.