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The Dyson Purifier Cool Gen1 TP10 Purifying Fan is pictured in a pink living space.

Dyson Purifier Cool Gen1 TP10 Purifying Fan review: prompt particle detection and satisfying airflow helped me overlook the disappointing lack of smart features

by admin June 16, 2025

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Dyson Purifier Cool Gen1 TP10 Purifying Fan: two-minute review

The Dyson Purifier Cool Gen1 TP10 Purifying Fan is a tower fan and air purifier combo that helps you beat the heat while improving the quality of the surrounding air.

Available in the US, UK, and Australia, you can find the Dyson Purifier Cool Gen1 TP10 Purifying Fan with a list price of $429.99 / £449.99 / AU$799 at Dyson or third-party retailers. As I write this, there are discounts available at Dyson US and Amazon UK, reducing the price to $299.99 / £349.99, so it’s worth checking if there are savings to be made before you buy.

With its bladeless loop amplifier, glossy plastic, and metallic finishes, the Dyson Purifier Cool Gen1 TP10 Purifying Fan has the modern, clean aesthetic we’ve come to expect from the brand. Generally, it’s available in a white and nickel colorway, but there’s a bonus option of black and nickel over in the US.

Dyson Purifier Cool Gen1 TP10 Purifying Fan review: price & availability

List price: $429.99 / £449.99 / AU$799
Available now in the US, UK, and Australia

Available from Dyson and other retailers, the Dyson Purifier Cool Gen1 TP10 purifying fan has a list price of $429.99 / £449.99 / AU$799. It’s available in white and silver, with an additional option of black and nickel for shoppers in the US. It’s worth keeping a lookout for potential savings, as at the time of writing, there’s a generous $130 saving on the white model at Dyson US, bringing the cost down to $299.99. Meanwhile, in the UK, there’s a 22% discount in effect, lowering the price to £349.99.

According to Dyson, the 360 Combi Glass HEPA + Carbon air purifier filter used in the TP10 could last around 12 months of 12-hour use. Replacement filters have a list price of $79.99 / £75 / AU$99, so it’s worth considering whether you’re happy to commit to paying this out on a fairly regular basis before making a purchase.

I initially considered the Dyson Purifier Cool Gen1 TP10 Purifying Fan a little overpriced, largely due to the lack of app support for the cost, but the TP10 won me over with its strong airflow, prompt particulate detection, and quick reaction times. Could you get a separate tower fan and air purifier that would do the job just as well for less money? Probably, but if you’re a Dyson fan who wants a Dyson fan, plus an air purifier, I’d recommend this combo.

Dyson Purifier Cool Gen1 TP10 Purifying Fan review: specs

Swipe to scroll horizontally

Type

Purifying tower fan

Fan speeds

Oscillation

45, 90, 180, 350 degrees

Timer

Yes

CADR (Clean air delivery rate)

Requested

Filter

HEPA H13 and activated carbon

Particle sizes detected

PM2.5, PM10

Dimensions

8.7 x 8.7 x 41.3 inches / 22 x 22 x 105cm

Weight

10.4 lb / 4.7kg

Control

Onboard power button and remote control

Timer

Only in sleep mode

Additional modes

Sleep mode

Dyson Purifier Cool Gen1 TP10 Purifying Fan review: design and features

Offers real-time, color-coded PM2.5 and PM10 readings
No smart features or app compatibility
HEPA H13 filters are easy to access and replace

Featuring the classic Dyson aesthetic with its bladeless fan and smooth curves, this is a purifying fan I didn’t mind having out on display. That being said, I did find the glossy white plastic was a bit of a dust and lint magnet. The metallic nickel-color plastic was too, but it was barely noticeable compared to the white.

A useful combo for the summer months, the Purifier Cool Gen1 TP10 consists of a bladeless tower fan that sits on a purifying unit. This purifying unit houses a HEPA H13 filter, with H13 being considered to be within the highest tier of HEPA air filtration, and is understood to capture 99.95% of particles as small as 0.2 microns. The filter comes in two halves, with one half clipping into the front of the purifying unit, the other at the back. Both halves are easy to get to thanks to the push-down catches on either side of the unit.

(Image credit: Future)

There are ten fan speeds to cycle through, as well as an auto mode, which uses the sensors on the TP10 Purifying Fan to detect and react to the presence of particulate matter with a diameter of up to ten micrometers. It can’t detect VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which can be emitted by paint and cleaning chemicals, among other sources, but the carbon element of the 360 Combi Glass HEPA and Carbon air purifier filter means it’s still capable of clearing them from the air.

One thing that frustrates me with some Dyson devices is the lack of smart features and app compatibility. Considering this functionality is available with the more expensive Dyson products, and far cheaper brands offer remote control and air quality data via their apps, it seems a little unfair for Dyson to hold this feature back unless customers are willing to pay an even higher premium.

Aside from the power button, there’s a distinct lack of onboard controls on the TP10. This isn’t an outright issue, as I’d have used the included remote control nine times out of ten anyway, but with no app compatibility, it does mean I’d find myself in a bit of a pickle if I managed to lose the remote. As with all of the Dyson remotes I’ve used, the one for the TP10 is curved and magnetized, meaning it can be kept on the top of the fan.

(Image credit: Future)

The round LCD screen on the front of the TP10 is bright and large enough to read easily. It was easy to cycle through the multiple different displays using the information button on the remote control. The information I was most interested in was the particle readings, and I was happy to find there were dedicated screens showing the ambient levels of both PM2.5 and PM10. Both readings are independently communicated in numerals and color rating, making them simple to understand. The TP10 has been programmed to classify readings below 35 micrograms per cubic meter as good air quality, with higher readings colored either yellow for fair air quality, orange for poor, or red for very poor.

While the lack of a companion app means it’s not possible to view historical data, or real-time data when away from home, there’s a 24-hour graph on one of the display screens, so I could at least see if there’d been any spikes in contamination throughout the day – though that was as detailed as it got. It’s worth noting that the continuous monitoring needed to support this function isn’t enabled by default, but it’s a simple case of holding the auto button on the remote for five seconds to enable it.

Design score: 3.5 out of 5

Dyson Purifier Cool Gen1 TP10 Purifying Fan review: performance

Returned air quality to an acceptable level within a minute of air contamination
Didn’t reduce or eliminate odors from cooking or fragrances
Quickly reacted to the presence of cat fluff and dander

All of the fan functions performed as expected during my time testing the Dyson Purifier Cool Gen1 TP10 Purifying Fan. It was good to have a wide range of oscillation options, with four choices from 45 to 350 degrees, and I appreciated that, unlike the Dyson Cool CF1 desk fan, the TP10 remembered the last oscillation setting I’d used, so I didn’t have to cycle through the options each time. I find it curious that the timer on the TP10 Purifying Fan is only available in sleep mode, which dims the display, so I had to use the remote to wake the display if I wanted to view the current air quality reading whenever I used the timer.

The airflow felt smooth, but seemed to fluctuate a little at times. In terms of fan strength, I found I could feel a noticeable, cool breeze around 4ft / 1.2m away from the TP10 Purifying Fan on setting one, 7ft / 2m on setting five, and 14ft / 4.3m on speed 10, which is admirable considering it doesn’t run very loud.

(Image credit: Future)

To test the PM2.5 detection while the fan was on auto mode, I sprayed some dry shampoo around two feet away from the front of the TP10. The sensors picked up the presence of the dry shampoo particles in about 16 seconds, and I saw the levels of PM2.5 per cubic meter rapidly climbing on the LDC screen.

It was interesting to see a numerical representation of the speed at which the Dyson TP10 cleared the air, as not all air purifiers offer this level of data. In this case, the contamination dropped from 89 micrograms per cubic meter to 35 micrograms per cubic meter, which was back within the green range, within a minute of me spraying the dry shampoo. While it made quick work of clearing the particulates in the air, it didn’t have any effect on the odor from the dry shampoo or from the food smells from the minestrone soup I had on my lunch break.

It’s very easy to tell whether the larger-particle sensors on an air purifier are doing their job once I get my two very fluffy cats involved in the testing process, after evicting them from my living room for the initial stages of my testing, so that I can set a baseline. It was clear the particle sensors on the TP10 were sensitive to pet-related particles like fur and dander after both kitties came to investigate, as both the PM2.5 and PM10 readings rose by around eight micrograms, and the fan speed increased slightly to compensate. It stayed at roughly this level, with the occasional ramp-up in speed, for the entire time they were in the room. Once they’d wandered off, it took less than ten minutes for the purifier to bring the reading back down to its usual level.

(Image credit: Future)

The Dyson Purifier Cool Gen1 TP10 Purifying Fan operated really quietly, considering its size, with a lower than whisper-quiet reading of just 26dB when idling on auto mode, rising to 33dB on fan speed one, 38dB on speed 5, and just 52dB on speed ten, which is comparable to light traffic or background music. This is particularly positive when compared to the readings I got from the Molekule Air Pro, which gave an output of 38dB at the lowest fan speed, 51dB on speed three, and a pretty shouty 78dB at speed six, though admittedly the TP10 doesn’t have any where near as many bells and whistles.

As an added testament to the quiet functioning of the TP10 Purifying Fan, my very timid female cat spooks at most things, but was comfortable enough to touch her nose on the display even when the purifier was ramping up in response to her presence. It’s also worth mentioning that it was quiet enough to fall asleep next to, and I could happily watch TV with the TP10 running at level five fan speed nearby.

The quick detection, reaction, and purifying times meant I was pleased with the performance of the Dyson Purifier Cool Gen1 TP10 Purifying Fan overall, though I didn’t find it made the air feel quite as fresh as the GoveeLife Smart Air Purifier Lite.

Performance score: 4.5 out of 5

Should I buy the Dyson Purifier Cool Gen1 TP10 Purifying Fan?

Swipe to scroll horizontally

Section

Notes

Score

Value for money

The TP10’s premium design, pleasant cooling, and powerful purifying performance mean you won’t be disappointed, but you could save money by ditching Dyson and combining a well-performing fan and purifier instead.

4/5

Design & Features

The smooth curves, bladeless design, and nice material finish make the TP10 an attractive purifying solution. It detects and communicates the ambient levels of particulate matter before they’re captured by the HEPA H13 filter. It’s just a shame there’s no smart features.

3.5/5

Performance

I appreciated the satisfyingly strong airflow and prompt purifying performance, with the TP10’s sensors making quick work of detecting and removing particles from the air. Its quiet operation meant it wasn’t disruptive, so much so that it didn’t phase my flighty feline.

4.5/5

Buy it if…

Don’t buy it if…

Dyson Purifier Cool Gen1 TP10 Purifying Fan review: Also consider

Swipe to scroll horizontallyHeader Cell – Column 0

Dyson Purifier Cool Gen1 TP10

Blueair Blue Pure 411i Max / Blue Max 3250i

Shark TurboBlade

Type

Purifying tower fan

Air purifier

Multi-directional tower fan

Price

$429.99 / £449.99 / AU$799

$169.99 / £169

$299.99 / £249.99

Fan speeds

Additional modes

Auto, sleep mode

Auto, night mode

Natural Breeze, Sleep Mode, BreezeBoost

Oscillation

Up to 350 degrees

N/A

Up to 180 degrees

Filter

HEPA H13 and activated carbon

HEPASilent and activated carbon

N/A

App support

Yes

Dimensions

8.7 x 8.7 x 41.3 inches / 220 x 220 x 1,050mm

18.9 x 10.6 x 10.6″ / 481 x 269 x 269 mm

11.8 x 31.6 x 44.8″ / 300 x 800 x 1,120mm (max)

Weight

10.4 lb / 4.7kg

7.5 lbs / 3.4 kg

15lb / 8.8kg

How I tested the Dyson Purifier Cool Gen1 TP10 Purifying Fan

I used the TP10 purifying fan in the office and at home
I observed its detection and purification skills
I evaluated the strength of the airflow and the sound levels

I used the Dyson Purifier Cool Gen1 TP10 Purifying Fan in our photo studio, my home office, and my bedroom for one week. I evaluated how easy it was to operate, along with the build quality and aesthetics, and explored the available functions and features.

I tested the strength of the airflow by determining at what distance I could still feel a cooling breeze. I also observed the TP10 Purifying Fan’s detection and purification skills, both passively and during standardized testing.

I used a decibel meter app on my iPhone to record the noise levels, taking readings from around 2ft / 600mm away, ensuring the fan wasn’t blowing directly into the microphone.

I checked the timer worked as expected, and tested out the sleep mode to see whether the TP10 Purifying Fan was quiet enough for me to be able to sleep well with it running overnight.

