Technology

As the days get shorter and the temperature drops, we can quickly fall into the trap of the winter blues. Luckily, technology offers simple tools to help boost our mood and motivation. Here are the ways I use tech to stay energized and positive throughout the winter months.

Every recent Windows update feels like a lateral move in terms of new features added (unless you count Copilot, which I won’t). However, behind the scenes, Microsoft developers have built some super useful new features for Windows 10 and 11, but you have to install them manually. It’s a set of utilities called PowerToys, and the best part is they’re free and open source. Let me show you how you can use these tools to add features that Windows should have by default.

Did your smart home devices suddenly stop responding? There’s a good chance that the cloud is to blame. But, what do you do when that happens?

Do you ever wish you could easily let everyone who uses your Jellyfin server know what shows and movies you just added? I did, and I found out it's pretty simple to set up an automated email newsletter thanks to a third-party Jellyfin plugin.

I was 18 for most of 2005, and I have fond memories not only about that time in my life but also the technology that came to define it. So is this pure nostalgia, or is there something desirable about a simpler time?

Have you ever seen those GIFs that animate the command line and wondered how they look so good? Or seen a tiny GIF and wondered how they're so small? It's not as difficult as you may think, and I address both with two easy-to-use commands.

Home products have gotten much "smarter" in recent years. According to Statista, smart home penetration will reach 89.5 percent in 2025, and will hit 99 percent by 2029. That means virtually every household in the U.S. is using some form of smart home device. We've come a long way since the days of The Clapper.

Smart home devices can add a level of convenience to daily life, assuming that they’re set up correctly and genuinely offer seamless integration and a user-friendly experience.

But that leads us to question: Which home devices are actually worthy of being smart?

Instead of simply answering that ourselves, we put it out to you, our readers. In our first-ever Readers’ Choice Awards, we asked you which smart home brands you use and love across different smart home categories.

Best home security cameras in 2025

First up is security cameras. In a survey conducted by U.S. News & World Report, 62 percent of respondents use outdoor security cameras, while 36 percent use indoor security cameras. Home security cameras can obviously be great for some peace of mind and a sense of safety, or monitoring porch pirates. But your privacy is also an important factor to consider in a device that captures constant footage of you, your home, and your neighborhood.

Blink was the winner here in overall satisfaction with a score of 7.8 out of 10, narrowly beating out Ring and Wyze, which both secured a 7.7 rating. A note from us: We don't endorse Ring in our product recommendations because of a host of privacy issues.

(Make sure to click the arrows on the chart below to cycle through each of the categories from our survey results.)

The three brands were pretty even across the board, but each stood out in some areas. Blink users appreciated the ease of setup and use, budget-friendly pricing, and free cloud storage.

Wyze was rated the best for cost, but rated lowest in audio quality and motion detection, so that could be a potential trade-off. Price was definitely a big factor with survey respondents, with comments such as, "Great products. Reasonably priced," "The cameras work good and the price was within budget," and "Wyze security cameras are decent for the price."

Our readers lauded Ring for its easy setup, with two respondents writing, "I've owned several generations of cameras over 20 years and Ring are the easiest to set up and use," and "I've had security cameras in the past. None were as easy to set up and use as Ring."

A common complaint across all three brands was that the cameras don't record enough time before motion is detected.

Blink Mini Pan-Tilt Camera $39.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon Blink Outdoor 4 $27.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $52   Shop Now at Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: Ring Ring Spotlight Cam Plus $149.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Wyze Wyze Cam OG Indoor/Outdoor $29.60 at Amazon
  Shop Now Best smart home assistants in 2025

Smart assistants are like the brain of a smart home. They act as a hub to control other devices via voice, schedule, or other triggers. Smart assistant devices can range from small speakers that take up very little room to large screens that sit on your countertop or mount to the wall. Apple's Siri is arguably the most popular among smartphones, while Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa are the big names in smart home devices.

Google was our winner across the board, though Amazon Alexa was a close second. One survey respondent said, "I like Alexa for routine items and integrations, but Google Assistant [is] better [at] answering questions."

Some survey takers had similar experiences in that they like the convenience provided by their smart assistant, but they've had frustrating interactions as well.

