Electronics · 7 picks
The devices that hold a smart home together: strong WiFi, a speaker or display you can talk to, and the gear that keeps it all running through an outage.
Photo: Adam Kenton / Unsplash
Photo: Compare Fibre / UnsplashTypical price: $150-350 varies by retailer
3-year cost About $150-$350. No plan or parts to buy. How this is worked out
A mesh router that is easy to set up from a phone. Add more units if one router does not reach the whole home.
Ongoing costs The core router works without a subscription. eero Plus adds extra security features for a monthly fee.
Typical price: $55-85 varies by retailer
3-year cost About $55-$85. No plan or parts to buy. How this is worked out
A compact Alexa speaker for timers, music and voice control of lights and plugs. Alexa only.
Ongoing costs None.
Typical price: $100-140 varies by retailer
3-year cost About $100-$140. No plan or parts to buy. How this is worked out
A small smart display for Google Home: control panel, timers, recipes and a photo frame in one.
Ongoing costs None required.
Photo: Howard Bouchevereau / UnsplashTypical price: $130-150 varies by retailer
3-year cost About $130-$150. No plan or parts to buy. How this is worked out
A small speaker that also acts as a home hub for Apple Home, so automations run when you are away.
Ongoing costs None. Needs an iPhone or iPad to set up.
Typical price: $55-80 varies by retailer
3-year cost About $55-$80. No plan or parts to buy. How this is worked out
A low-cost way to add streaming apps to any TV with an HDMI port. Supports voice control through the major assistants.
Ongoing costs None for the device. Each streaming service has its own subscription.
Typical price: $550-700 varies by retailer
3-year cost About $550-$700. No plan or parts to buy. How this is worked out
A compact soundbar for small and mid-size living rooms that also plays music across other Sonos speakers.
Ongoing costs None for the device. Streaming services have their own subscriptions.
Typical price: $80-120 varies by retailer
3-year cost About $80-$120. Plus a replacement battery every few years, not included. How this is worked out
Keeps a modem, router or computer running through short power cuts and protects against surges. Matters in storm country.
Ongoing costs The battery needs replacing every few years.
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