Editor’s Note: Last Updated 10/23/2022
So many specs, terms, and opinions. When it comes to tech do you ever just want someone to tell you what to buy? You’ve come to the right place! In my buyer’s guide below, I give you my top picks for purchases of home tech. My picks are in four purchase classifications for each product category:
- Money is no object. This pick packs the most features, many of which you probably don’t need. If there’s no limit to your budget, this is probably the pick for you.
- For the masses. This is the best pick, all things considered, for most people. Choose this one for a relatively affordable, fully-featured option that will work for you.
- Budget pick. If you are looking to save a little money and still get the important features, then this is for you.
- Also consider. If any of the other options aren’t for you then consider some of these options.
This is a pretty long page. Take advantage of the Table of Contents and the scroll to the top button that appears at the bottom right of the page.
If you are just interested in the tech I own, check out my gear page. If you’d like to see more products that I use and recommend, be sure to visit my shop. Last but not least, if you want technology advice tailored to your specific needs make sure to check out the HomeTechHacker Technology Advisor.
This page contains affiliate links. If you purchase an item using an affiliate link I will receive a small commission at no cost to you. Affiliates do not influence my recommendations. Read my disclosures for more information.
Table of Contents
Wireless Routers
Routers are your first line of security and the backbone of your home network. You should choose wisely, and here is how to choose.
Preview
Money Is No Object 
For The Masses 
Budget Pick 
Product Name
NETGEAR Nighthawk 12-Stream WiFi 6E Router (RAXE500) | AXE11000 Tri-Band Wireless Speed (Up to 10.8Gbps) |New 6GHz Band | Coverage up to 3,500 sq. ft., 60 Devices
TP-Link AX1800 WiFi 6 Router (Archer AX21) – Dual Band Wireless Internet Router, Gigabit Router, Easy Mesh, Works with Alexa - A Certified for Humans Device
NETGEAR 4-Stream WiFi 6 Dual-Band Gigabit Router (WAX204) – AX1800 Wireless Speed (Up to 1.8 Gbps) | Coverage up to 1,500 sq. ft., 40 Devices
Prime Eligible
Current Price
$508.99
$74.99
$129.95
HomeTechHacker Comments
Stellar performance, great features, has Wi-Fi 6E support.
Speed, stability, decent price, and the most important features.
Great price and performance. You can't really go wrong picking this one.
Details
Money Is No Object
Preview
Product Name
NETGEAR Nighthawk 12-Stream WiFi 6E Router (RAXE500) | AXE11000 Tri-Band Wireless Speed (Up to 10.8Gbps) |New 6GHz Band | Coverage up to 3,500 sq. ft., 60 Devices
Prime Eligible
Current Price
$508.99
HomeTechHacker Comments
Stellar performance, great features, has Wi-Fi 6E support.
Details
For The Masses
Preview
Product Name
TP-Link AX1800 WiFi 6 Router (Archer AX21) – Dual Band Wireless Internet Router, Gigabit Router, Easy Mesh, Works with Alexa - A Certified for Humans Device
Prime Eligible
Current Price
$74.99
HomeTechHacker Comments
Speed, stability, decent price, and the most important features.
Details
Budget Pick
Preview
Product Name
NETGEAR 4-Stream WiFi 6 Dual-Band Gigabit Router (WAX204) – AX1800 Wireless Speed (Up to 1.8 Gbps) | Coverage up to 1,500 sq. ft., 40 Devices
Prime Eligible
Current Price
$129.95
HomeTechHacker Comments
Great price and performance. You can't really go wrong picking this one.
Details
Additional wireless routers to consider:
Bestseller No. 1
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Small (5-8 port) Gigabit Switches
Use these when you need more Ethernet connections for your office or near a different Internet port. For the most part, they should just work!