One wrote: "I've had a pretty good experience with Amazon Alexa. One of the best moments was when I set up my smart home with Alexa and connected everything from lights to thermostats to smart plugs. It was so easy to control everything with just my voice. For example, I could tell Alexa to turn off the lights or set the temperature, which made life a lot more convenient, especially when my hands were full. However, I did run into some issues. There were times when Alexa misunderstood my commands, especially if there was background noise or if I wasn't very clear. It was a bit frustrating when it didn't respond properly. Sometimes, Alexa also didn't sync correctly with certain smart devices, which required troubleshooting. Overall, though, I've found Alexa to be helpful and a great addition to my home automation."

And a Google user wrote: "Our whole house has Google displays, speakers, TVs integrated with Google TV, and third-party plugs, bulbs, and the like. Just recently, I upgraded to a Google Mesh router. The third-party devices can occasionally be a bit tricky to set up, but once everything is working, it's nice to be able to control everything right in the Google Home app."

Amazon Echo Dot $49.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Nest Mini $49 at Google Store
  Shop Now Amazon Echo Show 8 $149.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Best Buy Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Nest Hub $99.99 at Google Store
  Shop Now Best smart lights in 2025

Smart bulbs and smart plugs are some of the most accessible smart home devices in terms of price and ease of use. Philips Hue, Govee, and TP-Link (Kasa) are some of the big names in smart lights. Each has a smattering of product offerings from basic dimmable white light bulbs to programmable outdoor string lights or TV backlights.

Philips Hue is a more premium brand with a higher price point, and that was apparent in our survey results. Just a note: TP-Link has been under investigation for security vulnerabilities with its routers and predatory pricing.

TP-Link took the cake for most of our survey categories; although, both TP-Link and Philips Hue were rated the same for likelihood to recommend.

One reader wrote, "The only reason I am not 'extremely likely' to recommend Philips Hue is they are relatively expensive compared to other brands." And we saw that reflected in TP-Link users' comments, with one person writing, "I had another brand before and found them so frustrating. I was glad to find these worked to my liking at a lower cost."

TP-Link Kasa color-changing smart bulbs (4-pack) $26.99 at Amazon
$31.99 Save $5   Shop Now at Amazon Philips Hue A19 white and color bulbs (3-pack) $99 at Amazon
$147.99 Save $48.99   Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Best Buy Best smart vacuum brands in 2025

Our resident vacuum expert, Leah Stodart, says, "Actual cleaning performance plays a huge role in how spotless your floors will be, of course. But if your vacuum is a pain to clean with, you won't feel like using it — whether it's an upright vacuum that's too clunky to get out of the closet or a robot vacuum that gets stuck more often than not." And these are the types of functions we wanted to ask you all about.

Only two brands made the cut for our readers, but Stodart tests upright vacuums and robot vacuums in her apartment and has some great recommendations from other brands.

iRobot offers different price points, ranging from basic and budget-friendly to high-tech and downright expensive. Our survey participants had some newer models as well as older, simpler models that get the job done without any extras. One wrote, "It's an easy-to-use, simple feature, low-end smart vacuum robot; however, that makes it desirable for a lot of people like me because it's easier to use than complicated systems."

Roomba Combo 10 Max + AutoWash Dock $598.96 at Walmart
$849 Save $250.04   Shop Now at Walmart Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Best Buy Roomba 105 Vac $249.99 at Amazon
$279 Save $29.01   Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at iRobot Dyson V12 Detect Slim Cordless Vacuum $399.99 at Walmart
$549 Save $149.01   Shop Now at Walmart Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Best Buy Dyson 360 Vis Nav Robot Vacuum $399.99 at Amazon
$999.99 Save $600   Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Walmart Shop Now at Best Buy

Mashable's Readers' Choice: Smartest Home survey ran from Nov. 16, 2024, to March 20, 2025. Stay tuned for our next survey.

If you've spent any amount of time swiping on Hinge, you've probably hit that inevitable wall — either you've run out of potential matches or your queue just isn't hitting like it used to. Eventually, the thrill fades, the dopamine drops, and you might start thinking it's time for a break.

Taking a break can mean a few things. For the terminally online daters dissecting the algorithm to beat the ELO, it might mean deleting your account and starting from scratch. For others, it's simply pausing the profile, deleting the app, and waiting until the next self-esteem dip prompts them to return. Either way, burnout on dating apps is real.

