SMART HOME · BUYING GUIDEHow to cut your energy bill with smart home tech: what actually saves moneyElectricity prices keep rising in the United States, and energy costs are now Americans' top economic worry. Smart thermostats, LED bulbs, smart plugs and energy monitors can help, but not all of them save the same amount.
HOME · REVIEW ROUNDUPTP-Link Deco BE63: what the reviews sayTP-Link's tri-band Wi-Fi 7 mesh launched at $799.99 for three units. TechRadar, Tom's Guide and Tom's Hardware all give it an Editor's Choice, but long-range speed is weaker.
HOME · REVIEW ROUNDUPTP-Link Archer BE550: what the reviews sayTP-Link's tri-band Wi-Fi 7 router launched at $299.99 in the US with five 2.5 GbE ports. Reviewers call it a bargain, but its range and top speeds are only mid-tier.
HOME · REVIEW ROUNDUPXiaomi Robot Vacuum X20+: what the reviews sayXiaomi's X20+ robot vacuum and mop has a full self-cleaning dock for £299 in the UK. TechRadar calls it a bargain; Galaxus finds weak edge cleaning and a messy app.
HOME · REVIEW ROUNDUPRoborock Q5 Pro: what the reviews sayRoborock's budget Q5 Pro robot vacuum lists at $249.99 in the US with 5,500 Pa suction. Reviewers like its vacuuming and app, but its mop is very basic and it misses small obstacles.
HOME · REVIEW ROUNDUPNarwal Freo X Plus: what the reviews sayNarwal's $399.99 Freo X Plus robot vacuum and mop packs 7,800 Pa suction and a bin said to hold seven weeks of dust. Reviewers like its cleaning but not its erratic software.
HOME · REVIEW ROUNDUPTP-Link Archer AX55: what the reviews sayTP-Link's budget AX3000 Wi-Fi 6 router lists at about $110 in the US. Reviewers like its value and easy setup, but disagree on its range and 2.4 GHz performance.
HOME · REVIEW ROUNDUPHome robots in 2026: Dreame A3 AWD Pro mower and Eufy Omni S2 vacuum reviewedA LiDAR robot mower that needs no satellite signal and a flagship robot vacuum with a roller mop. Reviewers like both, but the prices are high and neither is flawless.
HOME · BUYING GUIDEBest Wi-Fi 7 routers of 2026, from $99 to over $1,000Wi-Fi 7 routers are now affordable. Tom's Hardware's benchmarks put the TP-Link Archer BE9700 at the top for value. Here is which router to choose for your home and budget.
HOME · BUYING GUIDESmart window air conditioners in 2026: five models comparedMidea, GE, Windmill, LG and Della all sell window units you can control from your phone. Here is what each does well, and the complaints buyers report most often.
HOME · BUYING GUIDESmart smoke, carbon monoxide and gas detectors: what to buy now that Nest Protect is goneGoogle has discontinued the Nest Protect and First Alert's SC5 is its official successor. Here are the recommended models, the safety standards to look for and the limits of a connected alarm.
SMART HOME · BUYING GUIDERobot vacuums: navigation, privacy and maintenanceThe best robot is the one that reliably cleans your floor plan and remains easy to maintain.
SMART HOME · FEATUREDAI agents in the home: useful, but with which permissions?Home assistants are evolving into agents that can check several devices and chain actions together. Real progress depends less on the demo than on limits, confirmations and security.
SMART HOME · GUIDESmart-home buying checklistCompatibility, local control, security updates and privacy should be checked before a smart device enters your home.
SMART HOME · GUIDEChoose the right Wi-Fi router for your homeReliable Wi-Fi depends on placement, walls, devices and security—not only the largest speed number on the box.
SECURITY · VERIFIED UPDATEWindows expands family-safety controlsMicrosoft’s latest family and education guidance focuses on safer experiences and healthier device habits. The practical value depends on transparent controls and good household communication.