Preview
Money Is No Object 
For The Masses 
Budget Pick 
Product Name
TP-Link TL-SG2008P | Jetstream 8 Port Gigabit Smart Managed PoE Switch | 4 PoE+ Port @62W | Support Omada SDN | PoE Recovery | IPv6 | Static Routing | L2/L3/L4 QoS | 5 Year Manufacturer Warranty
TRENDnet 5-Port Unmanaged Gigabit GREENnet Desktop Metal Switch, Ethernet-Network Switch, 5 x Gigabit Ports, Fanless, 10 Gbps Switching Fabric, Lifetime Protection, Black, TEG-S50g
TP-Link 5 Port Gigabit Ethernet Network Switch | Plug and Play | Desktop or Wall-Mount | Plastic Case Ethernet Splitter | Fanless | Traffic Optimization | Unmanaged (TL-SG1005D),Black
Prime Eligible
-
Current Price
$98.99
$15.29
$16.99
HomeTechHacker Comments
If you are looking for a good entry-level managed switch you can’t do much better. It also works with the Omada SDN Controller. I have one in my house.
Sometimes this is less than our "budget pick" and has a nice metal housing. I have a few of these and they are rock solid.
Inexpensive, reliable, and saves money by requiring less power than other models. I have personally used this one as well.
Details
Money Is No Object
Preview
Product Name
TP-Link TL-SG2008P | Jetstream 8 Port Gigabit Smart Managed PoE Switch | 4 PoE+ Port @62W | Support Omada SDN | PoE Recovery | IPv6 | Static Routing | L2/L3/L4 QoS | 5 Year Manufacturer Warranty
Prime Eligible
-
Current Price
$98.99
HomeTechHacker Comments
If you are looking for a good entry-level managed switch you can’t do much better. It also works with the Omada SDN Controller. I have one in my house.
Details
For The Masses
Preview
Product Name
TRENDnet 5-Port Unmanaged Gigabit GREENnet Desktop Metal Switch, Ethernet-Network Switch, 5 x Gigabit Ports, Fanless, 10 Gbps Switching Fabric, Lifetime Protection, Black, TEG-S50g
Prime Eligible
Current Price
$15.29
HomeTechHacker Comments
Sometimes this is less than our "budget pick" and has a nice metal housing. I have a few of these and they are rock solid.
Details
Budget Pick
Preview
Product Name
TP-Link 5 Port Gigabit Ethernet Network Switch | Plug and Play | Desktop or Wall-Mount | Plastic Case Ethernet Splitter | Fanless | Traffic Optimization | Unmanaged (TL-SG1005D),Black
Prime Eligible
Current Price
$16.99
HomeTechHacker Comments
Inexpensive, reliable, and saves money by requiring less power than other models. I have personally used this one as well.
Details
Additional gigabit switches to consider:
Bestseller No. 1
SaleBestseller No. 2
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Mesh Wi-Fi Systems
Good systems to use if you have a large home without wired connections throughout the house if you want solid Wi-Fi coverage throughout.
Preview
Money Is No Object 
For The Masses 
Budget Pick 
Product Name
NETGEAR Orbi Whole Home Tri-band Mesh Wi-Fi 6 System (RBK853) – Router with 2 Satellite Extenders, Coverage Up to 7,500 Square Feet, 100 Devices, AX6000 (Up to 6Gbps)
Google Nest Wifi - Home Wi-Fi System - Wi-Fi Extender - Mesh Router for Wireless Internet - 2 Pack
Amazon eero mesh WiFi system – router replacement for whole-home coverage (3-pack)
Prime Eligible
-
-
Current Price
$724.99
$89.99
Price not available
HomeTechHacker Comments
The best combination of features and performance, including Wi-iFi 6
Doesn't have many advanced features, but works great and is easy to set up. Google keeps updating it to work against new security threats. It also works as a Google smart speaker!
Eero has good performance at a good price point.
Details
Money Is No Object
Preview
Product Name
NETGEAR Orbi Whole Home Tri-band Mesh Wi-Fi 6 System (RBK853) – Router with 2 Satellite Extenders, Coverage Up to 7,500 Square Feet, 100 Devices, AX6000 (Up to 6Gbps)
Prime Eligible
Current Price
$724.99
HomeTechHacker Comments
The best combination of features and performance, including Wi-iFi 6
Details
For The Masses
Preview
Product Name
Google Nest Wifi - Home Wi-Fi System - Wi-Fi Extender - Mesh Router for Wireless Internet - 2 Pack
Prime Eligible
-
Current Price
$89.99
HomeTechHacker Comments
Doesn't have many advanced features, but works great and is easy to set up. Google keeps updating it to work against new security threats. It also works as a Google smart speaker!