How to use Fresh Start on Hinge

Hinge, however, quietly offers an in-app reset button called Fresh Start. It's a hidden feature for users who are unhappy with their experience and want to refresh their feed. Whether you feel invisible or like your current lineup doesn't reflect your vibe, Fresh Start basically reboots your Discover page to resemble those early, exciting days on the app.

To access it, head to Settings -> Delete Account, and when prompted to explain why, select "I wasn't satisfied with my Hinge experience." A pop-up will appear offering you a fresh start — accept it, and you're all set.

Credit: Screenshot: Hinge / Chance Townsend

Some notes, though: it's a full reset so while you'll keep your current matches, you'll lose any pending likes in your queue. That also includes profiles you've swiped left on and any cuties stuck in Rose Jail. Additionally, this option is only available once every two to three weeks and also won't work if you're profile is currently paused.

TL;DR: Make an old PC feel new again for just $9.97 with this Microsoft Windows 11 Pro license through Nov. 16 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Windows 11 Pro $9.97
$199 Save $189.03   Get Deal

Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? You can give an old PC a new lease on life with a brand-new operating system like Microsoft Windows 11 Pro — and right now, you can get a license for just $9.97 (reg. $199).

If you have a new PC on your wish list this holiday season, but it’s not exactly in the budget, let us introduce you to the next best thing. A new operating system gives your computer a total refresh, and Windows 11 Pro was even designed with the modern professional in mind, so it’s geared toward improving your workflow.

SEE ALSO: Windows 10 is gone — get Windows 11 Pro and Microsoft Office at a steep discount

Windows 11 Pro comes packed with features like a seamless interface and a more powerful search experience, which can help you save time. You’ll also be able to take advantage of snap layouts and seamless redocking.

This operating system includes Microsoft Teams, allowing you to easily communicate with coworkers, as well as helpful tools for work, like Azure AD, Windows Sandbox, and BitLocker device encryption. You’ll also have an AI-powered assistant at your disposal, Microsoft Copilot, which can help you with daily tasks like changing settings, summarizing web pages, or opening apps.

This operating system also gives you a boost when it comes to cybersecurity, with safety features like biometric logins, encrypted authentication, and enhanced antivirus protection.

Get this Microsoft Windows 11 Pro license for only $9.97 (reg. $199) until Nov. 16 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Right now, you can get a MacBook Pro for $440.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Macbook Pro 2020 (Refurbished) $439.99
$1,999 Save $1,559.01   Get Deal

The end of the year is one of the best times to get Apple tech, especially this year. Normally, this MacBook Pro would cost $1,999, but right now, it’s only $439.99, and shipping is free.

This 2020 MacBook Pro runs on a 10th-generation Intel Core i5 with a 2GHz base speed and Turbo Boost up to 3.8GHz, so apps launch quickly and multitasking feels smooth. With 16GB of RAM, you can handle creative projects, office work, or dozens of browser tabs without slowdown. The 1TB solid-state drive gives you fast access to files and plenty of room for storage, so you might actually be able to cancel that cloud storage subscription.

SEE ALSO: The 9 best early Black Friday MacBook deals to shop before the main event

This MacBook has a 13.3-inch Retina display with sharp 2560×1600 resolution. True Tone automatically adjusts color temperature based on your environment, and Intel Iris Plus Graphics keeps visuals crisp for editing, streaming, or presentations. The Magic Keyboard has a quiet, responsive feel, while the Touch Bar and Touch ID make it easy to log in or switch tools.

Connectivity is flexible with four Thunderbolt 3 ports that handle charging, file transfers, and external displays through a single cable. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 are built in, and the 720p FaceTime HD camera, stereo speakers, and three-mic array make video calls clear and natural. The battery lasts up to 10 hours, giving you a full workday of use without needing a charger.

This refurbished model is rated Grade A, meaning it’s in near-mint condition and works like it, too. It’s been professionally cleaned, tested, and restored.

If you’ve been waiting for a MacBook that can handle real workloads at a fraction of the original price, this one’s an easy choice.

Right now, it’s only $439.99 to get a $1,999 MacBook Pro.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: 1min.AI gives you lifetime access to ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini Pro, and more, and it’s only $75.

