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.
Best smart plugs: These gadgets will turn any electrical outlet into a smart socket
With models from Lutron, Wemo, Leviton, iDevices, and others, it can be difficult to know which easy and inexpensive device is best for controlling the lamps and small appliances in your smart home. We’ll help you find the right one.
Best smart bulbs for your connected home
Today’s smart bulbs are brighter and easier to control than ever, but choosing the right one for your environment remains a challenge.
Samsung SmartThings Wifi Smart Plug review: No hub required, but wear your debugging hat
It’s affordable enough, but ultimately not worth your time in its present state.
Best smart lock for a keyless home
Keys are yesterday’s tech, your smart home needs a smart door lock.
Lockly Secure Pro Review: This pricey biometric smart lock joins the Wi-Fi club
Thanks to an external hub, Lockly can now be accessed remotely.
Samsung SmartThings Smart Bulb review: A $10 bulb built for the SmartThingsverse
Samsung SmartThings users will want to check out this inexpensive, dimmable, Zigbee, white-only LED smart bulb, but be aware of its limitations before you plop down your 10 bucks.
Samsung SmartThings Cam review: A top-notch security cam particularly suited to SmartThings users
But this pint-sized camera will make a great impression on anyone with basic surveillance needs.
Wemo WiFi Smart Light Switch 3-Way review: One of the best ways to render a three-way circuit smart
Excellent design, trouble-free installation, and elimination of the need for a matching switch gives Wemo another winner in the smart home space.
Braumm P11 WiFi Smart Plug review: This generic smart-home product gets the job done
A bare bones smart plug, priced accordingly.
Whether you need off-the-grid lighting or just an emergency power option, don’t overlook this simple kit.
Abode Iota review: Abode streamlines its security hub by integrating a camera
A simple home security solution learns a few new tricks—and gets easier than ever to set up.
Best smart home systems for a connected domicile
Your home is only as smart as the hub that orchestrates everything behind the scenes. Whether you want a generalist automation kit or a security-savvy alarm system, these DIY tools are the best of the bunch.
GE intended these bulbs to be easy to use, but they're just the opposite.
C by GE Smart Plug review: This smart home gadget disappoints
Adding one to your Wi-Fi network is easy enough, but GE falls short of delivering on its promise of easy integration with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.
Xiaomi Mi Smart Plug WiFi review: A commodity add-on outlet with more flaws than features
Don’t be enticed by the low price: This smart plug is a me-too wannabe.
Articles by Christopher Null
Older stories