Independent home automation guide

Let the robots
handle the boring stuff.

Honest reviews of robot vacuums, smart home gear, and automation tools — ranked for people who want results, not projects.

Browse picksFor renters →

Vacuums

The best robot vacuums tested and reviewed. From budget picks to premium flagships, we find the ones worth buying.

Security

Cameras, sensors, and smart locks that actually keep your home safe — without monthly fees.

Smart Home

Hubs, controllers, and the glue that ties your smart home together. Platform-agnostic picks.

Lawn Care

Let a robot mow your lawn. We test the latest autonomous mowers so you don't have to.

Renting? We've got you.

Smart home automation that works in rentals. No drilling, no permanent installs, no landlord drama. Everything we recommend is removable.

Browse renter-safe picks →

Editor's Picks

Best Vacuum

iRobot Roomba j7+Best Value
4.3 (15,200)

$449

Make it easy: It vacuums daily, avoids the mess on your floor instead of eating it, and empties itself. You forget about it until the bag needs changing every couple of months.
No subscription requiredRenter-safe
Check Price →

Best Camera

Eufy SoloCam S340Best Overall
4.4 (4,200)

$120

Make it easy: Mount it outside where it gets sun, and it records video to local storage forever. No monthly fees, no cloud accounts, no batteries to change.
No subscription requiredRenter-safe
Check Price →

Best Smart Lock

SwitchBot Lock ProBest Overall
4.4 (2,800)

$119

Make it easy: Stick it on your existing deadbolt and unlock your door with your phone. No keys, no drilling, and you take it with you when you move.
No subscription requiredRenter-safe
Check Price →

Get the quarterly roundup

Our best picks, honest takes, no filler. One email per quarter.