Details
Budget Pick
Preview
Product Name
Amazon eero mesh WiFi system – router replacement for whole-home coverage (3-pack)
Prime Eligible
-
Current Price
Price not available
HomeTechHacker Comments
Eero has good performance at a good price point.
Details
Additional mesh Wi-Fi systems to consider:
All of these are solid picks. The Eero Pro 6 and Asus ZenWiFi are Wi-Fi 6 capable systems. The Linksys Velop is stylish, feature-packed, and easy to install. ASUS AiMesh is a technology worth looking into. It is a set of routers that you can buy standalone and combine into a mesh system.
Sale
Sale
Wireless Access Points
Use these to extend your wireless signal if you have wired connections throughout your home.
Preview
Money Is No Object 
For The Masses 
Budget Pick 
Product Name
Ubiquiti UniFi AP AC PRO 802.11ac Scalable Enterprise Wi-Fi Access Point (UAP-AC-PRO-E-US) PoE Adapter Sold Separately
TP-Link EAP610 | Omada Business WiFi 6 AX1800 Wireless Gigabit Access Point| Support Mesh, OFDMA, Seamless Roaming & MU-MIMO | SDN Integrated | Cloud Access & Omada App | PoE+ Powered | White
TP-Link EAP225 Omada AC1350 Gigabit Wireless Access Point Business WiFi Solution w/ Mesh Support, Seamless Roaming & MU-MIMO PoE Powered SDN Integrated Cloud Access & Omada App White
Prime Eligible
Current Price
$149.00
$94.95
$59.99
HomeTechHacker Comments
Dual band, 3x3 MIMO, indoor or outdoor, POE, great performance
I wrote a review of the EAP 610 here. Has many features which can even be extended with the free Omada controller software. This access point has Wi-Fi 6.
This has all the features a home user will need and more. I use it at home. Here's my review.
Details
Money Is No Object
Preview
Product Name
Ubiquiti UniFi AP AC PRO 802.11ac Scalable Enterprise Wi-Fi Access Point (UAP-AC-PRO-E-US) PoE Adapter Sold Separately
Prime Eligible
Current Price
$149.00
HomeTechHacker Comments
Dual band, 3x3 MIMO, indoor or outdoor, POE, great performance
Details
For The Masses
Preview
Product Name
TP-Link EAP610 | Omada Business WiFi 6 AX1800 Wireless Gigabit Access Point| Support Mesh, OFDMA, Seamless Roaming & MU-MIMO | SDN Integrated | Cloud Access & Omada App | PoE+ Powered | White
Prime Eligible
Current Price
$94.95
HomeTechHacker Comments
I wrote a review of the EAP 610 here. Has many features which can even be extended with the free Omada controller software. This access point has Wi-Fi 6.
Details
Budget Pick
Preview
Product Name
TP-Link EAP225 Omada AC1350 Gigabit Wireless Access Point Business WiFi Solution w/ Mesh Support, Seamless Roaming & MU-MIMO PoE Powered SDN Integrated Cloud Access & Omada App White
Prime Eligible
Current Price
$59.99
HomeTechHacker Comments
This has all the features a home user will need and more. I use it at home. Here's my review.
Details
Additional wireless access points to consider:
The TP-Link and Netgear access points are Wi-Fi 6 capable. I’ve reviewed the TP-Link EAP 610 and EAP 620. Lots of good choices. Just look for ones with the features you want (wireless AC, good management software, guest Wi-Fi, MU-MIMO).
![Zyxel Hybrid Cloud Wireless Access Point AC Wave 2 High Density, 1.6 Gbps (Standalone or Cloud Managed) [NWA1123-ACHD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31+TO2empDL.jpg)
Wireless Range Extenders
These are an alternative way to extend your Wi-Fi signal.
Preview
Money Is No Object 
For The Masses 
Budget Pick 
Product Name
NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 6 Mesh Range Extender EAX80 - Add up to 2,500 sq. ft. and 30+ devices with AX6000 Dual-Band Wireless Signal Booster & Repeater (up to 6Gbps speed), plus Smart Roaming
TP-Link AC1750 WiFi Extender (RE450), PCMag Editor's Choice, Up to 1750Mbps, Dual Band WiFi Repeater, Internet Booster, Extend WiFi Range further
TP-Link AC1200 Desktop Dual Band Wi-Fi Range Extender w/ 5 Gigabit Ethernet Ports (RE380D)
Prime Eligible
-
Current Price
$216.73
$59.99
$149.89
HomeTechHacker Comments
Wi-Fi 6, MU-MIMO, access point mode, fast!
