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Smart Home Guides

Blink Outdoor cam wet from the rain.

Can you use a Blink Outdoor Camera without a subscription?

Blink's outdoor camera is affordable and has great battery life, but do you absolutely need a subscription to use it? Our guide will cover the key details.
The Ring Battery Doorbell Pro installed near a door.

Ring Battery Doorbell Pro vs. Nest Doorbell: Which is the better video doorbell?

The new Ring Battery Doorbell Pro shares many features with the Nest Doorbell, yet carries a slightly higher price. But is it worth the investment?
Alexa listening indicator.

Protect your personal data: how to secure an Alexa device

Is Alexa safe and secure? You can certainly take some precautions to better secure your Alexa device. Check out our guide to improve Alexa privacy and security.
Sonos Move 2 in white on green park bench.

11 Sonos tips, tricks, and little-known features

Interested in getting the most out of your Sonos speakers? These are the tips and tricks you need to know when using a Sonos speaker for top-tier audio.
A Eufy video doorbell installed near a door.

Should you buy a wired or wireless video doorbell?

Wired and wireless video doorbells are great options for your front door, but they both come with unique advantages and disadvantages. Here's a look at both.
Google Nest audio color options

How to change Google Assistant’s voice (and language)

Tired of Google Assistant's voice? If you own a Google Home speaker, you can change your Google Assistant's default voice to something that suits your tastes.
Apple Home opened with the Vision Pro Headset.

Does Apple Home work on the Apple Vision Pro?

Apple Home works on Apple Vision Pro, though it's not quite as innovative as you'd expect. Here's what you need to know about Apple Home on Apple Vision Pro.
A Eufy video doorbell installed near a door.

Check out these Ring video doorbell alternatives that don’t require a subscription

Ring offers great video doorbells, but there are plenty of alternatives that don't force you into a monthly subscription. Here are some brands to consider.
How to turn off Google Assistant

How to turn off Google Assistant on any device

Uncomfortable with Google Assistant? Tired of it popping up uninvited? Our simple guide will show you how to limit it or turn it off altogether on any device.

How to turn your old phone into a security camera

Have an old phone and don’t know what to do with it? We've rounded up the top apps that allow you to turn your unused smartphone into a home security device.
The Ring Elite installed on a wall.

Everything you need to know about the Ring Protect price hike

The Ring Protect Basic price hike takes effect on March 11, 2024. Here's everything you need to know about the Ring price hike before it kicks in.
The Google Nest Learning Thermostat mounted on an office wall above a desk and lamp.

How to add multiple users to your Google Home (Nest) device

Want to personalize the Google Home experience for each individual member of your household? Here's how to add more than one user on your Google Home device.

Can Alexa call 911? How to set up Alexa for emergencies

You may be wondering whether or not Alexa can call 911. Here's how to use Alexa to help promote safety.
Ring Indoor Cam on a table.

How to prevent your Ring smart camera from being hacked

Here are some simple ways to keep hackers from using your Ring smart cameras and invading your privacy at home -- even if you have many users on the account.
Amazon Echo (4th Gen) on a kitchen counter.

How to change Alexa’s voice (and language)

Is Alexa's default voice not your cup of tea? You can change Alexa’s settings and have her speak in another language or regional accent. Here’s how.
The Echo Show 10 on a kitchen counter.

Echo Show 8 vs. Echo Show 10: is the bigger device a better smart display?

The Echo Show 10 offers a larger display and more features than the Echo Show 8, but is it worth the hefty price tag? Here's a look at both to help you decide.
A bunch of colorful shapes on a black background.

What is IFTTT and how can you use it in your smart home?

If you're looking to build powerful smart home automations, IFTTT needs to be on your radar. Here's a look at the app and how IFTTT can improve your smart home.
How to delete apps from Apple TV.

