The best Z-Wave smart locks compared: 12 deadbolts and levers from Schlage, ULTRALOQ, Kwikset and Yale, including new Z-Wave Long Range models, ranked on Z-Wave generation, security grade, entry method and hub compatibility for Home Assistant, SmartThings, Hubitat and Ring Alarm.
The best Z-Wave hubs compared: 12 controllers and USB sticks from Hubitat, Homey, Aeotec, Home Assistant, Zooz, SONOFF and Ezlo, ranked on Z-Wave chip generation, Long Range support, local control, extra radios and ease of setup.
The best Matter bridges for Zigbee and Z-Wave devices: 12 hubs from Homey, Aqara, Philips Hue, SONOFF, Home Assistant, Zemismart and THIRDREALITY compared on which radios they bridge, which Zigbee brands they accept, and how well bridged devices behave in Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa and SmartThings.
The best water flow sensors that genuinely work with Matter: the SONOFF Hydro ONE and Hydro DUO flow-metering valves, bridged into Apple Home, Google Home and Alexa through SONOFF’s own Matter bridge. Real specs, the bridge you need, and what Matter can and can’t show you.
The best Thread border routers for Matter: 13 picks compared, from the Echo Dot Max, Aqara Hub M3, Google Nest Hub and Apple TV 4K to the eero 7, Nest Wifi Pro, Home Assistant dongles and the Espressif ESP Thread Border Router board, with honest notes on ecosystems, Matter controller support and Ethernet.
The best Matter air purifiers on Amazon: SwitchBot, Dyson, WELOV, xCREAS and GoveeLife picks that join Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings and Home Assistant over Matter, compared on coverage, noise, sensors and Matter support.
The best Matter smart fans and ceiling fans for Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings and Home Assistant: 12 verified picks from Linkind, Big Ass Fans, SwitchBot, Govee, Consciot and OREiN, compared on airflow, Matter controls, lighting and where each fan fits.
The best Matter smart thermostats: 12 native Matter picks from Google Nest, Aqara, Honeywell Home, Meross, Mysa and more, compared on HVAC compatibility, C-wire needs, sensors, displays and what Matter actually lets you control.
The best sound sensor and microphone modules for Arduino, ESP32 and Raspberry Pi: 7 picks including INMP441 and SPH0645 I2S MEMS mics, MAX4466 and MAX9814 analog amplifiers, the SparkFun Sound Detector and KY-037 / LM393 sound triggers, compared on output, gain, supply voltage and noise.
The best flex and bend sensors for Arduino, ESP32 and robotics: SparkFun Flex 2.2″, FSR402, 4.5″ flex strips, FSR406 pads and the 30 kg MD30-60, with live-verified Amazon links.