Dyson Purifier Cool Gen1 TP10 Purifying Fan: Price Comparison

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June 16, 2025 0 comments

Product Reviews

6 Best Smart Locks (2025) for Front Doors, Slider Doors, and More

by admin June 15, 2025

MyQ compatibility with other ecosystems focuses more on vehicles and security devices than it does on classic smart home assistants, which makes sense since you’re usually controlling it from outside of the home. It works with Amazon Key and Walmart+ InHome to get deliveries in your garage, with Ring, plus several cars, and IFTTT.

Other Smart Locks to Consider

Ultraloq Bolt Fingerprint for $160: I have now tested three different Ultraloq smart locks over a year and a half, and while I think the company offers excellent hardware for the money, there are just a few too many software quirks that put these locks a rung below our top picks. I first began with the Bolt Fingerprint, which has been the most reliable of all the Ultraloq smart locks so far. If you have a standard door with a borehole for the dead bolt, it’ll be quick to install (Ultraloq has a Thick Door Kit). I initially had several issues getting the lock to connect to my Wi-Fi, but after multiple attempts and a few choice words, it connected. I’ve had no connectivity problems since. The app isn’t the prettiest, but it’s functional. You can add multiple user profiles, remotely unlock, get notifications when the doors are unlocked, share codes, and register fingerprints. There’s even an auto-unlock function for when you walk up to the door, but I found it a little inconsistent and left it turned off. The fingerprint sensor is the highlight after all. You have to get used to placing your finger on the sensor a specific way, and after doing this a few times, I’ve now got it down so that I almost always unlock on the first try. It comes with a door sensor, so when the door closes, it will automatically lock (you can disable this if you want). The next lock I tested was the Ultraloq Bolt Fingerprint with Wi-Fi and HomeKit. This one did a better job connecting to my home’s Wi-Fi network through the U-Home app and was even quick to add to my Google Home. Unfortunately, after several months of flawless performance, one day it decided to start rejecting my fingerprint. The problem? When I put my fingerprint on the scanner, it denied it and then blocked all other methods of unlocking except the app (or the physical key that’s included). This was so annoying that I just stuck to using a numerical code with the keypad. Finally, I recently switched to the Bolt Fingerprint With Matter, and let’s just say I’m still diagnosing issues with the company. The lock decides to stop working after a few hours, forcing me to remove one of the batteries and put it back in to “reactivate” it. I might just have a defective unit, so we’ll see. —Julian Chokkattu

Photograph: Nena Farrell

Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch for $280: I’ve been testing this lock for a few weeks in tandem with ADT’s security system and Google Home. Unlike the other locks in this guide, I didn’t install it—an ADT tech did, and installation can be included in an ADT security package like the one I’ve been testing. For the lock itself, it’s worked well. It’s a full deadbolt replacement, and came with a single key, and has both a keypad and fingerprint reader for entry options. The fingerprint reader is speedy and efficient, and my husband says the keypad has been easy to use (you activate the keypad by touching the Yale button, but if your finger is registered to the app, that’s also the fingerprint reader button). Instead of using the Yale app, I primarily control this app with the ADT+ app, but there are versions of this lock that don’t use or require ADT’s service. I do wish I could set it to lock after every 10 minutes, rather than three, but that’s the longest option the ADT+ app gives me to set it. I can also partially control it in the Google Home app, but only to lock and unlock it, not to dive into detailed settings like passcodes and auto-lock times.

Yale Assure Touchscreen Lever Lock for $230: I’ve been testing this no-deadbolt lever door handle with its sleek-looking keypad for a month on the door to my house from inside my garage. Unlike Yale’s Approach (8/10, WIRED Recommends), it won’t sense you coming, but it awakens with even a light touch to the keypad. It’s easy to lock and unlock and view the activity log on the Yale Access app, or you can use a pin code to unlock. You can also create different codes for different people to know exactly who’s been coming and going and when. It works with Google Home, Apple Home, and Alexa, and has also got two physical keys for backup in case of battery failure. Setup wasn’t exactly a breeze, requiring the Bilt app to install and then the Yale app to configure, and online reviews are quite voluminous in their complaints of both battery life and the handle becoming loose over time. Neither of these issues arose during our initial test period; however, we will update this review with further observations as time goes on. —Kat Merck

Avoid These Smart Locks

We haven’t loved every smart lock we’ve tried. These are the ones to skip.

Defiant Smart Deadbolt

Photograph: Julian Chokkattu

Defiant Smart Deadbolt Powered by Hubspace for $100: The shoddy build quality is a huge turn-off on this smart lock from Defiant. The buttons are mushy, it’s very loud, and what is the point of Wi-Fi connectivity if it never connects to Wi-Fi? I finally got it paired with the Hubspace app, but the lock never stayed connected to my Wi-Fi, so I had none of the benefits. —Julian Chokkattu

Eufy FamiLock S3 Max for $400: This lock is cool because it includes a camera, letting the device double as a digital peephole (convenient for smaller family members!) and has a super interesting biometric option that uses the veins in your palm for authentication. Unfortunately, once installed, the lock didn’t work on my door, even though it was the correct size and placement.

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June 15, 2025 0 comments

Esports

Get your porch and deck ready for Summer with Lepro’s smart outdoor lights

by admin June 14, 2025

Summer is here and with it comes family and friend gatherings, cookouts, and more. So, what better time than now to spruce up your deck? Lepro has you covered with their smart outdoor permanent lights and smart string lights, both of which are on limited-time sales via Amazon right now:

Summer’s here and that means BBQs, backyard hangs, and 4th of July parties are soon to be in full swing. Lepro’s smart outdoor string lights are the perfect way to set the mood. With millions of color options, voice and app control, and weatherproof design, they’re a must-have for summer setups.

Lepro is the only smart lighting brand to feature:

*LightGPM: Lepro’s large-language lighting model curates color and pattern combos tailored to your vibe.

*LightBeats: A rhythm-syncing algorithm that translates sound into immersive light shows.

Right now there is a limited-time Amazon deals happening now ahead of the holiday weekend: Now through June 15th.

*Lepro ZB1 AI String Lights (23% off 100-foot; 10% off 50-foot)

*Lepro E1 AI Permanent Outdoor Lights (Coupons: $40 off 50-foot, MSRP: $152.99; $70 off 100-foot, MSRP $254.99)

Great for patios, pergolas, fences, or fireworks night, these lights bring a little magic to any summer night.

Stay tuned to GamingTrend for all your gaming, tech, and entertainment new!

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June 14, 2025 0 comments

Product Reviews

Kwikset Halo Select review: A smart compromise

by admin June 14, 2025

Legacy lock maker Kwikset has been producing innovative smart locks since 2013, when it released the first touch-to-open lock, the Kwikset Kevo. The company followed that up with the launch of one of the first key-free locks in 2016, one of the earliest Apple HomeKit locks, and one of the first fingerprint-only locks. Kwikset has not shied away from new tech.

Its latest model, the Halo Select ($279.99), is one of the first full-replacement, Matter-over-Thread smart locks. I’ve tested almost every smart lock that Kwikset has made over the years, and this is its best yet. It’s super-responsive with solid features and broad smart home compatibility. It’s just too bad that using Matter means giving up its best feature.

$279

The Good

Excellent auto-unlock function
Choice of Wi-Fi or Matter-over-Thread
Great design
Discreet door sensor
Can be rekeyed

The Bad

Have to choose between Thread and Kwikset’s auto-unlock
No Home Key or biometric access
Touchscreen shows fingerprints
Prominent Kwikset branding

The Halo Select is a sleek-looking lock that should fit in with both traditional and contemporary door sets, although it has a modern slant. As Kwikset is one of two major residential lock companies (the other being Schlage), you may already have Kwikset locks and handle sets on your outer doors, meaning the Select might fit in with what you already have — something few other smart locks do.

The Halo blends in nicely with a contemporary Kwikset door handle set. But it’s a shame about the prominent branding.

It offers four entry methods: a keyway (which is rekeyable), a touchscreen keypad, app / smart home control, and auto-unlock based on location. The latter worked so well that I didn’t mind the lack of a fingerprint reader or Apple Home Key — normally my two favorite access methods. (Kwikset has teased a Halo Select Plus model with an NFC chip, but it hasn’t said whether that will work with Home Key or the forthcoming Aliro standard.)

One of Halo Select’s standout features is the option to connect to your smart home via Matter-over-Thread. This brings broad smart home compatibility over a local protocol, working with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple Home, and Samsung SmartThings, among others.

The Thread radio brings faster response times than Wi-Fi and significantly longer battery life — almost double based on my testing. There are only a handful of full-replacement, Matter-over-Thread locks available – including the Level Lock Plus, the Eufy E30, U-tec’s Matter lock, and the Yale Assure SL. But the Halo Select is your best option right now.

Kwikset’s auto-unlock feature worked flawlessly in testing

To set it up with Matter, you need a Matter controller and a Thread border router. An Apple TV is both, or you can use a combination, such as an Echo speaker (Matter controller) and an Eero Wi-Fi router (Thread border router). Alternatively, you can connect the lock using its built-in Wi-Fi. This allows it to work with the Kwikset app, as well as Amazon Alexa and Google Home, via the cloud. You’ll lose the broader compatibility and battery life of Matter-over-Thread, but in exchange, you get one of the Halo Select’s best features: auto unlock.

Auto unlock is a relatively new feature on Kwikset locks. It uses a combination of radios, including GPS and Wi-Fi, to determine where your phone is in relation to your home so it can unlock the door as you approach.

This tech has been used in smart locks for a while — it was first seen on the original August smart lock in 2013 — but each company implements it slightly differently. In most locks I’ve tested with the feature, it’s been unreliable, working only about half the time. However, on the Halo Select, the experience has been flawless, with the door unlocking just as I approach my porch, every time.

1/3The Select in black, there’s also the option of satin nickel.

Specs: Kwikset Halo Select

Price: $279
Style: Full-replacement deadbolt
Connectivity: Wi-Fi or Matter-over-Thread
Auto-unlock: Yes, using Kwikset app
Access options: Key, keypad, app, voice control
Battery type: Four AA batteries
Battery life: Six to 12 months
Guest codes: Yes, 250
Security rating: BHMA Grade AAA / ANSI Grade 1 (highest rating)
Works with: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Matter (including Apple Home, Samsung SmartThings)
Warranty: Lifetime mechanical and finish, 1 year electronics

The Halo Select can also auto-lock based on location. Most smart locks, including the Select, can be set to lock after a set period of time. In practice, this sometimes means your door locks behind you when you pop out to grab something from the car. Kwikset’s location-based lock can be set to not lock until you’ve left the driveway.

The downside is that the Kwikset app has to be running in the background, so if my phone died while I was out, it wouldn’t work unless I remembered to open the Kwikset app after I powered it back on.

A new technology called ultra-wideband unlocking is coming (someday) to solve this problem. It will communicate directly between your phone and the lock, no app required, and could also work with devices like smart watches. In the meantime, Kwikset’s solution is the best I’ve tested.

The other main unlocking option is a touchscreen keypad. While touchscreen keypads can be finicky, the Select’s is super responsive, and I like the clicky feedback it gives. However, I’d like to see better fingerprint resistance, as you can see them at some angles, which could be a security concern.

The Kwikset app, which is simple and easy to use, lets you share up to 250 access codes and choose from temporary, scheduled, or permanent access. I like the new LED lock indicator, which lights up when the keypad does and shows green for unlocked and red for locked. (Yes, I have often found myself accidentally locking an already unlocked door.)

While I like the look of the new Halo Select, I don’t like the prominent Kwikset branding, and I wish the lock itself were smaller; the rear housing is still very big. But the mechanism is much quieter than previous Kwikset locks I’ve tested.

The Halo Select is slim and compact up front, but the rear housing is still very large and chunky.

The Select uses four AA batteries.

Installation and setup were straightforward, thanks to a detailed and easy-to-follow in-app guide. I was impressed with its super slim door sensor that tucks up above the strike plate. This sends an alert via the Kwikset app when the door has been left open and can show you in the app if the door is open or closed when you control it remotely. However, this only works with the Kwikset app. It’d be nice if it showed up as a sensor when the lock is connected in Matter.

The lock has to be set up in the Kwikset app and connected to Wi-Fi, but there is then the option to switch it over to Matter-over-Thread. The app does a good job of making it clear what will happen if you do this — you lose access to the lock in the Kwikset app and can no longer use the auto-unlock feature or access the door sensor to see if the door is open or closed. But it also tells you what you’ll gain. Matter-over-Thread does promise better battery life, plus the ability to add it to Apple Home, Samsung SmartThings, and other platforms.

Kwikset does a good job explaining the advantages / disadvantages of using the lock with Matter. Image: Kwikset

I set it up in Apple Home, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings via Matter with no issues and could control it with routines, automations, and voice commands. As for battery life, it uses four AA batteries that Kwikset says will last six months on Wi-Fi and over a year via Thread.

