Honest product picks. No fluff.

Smart Home

Smart home gear that actually works.

Matter vs HomeKit vs Google Home: Which Ecosystem Actually Wins?

Mar 21, 2026 · Jake Pruett

Matter didn't end the ecosystem wars. Honest breakdown of HomeKit vs Google Home vs Alexa in 2026 — wins, failures, costs, and who should pick what.

Best Smart Locks Under $200: 6 That Actually Fit Your Door

Mar 18, 2026 · Jake Pruett

Every 'budget smart lock' list sneaks in $300 picks. Not this one. 6 locks strictly under $200, plus a door fit checklist so you don't order the wrong one.

Best Smart Thermostats Under $200: 7 That Actually Save Money

Mar 17, 2026 · Jake Pruett

7 smart thermostats under $200 with real energy savings data, renter installation tips, and honest picks. No $300 models pretending to be budget-friendly.

Best Smart Plugs (2026): 4 That Won't Burn Your House Down

Mar 8, 2026 · Jake Pruett

Tested 8 smart plugs, kept 4. Matter didn't kill app bloat, budget plugs can overheat, and only these 4 are worth buying in 2026.

Best Video Doorbells Under $150: Skip the Subscription Trap

Mar 5, 2026 · Jake Pruett

I tested 5 video doorbells under $150. Most nickel-and-dime you with subscriptions. Here's what each one actually costs per year — and which ones work great without paying monthly.

Smart Home Starter Kit: Everything You Need (and Nothing You Don't)

Feb 25, 2026 · Jake Pruett

Build a smart home starter kit for under $150. Real products, real prices, zero fluff — only the devices that actually make your life easier.

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