Opens in a new window Credit: 1minAI 1min.AI Advanced Business Plan Lifetime Subscription $74.97
$540 Save $465.03   Get Deal

AI subscriptions are expensive, and it only gets worse if you need more than one. Paying separate subscriptions for every individual task you use AI for isn’t sustainable. If you want a way out, try 1min.AI.

This new AI platform combines many of the most popular AI models into a single platform, and they don’t charge a monthly fee. Instead, you can get lifetime access to 1min.AI for only $74.97 (reg. $540).

SEE ALSO: Google's AI can now automatically call stores and buy items for you

Don’t worry. You won’t have to learn to use new AI models just because you’re trading your monthly payment for a lifetime subscription. 1min.AI gives you access to some of the most popular AI tools available. The only thing they’re missing is the monthly fee.

Your lifetime subscription gives you access to:

• OpenAI models like GPT-4o, GPT-4 Turbo, and GPT-3.5

• Claude models from Anthropic

• Gemini Pro from Google

• Llama 2 and 3 from Meta

• Mistral and Cohere’s Command model

You can use these for writing, editing, summarizing, image generation, voice-to-text, light video editing, grammar checks, and more. Everything runs in your browser, so there’s nothing to install, and you can get started right away.

Like many AI platforms, 1min.AI runs on a credit system, but a lot more generous than most. You get 4 million credits each month, plus daily login bonuses that add up to 450,000 extra credits every month. If you don’t use your credits, they roll over.

Instead of waiting for OpenAI to make its subscriptions cheaper, try the alternative. Right now, it’s only $74.97 to get a 1min.AI Advanced Business Plan lifetime subscription.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

In Mashable’s Smartest Home Readers’ Choice survey, we asked our readers about the smart home devices and gadgets they use. One of the easiest entry points into smart homes is smart lighting, thanks to its relative affordability and ease of use.

A winner among Mashable readers is TP-Link, a budget-friendly smart light brand.

Just a note: TP-Link has been under investigation for security vulnerabilities with its routers and predatory pricing.

SEE ALSO: Readers' Choice Awards 2025: Your favorite smart home brands How Mashable readers rate TP-Link (Kasa)

Of all the smart light brands we asked about in our survey, only two were selected for a Readers’ Choice Award: Philips Hue and TP-Link. 

We asked readers to score their smart bulbs on a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being the best) on multiple factors, including lifetime of bulbs, routines and automation, and integration with smart assistants. Here’s how TP-Link (Kasa) fared compared to the competition. (Interact with the chart below by clicking the arrow buttons or using the dropdown menu.)

Testimony from TP-Link (Kasa) users

A couple of survey respondents mentioned that they have multiple TP-Link lights in their homes and businesses. One wrote, “We have our whole business lit up with Kasa plugs and light switches so we can control remotely as well as through Alexa. Really handy for when you have your hands full, or when you just got into bed and remember you forgot to turn off some lights. I can just tell Alexa to turn off all lights, and it is done without me getting out of bed.”

And another said, “I have a bunch of these bulbs throughout the interior and exterior of the house. The exterior ones had issues, but after upgrading to a mesh router, I haven't had any since. I can set them up for specific times, on and off at sunset/sunrise, and they have the ability to change colors. They integrate into my Google Home system without any problems.”

Compared to Philips Hue and other premium brands, TP-Link lights are more budget-friendly, with a four-pack of color-changing smart bulbs costing $26.99. On the cost, one reader said, “I had another brand before and found them so frustrating. I was glad to find these worked to my liking at a lower cost.”

TP-Link (Kasa) scored an 8.1 likelihood to recommend rating, and an even higher 8.6 overall satisfaction score.

Shop TP-Link smart lights Kasa A19 dimmable smart light bulb KL110 $20.00 at Walmart Shop Now Kasa dimmable smart light bulbs (4-pack) $26.99 at Amazon Shop Now Kasa color-changing smart light bulbs (4-pack) $26.99 at Amazon Shop Now TP-Link Tapo color-chaning smart light bulbs (4-pack) $29.99 at Amazon Shop Now

We recently polled Mashable readers about the smart home products they use in their homes, and the results are in. One of the easiest entry points into smart home devices is smart lighting. Smart bulbs are relatively inexpensive and easy to integrate into everyday use — whether you use a smart assistant for voice commands or just control them through an app on your phone.