I tested it for five weeks on Wi-Fi and was at 50 percent, meaning I would get just over three months on Wi-Fi. After three weeks on Thread, it had only dropped 10 percent, an early indication that it should get the promised double battery life.

It’s frustrating to forgo features to use Matter, but this is mostly an issue with Matter, not Kwikset. Matter doesn’t support auto-unlock, door sensing, fingerprint access, or newer entry methods like facial recognition. And while some ecosystems have geofencing automations that can be set to unlock your door, in my testing, they don’t work as well and sometimes require extra steps.

All of this means that, today, choosing a smart lock requires making some compromises. Kwikset’s solution allows you to use some of those more advanced features today while retaining the future-proofing potential of Matter for tomorrow.

Agree to continue: Kwikset Halo Select

Every smart device now requires you to agree to a series of terms and conditions before you can use it — contracts that no one actually reads. It’s impossible for us to read and analyze every single one of these agreements. But we started counting exactly how many times you have to hit “agree” to use devices when we review them, since these are agreements most people don’t read and definitely can’t negotiate.

To set up the Halo Select, you must download and install the Kwikset app (iOS and Android) and create an account. By doing so, you need to agree to the following (Assa Abloy is Kwikset’s parent company):

The Select can be set up in Matter platforms such as Apple Home and Samsung SmartThings, but it must be set up in the Kwikset app first.

Final tally: three mandatory agreements.

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June 14, 2025 0 comments

Gaming Gear

Current Model P Smart Pizza Oven review: smart tech, crispy crusts

by admin June 11, 2025

I am an excellent home cook, if I do say so myself. I regularly produce restaurant-quality dishes from my smart kitchen. But I have two favorite dishes I’ve never mastered at home: pizza and burgers. Yes, I can make them, but do they taste as good as my local burger or pizza joint? Nope. Naturally, I was intrigued when I heard about the new smart pizza oven from Current, which launched at CES earlier this year.

Yes, I know pizza ovens have been a thing for a while with their enticing promise of making pizzeria-quality pizza at home. But they’re eye-wateringly expensive, and I’ve always been put off by the prospect of putting a wood or gas-burning appliance in my backyard for the sole purpose of making pizza. Current’s Model P Smart Pizza Oven is electric, so there’s no need to mess with fuel, plus it can be used outdoors and inside (in theory — but my initial attempts produced far too much smoke for indoor use to be viable).

$559

The Good

Cooks a pizza in two minutes
App’s pizza-building tool is helpful
Makes multiple pizzas in quick succession
No need to rotate the pie
Easy to read display with a proper knob

The Bad

Takes a while to preheat
Large and hefty
Pizza peel sold separately
Too smoky to use indoors
Cleaning the stone is tricky

The Model P costs $699, which is a lot, but significantly less than other options; the electric version of the popular Ooni oven is $899 without any connected features. Current is a startup based in Columbus, Georgia, that’s trying to electrify outdoor cooking (its first product was a smart electric outdoor grill). Its smart pizza oven is one of the first to feature an app for controlling the oven, with the choice of a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection. The app has several tools that promise to help me make the perfect pizza. Challenge accepted.

The Model P can reach a blistering 850 degrees Fahrenheit. It cycles power between graphite tubes at the top and standard calrod heating elements on the bottom, and it uses proprietary algorithms to cook three different styles: Neapolitan, New York, and thin crust. There’s also a frozen pizza setting and a broil function, which you can use for any food that could benefit from a broil (such as searing a steak or browning some veggies), giving you a bit more functionality.

It comes with a 12-inch cordierite cooking stone, but you have to buy the pizza peel separately, which is required to pop the dough into the oven without burning your fingers. Current sent me a wooden one, which it says will be available soon; there’s a $89 steel version that you can buy bundled with the oven and a pizza cutter for $847.

The Current pizza oven is compact and easy to use. It can be used indoors or outdoors. However, its exterior gets very hot, so you need to position it away from walls or anything flammable.

The Current Backyard app (iOS and Android) allows for mobile control of the oven, sends notifications for preheating and cooking timers, and has a pizza build calculator that adjusts the cooking time based on how thin your crust is and how high you pile your pizza.

Making pizza is an art, and it’s not one I am close to having mastered, even with all this tech

As the pizza cooks in around two minutes, the alerts for preheating (which takes a while) and the pizza calculator were the most useful, as my past attempts at homemade pizzas often resulted in soggy toppings and undercooked crusts.

To put the Model P through its paces, I invited a few friends over for a pizza party and set it up on a wooden table on my porch, a few inches away from a brick wall. You have to consider placement carefully because it gets very hot. It’s elevated by four metal legs, so it’s safe to use on most surfaces. (There’s an outdoor pizza cart available for $499 if you want something more tailored.)

Current recommends making your own pizza dough, and there’s a recipe in the app you can follow. Current also recommends store-bought dough from Trader Joe’s and Publix; I went for the easy option.

I set up an indoor pizza-making station, with a large wooden cutting board, lots of flour, several portions of Trader Joe’s pizza dough and premade pizza sauce, and some standard toppings: mozzarella, pepperoni, olives, and basil. We then proceeded to go crazy twirling dough and topping pizzas.

Prepping the dough and preheating the oven is the most time-intensive step. Photo: Jennifer Pattison Tuohy / The Verge

The oven can cook a Neopolitan-style pizza in as little as 2 minutes. Photo by Jennifer Pattison Tuohy / The Verge

The pizza calculator lets you adjust based on factors like crust thickness and topping density. Photo: Jennifer Pattison Tuohy / The Verge

You can control the entire cooking process from the app or on the oven. Photo: Jennifer Pattison Tuohy / The Verge

Our first few pizzas were a bit of a disaster. We made a plain mozzarella pizza on New York-style (635F) and followed the suggested six minutes of oven time, but it came out overcooked. The next attempt had too many toppings, and the dough got stuck to the pizza peel mid-flick, launching cheese and pepperoni onto the molten stone, resulting in a smoky mess.

I did like the option to make concurrent pizzas with a button press — no need to start the preheat over. And not having to rotate the pizza, combined with getting alerts on my phone when the pie was ready, meant I didn’t have to hover over it.

But by our third pizza, the stone had a thick layer of burnt cheese on it, so I had to stop the party and go back to the cutting board.

Obligatory pizza glamor shot.

I realized I had been too eager, assuming the oven would magically deliver perfect pizzas. It turns out that there was quite a bit more prep I needed to do, the most important being buying a bag of semolina flour. Apparently, this is a magic pizza-making ingredient.

I went back to Current for more tips — especially about cleaning the stone, which needs to be done carefully. It can’t be soaked or scrubbed with anything more abrasive than a nylon brush. I bought some new dough and followed Current’s detailed YouTube video on how to properly roll it out (sadly, no twirling required). I then fired up the app to use the neat pizza builder tool that customizes the cook time based on style, dough type, and thickness, as well as how much sauce, cheese, and toppings you have.

Armed with semolina and a tad more patience, my next attempt was with the Neapolitan style, which yields a crispier pizza and uses the oven’s top temperature of 850F to get those signature burnt leopard spots. This is the type of pizza you eat at a sidewalk cafe in Italy. The downside was that it took a while to heat up, but the pizza only took two minutes to cook.

PreviousNext

1/2Our first attempt at cheesy bread, New York-style pizza.

I was more successful, producing an almost perfect Neapolitan-style buffalo mozzarella and pepperoni pizza with a delightfully puffy (if slightly misshapen) crust. There was still a fair amount of smoke, though, and my husband (who’s a firefighter) is still not keen on me using the oven indoors.

My only other complaint is that the cheese wasn’t hot all the way through; next time, I’ll opt for thinner slices. I then popped in a more traditional shredded mozzarella pizza for my daughter, going with New York-style as she likes the softer crust. After two bites, she declared it was as good as her favorite cheese pizza from Pisanos, our favorite local spot.

The Model P comes in two colors, sand or slate.

Hardware-wise, the oven’s sleek, domed design and glass door would look great on a kitchen counter — if you have the space. At just over 40 pounds, it’s not that portable, but it feels solid and well built. The on-device controls include a large LCD display with touch controls for turning the power on and off and setting a timer. This is paired with a physical dial to adjust time and temperature and select different pizza styles.

I would like to see a physical on / off button, as I worry about the longevity of a touchscreen on a device that can be used outdoors. (It isn’t waterproof, so you shouldn’t leave it uncovered.) Although I could control all the functions in the app, including turning it off. But, as with most high-heat smart appliances, you have to confirm on the device to turn it on for obvious safety reasons.

I enjoyed using the oven, and it is a great piece of kit for a backyard party, but I don’t see adding it to my regular cooking routine. Making pizza is an art that I’m far from mastering, even with the Model P’s advanced tech. While it brought me closer to being a pizza apprentice, it also reinforced that, for me, pizza night means not cooking. Pisanos can rest easy — pizza delivery night isn’t going anywhere.

Photos by Jennifer Pattison Tuohy / The Verge

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June 11, 2025 0 comments

Product Reviews

Meta Clears Out Stock of Ray-Ban Smart Glasses, Amazon Drops Them to an All-Time New Low

by admin June 11, 2025

For the very first time since the day they were launched, the Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses are at an all-time low discount on Amazon, which makes it the ideal moment to acquire one of the most revolutionary wearable technologies available.

The Ray-Ban Meta Glasses Skyler and Wayfarer models are now on sale at record-low prices: the Skyler model is available for $303, down from its initial $379, and the Wayfarer model has been discounted to $239, down from $299.

See Ray-Ban Meta Glasses Skyler at Amazon

See Ray-Ban Meta Glasses Wayfarer at Amazon

Why Are They Unique?

What makes the Meta Ray-Ban glasses truly unique is how they effortlessly combine advanced technology with traditional eyewear design: They are already considered the top smart glasses on the market today, owing to their blend of style, comfort, and innovative features that make them a hit with a wide range of users. These glasses are meant to slip easily into your life.

At the core of the Ray-Ban Meta Glasses lies the ability to shoot life from your perspective: The newly designed ultra-wide 12 MP camera enables you to shoot high-quality photos and videos with the voice command or the discreet button tap. The five-mic array delivers clear audio whether recording a video, taking a hands-free call, or communicating with Meta AI. You can even livestream directly to Facebook and Instagram, and take your friends and followers along in the moment.

Most impressive is the addition of Meta AI which makes these spectacles a wearable personal assistant: Activated, Meta AI can scan your surroundings and make contextually appropriate suggestions to help you stay on top of things and in the loop during the day. Of special mention is the live translation feature supporting real-time translations between French, Italian, Spanish, and English without relying on Wi-Fi.

Style and comfort are not overlooked: Both the Skyler and Wayfarer models bear the traditional Ray-Ban style so you’ll be looking good when you wear them. The frames are light for wearing all day, and the lenses are available in a variety of options to correct your eyesight. The spectacles are also built to be durable so you can wear them wherever you go.

Their current all-time low prices on Amazon make this the perfect time to upgrade your eyewear. Keep in mind that they’re actually for everybody with features that will enhance both productivity and pleasure in everyday life.

See Ray-Ban Meta Glasses Skyler at Amazon

See Ray-Ban Meta Glasses Wayfarer at Amazon

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June 11, 2025 0 comments

Product Reviews

I tested 30 smart locks, and these are the best

by admin June 6, 2025

A smart lock is an easy solution to some common problems. Locked yourself out? Need to let a friend in to water the plants? Your latchkey kid lost their key? Hands are full, and it’s raining cats and dogs? A smart lock solves all of these problems and more.

One of the best smart home upgrades you can make, a smart lock gives you remote control over access to your house from anywhere, plus easy, key-free ways to unlock and lock your door. Smart locks also remember everything that happened, so they can tell you when your door was unlocked, and sometimes who did it.

For most people, control and convenience are big enough selling points. However, smart locks also work nicely with other smart home devices, including video doorbells and smart lighting. My favorite way to integrate locks in my home is with an evening smart home routine, which locks the doors, dims the lights, and sets my thermostat to sleep mode. We have four exterior doors, so it saves me from walking around the house at night checking everything is secure.

Having a connected lock on your door is as secure as a standard lock, and sometimes more. Most smart locks have the same security ratings as their non-smart counterparts (see FAQ for more details), and it’s harder to physically pick a lock without a keyway. Plus, any smart lock is more secure than leaving a spare key under a flowerpot.

I’ve been testing smart door locks for six years and have installed more than 30 for this guide alone. Here are my top picks for your front door. Whether you want the best of the best, don’t want to replace your existing lock, are on a budget, or want a smart lock that doesn’t look like a smart lock, there are great options for every need.

