I’m an IT professional, so I’m very picky about the tech I buy. Especially when it comes to data security and privacy. As great of an idea that some smart home tech is, it may not be worth putting in your home. No subscription required for my recomme...
Your local library probably has a subscription to consumer reports, so go get a library card and look up ratings and reviews on products before you buy.
Sections
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Doorbells
Door Locks
Outdoor Security Cameras
Floodlights
Indoor Security Cameras
Thermostats
Doorbells
4/5 data security & 3/5 data privacy according to consumer reports.
Eufy | C31 Video Doorbell
Door Locks
Make sure it has a manual override for when the battery dies or the electronics malfunction.
Multiple styles available.
Electronic keypad, but is not smart. Great for the average home, but probably won’t fit your needs if you run an Airbnb or something like that.
Schlage | BE365 Keypad Deadbolt
Outdoor Security Cameras
3/5 data security & 3/5 data privacy according to consumer reports.
Lorex | 4K Spotlight Outdoor Security Camera
Floodlights
Can be used as an alternative to a regular outdoor camera.
4/5 data security & 3/5 data privacy according to consumer reports.
Eufy | E30 Floodlight Camera
4/5 data security & 3/5 data privacy according to consumer reports.
Lorex | 2K Wi-Fi Floodlight Security Camera
Indoor Security Cameras
I don’t recommend cameras or microphones in your house, but if you must then here’s the highest rated indoor cameras.
4/5 data security & 3/5 data privacy according to consumer reports.
Eufy | E220 Indoor Camera
4/5 data security & 3/5 data privacy according to consumer reports.
Eufy | E30 Indoor Camera
Thermostats
Be wary of accepting free thermostats from your electricity provider—they may have had custom firmware installed and be able to control your thermostat.
Ecobee has 3 thermostats to choose from—each with more smart features.
ecobee | Smart Thermostats
Wireless Routers
Didn’t think about data privacy on your home router did you?
4/5 data security & 4/5 data privacy according to consumer reports.
Netgear | Nighthawk Series
Mesh Wifi
Alternative to a one wireless access point router setup. For bigger houses.
4/5 data security & 4/5 data privacy according to consumer reports.
eero | Indoor Wifi
TVs
Buy a dumb TV if you can find one. If not, then don’t connect your smart tv to the Internet and use a streaming device instead.
There literally isn’t a smart tv that won’t spy on you. Limit the data collection by setting configuration and by configuring your home router.
How to Turn Off Smart TV Snooping Features via @ConsumerReports
Streaming Devices
These remotes have microphones, BUT you have to press a button to activate it.
4/5 data security & 3/5 data privacy according to consumer reports.
Apple TV 4K
4/5 data security & 3/5 data privacy according to consumer reports.
Google TV Streamer 4K
Outlets
Not smart, but convenient
Indoor Outlets Wireless Remote System (3 Piece Set)
