Smart home reviews from The Ambient

Google Nest Wifi

Google Nest Wifi

Google's Wi-Fi does triple duty as a router, smart speaker and hub
Philips Hue Go

Philips Hue Go

The domed hero gets updated with Bluetooth and more
Philips Hue Smart Plug

Philips Hue Smart Plug

For everyone else, there's a wide range of cheaper alternatives
iRobot Roomba S9+

iRobot Roomba S9+

Squarer, suckier and way smarter
Amazon Echo (2019)

Amazon Echo (2019)

Amazon’s flagship speaker is still going strong
Google Nest Mini

Google Nest Mini

Google's tiny speaker makes improvements where it counts
Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt

Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt

Our take: An excellent lock for Ring users, but otherwise pretty standard
Bulbrite Solana

Bulbrite Solana

Living with Bulbrite's debut smart lighting lineup
TP-Link Deco M9 Plus

TP-Link Deco M9 Plus

Powerful Wi-Fi doesn't come cheap
Apple HomePod

Apple HomePod

Updated: How does Apple's debut smart speaker compare in 2020?
C by GE smart bulb

C by GE smart bulb

An excellent entry for Google users, but skip if you want Alexa or HomeKit
Samsung SmartThings Wifi

Samsung SmartThings Wifi

A hub and router in one - our smart home dreams have come true!
Amazon Fire TV Cube (2019)

Amazon Fire TV Cube (2019)

The new Cube is zippier and makes the assistant more useful
SimpliSafe smart lock

SimpliSafe smart lock

Good on security features, but light on smarts; this is one for SimpliSafe fans
Google Nest Hub Max

Google Nest Hub Max

The Max pulls double duty as a Nest camera
JBL Link Bar

JBL Link Bar

A hybrid soundbar that flatters to deceive
Philips Hue Filament

Philips Hue Filament

Edison himself would be proud
Eve Energy smart plug

Eve Energy smart plug

A great energy-tracking smart plug - if you're a HomeKit fanatic
Wyze Plug

Wyze Plug

The cheapest smart plug you can buy – but do you get what you pay for?
TP-Link Kasa Cam Outdoor

TP-Link Kasa Cam Outdoor

Budget outdoor security camera with a spec-sheet to match higher priced rivals
Roborock S4

Roborock S4

The Xiaomi-backed robot vacuum drops the mop but still delivers the goods
Eufy Video Doorbell

Eufy Video Doorbell

An excellent video doorbell with no subscription fees
​Arlo Go

​Arlo Go

This smart, portable camera works anywhere there's 4G
Yale Assure Lever lock

Yale Assure Lever lock

An August smart lock in Yale clothing
Wyze Bulb

Wyze Bulb

Wyze's $8 smart light should shake up the market. It's also great
Honeywell Home T9

Honeywell Home T9

It's not the brightest on the block, but this thermostat has some good, solid features
Sensibo Sky

Sensibo Sky

A must-have gadget for controlling dumb heating and AC units
Awair Glow C

Awair Glow C

Awair's latest device shines a light on toxic air
Wyze Cam and Sense

Wyze Cam and Sense

Expensive smart home gadgets, your days are numbered
Ikea Sonos Symfonisk

Ikea Sonos Symfonisk

Sonos and Ikea team up for two speakers – no assembly required
Ring Peephole Cam

Ring Peephole Cam

Apartment renters, your time has come
​Amazon Echo Show 5

​Amazon Echo Show 5

Less is more with this discreet device
​Arlo Doorbell

​Arlo Doorbell

One for Arlo users only – and hard to recommend
Kwikset Premis HomeKit Smart Lock

Kwikset Premis HomeKit Smart Lock

A HomeKit door lock that suits every situation
Philips Hue Bluetooth

Philips Hue Bluetooth

Living with Signify's new Bluetooth smart lightbulb
Ecobee SmartThermostat

Ecobee SmartThermostat

New features, same wide range of integrations
Hoover ​AXI washing machine

Hoover ​AXI washing machine

Impressive smart skills done right
​Hoover Vision smart oven

​Hoover Vision smart oven

This glimpse of a smart kitchen future arrived a little under done
Eufy RoboVac 11S Max

Eufy RoboVac 11S Max

No app? No worries
Ring Spotlight Cam

Ring Spotlight Cam

Is Ring's cam all that illuminating?
Lutron Aurora Smart Bulb Dimmer

Lutron Aurora Smart Bulb Dimmer

The smart lighting solution we’ve been waiting for
Nanoleaf Canvas

Nanoleaf Canvas

The most innovative and best-looking smart lights you can place in the home