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Smart Home Guides

The Echo Spot on a nightstand.

Echo Spot vs. Echo Dot (5th Gen): which is the better smart home companion?

The Echo Spot offers many of same features as the Echo Dot (5th Gen), but it also gets you a small touchscreen display. So, which is better for your home?
A person using the Skylight.

Do you need a Skylight Plus membership to use the Skylight Cal Max?

Skylight Plus isn't required to use the Skylight Cal Max or Skylight Frame, but it unlocks their best features. Here's what to know before signing up.
The Skylight Cal Max installed on a wall.

How to add a family member to your Skylight Cal Max

Here's how to add a family member to your Skylight Cal Max, allowing them to upload their schedule to the digital calendar and edit existing events.
The Stick Up Cam installed on a wall.

Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam vs. Ring Stick Up Cam Plug-In (3rd Gen): Which is better?

There are some key differences between the Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam and Stick Up Cam Plug-In (3rd Gen). Here's what to know before making a purchase.
A photo displayed on the Cal Max

How to send photos to the Skylight Cal Max

Here's how to send photos to your Skylight Cal Max using either the companion mobile app or directly through email.
Controlling the Ring Pan-Tilt with the app.

How to control the Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam

Here's how to control the Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam, including tips on rotating the camera with the mobile app and setting up a Home position.
The Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra connected to plumbing.

Eureka J20 vs. Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra: Which robot is the better floor cleaner?

The Eureka J20 and Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra employ two very different methods to clean floors, but which is better for your home?
The Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam on a wooden shelf.

Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam vs. Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen): Which is the better security camera?

Should you add the more expensive Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam to your home, or is the more affordable Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen) the better option?
The Echo Show 10 on a kitchen counter.

Echo Show 10 vs. Nest Hub (2nd Gen): which smart display is better for your home?

The Echo Show 10 is larger and more expensive than the Nest Hub (2nd Gen), but is it the better smart display? Here's what to know before making a purchase.
The Nanoleaf Matter Outdoor String Lights with a smartphone.

How to control the Nanoleaf Matter Outdoor String Lights

Here's a look at all the ways you can control the Nanoleaf Matter Outdoor String Lights, including with its built-in controller, voice commands, and more.
The Nest Hub Max on a table.

Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) vs. Google Nest Hub Max: Which is the better smart display?

The Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) shares many of the same features as the Google Nest Hub Max, but which is the better smart display?
Ecobee thermostat poised against a wall next to a rock and pear.

How to use Vacation Mode on an Ecobee smart thermostat

Vacation Mode on an Ecobee smart thermostat allows you to conserve energy while ensuring your home is comfortable when you return. Here's how it works.
The Arlo Pro 4 home security camera installed outdoors.

How to reset the Arlo Pro 4 security camera

Performing a factory reset on the Arlo Pro 4 is simple. Here's how the process works, including steps to reset a camera that's offline.
A person opening the Yale Assure Lock 2 with their Apple Watch.

How to fix a Yale Assure Lock 2 that won’t connect to Apple Home

Trying to fix a Yale Assure Lock 2 that won't connect to Apple Home can be frustrating. Here's how to quickly resolve the issue.
The Dreame X40 Ultra vacuuming the floor.

How to clean the Dreame X40 Ultra

The Dreame X40 Ultra is easy to clean, but there are a lot of steps to tackle. From untangling brushes to clearing out the docking station, here's what to know.
The Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra connected to plumbing.

Do you need a regular vacuum if you have a robot vacuum?

Robot vacuums automate most of your floor-cleaning needs, but it's important to hang on to your old cordless or upright vacuum. Here's why.
The Husqvarna Automower 415X Robotic Lawn Mower mowing a lawn.

Are robotic lawn mowers safe for pets and kids?

Most robotic lawn mowers are safe for pets and kids, but there are some important factors to consider before adding one to your backyard.
The Blink Mini 2 placed on two books.

Blink Mini 2 vs. Ring Stick Up Cam Plug-In: Which budget security camera is best for you?

