Posts filed under Home Automation.
Find the best smart doorbell for your UK home in 2026. We compare Ring, Arlo, Google Nest, Eufy and Reolink models with real-world UK testing, video quality, subscription costs and Amazon links.
Looking for the best Matter devices in the UK for 2026? We compare top Matter-compatible smart plugs, bulbs, sensors and hubs with real-world testing, compatibility notes and Amazon UK links.
Looking for the best hardware to run Home Assistant in the UK in 2026? We compare Raspberry Pi 5, mini PCs, Intel NUCs and more with real performance numbers, power draw, and Amazon links.
The best smart lights for UK homes in 2026. Compare Philips Hue, LIFX, Govee with real testing and Amazon links.
The best video doorbells available in the UK in 2026, compared on video quality, subscription costs, Home Assistant compatibility, and real-world reliability. Ring, Eufy, Reolink, and Nest tested.
Home Assistant vs Hubitat vs SmartThings compared for UK buyers in 2026. Privacy, cost, device support, and ease of use — honest breakdown to help you pick the right smart home platform.
Upgrading to Sky's 5Gbps, Virgin Media Gig1, or full-fibre broadband? You need a 2.5G switch to actually use it. Here are the best 2.5G switches for UK homes in 2026, tested and ranked.
Comparing Frigate NVR, Blue Iris, and Agent DVR for UK home CCTV in 2026. AI detection, Home Assistant integration, cost, and hardware requirements — all tested for real home use.
UK-tested smart home devices — cameras, plugs, sensors and more.
Which smart home ecosystem is best for UK buyers in 2026? We compare SONOFF, Shelly, and Tuya on price, features, Home Assistant integration, and real-world reliability.
The best smart bulbs available in the UK in 2026, tested for brightness, colour accuracy, Home Assistant compatibility, and value. Philips Hue, IKEA TRÅDFRI, Govee, Yeelight, and LIFX compared.
Everything you need to build the best home CCTV system in the UK: cameras, NVR, PoE switch, and cabling — with real product picks tested at home and full costs.
Everything you need to build a Reolink home CCTV system in the UK: which cameras to buy, how to choose an NVR, PoE switch recommendations, and full Home Assistant integration. Tested on a real setup.
The best outdoor security cameras in the UK that work without a monthly subscription. PoE, WiFi, and battery options tested and ranked — Reolink, Hikvision, Annke, and more.
Step-by-step home network setup guide for UK homeowners. Covers router placement, switches, PoE cameras, NAS, smart home hubs, and Home Assistant — everything you need for a fast, secure, and future-proof home network.
A UK-focused comparison of smart home hubs — Home Assistant, Hubitat, SmartThings, Amazon Echo, and Apple HomePod — covering local control, compatibility, privacy, and setup.
Build a smart home from scratch in 2026 with a practical starter kit for UK homes — focused on useful first purchases, clear setup steps, and no wasted money.
Reolink vs Hikvision: a straight comparison for UK home buyers in 2026. Price, image quality, Home Assistant integration, PoE support, and long-term reliability compared side by side.
The best NVRs for home CCTV in the UK — from budget 8-channel recorders to serious 36-channel systems. Reolink, Hikvision, and Annke compared for UK buyers in 2026.
The best smart locks for UK homes in 2026. Yale Conexis, Nuki, Ultion, and more — tested for UK door types, Home Assistant integration, and real-world reliability.
Upgraded to Sky's 5Gbps XGS-PON broadband and needed the hardware to actually use it. Here's the GiGaPlus 2.5G PoE switch and 10G SFP+ cards that made it happen — and what to know about the heat.
The Reolink RLN36 is a 36-channel NVR built for proper home CCTV. Set and forget once it's running. No PoE built in — here's what you need to know before buying.
How I built a wall-mounted smart kitchen display with a Raspberry Pi 5, 27-inch 2K touchscreen, and Home Assistant. Recipes, calendar, cameras — all on one screen. Full build guide with parts list and affiliate links.
Running 5 Reolink PoE cameras off this YuanLey 18-port PoE switch with zero issues. Unmanaged, rack-mountable, and great value. Here's what to know before buying.
The best PoE security cameras available in the UK right now, tested for reliability, night vision, Home Assistant integration, and real-world image quality. Reolink, Hikvision, Amcrest, and Annke compared.
The best smart plugs available in the UK right now, tested for reliability, energy monitoring, and Home Assistant compatibility. TP-Link Tapo, Amazon, Meross, and IKEA compared.
The best Zigbee motion sensors and door sensors for UK homes in 2025. Aqara, Philips Hue, SONOFF, and Xiaomi tested with Home Assistant — find the right sensor for your setup.
Hands-on comparison of the best pet monitoring cameras for UK homes in 2025. Tested with an Alaskan Malamute, Home Assistant integration, night vision, two-way audio, and PoE reliability.
How I use Home Assistant for real pet monitoring: camera choice, automations, AI alerts, two-way audio, and what actually works for a dog that lives indoors.
Quick reference checklist for setting up your first smart home with Home Assistant — hardware, integrations, and automations to start with.
Hands-on look at the Reolink fisheye PoE camera: 180° room coverage, Home Assistant integration, two-way audio for pet monitoring. Real photos and practical notes.
Upgraded from a USB stick — the difference in stability is night and day.
Home Assistant is genuinely great — but the learning curve is real. Here's what I'd tell myself on day one, plus a guide that goes deeper.