What I’m looking for

Multiple ways to unlock

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A good smart lock should have at least three ways to unlock in case one method fails. My favorites are fingerprint and keypad since they don’t require you to carry anything with you, but other options include phone apps, auto-unlock via geofencing, voice control from your phone or watch, physical keys, NFC fobs, and Apple Home Key. Home Key is awesome, but you have to have an iPhone or Apple Watch — for now. Every smart lock in this list also has the option to auto-lock after a set time. This means you don’t have to remember to physically lock your door.

Remote control

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A key feature of a smart lock is the ability to control your lock when you’re away from home, either remotely using the app or by sending a code to someone so they can manually unlock it. My preferred option is remote control, as sometimes it’s just easier to unlock the door for someone and then lock it when they leave, even if you’re 2,000 miles away.

Reliable connectivity

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Smart locks broadly use Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and/or Thread to allow you to control them from an app. My least favorite option is a Bluetooth lock that uses a dedicated bridge to connect to Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi is power-hungry and drains batteries fast, so some door locks use a bridge as an intermediary. This is fiddly and annoying (especially if someone unplugs it accidentally). I prefer locks with built-in Wi-Fi or those that can connect to a multi-purpose hub or bridge, such as an Apple Home Hub or an Echo smart speaker. Locks that connect over Thread are starting to become more popular; they require a Thread border router, but offer longer battery life and out-of-home control.

Long battery life

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Most Wi-Fi smart locks have a battery life of under six months, which is a pain. Those that use Bluetooth last longer, but need that extra hub or bridge for out-of-home control. Thread is a new connectivity option that promises longer battery life but also requires a second device (a Thread border router). (See the FAQ for more on this.)

Virtual keys

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The lock should have the option to assign “virtual keys” or unique codes to other household members, service people, or a neighbor looking in on your dog. These should be easily revoked or assigned only for specific times. The app should also have a log/alerts that let you know who accessed your door and when.

Broad smart home compatibility

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A good smart lock should be compatible with at least some of the major platforms, so you can schedule the lock, set up home automation routines, and use features like tapping your phone to your door to unlock it. New standards like Matter and Aliro are working to bring universal compatibility between smart locks, smartphones, and smart home platforms. (See the FAQ for more on this.)

$279

The Good

Excellent auto-unlock function
Choice of Wi-Fi or Matter-over-Thread
Works with Alexa, Google, Apple Home
Great design
Discreet door sensor
Re-keyable

The Bad

Have to choose between Thread and auto-unlock
No Home Key or biometric access
Prominent Kwikset branding

Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Thread / Access options: Key, keycode, app, voice / Auto-unlock: Yes / Battery type: Four AA batteries / Battery life: Six to 12 months / Guest codes: Yes / Security rating: ANSI Grade AAA / Works with: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Matter (including Apple Home, Samsung SmartThings)

The Kwikset Halo Select ($279.99) is a good-looking, reliable smart lock with top-notch security ratings, broad smart home compatibility, and the best auto-unlock function I’ve tested to date.

I strongly believe a smart lock should look good on your door, and the Halo Select does exactly that, plus it can blend in with both traditional and contemporary door sets. (But I could do without the prominent Kwikset branding.)

The Halo blends in nicely with a contemporary Kwikset door handle set. It’s a shame about the prominent branding, though.

Of the four entry methods — a keyway (which is re-keyable), a touchscreen keypad, app/smart home control, and auto-unlock by location — I liked the last one the best. It worked so well that I didn’t mind that it lacks a fingerprint reader or Apple Home Key.

My experience with automatic unlocking on other locks (which uses a combination of Bluetooth, GPS, and Wi-Fi to determine your location) has been generally frustrating, but on the Halo Select, it’s been flawless. It unlocks just as I approach my porch, making coming home and opening the door a virtually hands-free experience.

The Select can also auto-lock based on your location, not just after a set amount of time as most locks offer. I also like the Halo Select’s LED lock indicator on the touchscreen, which tells you at a glance if the door is locked or unlocked.

The Halo Select has built-in Wi-Fi and a Thread radio, but you have to pick one.

If you set it up with Wi-Fi, you can use the Kwikset app and connect to Amazon Alexa and Google via the cloud. With Matter, you can connect to those platforms locally and also to Apple Home and others, but you won’t be able to use the Kwikset app after setup. so you lose the auto-unlock feature, among others.

Kwikset’s auto-unlock feature worked flawlessly in testing

Matter-over-Thread does promise better battery life (I’ll need to test it for longer to determine this) and the ability to easily share the lock with other ecosystems. I set it up in Apple Home, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings via Matter with no issues and could control it with all three via routines, automations, and voice commands.

It’s a shame to have to choose between using Matter and some of this lock’s best features, but this is a problem across Matter, not specific to Kwikset. Kwikset’s solution allows you to use its advanced features today while still having the future-proofing potential of Matter for tomorrow.

Best budget smart(ish) lock

$71

The Good

Inexpensive
Good fingerprint reader
Offline access codes
Long battery life

The Bad

No Wi-Fi
No smart home support
Large rear housing

Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0 / Access options: Fingerprint, keypad, app / Auto-unlock: No / Battery type: Four AA batteries / Battery life: One year / Security Grade: ANSI/BHMA Grade 3 / Guest codes: Yes / Works with: N/A

The Wyze Lock Bolt is a good choice if you want something inexpensive and useful and don’t care about smart home integration — or prefer a lock without it. It’s not sleek or stylish; it’s just a big hunk of black plastic (there’s also a satin nickel version). Out of the box, it doesn’t connect to Wi-Fi or integrate with any smart home systems, but it does have an easy-to-use backlit keypad and a lightning-fast fingerprint reader. It’ll auto-lock if you want, and it’s half the price of most smart locks in this list.

The Wyze lock has a huge rear housing but a nice slimline keypad, a fast fingerprint reader, and no Wi-Fi connection.

In addition to the fingerprint reader and keypad, the Wyze Lock Bolt can be controlled over Bluetooth, and its range is very good. I could lock the door from my bedroom at the other end of the house using the Wyze app. That’s important, as there’s no way to lock the door on a schedule (although you can enable auto-lock).

The Wyze doesn’t connect to Wi-Fi or integrate with any smart home systems

The Bolt doesn’t integrate with smart home platforms, but if you don’t need to control your lock with your voice or plan to add it to any smart home routines, you won’t miss those features. It also delivers up to a year of battery life on four AAs — I tested it for three months and it only lost 15 percent.

But without Wi-Fi, I couldn’t check on it or control it when I was away from home, so turning on the auto-lock option is a must. If I wanted to let someone in while I was gone, I couldn’t unlock the door remotely, but I could generate an offline code in the Wyze app and share that. This uses similar technology to two-factor authentication codes and worked perfectly in my testing.

Since I tested the lock, Wyze has introduced an integration with its Wyze Video Doorbell Pro that lets you unlock the Bolt remotely when paired with the doorbell — but it doesn’t let you lock it remotely, which is odd. Of course, if you enable auto-lock, this is less of an issue.

$109

The Good

Small with a premium feel
Built-in Wi-Fi
Can add a fingerprint keypad
Broad smart home support

The Bad

Terrible battery life
No support for Matter
Auto-unlock can be slow / unreliable

Connectivity: Wi-Fi / Access options: Existing key, app, voice, keypad (sold separately) / Auto-unlock: Yes / Battery type: Two CR123 batteries / Battery life: Up to three months / Guest codes: Yes / Works with: Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home

The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is an elegant retrofit door lock that replaces just the thumb turn. This is a better option than a full replacement lock if you prefer to keep your existing deadbolt, key cylinder, and lock exterior.

It’s expensive for a retrofit lock, but it feels premium thanks to its all-metal design. Its compact size means it doesn’t stick out too much on the inside of your door, and it’s attractive enough not to be an eyesore. In contrast to many models I’ve tested, it’s also very quiet when it operates.

The August has Wi-Fi built in, so there’s no need for an extra bridge. It has an auto-unlock feature that uses your phone to determine when you are arriving home and unlocks as you approach your door. This wasn’t 100 percent reliable in my testing, and I had to whip out my phone a couple of times to unlock it since there’s no built-in keypad. (I stopped carrying keys years ago — but you can unlock it with a key).

The lock does work with a Yale keypad sold separately to add keycode access, and there’s the option of a fingerprint version. (Yale and August are sister companies, now owned by Fortune Brands.) It’s large and black, so it stands out on a door frame, negating the whole “my entryway still looks the same” reason for buying this lock. However, the keypad has good Bluetooth range, so you could tuck it off to the side if you prefer. I tested the keypad with the Yale Approach lock, and you can read more about it below.

The biggest disadvantage of the August Wi-Fi is battery life. Most Wi-Fi locks use four AA batteries that last around six months. To achieve its small form factor, the August Wi-Fi uses two small CR123 batteries, which cost $20 to 30 for a six-pack and need to be replaced every two to three months, based on my testing.

Read our review of the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock.

Best smart lock for renters

$99

The Good

Easy install
Option of fingerprint keypad
A year of battery life

The Bad

Requires Wi-Fi bridge
Keypad is big and ugly
No support for Matter

Connectivity: Bluetooth and Wi-Fi (with plug-in module) / Access options: Key, app, voice, keypad and fingerprint reader sold separately / Auto-unlock: Yes / Battery type: Four AA alkaline batteries / Battery life: 12 months / Guest codes: Yes / Works with: Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings

Starting at $130, the Yale Approach is a more affordable alternative to the August. It’s super easy to install, looks fine, and has all the same features (it uses the same app) — auto-lock, auto-unlock, app, and voice control. Add the Bluetooth keypad to get one-touch locking, key code, and fingerprint access.

As with August, the Approach replaces your thumb turn, so you can still use your current lock and key — making it a great option if you are renting and don’t want to annoy your landlord. While not as small as August, it has a nice, slim profile and blends in better than the rear housing of most smart locks.

It comes in black or silver and took me less than five minutes to install. It uses four AA batteries and promises 12 months of battery life — a lot longer than the August. This is because there is no built-in Wi-Fi; instead, it uses an included plug-in bridge.

The bridge adds out-of-home control and connection to smart home platforms, including Alexa and Google Home (unlike August, there’s no Apple Home support). This allows for voice control and adding it to smart home routines. Yale told me there’s an onboard Thread radio that will be activated to support Matter, but didn’t say when this would arrive.

The Yale Bluetooth keypad with fingerprint access is slim and packed with function, but it’s also very tall and clunky-looking.

The optional Bluetooth keypad lets you control the lock from the outside without using an app or key, and it worked promptly and reliably. There’s the option of a fingerprint version, and that was similarly a good experience — just touch and open. The keypad also allows you to lock the door when you leave by pressing the Yale logo button.

The keys are a bit sensitive; I frequently get double inputs when pressing. But I liked the LED indicator that notifies you with green if your code was accepted or red if there’s an issue. This made it easy to know if the input worked, as the lock is very quiet — it’s hard to hear it locking or unlocking.

My biggest disappointment is the look of the keypad. It’s big, wide, and black, with prominent white numbers that don’t disappear when not in use — it looks a bit like a toy keypad on your door.

Best fingerprint smart lock

$174

The Good

Fast fingerprint reader
Nice, compact design
Works with Apple Home
Compatible with Wi-Fi and Z-Wave

The Bad

Touchscreen isn’t intuitive
Auto-unlock can be slow / unreliable
No Matter support
Prominent Yale branding
Additional connectivity options cost extra

Connectivity: Bluetooth (can add Wi-Fi, Z-Wave) / Access options: Key, keypad, fingerprint reader, app, voice / Auto-unlock: Yes / Battery type: Four AA batteries / Battery life: Six months to a year / Guest codes: Yes / Security rating: ANSI/BHMA Grade 2 / Works with: Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings

The Yale Assure 2 line — previously my top pick — has something for everyone. There’s an option with or without a keyway, with a touchscreen keypad or a physical keypad, or with Apple Home Key, but my favorite model is the Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch with a built-in fingerprint reader. It costs $209.99, and the built-in fingerprint reader is fast and efficient. I tested the touchscreen version, but Yale recently released a keypad version. Unless you really value the clean look of the touchscreen (which is blank when off), go with the keypad — it’s much easier to use.

The Yale Assure 2 is a good-looking lock that works with every smart home platform with its swappable modules. Its slimline design (both front and back), wide smart home compatibility, easy-to-use app, and good selection of unlocking options — including fingerprint unlock — make it a great option for your front door.

The Yale Touch’s fingerprint reader is fast and easy to use.

The lock supports Bluetooth out of the box and works with the Yale Access app and Apple Home app (which adds remote unlocking if you have an Apple Home hub). Along with a keycode, fingerprint reader, or key, you can also choose to use auto-unlocking. Auto-unlock is a decent alternative to fingerprint unlock, but I found I often had to wait at the door for a second or two before it worked. Still, it’s faster than fumbling through a purse for keys when your hands are full.