The Blink Mini 2 is cheaper than the Ring Stick Up Cam Plug-In, but does that make it a better choice for your smart home?
The Airper Seagull SE robotic pool cleaner at the bottom of a swimming pool.

Are robotic pool cleaners worth it?

Are robotic pool cleaners a wise investment, or are they more hassle than they're worth? Here's what to consider before adding one to your pool.
The Rachio Smart Hose Timer installed on an outdoor spigot.

How to create a schedule with the Rachio Smart Hose Timer

Rachio now lets users activate mutliple Smart Hose Timers on a single schedule. Here's how to create a schedule with one or more valves.
Ikea's Fyrtur smart home blind

Stay cool this summer with these smart home tips and tricks

From installing smart shades to upgrading your thermostat, here are all the ways a smart home can help you stay cool and cut down your energy bills this summer.
The Google Nest Learning Thermostat in stainless steel.

How to disable learning on the Nest Learning Thermostat

You'll want to disable learning on the Nest Learning Thermostat if you want to run your own heating and cooling schedule. Here's how it works.
The Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra connected to plumbing.

Dreame X40 Ultra vs. Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra: Which is the best premium robot vacuum?

They both carry the term ultra in their name, but which is truly the best robot vacuum -- the Dreame X40 Ultra or Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra? Here's what to know.
The Ecovacs X2 Combo installed in a home.

Ecovacs Deebot X2 Combo vs. Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo: Which is the better robot vacuum?

The Ecovacs X2 Combo and Ecovacs T30S Combo share a lot of similarities beyond their names, but one offers a bit more value. Here's what to know.
The Pan-Tilt mounted on a wall.

Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam vs. Wyze Cam Pan v3: Which is the better pan-tilt camera?

Should you pick up the Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam or Wyze Cam Pan v3? Here's a look at these two versatile security cameras to help you decide.
Ring Video Doorbell 2nd gen on doorway

Google Nest Doorbell vs. Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen): which is better for your front door?

The Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) and Google Nest Doorbell are two of the most popular video doorbells of 2024. But which is best for your front door?
The Ecovacs X2 Combo installed in a home.

Ecovacs Deebot X2 Combo vs. Dreame X40 Ultra: Which robot vacuum is best for your smart home?

Both use rotating mops to clean floors and docking stations that wash the robot after each cycle. But which is better, the Ecovacs X2 Combo or Dreame X40 Ultra?
Amazon Alexa Map as seen on an iPhone.

How to connect Alexa to iPhone

The Alexa app is a smart home command center that anyone can wrap their head around. Here’s how to use the platform and voice assistant on your iPhone.
An Amazon Echo Show 8 sits on a wooden desk.

How to use the Echo Show as a security camera

The Amazon Echo Show can be used as a basic home security camera. You’ll just need to enable this home-monitoring feature in the Alexa app. Here’s how.
Coway Airmega IconS True HEPA air purifier in home

Is a smart air purifier a wise investment?

If you're worried about seasonal allergies, an air purifier is a good investment. But what about smart air purifiers? Are they a wise upgrade?
The Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra vacuuming.

How to clean the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra

The Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra is easy to clean, but there are a lot of steps to monitor. From brushes and mops to filters and more, here's what you need to know.
Schlage Encode Plus smart lock installed on a wooden door to a living room.

Should you buy a new smart lock or retrofit your existing deadbolt?

Smart locks can replace your hardware or fit over existing deadbolts. Both are viable options, but which is best for you? Here's what you need to know.
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock installed on door.

Yale Assure Lock 2 vs. August Wi-Fi Smart Lock: which is the better smart lock?

The Yale Assure Lock 2 and August Wi-Fi Smart Lock are both great options for your front door, but they differ in some key ways. Here's what to know.
The Yale Assure Lock 2 Smart Lock Deadbolt keypad being used by someone.

How to remove a home from your Yale account Keychain

There are a few different ways to remove a lock or property from your Yale Keychain. Here's a look at how it works for both lock owners and guests.