Yale Assure Lock 2 vs Schlage Encode Plus 2026: Smart Lock Face-Off
I installed both the Yale Assure Lock 2 and the Schlage Encode Plus on my front door over the past three months. Not at the same time, obviously — I swapped…
Smart home technology has moved from novelty to necessity — and choosing the right devices makes all the difference. Whether you’re building a fully automated home or just starting with a smart speaker, the right setup simplifies daily life and adds real security.At The Home Picker, our team tests smart home products hands-on before recommending them. From smart thermostats and security cameras to lighting systems and smart locks, we cover everything you need to make your home work smarter, not harder.
I installed both the Yale Assure Lock 2 and the Schlage Encode Plus on my front door over the past three months. Not at the same time, obviously — I swapped…
I have 7 smart speakers scattered around my house right now. Three Echo devices in the kitchen, living room, and garage. Two Nest Minis in the bedrooms. A…
Last October, I hit 23 smart devices in my house. Echo speakers in three rooms, smart bulbs everywhere, a video doorbell, two security cameras, a robot…
Last summer, my neighbor Dave installed four security cameras around his house. Two weeks later, someone walked right up his side gate, pried open a basement…
Set up a smart home in 2026 without overspending. Start with WiFi, smart plugs, lights, speakers, security, and a simple $150 starter plan.
Let me get this out of the way: the Google Nest Hub Max launched in September 2019. That is over six years ago. In tech years, that is roughly three…
Four months after installing the Ring Video Doorbell 4 at my front door, I’ve stopped thinking about it — and that’s actually the highest compliment I can…
The Ring Video Doorbell 4 and Google Nest Doorbell (Battery) are the two most popular smart doorbells in 2026, and choosing between them usually comes down…
The pitch for a smart home sounds incredible: lights that turn on when you walk in the door, a thermostat that learns your schedule and cuts your energy…
The Samsung SmartThings Station doubles as a wireless phone charger and a full-featured smart home hub. It supports Matter, Thread, and Zigbee out of the box, with Z-Wave available through…