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.
Philips Smart Wi-Fi LED review: You don’t need a bridge to operate this line of smart bulbs
The bulbs are fine, but the Wiz Connected app isn’t nearly as polished as its Philips Hue stablemate.
These smart dimmers and smart plugs are HomeKit compatible, but you can control any of them with Alexa and Google Assistant, too.
Want eight colors from your lamp—at the same time? LIFX has you covered.
SimpliSafe Smart Lock review: The ultra-simple alarm system gets its own companion smart lock
This inexpensive but barebones smart lock merits a look by the SimpliSafe set.
Wyze Bulb review: A tunable white light bulb with a rock-bottom price tag
This $8 smart bulb is tough to beat, unless you're looking for a smart home product with a broader ecosystem that includes full-spectrum color bulbs and other devices, akin to Philips Hue.
iRealm Smart Plug 2.0 review: This smart home gadget lacks any redeeming features
Here’s a textbook case of how not to build a smart home product.
These two also-ran smart-home products form a mediocre bundle.
Braumm S111 smart switch review: This generic switch won’t break the bank
Like Braumm's Wi-Fi smart plug, there's absolutely nothing sophisticated about the Braumm S111 in-wall smart switch, but it is supremely inexpensive.
Kami Smart Security Starter Kit review: Its low price tag is the one thing it has going for it
You won't find many Zigbee-based home security systems cheaper than this, but you'll find plenty that are more effective at protecting your home.
Bond Bridge by Olibra review: Bringing smart-home tech to dumb ceiling fans
Make your dumb ceiling fan or fireplace smart today with this Wi-Fi bridge, and it might enable you to do the same for your air conditioner and other appliances later.
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.
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.