Support for other platforms and remote unlocking comes through Yale’s ingenious swappable networking modules, which cost around $80 each. There’s a Wi-Fi module to add Alexa and Google Home integration and a Z-Wave module for compatibility with (some) SmartThings hubs, Ring Alarm, and other Z-Wave hubs. Yale promised support for Matter via a Matter-over-Thread module back in 2022, but this still hasn’t materialized. They have announced a different lock that uses Thread, but it doesn’t have a fingerprint reader. I plan to test this soon.

I tested the Wi-Fi module in the Assure 2 Touch, which worked well with Amazon Alexa and Google Home. It allowed me to add the lock to Alexa Routines, lock and unlock it with my voice, and control it away from home. The downside is that control over Wi-Fi is considerably slower than over Bluetooth and drains the battery more quickly. Yale estimates up to a year on Bluetooth only, compared to six months over Wi-Fi; I got about four months.

Read my review of the Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch.

Best smart lock that works with Apple Home Key

$259

The Good

Support for Apple Home and Home Key
Works over Thread
Easy-to-use keypad
Nice design options that may match your hardware

The Bad

Expensive
Quite loud
No Matter support

Connectivity: Wi-Fi or Thread / Access options: Key, keypad, app, voice, Apple Home Key / Auto-unlock: No / Battery type: Four AA batteries / Battery life: Up to six months / Security Grade: ANSI Grade 1 / Guest codes: Yes / Works with: Apple Home (Home Key), Amazon Alexa, Ring, and Google Home

Apple Home Key lets you use your iPhone or Apple Watch to tap to unlock your door in much the same way as you tap to pay. It uses an NFC chip in the lock, and is fast, efficient, and secure. There are no apps to open, no buttons to press, and no need to unlock your phone (although you can add that step as an extra security layer). However, it does require an Apple device; it won’t work on Android.

Home Key took a while to gain adoption, but there are now several options (and should soon be more as Apple has made it part of Matter). The Schlage Encode Plus is still the best option — if one of the most expensive — as it has a built-in keypad and works over Thread.

The Encode Plus works with Home Key, but its convenience is costly. Image: Dan Seifert / The Verge

The keypad is useful for giving access to people with whom you can’t share a Home Key (sharing is quite limited), and Thread makes for a rock-solid connection. While it won’t be updated to support Matter, the Thread radio adds better battery life and a more stable connection to Apple Home than Bluetooth. I have had numerous connectivity issues in HomeKit with Bluetooth-only locks.

To use Home Key, you need to have an Apple Home Hub, such as an Apple TV or HomePod. Adding the lock to the Home app automatically adds the Home Key card to your Wallet, as well as that of anyone else you have added to your Apple Home. That’s much easier than getting household members to download a whole new app for the door lock. I should know — I try regularly.

To allow someone not in your household to control the lock, you’ll have to give them a standard PIN, which you can do in the Apple Home app or the Schlage Encode app. If you like, you can set this lock up entirely in the Home app and never have to use the manufacturer’s app.

Read our review of the Schlage Encode Plus.

Best smart lock that doesn’t look like a smart lock

$279

The Good

No branding
Small and unobtrusive
Supports Home Key
Works over Thread
Broad smart home compatibility through Matter

The Bad

Expensive
Keypad costs extra
Auto-unlock can be unreliable
Not ideal for older doors

Connectivity: Bluetooth, Thread, Wi-Fi with bridge / Access options: Key, app, voice, keypad (sold separately), Apple Home Key / Auto-unlock: Yes / Battery type: One CR2 battery / Battery life: One year / Guest codes: Yes / Security Grade: ANSI/BHMA: Grade 1 / Works with: Matter, Apple Home, Ring

Want a smart lock that doesn’t look like a smart lock? Level packs all the technology inside the deadbolt — including the single CR2 battery that gets up to a year of battery life.

The Level Lock Plus works with Apple’s Home Key and recently started supporting Matter over Thread. You can also control it with a key, auto-unlock, touch-to-unlock, the app, and smart home integrations. If you don’t use an iPhone or have family members who don’t, you’ll want to get the Bluetooth keypad (from $79) to give you another option for access. The lock also comes with two NFC cards you can hand out.

The battery in the Level Lock lineup goes inside the deadbolt.

The Level Lock Plus replaces the whole lock, deadbolt and all, but still looks like a traditional door lock — both in front and behind the door. There is no branding at all — this is the only smart lock I’ve tested that isn’t a tiny advertisement on my front door. There’s also the option of the Level Bolt, which only replaces the deadbolt of your existing lock. This has all the same features, bar Home Key and touch-to-unlock, and it costs significantly less.

Level locks work over Bluetooth out of the box and can connect to an Apple Home hub for out-of-home control. If you don’t have a HomePod or Apple TV, get the Level Lock Plus with Wi-Fi, which comes with a Connect Wi-Fi bridge. Or you can connect it to Matter for smart home and out-of-home control. You’ll need a Matter controller, which can be a HomePod or Amazon Echo smart speaker, among other options (See FAQ).

The Level Lock Plus works with Apple Home Key.

The Level lock also has auto-unlocking and touch-to-unlock, though with some quirks: it’s one or the other, not both. And neither works unless you leave the geofence area and come back. So if you leave the house, lock the door, get in your car, remember you forgot something, and go back to your door, it won’t unlock automatically. This is why I prefer Home Key or a keypad for unlocking.

Based on my testing of the lock on three different doors, it is worth noting that the full replacement Level locks don’t work well with older doors. I would only consider installing this if your door lines up perfectly with the strike plate.

Level locks are very expensive; the Plus costs $329 ($349 for the Wi-Fi version). But it’s the way to go for an invisible smart lock that works well.

Read my review of the Level Lock Plus.

$180

The first single-borehole smart lock to work with Apple Home Key, the U300 can also be unlocked with a fingerprint, making it an easy, smart addition for shed, garage, or home office doors. It works over Thread and is Matter compatible, with up to a 10-month battery life.

Connectivity: Thread / Access options: Key, app, voice, keypad, NFC tag, Apple Home Key / Auto-unlock: No / Battery type: Four AA batteries / Battery life: 10 months / Guest codes: Yes / Works with: Matter, Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings

The Aqara U300 is a lever-style smart lock; it replaces a knob or lever lock on a door with a single borehole rather than a door with a deadbolt lock with two holes. This type of lock is traditionally found on interior doors, pedestrian doors into garages, or side doors.

There are options for smart lever locks from Yale, Schlage, and Lockly, but the U300 is the only one with Home Key compatibility and a built-in fingerprint reader. It also works over Thread and supports Matter.

I installed it on my garage door, and it works like a charm. The fingerprint reader is right where you put your thumb to open the door, so I barely notice it unlocking as I walk in. It also has a keypad, and I can use my iPhone or Apple Watch for Home Key. It’s set to auto-lock by default, but you can enable passage mode directly on the lock if you don’t want it to stay locked all the time.

It paired to Matter easily — I set it up in Apple Home and could add a code and Home Key all without even opening the Aqara app. Because it uses Thread, there’s no need for an Aqara hub. Thread also enables up to 10 months of battery life, according to Aqara.

The keyhole is hidden under the fingerprint reader.

I love the idea of using smart locks on other doors in my home. I could see this working on a basement door, a home office, or any other room you like to keep people out of. However, I would like to see a way to permanently enable passage mode. Currently, you have to do it on the device, and it reverts to auto-lock after an undetermined period. This makes it somewhat useless for interior doors. It’s also very large and only comes in black or silver, so it likely wouldn’t blend in with your interior decor. A slimmer option, in more colorways, designed for inside use would be nice to see.

The U300 is expensive at $230, but it’s similar to other outdoor-rated options (it’s IPX4-rated). The addition of Thread — a protocol that works over a mesh network — makes it easier to extend connectivity further to places like a shed or garage.

Best smart lock that’s also a video doorbell

$400

The Good

Digital peephole is useful
Palm unlock is fast
Matter support
Rechargeable battery

The Bad

Very expensive
Nighttime video not great
HomeBase required for package detection
Doesn’t work with Matter when connected to HomeBase

Connectivity: Wi-Fi or Eufy HomeBase / Access options: Key, palm unlock, keypad, app, voice / Auto-unlock: No / Battery type: Removable, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AAA backup / Battery life: Five months / Guest codes: Yes / Security rating: ANSI Grade 1 / Works with: Matter (including Apple Home), Amazon Alexa, and Google Home

Eufy’s new FamiLock S3 Max combines a smart lock and video doorbell in one device and features a digital peephole and a wave-to-unlock function. It also has a keyway and keypad and supports Matter-over-Wi-Fi, so can work with all the major smart home platforms.

My favorite of all these features is the video screen on the inside part of the lock, which shows a live feed of who is on the other side of the door. If you have a peephole or a window in your door, this might not be much use — and you can opt to get the lock without the screen for $50 less. But as a quick way to confirm who is at your door before opening it, it’s super handy.

Palm unlock worked quickly and reliably, once we got the hang of it.

The lock has another fairly unique feature: palm vein recognition technology. This lets you wave your hand over it to unlock it, and is an alternative form of biometric access to the popular fingerprint reader.

Palm unlocking isn’t any faster or easier than using your fingerprint, though, and I found it harder to get used to. But once I got the hang of it, it worked reliably. Both my kids also picked it up quickly, and my husband, who has trouble with fingerprint locks in general, really liked it.

The main reason to buy this lock is for the video doorbell feature. The FamiLock’s 2K camera provides clear, crisp video during daylight hours and decent night vision, although my protruding door frame reflected the LEDs, causing the footage to blow out a bit.

The 180-degree diagonal field of view meant I could see top to bottom and all of one side (not the other side, though, due to the aforementioned door frame). But packages and people were clearly visible, which is most of what you want to see with a doorbell camera.

The rear of the lock is a screen that turns on with motion and when someone rings the doorbell. It can be manually activated by a button on the back.

There’s no fee for viewing recorded footage of visitors in the Eufy app, and videos are stored locally on the device. Live view and recording pulled up promptly in the app, and the doorbell can alert you when it sees a person. For more advanced smart alerts, like packages and facial recognition, you need to connect it to a Eufy HomeBase.

However, connecting to the HomeBase means you currently can’t use the Matter integration, so you would lose Apple Home support. Bear in mind, Matter only controls the lock, as cameras aren’t supported by the standard yet, so the benefits of using Matter are fairly limited here. (If you’re looking for a biometric Matter lock, Eufy’s E30 is a good fingerprint lock that uses Matter-over-Thread.)

Adding a video doorbell to a smart lock puts a lot of strain on the battery. While you can adjust several settings to help save power, Eufy says you’ll only get about five months of battery life from the lock’s giant 15,000mAh removable battery. Handily, four AAA backup batteries are tucked into the top to keep it functioning while you’re recharging the battery (which takes a while). I’ve been testing it for over a week, and the battery indicator hasn’t budged yet.

At $400, this is a very expensive lock, but it works well and provides dual functionality of a doorbell and door lock.

Best facial recognition smart lock

$349

The Good

Facial recognition is super fast
Home Key and a fingerprint reader
Compact design
Comes with two rechargeable batteries

The Bad

Keypad is hard to see, fiddly to use
Wired door sensor is ugly
No support for Matter

Connectivity: Wi-Fi (2.4gHz) / Access options: Fingerprint, facial recognition, app, voice, keypad, Home Key, key / Auto-unlock: No / Battery type: 10,000mAh rechargeable / Battery life: Eight months / Guest codes: Yes / Security rating: ANSI Grade 1 / Works with: Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home

I was very impressed with the Lockly Visage. The first facial recognition residential smart lock on the market, it also features a fingerprint reader, a keypad, a keyway, and Apple Home Key — that’s a lot of high-tech ways to unlock your door. And while it’s probably too much lock for most people, if you are a super smart home user or a major gadget nerd, you’ll love this lock.

The keypad is small and can be hard to see. This is also the area you tap for Home Key. The facial recognition sensors are at the top of the lock; there’s a keyway and a fingerprint reader below that.

I was skeptical about the facial unlocking at first, but it worked really well, opening a second or two before I put my hand on the handle. The only caveat is that I had to be approaching face-on, which in most cases I was, but the couple of times I approached from a slightly odd angle, it failed to unlock. In those cases, though, I had the option of using my fingerprint or Home Key.

There’s also a touchscreen keypad, which is mainly useful for handing out codes to guests and visitors whose faces and fingers you don’t want to scan into your lock. The keypad is probably my least favorite part of the lock; it’s very small, which is good for the overall look, but fiddly to access. It’s also hard to see in bright light. But with all the other ways to unlock, this isn’t a deal-breaker.

