Home Assistant Green review: setup, local control, radios you need to add and who it suits, with findings from 6 Months Later and Automate Your Life.
Category: Smart Home Devices
Hands-on reviews of smart home devices, from smart toilets to charging hubs and label makers. See what each gadget really does before you buy.
Hubitat vs Home Assistant: Hubitat C-8 Pro ($194.95) vs Home Assistant Green ($219) on radios, range, subscriptions and setup, per Paul Hibbert.
The best smart home hub for beginners and renters: Aqara M3, Homey Pro mini and SmartThings by Aeotec, chosen for easy setup. Prices checked October 16, 2026.
Homey Pro vs Home Assistant Green: ease of use, radios, automations, device support and price ($449 vs $219), with findings from Automate Your Life.
The best smart home hub for your skill level: Aqara M3, Homey Pro, Home Assistant Green, Hubitat C-8 Pro and SmartThings by Aeotec, priced Oct 16, 2026.
I tested the RunStar Smart Scale to get a better understanding of my overall body metrics, and one thing I found motivating was seeing the actual numbers displayed and tracked over time. Sometimes the scale can be a reality check, but having access to detailed information makes it easier to stay focused on your fitness […]
I tested the travel inspira Luggage Scale and here’s my experience. I attached it to my suitcase handle, lifted it up, and checked the weight reading on the display. I tested it with different bags to see how accurate and easy it is to use before traveling. In this travel inspira luggage scale review, I’ll […]
I tested this Ausic Portable Misting Fan outdoors during warm weather to see how the fan and misting functions work together. In the video, I demonstrate the airflow, spray modes, LED light, adjustable positioning, and portability features that make it useful for camping, beach trips, travel, outdoor events, and everyday use. In this Ausic misting […]
I tested the P1 Pro Portable Inkless Printer to see how it performs for printing on the go. In the video, I connect it to my phone, use the companion app to select a photo of my dog and me, and print it in crisp black and white. I also show how it can be […]
I tested the ZAFRO Smart Tower Fan and here’s my experience. I set it up in my room and tested the different speed levels, switched between modes, and adjusted the oscillation angles. I also used the remote and app controls to see how responsive it is, and paid attention to how quiet it runs during […]
Getting into vinyl usually means buying a turntable, a preamp, an amplifier, and speakers, then figuring out how to wire them all together. An all-in-one record player skips all of that. 1 BY ONE sent me its 1 BY ONE HiFi Vinyl Record Player, and I really like it because it gives you the classic […]
A small Bluetooth speaker is one of those things you end up using every day: in the kitchen, in the shower, on the patio, or on a trip. The trick is finding one that’s small enough to carry but still sounds good. For this review, Bobtot sent me its Bobtot Portable Bluetooth Speaker. I have […]
I tested the Casta Diva smart toilet with built-in bidet. Here’s the digital display, bidet settings, warm air dryer, flushing options, specs, and who it’s for.
I tested the CANEST compact one-piece toilet for a small bathroom. Here’s the size, dual flush, quiet operation, soft close seat, specs, and who it’s for.
I tested the ORGBRO X1 Bluetooth label maker for home and office labels. Here’s the app setup, label designing, print quality, specs, and who it’s for.
My UMEVO AI voice recorder review: one-touch recording on my iPhone, AI transcripts and summaries in 140+ languages, 64GB storage, and a 10% off code.
My AVOLT Square 1 review: 3 AC outlets, 2 USB-C ports up to 30W, a magnetic mount, full specs, and how it cleaned up my MacBook and iPad charging.