Smart Home Guides
In-depth guides for HomeBridge, smart locks, thermostats, and more.
- ExplainerJanuary 15, 2025
What Is Matter? The Smart Home Standard Explained (2025)
Matter is the new universal smart home standard backed by Apple, Google, Amazon, and Samsung. Learn what it is, how it works, and which devices support it.
- How-ToFebruary 1, 2025
How to Set Up HomeBridge on a Raspberry Pi (Step-by-Step)
HomeBridge lets you add non-HomeKit devices to Apple Home using a Raspberry Pi. This complete guide walks you through installation, configuration, and adding your first plugin.
- How-ToFebruary 15, 2025
Google Nest Thermostat and Apple HomeKit: Complete Integration Guide
Google Nest thermostats don't support HomeKit natively. This guide covers every method to get your Nest working in the Apple Home app, including HomeBridge and third-party bridges.
- Buying GuideMarch 1, 2025
Best Smart Locks That Work With Apple HomeKit (2025)
A curated list of the best HomeKit-compatible smart locks in 2025, covering deadbolts, lever locks, and retrofit options for renters and homeowners.
- How-ToMarch 15, 2025
Ring Video Doorbell and HomeKit: The Complete Workaround Guide
Ring doorbells don't support HomeKit natively, but you can get them working in Apple Home using HomeBridge. This guide covers setup, limitations, and alternatives.
- Buying GuideApril 1, 2025
Best Smart Home Hubs for HomeKit, Alexa, and Google (2025)
The right smart home hub can make your entire setup more reliable. Here's how to choose between Philips Hue Bridge, Aqara Hub M2, Hubitat, SmartThings, and others in 2025.
- ExplainerApril 15, 2025
Zigbee vs Z-Wave vs Matter: Which Smart Home Protocol Is Best?
A practical comparison of the three main smart home wireless protocols — Zigbee, Z-Wave, and Matter over Thread — covering range, speed, compatibility, and which to choose.
- How-ToMay 1, 2025
Can You Use HomeKit Without an Apple TV or HomePod?
HomeKit works without a hub for basic local control, but remote access, automations, and Siri away from home all require a home hub. Here's exactly what you lose — and gain — depending on your setup.
- How-ToMay 15, 2025
Wyze Cam v3 and HomeKit: Full HomeBridge Setup Guide (2025)
Wyze Cam v3 doesn't support HomeKit natively, but HomeBridge makes it work. This step-by-step guide covers installation, the Wyze plugin, and live streaming to the Home app.
- Buying GuideJune 1, 2025
Best Security Cameras That Work With Apple HomeKit (2025)
A curated list of the best HomeKit-compatible security cameras in 2025, covering indoor cams, outdoor cams, video doorbells, and floodlight cameras with native HomeKit Secure Video support.
- ComparisonJune 15, 2025
Amazon Alexa vs Google Home: Which Smart Home Platform Is Better? (2025)
A head-to-head comparison of Alexa and Google Home for smart home control, device compatibility, voice recognition, routines, and privacy in 2025.
- How-ToJuly 1, 2025
How to Add Govee Lights to Apple HomeKit (2025 Guide)
Govee LED strips and bulbs don't support HomeKit natively. This guide covers the HomeBridge method, the Govee Matter update status, and the best alternatives for native HomeKit lighting.
- ExplainerJuly 15, 2025
HomeKit Secure Video Explained: Compatible Cameras and Setup (2025)
HomeKit Secure Video stores encrypted camera footage in iCloud with no monthly subscription beyond iCloud+. Here's which cameras support it, what you need, and how to set it up.
- How-ToAugust 1, 2025
Smart Home Beginner's Guide: Where to Start in 2025
New to smart home tech? This guide cuts through the jargon and gives you a clear starting point — which ecosystem to pick, which devices to buy first, and how to avoid expensive mistakes.
- ComparisonAugust 15, 2025
ecobee vs Nest Thermostat: Which Is Better for HomeKit? (2025)
ecobee supports Apple HomeKit natively. Nest does not. Here's a full comparison covering compatibility, features, scheduling, room sensors, and which is the better choice for your setup.
- Buying GuideSeptember 1, 2025
Best Smart Plugs That Work With HomeKit (2025)
A ranked list of the best HomeKit-compatible smart plugs for 2025, including native options, Matter picks, and HomeBridge-based workarounds for popular Kasa and Wyze plugs.
- ComparisonSeptember 15, 2025
Philips Hue vs Govee: Which Smart Lights Are Worth It? (2025)
Philips Hue and Govee are the two most popular smart lighting brands, but they serve different needs. This comparison covers HomeKit compatibility, setup, features, reliability, and price.
- How-ToOctober 1, 2025
Google Home vs Apple HomeKit: Can You Use Both?
Google Home and Apple HomeKit can coexist in the same house — and with Matter, many devices work with both simultaneously. Here's how to run a dual-ecosystem setup without frustration.
- ComparisonOctober 15, 2025
HomeBridge vs HOOBS: Which Is Right for You?
HomeBridge and HOOBS both bridge non-HomeKit devices to Apple Home. HOOBS is a pre-configured hardware appliance; HomeBridge is DIY on a Raspberry Pi. Here's how to choose.
- How-ToNovember 1, 2025
Samsung SmartThings and Apple HomeKit: How to Use Both Together
SmartThings and HomeKit can work in the same home. This guide covers the SmartThings HomeKit Bridge app, Matter Multi-Admin, and which SmartThings devices work natively with HomeKit.
- ExplainerNovember 15, 2025
Thread Border Routers Explained: Do You Need One? (2025)
Thread Border Routers connect Thread-based Matter devices to your Wi-Fi network. Here's which devices include Thread Border Routers, whether you need one, and how to check your setup.
- Buying GuideDecember 1, 2025
Best Motion and Door Sensors for Apple HomeKit (2025)
HomeKit motion and contact sensors enable powerful automations. Here's the best options in 2025, covering Thread-based, Zigbee, and Wi-Fi sensors with native HomeKit support.
- How-ToDecember 15, 2025
Amazon Alexa and Apple HomeKit: How to Connect Them in 2025
Alexa and HomeKit don't directly integrate, but Matter lets many devices work with both simultaneously. Here's how to run Alexa and HomeKit side by side without conflicts.