Home Assistant Green
A ready-made hub for Home Assistant – an open platform that controls most things locally. Needs more learning but gives lots of freedom.
Best for: Tech enthusiasts who want full control and privacy
Contains affiliate links
Smart home
Guides to the smart home: lighting, sensors, control and automation – without vendor lock-in.
A smart home can make daily life easier, cut electricity use and increase security – but can also become an expensive collection of incompatible gadgets and apps. Since the Matter standard arrived things have improved, but compatibility is still not a given, and many features still depend on cloud services that can disappear.
We recommend starting small and expanding. Pick an ecosystem or hub, buy a few bulbs and a sensor, and learn what you actually use. In our guides we explain Zigbee, Thread, Matter and Wi-Fi in plain language and help you choose products that work locally and for the long term.
Consider privacy too: cameras and microphones in the home deserve thought. Our guides contain affiliate links.
Featured products
Browse like a catalog — you buy at retailers via our links.
Philips Hue Starter Kit
Market-leading smart lighting with a Bridge and colour bulbs. Broad compatibility and lots of accessories.
Best for: Buyers who prioritise lighting and quality
IKEA Dirigera
An affordable hub that supports Matter and IKEA’s Zigbee/Thread devices. A simple and cheap way to get started.
Best for: Beginners who want a simple, cheap smart home
Shelly Plus 1PM
A small Wi-Fi relay that can measure power use and control lighting or other loads. Popular among enthusiasts.
Best for: Enthusiasts who want to make existing lighting smart
Coming guides
- Smart home starter kit
- Best smart lighting
- Matter and Thread explained
- Best smart thermostat
- Smart sensors that save electricity
- Home Assistant for beginners