After a month of testing, I determined Google WiFi (three-set) is the best mesh router for most people because it has excellent app features with similar performance to Velop’s two-pack. Velop is solid but you’d need three nodes to compete while making sacrifices on price and software. I’ll compare and contrast two mesh routers (Linksys … Read more
After weeks of testing, I determined Blink Outdoor is a solid security camera for those looking for casual monitoring, rather than serious security. Arlo Pro is more reliable and has rechargeable batteries, but it’s not ideal for serious surveillance, yet too expensive for the average shopper. I’ll explain how I reached my conclusion by comparing … Read more
After years of testing four different Ecobee models, I determined the latest Ecobee SmartThermostat (Ecobee5) is the best overall because it comes with a SmartSensor and has an Alexa speaker built-in. However, you can save substantially with Ecobee3 Lite if Alexa isn’t important to you. First, I’ll compare and contrast the two models (Ecobee3 Lite … Read more
After weeks of testing, I determined Blink Outdoor is better because it provides solid motion detection and saves the clips for free (if you buy the new Sync Module 2 or you’ve owned a Blink previously). Ring Stick Up Cam (3rd Gen) has a better app interface and a rechargeable battery, but you’ll need to … Read more
After months of testing, I determined Arlo Pro 2 is the best outdoor security camera overall because of its rechargeable batteries and subscription-free motion recording service. However, Nest Cam is better for people who need 24/7 recording that’s guaranteed not to miss a beat. I’ll explain how I reached my conclusion by comparing two outdoor … Read more
Summary Ring 3 Plus has a lower subscription charge, better live calling, and the ability to be battery-powered. Nest Hello has a superior build quality and can record 24/7 for $50/month, but it requires doorbell wires. Setup Setup is easy with Ring 3 Plus and gets the win. Nest Hello isn’t hard to set up, but it’s more challenging than … Read more
Summary Ecobee5 doesn’t win in every category, but it’s more flexible and gives you more smart home control than Nest. Nest has a better build quality and works without the c-wire, but it lack smart home control. Smarts Nest is a little smarter than Ecobee because it learns your patterns and habits without manual input. Ecobee may not learn … Read more
Summary Wyze Cam costs $25, and it records 12-second motion clips for free. Wyze’s mount is more flexible, and the camera has a MicroSD card slot for free 24/7 continuous recording. Blink Mini is more expensive upfront and it requires a $3/month paid subscription to operate.https://www.youtube.com/embed//ZhfE5if4MS4 What You Get For Free A single indoor Wyze security camera costs … Read more
Summary Apple TV 4K has a cleaner and ad-free interace that curates your content. The remote could use some work. Roku Ultra is more affordable and has a great remote, but it has an old school app based interface. Content Content refers to the channels and apps you can access along with the formats you have access to. … Read more
Summary The Roku Stick Plus interface isn’t as polished, but it concentrates on what’s important (your apps) and has a brilliant remote. Fire TV Stick 4K is great if you love Alexa and already pay for Amazon Channels, but the interface is constantly pushing ads in your face. Content Fire TV Stick 4K and Roku Stick Plus both support … Read more
Summary Bose 700 headphones have a superior build quality, fantastic sound, and a great calling experience. Sony WH1000XM3 headphones have a colorful and customizable sound profile, but they have an old school design. Sound Things are neck-and-neck, but to my ears, Sony pulls ahead just slightly. Bose doesn’t let you customize the sound in the Bose Music app, but it … Read more
Summary Apple TV 4K has an iPhone-like interface that’s free from ads, and it puts all your content in a unified list. Fire TV Cube has intriguing features when you pay for your services via Amazon, but it’s too cluttered with ads. Content While Apple 4K and Fire TV Cube have a similar number of apps, I have … Read more
Summary Arlo Pro 2 has better smart home integration, and there are more advanced options for $3/month with Arlo Smart. EufyCam E has more free options and won’t send your clips to outside servers. All clips are stored on an SD card. Free Both Arlo and Eufy have free plans and they’re almost identical in this regard. Arlo Basic is … Read more
Summary Ring is the more practical choice outside the inferior build quality. You can self monitor for free or pay $10/month. SimpliSafe has nicer build quality, but it doesn’t have a self-monitoring option and costs $25/month. Setup & Support Ring easily takes the win because it’s one of the easiest security systems to install. Download and open the Ring phone app, … Read more
Summary Eero Pro (2 nodes) is more flexible and has a far superior phone app with more features. Orbi RBK50 (2 nodes) is a better bet for those who only care about pure performance and specs. Setup Both Eero and Orbi are easy to install, but Eero takes the wins this category. It’s a battle between good vs … Read more
If you want to be just as famous as Zach King, Baby Ariel, or Loren Gray. You can do it! The first step is getting the proper lights so people can see your moves. We could say that these lights are super functional, have high lumens, are user intuitive, but that’s all the boring stuff. … Read more
Summary Google WiFi performs as well as Eero and has an awesome bandwidth usage interface. Eero is easier to install, has more features, and the design more versatile. Setup Both Eero and Google WiFi are easy to install, but Eero is definitely the better of the two. This isn’t based on a one-time installation. I’ve installed both systems … Read more
Summary Eufy 11S is the clear winner because it has better suction, more runtime, and less noise. While Roomba is a flagship brand that everyone recognizes, Roomba 675 can’t compete on the entry-level. Navigation This will compare the two based on battery life and how well they navigate your home. Eufy wins this category easily. The Eufy 11S … Read more
Summary Dyson V10 Cyclone Absolute is newer and has the potential for more suction, but the V8makes sense for more people. The V8’s lower price and better battery life (in regular suction mode) make the V8 a better value. Carpet The V8 and the V10 both win this section. What does that mean? If you’re looking for the best … Read more
Summary Dyson V11 has better overall performance (especially on carpet), better battery, an LCD screen, and less noise. Dyson V10 is more affordable. It comes with two roller brushes, the Soft Roller is specially made for hard floors. Carpet These two are so close when it comes to carpet performance, but the V11 pulls ahead with extra power and better … Read more