Articles by Christopher Null
LIFX String Light review: A pricey pop of outdoor color
After a long absence, LIFX is back with smart outdoor string lights that are impressively bright, but quite expensive.
These are the best smart home systems of 2024
Your home is only as smart as the hub that orchestrates everything behind the scenes. We help you choose the right system for your home-automation needs.
Abode Security Kit review: A focus on security, not convenience
If you’re looking for a robust home-security system, versus a smart home system with home-security elements, consider Abode’s low-priced offering.
Wyze Cam v4 review: Wyze Labs’ best security cam costs less
You’ll find mostly evolutionary improvements over the Wyze Cam v3 Pro this model replaces, but we're not about to complain about its even lower price tag.
Aiper Scuba S1 pool-cleaning robot review: Not cheap, not great
This mid-priced robot pool cleaner's impressive treads make it look more capable than it really is. Spend just a bit more and buy Aiper's Seagull Pro instead.
Eufy SoloCam S340 review: Twin-lensed, solar-powered security
This outstanding outdoor pan/tilt security camera lets you see everything, and you should never need to charge its battery.
Wyze Cam Floodlight v2 review: Budget smart lighting & security
This floodlight camera sets a high bar for performance and a low bar for price.
Rabbit Air MinusA2 review: High performance, higher price tag
You can make an artistic statement with this unique air scrubber.
Aqara Smart Light Switch review: Zigbee lighting control for less
While this attractive in-wall on/off lighting control is compatible with Alexa, Google Home, and HomeKit, it can't operate without one of Aqara's smart home hubs.
Aqara Smart Plug review: A good choice for Aqara’s Zigbee hubs
High prices and outdated designs are reasons to avoid proprietary smart home hubs. But if you want to keep using your Aqara hub, this is a good smart plug.
SwitchBot Curtain 3 review: 3rd-gen curtain controller gets it right
A massive motor upgrade gives this smart window treatment operator enough torque to handle the heaviest drapes, with a 33-pound weight limit.
Linxura Smart Controller review: An intriguing work in progress
This pocket-size device offers quick access to your most common smart home functions, but wait for the bugs to get squashed before you buy one.
Aqara Hub M2 review: A walled garden with some open windows
It seems contradictory, but Aqara’s Zigbee smart home hub controls only Aqara products, yet it’s compatible with Alexa, HomeKit, and some other ecosystems.
Best smart plugs: Turn any outlet into a smart socket
With models from Lutron, Leviton, TP-Link, and others, we'll help you find the right smart plug to control your lamps, small appliances, and outdoor lighting.
Hydrus Roker Plus review: The little pool robot that couldn’t
This pint-sized cleaning robot probably isn’t up to the task of cleaning your pool.
WaterGuru Sense S2 review: Upgraded pool chemistry analyst
The second-generation Sense gives you the option of monitoring three additional chemical measurements.
Beatbot AquaSense Pro review: A buggy, pricey pool-cleaning bot
This pool-cleaning robot could be the most sophisticated on the market, but we’d wait for Beatbot to squash some bugs before dropping a bundle on one.
Philips 1000-series electronic deadbolt review: Semi-smart locks
It lacks online connectivity, but this electronic lock has an excellent fingerprint reader and touchpad, and you’re not paying for extra features you might not want.