How to delete apps on an Apple TV

Looking to clear some clutter from your Apple TV interface? You can easily delete the apps you don't want to see. Here's how it works and what to do.
The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus installed outside a front door.

Ring Battery Doorbell Pro vs. Ring Battery Doorbell Plus: Is the new Pro model worth it?

The Ring Battery Doorbell Pro is the newest addition to the Ring catalog, but how does it stack up to the existing Ring Battery Doorbell Plus?
Echo Dot 4th Gen Clock Model

How to change Alexa’s name or the name Alexa calls you

This guide explains how to change Alexa's name, as well as the name Alexa calls you, in a few easy to follow steps.
Google Nest Hub 2nd Gen on table.

Echo Show 8 vs. Nest Hub: Does Amazon or Google offer the best smart display?

The Echo Show 8 and Nest Hub share many of the same features. But is the Echo Show 8 or Nest Hub the better smart display? Here's everything you need to know.
The Nest Hub Max on a table.

Nest Hub Max vs. Echo Show 10: which is the better smart display?

The Nest Hub Max and Echo Show 10 are two of the most popular smart displays, and they share a lot of similarities. But which is the best smart display?
The Cal Max showing a picture while placed near a shelf.

Nest Hub Max vs. Skylight Cal Max: Which is best for your home?

The Nest Hub Max is a versatile smart display, while the Skylight Cal Max is a massive smart calendar. But which is better for your home? Here's a look at both.
best websites for free audiobooks version 1428320425 shutterstock 236974753

The best websites to download audiobooks for free in 2024

Audiobooks make catching up on lengthy stories pretty easy. But they can be expensive. So we've rounded up the best websites to download audiobooks for free.
The Hubspace app shown in front of a living room.

What is Home Depot’s Hubspace?

Home Depot's Hubspace is designed to get smart home devices installed without any fuss. Here's a look at what you need to know about this smart home platform.
A Wyze camera placed outside in the snow.

How to cancel a Wyze subscription

You can cancel your Wyze subscription through the official Wyze website or by using the Wyze smartphone app. Here's a look at how both methods work.
ceiling fan deals westinghouse lighting comet indoor

The 5 best smart ceiling fans for your home in 2024

Are you thinking about upgrading to smart ceiling fans? There are a lot of options, so we've rounded up our favorite picks to make things much easier for you.
A person adjusting the Wyze Cam Floodlight v2.

Wyze Cam Floodlight vs. Wyze Cam Floodlight v2: What’s new about this updated security camera?

The Wyze Cam Floodlight v2 makes big improvements over the existing Wyze Cam Floodlight, but is it worth replacing your existing gear? Here's what to know.
black stainless steel appliances trend kitchenaid suite 2

The best time to buy appliances (and the worst time to buy)

Looking to buy a new fridge? How about a new stove? If you buy at the right time, you could save a bundle on that new fridge, stove, or washer and dryer set.
The Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 installed near a door.

How to improve Ring Video Doorbell performance in cold winter weather

The Ring Video Doorbell works well in the cold, but extreme winter weather can impact its performance. Here's how to improve its skills during the winter.
Jackery 300 Plus Solar Generator used out in the wilderness lifestyle image.

The 5 best solar power stations in 2024, chosen by experts

Having a good solar power station can make a big difference, and our choices here are some of the best available on the market.
Nest Secure Review

Nest Secure will be discontinued in April – prepare your smart home with these steps

Nest Secure will become obsolete on April 8. Before then, here's what you can do to get your home prepared for the shake-up.
The Keurig K-Duo coffee maker sets on a kitchen counter.

How to descale a Keurig with vinegar or a descaling agent

When scale builds up inside a Keurig, it might start more slowly and struggle to pour a cup of coffee. Use these easy steps to descale your coffee machine.
Person installing Ring video doorbell

How long does a Ring Video Doorbell battery last?

Many Ring Doorbells are wireless models that use batteries so they can be placed anywhere. Here's how those batteries recharge and how long they will last.