Not sure where to start with smart plugs? At CNET, these are the tricks we use to make our homes smarter and routines faster.

John Carlsen has more than a decade of experience testing and reviewing home tech products, with a major focus on smart home security. He earned his BS in journalism from Utah Valley University. In ...

Which devices to make your home a smart home are best? Nine out of 10 adults in the U.S. are connected to the internet and more than half own a tablet computer. All you need to get started with making ...

Use the signals you already have.

Keep your eyes on the prize.

Imagine turning your old, “dumb” appliances into intelligent, Wi-Fi-enabled devices that respond to your voice, phone, or automation rules. Sounds futuristic, right? With the ESP8266 microcontroller, ...

Begin building a smart home by choosing a primary platform like Alexa, Google, or Apple for easier integration. Smart devices such as speakers, lighting, and thermostats can add convenience and peace ...

If you've already got smart home components around the house, you can expand your system's features with these budget Ikea ...

The smart home has come a long way since the days of clap-on lighting. Now that so many of the household items and appliances we use every day are equipped for Wi-Fi, people want more — the ability to ...

If your smart home still feels more like a smart-ish home, make it your mission to make 2026 the year everything starts running as smoothly as it should. Between a genuine push by Big Tech to make the ...

Work smarter and sexier to create a special Valentine’s Day at home this year.