Dual-band, quick setup, good speed
Pretty much the same features as the RE450, but slower speeds.
Details
Money Is No Object
Preview
Product Name
NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 6 Mesh Range Extender EAX80 - Add up to 2,500 sq. ft. and 30+ devices with AX6000 Dual-Band Wireless Signal Booster & Repeater (up to 6Gbps speed), plus Smart Roaming
Prime Eligible
Current Price
$216.73
HomeTechHacker Comments
Wi-Fi 6, MU-MIMO, access point mode, fast!
Details
For The Masses
Preview
Product Name
TP-Link AC1750 WiFi Extender (RE450), PCMag Editor's Choice, Up to 1750Mbps, Dual Band WiFi Repeater, Internet Booster, Extend WiFi Range further
Prime Eligible
Current Price
$59.99
HomeTechHacker Comments
Dual-band, quick setup, good speed
Details
Budget Pick
Preview
Product Name
TP-Link AC1200 Desktop Dual Band Wi-Fi Range Extender w/ 5 Gigabit Ethernet Ports (RE380D)
Prime Eligible
-
Current Price
$149.89
HomeTechHacker Comments
Pretty much the same features as the RE450, but slower speeds.
Details
Additional wireless range extenders to consider:
Other viable dual-band and Triband (Nighthawk X6S) alternatives. The TP-Link is Wi-Fi 6 capable.
Google Assistant-powered Smart Speakers
Whether you go with Google Assistant- or Alexa-powered smart speakers depends on your ecosystem. I recommend Google Assistant-powered smart speakers for those who haven’t picked an ecosystem yet.
| Money Is No Object | For The Masses | Budget Pick | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preview: |  |  | |
| Product Name: | Google Nest Audio | Google Nest Mini | Google Nest Mini |
| Price: | Usually around $99 | Usually around $49 | Usually around $49 |
| HomeTechHacker Comments: | With the retirement of the Google Max, this is the best Google Assistant Powered Speaker | The smaller less expensive version is great | It’s nice when the budget options are the best options |
| Details: | Buy at Google | Buy at Google | Buy at Google |
Additional Google Assistant-powered speakers to consider:
If you are into smart displays check out the Google Assistant-powered smart displays like the Google Nest Hub (my review). You can also check out the Sonos One, but its Google Assistant integration isn’t as seamless as its Alexa integration. It still sounds great though!
Alexa-powered Smart Speakers
Whether you go with Google Assistant- or Alexa-powered smart speakers depends on your ecosystem. If you’re going with Alexa, here are my recommendations:
Preview
Money Is No Object 
For The Masses 
Budget Pick 
Product Name
Echo Studio | Our best-sounding smart speaker ever - With Dolby Atmos, spatial audio processing technology, and Alexa | Charcoal
Echo Dot (5th Gen, 2022 release) | With bigger vibrant sound, helpful routines and Alexa | Charcoal
Echo Dot (5th Gen, 2022 release) | With bigger vibrant sound, helpful routines and Alexa | Deep Sea Blue
Prime Eligible
Current Price
$199.99
$49.99
$49.99
HomeTechHacker Comments
The best speaker for sound.
The smaller less expensive version is great.
It's nice when the budget option is the best option for most people.
Details
Money Is No Object
Preview
Product Name
Echo Studio | Our best-sounding smart speaker ever - With Dolby Atmos, spatial audio processing technology, and Alexa | Charcoal
Prime Eligible
Current Price
$199.99
HomeTechHacker Comments
The best speaker for sound.
Details
For The Masses
Preview
Product Name
Echo Dot (5th Gen, 2022 release) | With bigger vibrant sound, helpful routines and Alexa | Charcoal
Prime Eligible
Current Price
$49.99
HomeTechHacker Comments
The smaller less expensive version is great.
