Articles by Michael Brown
Best smart speakers and displays
Whether you prefer Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri, we’ll help you find just the right model.
Wyze Cam Floodlight Pro promises high-end security for less
The budget-priced smart home device bolts a 2.5K-resolution security camera to a trio of articulated floodlights delivering up to 3,000 lumens of brightness.
Abode Systems announces a low-cost DIY home security system
Stripping out smart home features such as Zigbee, Z-Wave, and HomeKit certification results in a simpler, less-expensive hub focused exclusively on security.
Thermacell LIV: Fabulously effective mosquito repellent
If your yard is plagued by mosquitoes, the pricey Thermacell LIV mosquito-repellent system will render it habitable in less than 15 minutes.
Skullcandy debuts second-gen Crusher ANC 2 headphones
With these noise-cancelling cans, it really is all about that bass.
These are the very best Bluetooth speakers
We'll help you find the best wireless speakers for pairing with your smartphone or tablet—whatever your budget, and whatever music floats your boat.
Sony wants to help you rock the block with new wireless speakers
The plus-sized Sony SRS-XV800 Bluetooth speaker is a towering, battery-powered, wheeled behemoth. Sony also announced the compact SRS-XB100.
BenchSentry Connect: A smart delivery box
This Wi-Fi-connected box uses PINs based on your packages' tracking numbers and automatically locks after each delivery. What's not to like?
Emporia's Vue Gen 2 tracks energy in both directions
This sensor-based system will track your home’s energy consumption. Attach solar panels and it will measure how much energy you generate, too.
Abode smart home users can now integrate Google Nest devices
Google Nest thermostats, doorbells, and cameras can now be controlled from the Abode app alongside native Abode smart home devices.
B&O's new Beosound A5 speaker supports Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
The luxury brand’s latest portable speaker, the Beosound A5, has a Bluetooth 5.2 radio, but it also supports AirPlay 2, Chromecast, and Bang & Olufsen’s own Beolink Multiroom technology.
The best Ultra HD Blu-ray players
An Ultra HD Blu-ray player brings you one step closer to bringing the movie theater experience into the home. Our top pick has all the features most people will need, and it's a phenomenal music player, too.
Coway Airmega Icon review: An air purifier that dares to be pretty
Designer looks is probably near the bottom of your air-purifier wants/needs list, but it doesn’t have to be.
TP-Link's first Matter-certified smart plug: Kasa Smart KP125M
Designed for lamps and small appliances, it's compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Home, and SmartThings. It also has an energy-monitoring feature.
The best smart shades for your smart home
Smart, motorized shades and blinds cost a pretty penny, but do they ever bring the wow.
Ring's Battery Doorbell Plus has been improved from head to toe
Ring has finally delivered a truly high-res video doorbell that shows your visitors from head to toe and notifies you when packages arrive.
TP-Link’s Tapo brand adds a hub to its smart home offerings
The Tapo H100 Smart Hub with Chime works with Tapo contact and motion sensors. It’s cheap, but it's not the brains for a full smart home system.
Bowers & Wilkins' Pi5 S2 and Pi7 S2 in-ear headphones
The British audio company will soon ship second generations of the true wireless, noise-cancelling headphones it brought to market in 2021.