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.
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.
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.
4 external antennas provide stable wireless connections and optimal coverage; Supports IGMP Proxy/Snooping, Bridge and Tag VLAN to optimize IPTV streaming
VPN Server: Archer AX21 Supports both Open VPN Server and PPTP VPN Server; Certified for Humans: Smart home made easy for non-experts. Setup with Alexa is simple
More Vents, Less Heat – Improved vented areas help unleash the full power of the router; USB Sharing – 1× USB 3.0 port enables easy media sharing and private cloud storage
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
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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.
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.
8 Gigabit Ethernet ports; Simple plug-and-play setup with no software to install or configuration needed
$54.99$43.99
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
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-
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!
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
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!
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.
Alexa & Echo integration allows you to control your home network using voice commands; Buy 2 or more to create your own whole home WiFi system for coverage up to 5000 sq ft.
$59.39
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.
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.
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).
Manage your network’s wireless access points remotely through Cloud Manager; Easy to use, centralized, browser based dashboard
$399.99$174.00
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.
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
Safe & secure: Supports WEP and WPA/WPA2 wireless security protocols
$199.99$97.50
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Listen on Amazon Music, Spotify, Pandora, and others. Subscription fees may apply.; Plug in behind your TV, turn on the TV, and connect to the internet to get set up.
Cinematic streaming: Stream in 4K, Dolby Vision, and HDR10+, plus Dolby Atmos sound​
$99.00
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
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-
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.
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.
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)
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.
Speed: Automations are processed locally on the hub for fast, reliable home automation; Customizable: Dozens of built-in automation apps for customizing your smart home
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.
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.
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.
Remote control: Control your thermostat from anywhere using the Nest app.; Know more, save more Check your Energy History to see how much energy you use and why.
$249.00$214.99
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
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.
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.
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.
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