Details
Budget Pick
Preview
Product Name
Echo Dot (5th Gen, 2022 release) | With bigger vibrant sound, helpful routines and Alexa | Deep Sea Blue
Prime Eligible
Current Price
$49.99
HomeTechHacker Comments
It's nice when the budget option is the best option for most people.
Details
Additional Alexa-powered smart speakers to consider:
If you are into smart displays, check out the Echo Show models. The Echo Sub is a 2.1 smarthome powering sound system or can be used for multi-room music.
Streaming Sticks (Streaming Devices)
TV is shifting more and more to streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube TV. Here are the devices to get these services on your TV. Not sure which one to pick? Here is a guide to finding out which streaming stick is right for you.
| Money Is No Object | For The Masses | Budget Pick | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preview: |  |  | |
| Product Name: | NVIDIA SHIELD Android TV Pro Streaming Media Player; 4K HDR movies, live sports, Dolby Vision-Atmos, AI-enhanced upscaling, GeForce NOW cloud gaming, Google Assistant Built-In, Works with Alexa | Chromecast with Google TV | Chromecast with Google TV |
| Price: | $199.99 | Usually around $49 | Usually around $49 |
| HomeTechHacker Comments: | Completely overkill for just streaming, but if you like gaming, the ability to cast, speed, 4K, Plex… This could be for you. | This has unseated Roku as the best streamer for most people. Great UI, 4K, fast, and built-in Chromecast make this a tough act to beat. | Budget same as the best for most! |
| Details: | Buy on Amazon | My Review | My Review |
Additional streaming sticks to consider:
The Apple TV devices are great, especially if you are in that ecosystem. The Fire TV sticks have a few different models and allow you to do some significant gaming. The Rokus have the simplest easy-to-use UI.
Bestseller No. 1
Bestseller No. 2
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Bestseller No. 4
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Smart Bulbs (Multicolor)
Smart bulbs are a great entry point into smart homes and home automation.
Preview
Money Is No Object 
For The Masses 
Budget Pick 
Product Name
Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance Starter Kit, Includes (3) 75W A19 Hue Smart Bulbs with 1 Hue Bridge and 1 Hue Smart Button, Works with Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit and Google Assistant
LIFX 1100-Lumen, 11W Dimmable A19 LED Light Bulb (LHA19E26UC10) Multi Colored - 75W - New
Kasa Smart Bulb, 850 Lumens, Full Color Changing Dimmable WiFi LED Light Bulb Compatible with Alexa and Google Home, A19, 9.5W,2.4Ghz only, No Hub Required 1-Pack(KL130)
Prime Eligible
-
-
-
Current Price
$169.99
Price not available
$21.99
HomeTechHacker Comments
Requires a hub, but doesn't rely on the quality of your WiFi. A nice starter kit with all the features and integrations.
Best light output and no hub needed.
The TP-Link (Kasa) bulbs are great as well, and I wrote a quick review of them.
Details
Money Is No Object
Preview
Product Name
Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance Starter Kit, Includes (3) 75W A19 Hue Smart Bulbs with 1 Hue Bridge and 1 Hue Smart Button, Works with Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit and Google Assistant
Prime Eligible
-
Current Price
$169.99
HomeTechHacker Comments
Requires a hub, but doesn't rely on the quality of your WiFi. A nice starter kit with all the features and integrations.
Details
For The Masses
Preview
Product Name
LIFX 1100-Lumen, 11W Dimmable A19 LED Light Bulb (LHA19E26UC10) Multi Colored - 75W - New
Prime Eligible
-
Current Price
Price not available
HomeTechHacker Comments
Best light output and no hub needed.
Details
Budget Pick
Preview
Product Name
Kasa Smart Bulb, 850 Lumens, Full Color Changing Dimmable WiFi LED Light Bulb Compatible with Alexa and Google Home, A19, 9.5W,2.4Ghz only, No Hub Required 1-Pack(KL130)
Prime Eligible
-
Current Price
$21.99
HomeTechHacker Comments
The TP-Link (Kasa) bulbs are great as well, and I wrote a quick review of them.
Details
Additional smart bulbs to consider:
The LIFX+ infrared smart bulb is one to consider if you have a home location with a camera without night vision. See my review of the Geeni Prisma 1050 for another alternative.
