How we test

Every review is based on a device that was set up, measured and used at home. Each post starts with a "What we tested and how" box and shows the numbers, so you can judge the result yourself.

What we measure

• Power-monitoring accuracy: the device's reading against a reference meter, at several known loads.
• Standby draw: what the device itself uses when the load is off.
• Range: signal and reliability at fixed distances and through walls, in a real house.
• Latency: time from trigger to action, locally and through the cloud app.
• Local control: whether it works with Home Assistant (Zigbee, Matter or local API) and keeps working without internet.
• Day-to-day use: devices run in a Home Assistant setup for weeks before the verdict.

Where the devices come from

Most devices are bought with our own money. If a brand sends a device for free, the post says so. Brands never see a review before it's published and can't change it.

Keeping posts current

Firmware and prices change. Every post shows when it was tested, and we update it when something important changes. Spotted an error? Tell us.