Category
Smart speakers, displays, plugs, lighting, thermostats and hubs – which ecosystem to choose and the devices that are actually worth it.
Our smart home guides focus on the small devices that make a real difference, starting with smart plugs. We compare Matter support (so one plug works with Alexa, Google Home and Apple Home), load ratings, outdoor weather ratings and scheduling, using each manufacturer's published specifications.
Step-by-step Alexa, Google Home and Apple Home routines for Christmas lights: on at sunset, off at bedtime, one voice command and vacation lighting.
5 min read
How to make outdoor Christmas lights smart in 10 minutes with an outdoor smart plug: sunset schedules, Alexa, Google or Apple Home, plus lights that won't work.
6 min read
Smart plug keeps going offline? Work out whether it is one plug, every plug or your whole network, then use these 10 fixes from TP-Link, Amazon and eero.
7 min read
Use our Christmas lights calculator to add up your strings, inflatables and projectors and see if one outlet, timer or smart plug can safely handle them.
5 min read
Black Friday smart home deals worth watching: our researched picks by category, what to buy before Thanksgiving, and how to check a discount is real.
5 min read
The best outdoor smart plugs for Christmas lights: weatherproof plugs that switch lights on at sunset, compared for Alexa, Google and Apple Home.
4 min read
The best smart plug for a Christmas tree: indoor plugs that switch tree lights on a schedule or by voice, compared for Matter, Alexa, Google and Apple Home.
4 min read
How to put Christmas lights on a timer three ways – mechanical timer, dusk-to-dawn photocell or outdoor smart plug – plus safe wattage limits.
4 min read