Bestseller No. 1
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Bestseller No. 5
Smart Home Hubs
These are the brains behind your smart home. My site provides advice for picking the right smarthome hub. I personally use Home Assistant, which is free. Here is some advice about how to choose a smart home hub.
Preview
Money Is No Object 
For The Masses 
Budget Pick
Product Name
Aeotec Smart Home Hub, Works as a SmartThings Hub, Z-Wave, Zigbee, Matter Gateway, Compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, WiFi
Echo Dot (5th Gen, 2022 release) | With bigger vibrant sound, helpful routines and Alexa | Glacier White
Echo Dot (5th Gen, 2022 release) | With bigger vibrant sound, helpful routines and Alexa | Deep Sea Blue
Prime Eligible
Current Price
$117.44
$49.99
$49.99
HomeTechHacker Comments
This is the Aeotec version of the Samsung SmartThings Hub V3 (same hardware/firmware).
Enough smart devices that integrate with Alexa Voice Control allow this to be a great smart home hub. It even directly supports Zigbee devices.
Voice Control works for a lot of devices for a lot of people. The Nest Mini is another good option.
Details
Money Is No Object
Preview
Product Name
Aeotec Smart Home Hub, Works as a SmartThings Hub, Z-Wave, Zigbee, Matter Gateway, Compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, WiFi
Prime Eligible
Current Price
$117.44
HomeTechHacker Comments
This is the Aeotec version of the Samsung SmartThings Hub V3 (same hardware/firmware).
Details
For The Masses
Preview
Product Name
Echo Dot (5th Gen, 2022 release) | With bigger vibrant sound, helpful routines and Alexa | Glacier White
Prime Eligible
Current Price
$49.99
HomeTechHacker Comments
Enough smart devices that integrate with Alexa Voice Control allow this to be a great smart home hub. It even directly supports Zigbee devices.
Details
Budget Pick
Preview
Product Name
Echo Dot (5th Gen, 2022 release) | With bigger vibrant sound, helpful routines and Alexa | Deep Sea Blue
Prime Eligible
Current Price
$49.99
HomeTechHacker Comments
Voice Control works for a lot of devices for a lot of people. The Nest Mini is another good option.
Details
Additional smart home hubs to consider:
Almond combines a Wi-Fi router with a hub. The Brilliant Home Control is a completely different take on a smart home hub by using the convenience of your light switch. Here’s my review of it.
Sale
Smart Thermostats
These can help you save money by running efficiently, keeping your house at the temperature you want when you want it, and allowing you to monitor and control the temperature remotely. Make sure your HVAC system is compatible.
Preview
Money Is No Object 
For The Masses 
Budget Pick 
Product Name
ecobee SmartThermostat with Voice Control - Programmable Wifi Thermostat - Works with Siri, Alexa, Google Assistant - Smart Thermostat for Home
ecobee EB-STATe3L-01 3 Lite Thermostat, Wi-Fi, Works with Amazon Alexa
Amazon Smart Thermostat – ENERGY STAR certified, DIY install, Works with Alexa – C-wire required
Prime Eligible
-
Current Price
$219.99
$99.96
$79.99
HomeTechHacker Comments
The ecobee has it all, including Alexa built-in. Compatible with just about all major smart hubs. You can even add remote sensors to allow precision control over your heating/cooling.
I love this thermostat. All the main features of the ecobee but at a reduced price. Here's my detailed review of the ecobee 3 Lite.
Not quite as smart as our top picks, but much less expensive and has the features most people want.
Details
Money Is No Object
Preview
Product Name
ecobee SmartThermostat with Voice Control - Programmable Wifi Thermostat - Works with Siri, Alexa, Google Assistant - Smart Thermostat for Home
Prime Eligible
Current Price
$219.99
HomeTechHacker Comments
The ecobee has it all, including Alexa built-in. Compatible with just about all major smart hubs. You can even add remote sensors to allow precision control over your heating/cooling.
Details
For The Masses
Preview
Product Name
ecobee EB-STATe3L-01 3 Lite Thermostat, Wi-Fi, Works with Amazon Alexa
Prime Eligible
-
Current Price
$99.96
HomeTechHacker Comments
I love this thermostat. All the main features of the ecobee but at a reduced price. Here's my detailed review of the ecobee 3 Lite.