Note that the Visage doesn’t take video or still images; its infrared camera is only used for facial recognition, data for which is stored on the device. Lockly does have a video doorbell version for $429, though that doesn’t have facial recognition.

The wired plastic door sensor is a letdown, ugly and non-removable — it’s not a good look.

Surprisingly, despite all the tech packed into it, the lock is compact and stylish-looking and works with the redesigned Lockly Home app, which is now more straightforward and easier to use. The lock works over Wi-Fi and supports Apple Home, Google Home, and Alexa, but there’s no support for Matter.

Lockly claims eight months of battery life with its included rechargeable 10,000mAh battery. Uniquely, it comes with two batteries, so you can swap one and keep the lock online while charging the other.

At $350, the Lockly Visage is very expensive, but considering the tech packed into this lock, plus the two batteries, it’s not outrageous. Its solid build, broad smart home compatibility, and multiple very cool ways to control it make this a great lock.

Other smart locks to consider

The Eufy E30 is a fingerprint and keypad lock that supports both Matter-over-Thread and Wi-Fi.

Eufy’s E30 smart lock works with both Matter-over-Thread and Wi-Fi. It has a fingerprint reader, key, and keypad, and you can use the fingerprint access through the Eufy app while connecting it to platforms like Apple Home through Matter. Unlike the Kwikset Halo Select, you can use Wi-Fi and Thread simultaneously, which is unusual. I’ve not tested it long enough to determine if you still benefit from Thread’s better battery life. It’s cheaper than the Halo, has a fingerprint reader instead of auto-unlock, and promises 8 months of battery life. It can also integrate with a Eufy doorbell to control it from a live view. It has a nice compact design, but the rear housing is huge to fit 8 AA batteries. The lock is loud in operation, and the fingerprint reader was finicky; it also has the lowest ANSI/BHMA rating.
U-tec’s Bolt Fingerprint Matter works over Thread and can be set up directly in your smart home platform of choice — no need to use U-tec’s U Home. But if you want to use its built-in fingerprint reader, you’ll need to download the app. And if you don’t use it, then it’s kind of a waste of space, so the whole “you only need one app” feature falls flat. I also don’t love the design of the Ultraloqs, while smaller on the exterior than most smart locks, they are squat and chunky looking, resembling a combination lock rather than door hardware. It also uses eight batteries, which is an absurd amount, and is very noisy.
If you’re an Amazon Alexa Ring household, the Schlage Encode Wifi lock is a good option; it integrates with the Ring app, so you can lock and unlock it while viewing a live feed from your Ring doorbell. Its design will also match a Schlage door set, which is important for some people. There’s no door-sensing or auto-unlock option, but you have three reliable ways to get in: a key, a PIN, and the app. It also lasts at least six months on one set of four AAs.

Ultraloq’s first Matter lock works over Thread and has a fingerprint reader plus keypad.

If you want Home Key but the Schlage is too expensive or not your style, the Aqara U50 is a good, inexpensive alternative that’s less than half the price of the Schlage. It doesn’t have as good a build quality, and the keypad is a bit finicky, but it works with Apple Home and Home Key out of the box. (You‘ll need an Aqara hub for any other smart home integrations, including Matter.) It also pairs with Aqara’s G4 video doorbell to unlock the door while viewing video from the live feed. (Aqara has a doorbell that’s also a hub coming soon).
The Aqara Smart Lock U100 is a Matter-compatible smart lock that also works with Apple HomeKit and Home Key. A full replacement deadlock that can be unlocked by key, keypad, NFC key fob, fingerprint, voice control, through an app, or with Apple Home Key. It’s a good lock, but its smart home integrations are complicated, and there are now better options.
The Yale Assure SL with Matter Module is a Matter-over-Thread deadbolt smart lock. It’s simple, with a clean design and a touchscreen keypad for entry. There’s no keyway, fingerprint reader, or Apple Home Key, but in terms of simplicity, reliability, and future-proofing, it’s a good option. It’s one of the few locks you can connect directly to your smart home platform of choice without needing to download the manufacturer’s app — the Assure SL doesn’t even work with Yale’s app.

The Yale Assure SL is a super simple smart lock that works with every platform through Matter.

The SwitchBot Lock Pro is an all-around upgrade to one of my previous favorite locks, the SwitchBot lock (which is now discontinued). It’s a great solution if you have an unusual lock, as it can work on almost any door; it has higher-quality materials than the original, but now requires you to replace the rear of your lock (as most retrofit locks do). It does support Matter through a bridge, but for $200, I would still opt for August.
The Kwikset Halo Touch is a Bluetooth and Wi-Fi fingerprint lock with a traditional keyway. As there’s no keypad, it looks more like a standard lock with the bonus of easy access. This is more limiting when it comes to sharing access to your door, but it’s a good solution for anyone who wants a simple key-free way into their home and knows they won’t need to share lots of digital keys.

Other smart locks I tested

The Aqara U200 is $270. That’s a lot for a retrofit lock — even with support for Thread, Matter, and Home Key. It has a keypad/fingerprint reader included; most retrofit locks charge extra for one. The keypad enables Apple Home Key, and this is the only retrofit lock that works with it. If that’s something you want, then this is the only option for now. Otherwise, you can get all the same functionality with the Yale Approach — plus auto-unlock — for $40 less.
U-tec’s Ultraloq Bolt Fingerprint with Wi-Fi ($199 to $249) is the newest version of an earlier pick for best lock, the U-Bolt Pro with Wi-Fi. This version adds support for Apple Home (that’s the $249 one), but not Home Key, and a slight redesign — you no longer have to pop half the lock collar off to get to the keyhole, which is a good upgrade. It still has a fingerprint reader and auto-unlock.
The Bosma Aegis is an inexpensive retrofit lock that works well and costs just $60. It is remarkably similar to the August Wifi lock in terms of function and installation, but not build quality (it’s very plasticky). It also has a Bluetooth keypad option (with a fingerprint reader). But it is giant. Like, hulking huge. It’s also very loud and requires a separate bridge.
The Lockly Vision Elite is a smart lock with a video doorbell. It’s very expensive, and it’s not a great video doorbell. Motion detection is spotty, and the camera lacks people or package detection. It works with Amazon Alexa and Google Home, but not Apple Home or Matter.
The Eufy Smart Lock Touch is a very good lock in terms of function — it has an easy-to-use fingerprint reader, a nice big touchscreen keypad, the option of a key, and Wi-Fi built in. But it is just too big and techie-looking for most people’s front doors. I do like the removable 10,000mAh battery, which went eight months before needing to recharge (with a USB-A cable). But that’s also why this lock is so big.
The Eufy Video Smart Lock is similarly huge and very expensive; it requires a bridge to connect to Wi-Fi, and the Eufy FamiLock offers way more features for just $50 more.

SwitchBot recently launched the first retrofit lock with facial recognition. Image: SwitchBot

The Tapo DL100 is a $70 smart lock with built-in Wi-Fi, a keypad, and a physical key, plus access via the Tapo mobile app and smart home integrations. It’s cheaper than my budget pick, the Wyze Bolt, and includes Wi-Fi for remote access, but you don’t get a fingerprint reader. It works with Tapo’s excellent video doorbells.
The SwitchBot Lock Ultra Vision is a retrofit smart lock that works with a keypad that has facial recognition built in. The keypad also has a fingerprint reader and auto-unlock. The lock can work with almost any style of door lock, connects over Bluetooth, and works with Apple Home (through Matter), Amazon Alexa, and Google Home with a SwitchBot hub.
The Schlage Sense Pro is the company’s first lock to support Matter and one of the first to use ultra-wideband technology (UWB) for hands-free unlocking. It has a keypad but no keyway and will work with the Aliro standard when it launches. This means it should support a version of Apple Home Key.
U-tec’s Ultraloq Bolt Mission is a $400 lock that will work with UWB for hands-free unlocking; it also has a keypad and a keyway, and the company says it will support Matter.
The Yale Smart Lock with Matter works over Thread and is a full-deadbolt replacement featuring a keypad and keyway for access. It’s designed to pair with Google’s Nest video doorbells and is due to launch this summer for $170.
The Ultraloq Bolt NFC HomeKey ($249) is U-tec’s first Apple Home Key smart lock slated for release soon. There’s no fingerprint reader, but there is a keypad and a physical key. Built-in Wi-Fi adds support for Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings.
The Yale Code is a $99 non-smart lock. It has an electronic keypad but doesn’t work with an app or have any connectivity. It uses a standard key and can store up to 20 codes. The advantage here is mainly the price — making it an option for a side door or garage.

How secure are smart locks?

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Concerns about someone hacking your connected door lock are largely unfounded; it’s a lot easier to physically force a deadbolt lock or break a nearby window than it is to hack a smart lock. All residential door locks are rated for physical security by the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) standard, accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The deadbolt locks in this guide meet BHMA standards (retrofit locks aren’t rated, as it depends on the deadbolt they’re attached to). There are three levels: 1 is the highest, 3 is the lowest, and 2 is the norm for most residential locks. (You may also see letter grade ratings, a newer system introduced in 2021). Some “meet the standard” but aren’t accredited.

Is it hard to install a smart lock?

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Most deadbolt locks are simple to install, requiring about 30 minutes and a screwdriver. If you have an older door, you may have to make some modifications, but smart locks are designed to be adjusted to suit standard doors.

How long does the battery on a smart lock last?

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Smart locks that work over built-in Wi-Fi will last 3 to 6 months. Those that use Bluetooth and have an optional plug-in module to connect to Wi-Fi will go 8 to 12 months. Those that rely just on Thread should last up to a year (I haven’t been able to test one for long enough to know for sure). Remember, if you have a lock that can use Thread and Wi-Fi (like the Schlage Encode Plus), Wi-Fi will drain the batteries quicker than Thread — so avoid activating the Wi-Fi if you can.

What happens if my smart lock runs out of battery?

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Most smart locks without a keyhole have some form of exterior power option to allow you to charge it enough to access the door when you’ve ignored the continuous warnings the app and lock have sent you to tell you the battery is running low. Most use a USB-C port to connect to a portable power bank, but some, like Yale, use a 9-volt battery to provide enough power to bring them back to life.

What is auto-unlock on a smart lock?

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Auto unlock is a feature on several smart locks that uses a combination of GPS, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi to determine where your phone is in relation to your front door and automatically unlock it for you as you approach. Your smartphone’s GPS determines your location, and Bluetooth then talks to your lock when you’re close enough, telling it to unlock. The lock will switch to away mode when GPS tells it you’ve left a radius around your home, and to back or home mode when you return. You do need to keep the lock manufacturer app open on your phone for this to work (it can run in the background).

Should I get a Matter smart lock?

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Matter is a smart home standard designed to make connected devices more interoperable, reliable, secure, and easier to use. The benefit of a Matter smart lock now is future-proofing. Today, it doesn’t add much that most locks can’t already do (and, in some cases, less). But it means your lock should work with all the big smart home platforms in the future and will work with any Matter-compatible device now, such as smart plugs and smart lights, for home automation routines (for example, to shut off all your lights when you lock your door).A major benefit of a Matter lock is that you can share the lock across platforms without downloading additional apps, setting up accounts, or linking services through the cloud. This lets you use the same lock with Apple Home and Google Home, should you want, and you can control it with both voice assistants. The downside is that not all platforms support creating PIN codes for Matter smart locks with keypads (Google Home and Alexa don’t offer this yet). Additionally, Matter doesn’t support voice PIN codes, which platforms like Google Home use to authorize remotely unlocking door locks using smart speakers and smart displays.Matter locks with NFC that work directly with Matter (not through a bridge) can now support Apple Home Key through the Apple Home app (iPhone only).

What do I need to use a smart lock with Matter?

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If a lock uses Matter-over-Wi-Fi or connects through a bridge, you will need a Matter controller from the platform on which you want to use it — a HomePod or Apple TV for Apple Home, a Nest hub or smart speaker for Google Home.If the lock uses Matter-over-Thread, you will need a Matter controller and a Thread border router. These can be the same thing — a HomePod is both, and a Nest Hub Max is both. But the Thread border router doesn’t need to be platform-specific. So, if you have an Apple TV or an Eero Wi-Fi router that supports Thread and a smart speaker from Nest that’s a Matter controller — you could use a Thread lock over Matter in Google Home.

What is UWB hands-free unlocking?

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There’s a new standard coming to smart locks called Aliro. This is being developed by Apple, Samsung, and Google, along with major lock and chip manufacturers, to help smart locks integrate more seamlessly with smartphones. It is slated to have two main functions, UWB and NFC unlocking. UWB is a hands-free auto-unlock tech that uses a UWB radio in the lock and your phone to know when you’re approaching the door and automatically unlock it. NFC lets you tap your phone or watch to your lock to unlock it; it’s essentially Apple’s Home Key function, but not limited to iPhones, and Samsung and Google both plan to adopt it.