Details
Budget Pick
Preview
Product Name
Amazon Smart Thermostat – ENERGY STAR certified, DIY install, Works with Alexa – C-wire required
Prime Eligible
Current Price
$79.99
HomeTechHacker Comments
Not quite as smart as our top picks, but much less expensive and has the features most people want.
Details
Additional smart thermostats to consider:
The Nest Thermostat saves money over the Nest Learning Thermostat by using less expensive display materials. It also can’t control as many types of HVAC systems, but still controls most.
Bestseller No. 1
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Bestseller No. 5
Chromebooks
If you are looking for a laptop you should consider buying a Chromebook. They are inexpensive, secure, and can do what most people want to do on a laptop. Here’s a detailed list of the best Chromebooks I recommend now.
Preview
Money Is No Object 
For The Masses 
Budget Pick 
Product Name
Google Pixelbook Go 13.3" - Lightweight - Up to 12 Hours -Battery Life - Touch Screen Chromebook - Just Black
HP X360 2 in 1 Convertible Laptop 14" Touch-Screen HD Chromebook, Intel Celeron N4500, 4GB Memory, 32GB eMMC Storage, USB Type C, WiFi, Webcam, Bluetooth, Chrome OS, TiTac Card
SAMSUNG Chromebook Plus V2, 2-in-1, 4GB RAM, 32GB eMMC, 13MP Camera, Chrome OS, 12.2", 16:10 Aspect Ratio, Light Titan (XE520QAB-K01US)
Prime Eligible
-
Current Price
Price not available
$349.99
$290.00
HomeTechHacker Comments
This isn't just the best Chromebook. This is one of the better laptops, period. But you'll pay for it, relative to other Chromebooks. It has an 8th generation Intel Core i5 8250U processor that makes it even faster than the Google Pixelbook.
Good, premium hardware at a relatively affordable price. Decent looks. Check out my full review of a slightly older version.
Great performance and screen for a good price. See my review.
Details
Money Is No Object
Preview
Product Name
Google Pixelbook Go 13.3" - Lightweight - Up to 12 Hours -Battery Life - Touch Screen Chromebook - Just Black
Prime Eligible
-
Current Price
Price not available
HomeTechHacker Comments
This isn't just the best Chromebook. This is one of the better laptops, period. But you'll pay for it, relative to other Chromebooks. It has an 8th generation Intel Core i5 8250U processor that makes it even faster than the Google Pixelbook.
Details
For The Masses
Preview
Product Name
HP X360 2 in 1 Convertible Laptop 14" Touch-Screen HD Chromebook, Intel Celeron N4500, 4GB Memory, 32GB eMMC Storage, USB Type C, WiFi, Webcam, Bluetooth, Chrome OS, TiTac Card
Prime Eligible
Current Price
$349.99
HomeTechHacker Comments
Good, premium hardware at a relatively affordable price. Decent looks. Check out my full review of a slightly older version.
Details
Budget Pick
Preview
Product Name
SAMSUNG Chromebook Plus V2, 2-in-1, 4GB RAM, 32GB eMMC, 13MP Camera, Chrome OS, 12.2", 16:10 Aspect Ratio, Light Titan (XE520QAB-K01US)
Prime Eligible
Current Price
$290.00
HomeTechHacker Comments
Great performance and screen for a good price. See my review.
Details
Additional Chromebooks to consider:
Bestseller No. 1
Bestseller No. 2
Bestseller No. 4
SaleBestseller No. 5
Online Backup Services
Backup service is a critical part of securing your home network and preserving your data.
| Category | Model | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Money is no object | Acronis Tru Image | This service has it all, image backups, disk cloning, mobile backups, social media backups, syncing. It also has the price to match! |
| For the masses | iDrive | They offer mobile device backups, are reasonably priced. You can even mail in a drive of data to back up to save you weeks of online upload time |
| Budget pick | Backblaze | This is a basic but inexpensive service. You can set it and forget it to backup files from one computer (unlimited data). |
| Also consider | SpiderOak Carbonite Zoolz Elephant Drive | SpiderOak is the backup service I use. They implement a zero-knowledge security policy and have a Linux client. I was an early adopter so I have a great rate for unlimited size and machines. New users might find it expensive. |