Photography by Jennifer Pattison Tuohy / The Verge

Update, June 6th: Added several new picks, removed some older ones, added an “other smart locks to consider” section, added details on UWB unlocking, and made minor updates throughout.

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June 6, 2025 0 comments

Yo-Yo Wellness 2+ smart desk during our tests

Product Reviews

Yo-Yo Wellness 2+ smart desk review

by admin June 5, 2025

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Yo-Yo’s Wellness 2+ smart desk presents a unique offering; the ability to control and track your standing desk activity using its companion app, helping you understand and visualize the benefits of using a standing desk.

With its robust build quality, great array of features and customizability option, it’s a contender for our ranking of the best standing desks.

Yo-Yo Wellness 2+ smart desk: Price & availability

You can find the Yo-Yo Wellness 2+ smart desk from online retailers and from the official Yo-yo website. The retail price is currently £732 for the frame only, putting it firmly into premium standing desk territory.

Yo-Yo Wellness 2+ smart desk: Specs

The control panel is very easy to use (Image credit: Yo-Yo)

With fairly premium build quality and materials, the desk can support up to 100kg (including the tabletop, which is a lightweight veneered surface). It’s wonderfully robust; unlike some more affordable models I’ve used there’s little-to-no wobbling or juddering.

The Wellness 2+ ranges in price, starting at £732 for the frame only (if you want to reuse an existing desktop). There are six sizes ranging from extra small (100 x 60cm) for £804 up to £900 for the extra-large (180 x 80cm) tabletop model.

My version came with a free Yo-yo mat and there’s free installation, and you can also add Yo-Yo’s Ongo Stool with a £100 discount, to boot. Models with portholes (all sizes barring small and extra small) include plastic grommets, and all models come with a basic up/down switch.

The legs have dual motors and a 3-stage design with a minimum height of 617mm and a maximum height of 1267mm, moving at a rate of 32 mm/sec.

Yo-Yo Wellness 2+ smart desk: Shipping and unboxing

All Yo-Yo desks come with free installation, which takes 7 – 12 days (check out Yo-Yo’s Zone Map for further insight) or you can expedite the process by installing yourself, meaning you’ll get the desk in just 1-2 days.

It arrives in two boxes, one for the legs and one for the surface and attachments, but the legs come pre-assembled and ready to attach to the tabletop; you’ll want a helping hand to carry the boxes if you’re not particularly strong and opt for the self-installation. Everything came securely packaged, and the team even took the boxes with them when they left.

Yo-Yo Wellness 2+ smart desk: Assembly

Loaded up with devices (Image credit: Yo-Yo)

I opted for the free installation as I’m not the strongest office worker in the world; however, I was in the room to observe the process, which was completed by a single builder. It’s definitely a two-person job when it comes to actually upturning the desk if, like me, you’re not built for heavy lifting, but the rest is very easily done following Yo-Yo’s quick and easy instructions. You’ll need your own electric and manual screwdriver, tape measure and spirit level, but the desk does come with an Allen key.

From start to finish, building the Wellness 2+ took around 40 minutes, including some light chatter along the way – a wonderfully quick process expedited significantly by the pre-built legs which you simply unbox, unfold, and attach to the table with the provided brackets. Then, add the feet and any accessories, affix the manual height controls and all that’s left to do is plug it in, flip the table and get it in situ.

Once upright, you can use a spirit level to determine the straightness of the surface, then use the feet to tweak it to perfection; a satisfying process I almost wanted to interrupt and do myself.

The hardest part is making sure the wires aren’t dangling around, if that’s something that will bother you, and I wish there was a bracket over the desk leg motor control power supply as I’ve seen in other models. While the wire that connects to your laptop for app controls does magnetically attach two the metal beam across the middle of the desk’s underside, it’s still prone to sliding off, so I’d recommend investing in some under-desk wire clips if you’re a cable control freak like me.

Yo-Yo Wellness 2+ smart desk: First impressions

All set up and ready to go (Image credit: Yo-Yo)

My immediate thought when I first saw the this smart desk set up in my home office was that, while it’s simple and professional, it’s a wonderfully blank canvas to work from. Personally, I’m not a fan of lighter surfaces on desks, as they’re prone to showing wear and tear far quicker, but fresh out of the box it does look lovely.

Getting myself set up with the app was simple and speedy, though I did have the added benefit of Yo-Yo’s founder Gavin Bradley attending my installation himself and talking me through the process. Still, I could have very easily done it myself.

To connect the desk to the app, you’ll need to plug in the included USB-A cable to your laptop, which requires some thoughtful wiring and desk organisation. You can download the app directly from Yo-Yo’s website, after which you set your desired standing and sitting default heights to be saved in the app.

Yo-Yo Wellness 2+ smart desk: Design

(Image credit: Yo-Yo)

Simple in looks, the Yo-Yo Wellness 2+ smart desk I tested came with silver motorized legs and a light grey surface; not light enough to be marred by grubby fingers, but enough to maintain a neutral aesthetic.

The surface is also available in a white colorway for free, or you can opt for a timber, beech, oak, maple, Nebraska oak or walnut veneer finish for an added £25. While its lightweight nature might cause concern for the longevity of the surface, the reality is you need to keep things as slight as possible to allow for more heavy items on top of the desk. The legs also come in white or black, featuring dual motors and a 3-stage design.

I opted to place a cable management shelf at the rear of the desk, which doesn’t come included in the basic price but is a real boon given there are a few extra wires with this desk to accommodate the necessary USB-A connection with the companion app, and no included bracket to affix over the leg motor connector.

As highlighted in the specs section, this desk comes with the Yo-Yo Mat medium, which is designed to encourage small amounts of motion and also provide some cushioning on harder floors. Clad in black lining and measuring at 77 x 50 x 2cm, it’s a fantastic addition that made a world of difference for me.

The basic controls that come included with the Wellness 2+ are fine, allowing you to move the desk up and down, but you can’t see your selected height nor can you set or toggle defaults. That can be a little frustrating if, for whatever reason, you don’t have a device paired with the desk handy – which did happen to me a few times.

Yo-Yo Wellness 2+ smart desk: Performance and app

Here’s the Yo-Yo mat sitting neatly under the desk (Image credit: Yo-Yo)

Even as a standalone desk and without considering the app and included mat, the Wellness 2+ is accomplished. It’s responsive, fairly quiet and fast, graduating smoothly through its different height settings to reach your desired setting. While it is, as I say, fairly quiet at a maximum volume of 50dB (which is louder than the advertised 45dB), I have certainly used quieter desks.

It also feels very robust; on my desk, I had a large monitor, laptop stand and several peripherals, all of which felt well-secured thanks to the legs’ smooth transition. Its anti-collision smarts work well too, which genuinely came in very handy when I accidentally switched modes and forgot I’d stashed some boxes under my desk.

I’ve always wanted to try using a standing desk, but my biggest, perennial issue with anything wellness and fitness-related is my rather low commitment to the cause. So, when I was offered the opportunity to review the Yo-Yo Wellness 2+ desk with its companion app and extensive user education, I leaped at the opportunity.

Once you’re set up, you can choose from within the app which setting and height you want to use, as well as what ratio of sitting to standing you’d prefer to target yourself on. Bradley says the optimum setting is 45/45 minutes, which I tried for the first few times I used the desk.

After you’ve finished one session, the app notifies you that it’s time to change position, and with the click of a button, it will rise or descend to the appropriate measure. It’s incredibly satisfying, even after a few weeks, and broadly speaking this did help me build some good standing habits. However, there were a few times I couldn’t exactly transition between positions, such as during an interview or while in the thick of some spreadsheets, but in such situations you can simply snooze the notification.

I loved being able to not only track my time spent standing and sitting, but also the estimated calories burned and how many times I switched throughout the day, which served as really positive reinforcement for my habit-building.

Yo-Yo Wellness 2+ smart desk: Accessories

The desk’s cable storage in action (Image credit: Yo-Yo)

I kept my desk fairly light and simple when it came to accessories outside of the aforementioned cable tray, which, as I say, is a must-have in my opinion. This comes at an added cost of £45, but there’s also a smaller version for £36, should you want to keep things simple.

There’s also a selection of add-ons such as metal grommets, a digital display with smart settings, various other cable management accessories, power accessories, monitor arms and more advanced standing mats. You can find more of those in our round-up of the best standing desk mats.

Yo-Yo Wellness 2+ smart desk: Final verdict

Ready for work (Image credit: Yo-Yo)

Overall, I have to say I’ve mostly been splitting hairs when critiquing the Yo-Yo Wellness 2+ smart desk. It’s impressively well-built, performs very well, and its smart features offer a unique benefit that could really help someone trying to habit-build or track their usage. It’s only flaw is being very basic in terms of what’s included, given its price.

I really put the Wellness 2+ through its paces, stacking it high with a full array of weighty peripherals, and it stayed resolute through it all, still moving with the smoothness and responsiveness I’d expect.

I can absolutely see myself using this desk for a long time in my home office, though in retrospect I’d have probably opted for a different surface colorway to make it feel a little less corporate. Still, it’s a brilliant desk that has had a genuine positive impact on my working habits and well-being, and for that alone it’s a real win.

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Attributes

Notes

Rating

Design

While it’s no show-stopper, the desk is certainly well-built. I’d have liked to see more in-built features at this price that aren’t costly add-ons, however.

⭐⭐⭐

Material quality

The veneered tabletop is no solid wood slate, but it keeps the weight (and cost) low. Otherwise, everything is of excellent build quality.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Assembly

I’d estimate a self-install would take 45 minutes to an hour, but with the included free installation completed by a professional it can take as little as 30 minutes.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ease of use

Both the build-in manual controls and app are wonderfully easy. The instructions are clear and easy to follow.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Practicality

There’s no storage, and all of the power and cable management options are add-ons, which can rack up the cost.

⭐⭐⭐

Price

It’s by no means overpriced as a basic desk, but it’s not cheap. Plus, the Wellness 2+ could become a big investment if you throw in accessories, some of which feel like must-haves.

⭐⭐⭐

For more workspace accessories and office furniture, we reviewed the best office chairs.

Yo-yo Wellness 2+ smart desk: Price Comparison

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June 5, 2025 0 comments

Product Reviews

Shark PowerDetect Upright vacuum review: a powerful, smart and versatile dust-buster

by admin June 5, 2025

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Shark PowerDetect Upright Vacuum: two-minute review

Product info

This model has slightly different names and product codes in different territories:

US: Shark POWERDETECT Upright Vacuum with TruePet Upgrade AZ407UPG1

Shark POWERDETECT Upright Bagless Vacuum With Ultimate Cleaning Tools AZ407KT1

UK: Shark PowerDetect Powered Lift-Away Upright Pet Vacuum Cleaner AZ3900UKT

AU: Shark PowerDetect Corded Upright AZ3900

For this review, I tested the AZ407UPG1 version. There may be minor differences between different countries’ models.

The Shark PowerDetect Upright Vacuum is one of the most versatile upright vacuums on the market. Like other Shark vacuums, it’s outfitted with a Detect mode that adjusts the suction based on the floor type and how clean it is. You don’t have to worry about unseen dirt because the vacuum can sense debris, dust, and dirt, and increases the suction as required to clean it up.

While you could use the three manual modes (hard floor, carpet/low pile, and thick carpet/area rug), with the Detect mode, the vacuum informs you when the floor is clean with lights on the vacuum head that turn from purple (i.e. dirty) to white (i.e. clean).

During testing, the Shark PowerDetect Upright Vacuum performed wonderfully on various floor types, especially when it came to picking up fine materials like tea and hair. Though it missed a couple of large oat clusters on a single pass, it’s still a top-tier vacuum, with suction capability that’s well above average. It’s one of the very best upright vacuums I’ve tested, as well as one of the best vacuums for carpet.

Shark PowerDetect Upright Vacuum review: price & availability

List price: from $549.99 / £399.99 / $699.99
Launched: Announced September 2024
Available: Worldwide, including US, UK and Australia

In the US, there are a couple of different PowerDetect Upright options – the one I reviewed is the Shark PowerDetect Upright Vacuum with TruePet Upgrade, and it’s priced at $549.99. There’s also the Shark PowerDetect Upright Bagless Vacuum With Ultimate Cleaning Tools, which costs $449.99. The base model is the same, but the different bundles come with different cleaning tools. In the UK and Australia, there’s just one Shark PowerDetect Upright, with a list price of £399.99 / AU$699.99.

At full price, that puts this vacuum in the upper-mid or premium price bracket. However, at time of writing, there are significant discounts available in all territories, taking this vacuum down more firmly into the mid-range market.

I think it’s good value for what you’re getting here. There are cheaper upright vacuums on the market, but this one has a flexible design and several advanced features that help set it apart from the competition. As you might have gathered from the above, this brand isn’t averse to a discount either, and I expect more price drops to appear as time goes on.

Value for money score: 4 out of 5

Shark PowerDetect Upright Vacuum specs

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Weight:

17.6 lbs / 8 kg

Bin size:

2 qts / 1.3 L

Cord length:

30 ft / 9 m

Cleaning path:

12 in / 30.5 cm

Flexible hose length:

1.9 ft / 0.6 m

Shark PowerDetect Upright Vacuum review: design

Corded vacuum with LED lights and a 12in cleaning path
Detachable dust cup lets you use the wand with the three specialty tools
Four cleaning modes including an automatic mode

The Shark PowerDetect Upright is a corded upright vacuum that can be used in various configurations for different cleaning tasks.

Although typically I prefer the freedom of a cordless stick vacuum, I do understand the appeal of a corded upright – in a battle of upright vs cordless vacuums, the former tends to last longer, will never run out of juice, and almost always deliver more powerful suction too.

(Image credit: Future)

The cable here is fairly generous at 30 feet / 9m long – that’s not the longest on the market, but it should still enable you to clean a decent-sized space before having to unplug and replug.

Similarly, at 17.6 lbs / 8kg, it’s not the lightest vacuum but it’s not overly heavy either. The vacuum head is a bit bulky, but comes with useful design features like a self-cleaning brushroll which means the vacuum can pick up pet and human hair easily without it tangling on the brush, and LED headlights to make it easier to see in dark corners. In fact, you’ll notice a lot more lights and indicators on this vacuum than most, plus an odor neutralizer capsule designed to prevent bad smells and keep your floors smelling fresh.

(Image credit: Future)

The handle has five buttons: a power button and four cleaning mode buttons (Detect mode, Hard floor, Carpet/Low pile, and Thick Carpet/Area rug. When using the Detect mode, this upright vacuum senses the floor type and adjusts the speed of the brushroll and the suction power to clean. Upon sensing dirt, the LED indicator light on the vacuum head turns purple. When the light is white, users know that section of the floor is free of dust and dirt.

(Image credit: Future)

The vacuum is outfitted with two other Detect modes. With Edge Detect, arrows on the top sides of the vacuum light up when the vacuum moves close to an edge of a room, and the suction increases on the relevant side of the floorhead to clear any dust that might have gathered there. There’s also Direction detect, which is designed so that the vacuum cleans just as well on the reverse stroke as it does when it’s pushed forwards.

The dust cup on this PowerDetect vac has a capacity of 2 quarts / 1.3L, which is on the smaller side for an upright vacuum, but is still far bigger than the bin you’d find on a cordless stick vacuum.

For greater flexibility, this dustbin section can also be removed and held in the hand. A flexible hose connects the wand to the dustbin, and from there you can reattach the motorized vacuum head to the wand, to allow you to reach under furniture without the dustbin getting in the way.

(Image credit: Future)

You can also attach one of the detail tools, to tackle awkward or hard-to reach areas. Exactly what tools are included depends on which bundle you opt for. The review model I tested here came with a Duster crevice tool, Pet multi-tool, and HairPro Self-cleaning pet power brush.

As far as sound goes, the vacuum has a dB rating between 77-83, which is dependent on the mode being used or the increase in suction by the vacuum when it senses dirty floors.

Design score: 4.5 out of 5

Shark PowerDetect Upright Vacuum review: performance

Excellent edge and reverse cleaning
Accessories make it easy to clean furniture, ceiling, and tight spaces
Great at detecting dirt and adjusting suction on various floor types

The Shark PowerDetect Upright Vacuum took only a couple of minutes to assemble. When I first tried to use it, the machine wouldn’t turn on despite pressing the power button and having it properly plugged in. Eventually, I realized I didn’t have the hose connected all the way. I love that the vacuum ‘protects’ the user from accidentally turning the vacuum on and sending dust and debris they’ve just vacuumed back into the room.

On test, the Shark PowerDetect Upright Vacuum did not disappoint. I have historic hardwood floors, laminate floors, and low pile rugs in my house. On my first go, I cleaned my entire house with the vacuum, jumping between the Detect mode and manual surface modes (hard floor, carpet/low pile, and thick carpet/area rug) to get a feel on how each one worked.

(Image credit: Future)

I’ve tested a number of Shark vacuums, and I’m a huge fan of the Detect mode, which detects unseen dirt on the ground. I love when the lights turn from purple to white, indicating the surface is dust-free. So many vacuums lack this feature and it’s truly a shame, because it’s difficult otherwise to know if my floors are actually clean.

No matter the mode, I felt like the vacuum picked up dirt, dust, and debris on all my different floor types wonderfully. The only drawback I observed was that the vacuum head wasn’t able to fit into tight spaces. Not to mention, I was unable to reach under my couch or bed because the dustbin got in the way. (There is a workaround this; keep reading.)

(Image credit: Future)

During my testing period, I had the opportunity to take the Shark PowerDetect Upright Vacuum to my parents’ home and test it on the carpet in their bedrooms. I was stunned by how much dust and dirt it picked up from the carpet. When using the Detect mode on their carpets, I found myself vacuuming over one strip of floor about six times before the light turned from purple to white indicating it was clean. (According to my dad, they hadn’t deep cleaned their carpets in a while…) Anyone who has carpet in their home would do well to have this vacuum on hand.

(Image credit: Future)

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of this upright vacuum is the ability to break it down and use the detail tools provided. The main pod (which holds the dust bin) can be removed from the wand, and the wand can be removed from the vacuum head. This allowed me to attach the duster crevice tool to the end of the wand and clean the corners or my ceiling.

Granted, I had to hold the pod in one hand and the wand in the other, but there aren’t too many upright vacuums that offer this feature, and it’s very useful. I was also able to use the wand and the vacuum head to clean under my couch and bed without the pod getting in the way.

The only drawback to breaking down the vacuum is that it’s not easy to move the unit around the house in that mode. I’d have to pick up the pod in one hand and hold the wand in the other and walk to a new spot. Sometimes, I’d have to go back and grab accessories or the vacuum head or make sure not to get the hose tangled in the cord.

(Image credit: Future)

I don’t have pets so I used the Pet Multi Tool and HairPro Self-Cleaning Pet Power Brush to remove my own hair from my couch. Compared to other vacuums that offer similar accessories, I thought they performed slightly better – although that might be more to do with the fact that the Shark PowerDetect Upright Vacuum has a more powerful suction. Nevertheless, it’s worth putting this model in the mix if you’re looking for the best vacuum for pet hair.

Maintenance isn’t too much of a hassle. When I was done cleaning, I removed the dust bin and placed it over a trash can before opening the latch, allowing the dust and debris to fall in. Because the dust cup is much larger than you’d find on most cordless vacuums, you shouldn’t have to do this too regularly. The only other required maintenance is cleaning the pre-motor filters every month, the HEPA filter every year, and hand washing the soft roller as needed. Sensors must also be occasionally cleaned, and blockages must be checked for in the hose, wand, and nozzle. The squeegee bristle strip has to be cleaned or replaced occasionally too.

Suction tests

I went on to run a few standardized tests so I can get an even better look into the suction power of the vacuum and how it compares to other models. To do that, I placed loose leaf tea and oats on one of my rugs and on the laminate floor in my kitchen. From there, I used both the Detect mode and the manual modes of Hard Floor and Thick Carpet/Area Rug to see how well the vacuum sucked up the debris.

One update on this Shark range is ‘Direction direction’ tech, where the vacuum is designed to vacuum just as well when pushed forwards as when it’s pulled backwards (some previous Shark vacuums tend to pool debris behind the floorhead when reversing). I also kept an eye on this aspect in my tests.

(Image credit: Future)

When it came to the loose-leaf tea, the vacuum performed perfectly on my laminate floor and area rug. No matter if I vacuumed forward or in reverse, or what mode I used, it sucked up every single piece of the fine material in a single pass.

(Image credit: Future)

Now for the oats test… When it came to vacuuming oats on my laminate floor, the vacuum did a pretty good job. It looked like the vacuum had picked up all the oats in a single pass. However, I later found that the vacuum missed five clusters. Compared to other models I’ve tested, this is still impressive. Most vacuums push the oats forward or I find that the oats get trapped behind the wheels. The Shark PowerDetect Upright Vacuum didn’t do that. Sure, it missed a couple of oats, but they were quite large clusters and only needed one more pass to remove them from my floors.

(Image credit: Future)

For the carpet/rug test, the results were slightly different. No matter the mode, the vacuum suctioned oats perfectly when vacuuming in reverse. Oddly, it missed a few of the larger clusters of oats when vacuuming forward. It took me two to three swipes of the vacuum to remove all the oats from the rug. Again, this is not as big of a drawback as it seems. Most vacuums struggle with picking up x-large clusters of oats, no matter the floor type.

(Image credit: Future)

With its Edge detect feature, the Shark PowerDetect Upright Vacuum senses when it’s near the edge of a room, where dust can collect, and boosts suction on the relevant side of the floorhead to clear it. To test this feature, I sprinkled loose leaf tea along a wall. The vacuum head picked up every bit of the fine material in a single pass. I give the edge cleaning a perfect rating.

Performance score: 4 out of 5

Should you buy the Shark PowerDetect Upright Vacuum?

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Attribute

Notes

Rating

Value

Sits in the upper-mid / premium price bracket, and while it’s not the cheapest upright option, the flexibility and features justify the cost.

4.5 / 5

Design

An upright corded vacuum with four cleaning modes and sensors that detect edges, vacuuming direction, surfaces, and dirt. Versatile design that can be broken down into different configurations.

4.5 / 5

Performance

In addition to superb edge and reverse cleaning, it excels in cleaning all floor types, especially carpet. It may miss extra-large debris on a single pass but still outperforms most battery-powered vacuums.

4 / 5

Buy it if…

Don’t buy it if…

How I tested the Shark PowerDetect Upright Vacuum

I tested the Shark PowerDetect Upright Vacuum with TruePet Upgrade over the course of two weeks. Not only did I use the numerous cleaning modes on my hard floors and low pile carpets, but I also took the vacuum to my parents’ house and tested the vacuum on the high pile carpets in their bedrooms. As part of my review, I ran two vacuum tests with fine and thick materials on two different floor types to see how well the vacuum picked up the items on the lowest suction setting.

Read more about how we test vacuum cleaners

Shark POWERDETECT Upright Vacuum: Price Comparison

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June 5, 2025 0 comments

Gaming Gear

Wyze Says ‘Screw It’ and Shoves a Camera Into Its Latest Smart Bulb

by admin June 4, 2025

We can’t decide if this is a great or terrible idea for your smart home.

A famous meme once asked, “Why don’t we have both?” Clearly Wyze agrees. Its latest smart home gadget is the Wyze Bulb Cam, which is exactly what the name implies—a smart bulb that’s also a camera or a camera that’s also a smart bulb, whichever makes your brain happier. The first thing I noticed is that the price on this bad boy is right—it’s just $50, which is a pretty decent deal if you compare the cost of buying a smart camera and a smart bulb separately.

On the camera front, the Wyze Bulb Cam records 2K video with a 160-degree field of view and can also record in both regular color in the daylight and night vision when nightfall hits. As a nice bonus, it also records in color night vision, which is great if you’re trying to identify what kind of cat got into your garbage last night. (My bet is an orange boy; sorry, not sorry.) If you want to, everything can be recorded locally in this cam, which can be equipped with up to a 256GB microSD card. Alternatively, you can pay $3 per month for recording via the cloud, which also grants you some object recognition.

As a light bulb, the Wyze Bulb Cam puts out 800 lumens and can be adjusted via the Wyze app if you need it brighter or dimmer. I, for the record, own a few Wyze bulbs myself, which I have installed in various lamps inside my apartment. I bought them because the price was right, and while I don’t love Wyze’s app, which can sometimes be glitchy, they’ve worked mostly fine over the past few years. If you’re wondering, will this thing fit my light fixture? You’ll be happy to know that the Wyze Bulb Cam is adjustable, which increases the likelihood it’ll mesh. It will also ensure that you have a good angle for the camera element so you can get a perfect look at that porch pirate who stole your last Amazon package.

You can also purchase an Accessory Bulb for $17 if you want to expand your Wyze light/camera system. Together, the two can make a motion-activated lighting system that couples well with the two-way audio feature that allows you to speak and also listen through the bulb’s microphone. (Sorry, orange cat, you’re cooked—prepare to be remotely scolded for tearing up the brand-new flower box!) Both products are available via Wyze’s site right now, so if a camera/bulb is high on your list of priorities, go ahead and pull the trigger.

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June 4, 2025 0 comments