One of the biggest names in smart lighting is Philips Hue, which has won a Mashable Readers’ Choice Award. I personally use Philips Hue bulbs in my apartment and highly recommend them, so I was happy to see that our readers think highly of them as well.

SEE ALSO: Readers' Choice Awards 2025: Your favorite smart home brands How Mashable readers rate Philips Hue

Of all the smart light brands we included in our Readers’ Choice Smartest Home survey, only two were awarded a Readers’ Choice Award: Philips Hue and TP-Link. 

We asked readers to score their smart bulbs on a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being the best) on multiple factors, including lifetime of bulbs, routines and automation, and integration with smart assistants. Here’s how Philips Hue fared compared to the competition. (Interact with the chart below by clicking the arrow buttons or using the dropdown menu.)

Testimony from Philips Hue users

Multiple survey respondents said that Philips Hue lights were “easy to use,” with one adding, “what a great product.” Another respondent said that they have not had any issues with their lights.

One reader, who primarily controls their lights via Alexa voice commands, said, “Mostly they work extremely well,” and rated Philips a 9 out of 10 for both overall satisfaction and likelihood to recommend.

The common complaint amongst Philips Hue users, which I expected to see, is that the brand is expensive. A single color-changing bulb starts at $24.99. A survey respondent, who rated Philips Hue a 10 for overall satisfaction and an 8 for likelihood to recommend, wrote, “The only reason I am not 'extremely likely' to recommend Philips Hue is they are relatively expensive compared to other brands.”

Philips Hue snagged an 8.1 rating on likelihood to recommend, which is the same score TP-Link received.

Shop Philips Hue smart lights Philps Hue Essential A19 smart bulb $24.99 at Philips Hue Shop Now Philips Hue A19 white and color smart bulbs (2-pack) $74.27 at Amazon Shop Now Philips Hue indoor smart LED light strip $60.98 at Amazon Shop Now Philips Hue white and color play light bar $159.99 at Amazon Shop Now Philips Hue Go smart portable table lamp $140.79 at Amazon Shop Now

Our product experts love to test the latest robot vacuums and stick vacuums from top brands, and we certainly have our favorites. But, through our Readers’ Choice survey, we wanted to hear about which vacuum cleaners Mashable readers use in their homes.

Unsurprisingly, iRobot Roomba was named one of the top vacuum brands — Roomba is essentially synonymous with robot vacuum. Our vacuum expert says this notoriety makes sense because “not only did iRobot launch the first successful commercial robot vacuum back in the day, but the company has consistently delivered some of the most reliable robot vacuum models for two decades.”

We know why it’s one of our favorite brands, but let’s dig into why it’s yours.

SEE ALSO: Readers' Choice Awards 2025: Your favorite smart home brands How Mashable readers rate iRobot

In our Readers’ Choice Smartest Home survey, we asked readers to score their iRobot Roomba vacuums on a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being the best) on multiple factors, including reliability and cleaning efficiency. Here’s how iRobot fared compared to the competition. (Interact with the chart below by clicking the arrow buttons or using the dropdown menu.)

Testimony from iRobot Roomba users

Our readers praised iRobot for its convenience and noted that they were grateful for how much time it saves them. One reader, who rated iRobot a 10 in both overall satisfaction and likelihood to recommend, highlighted that they use their Roomba to clean their living room, dining area, and kitchen, and no longer use a standard push vacuum cleaner.

Another reader agreed that they “definitely prefer using it versus a traditional vacuum,” adding, “just press the button and I don’t have to lift a finger.”

Other than the Roomba occasionally getting stuck under furniture, one reader said their Roomba is “fantastic.”

When asked about their likelihood to recommend, Mashable readers rated iRobot 7.2 out of 10. One respondent who scored it a 10 said, “I have had the Roomba for more than five years, couldn't be happier. I use it just about every other day — has never needed repairs. I am very satisfied. I wish I had another one.”

Shop iRobot Roomba robot vacuums Roomba Combo 10 Max + AutoWash Dock $598.96 at Walmart Shop Now Roomba 105 Vac $249.99 at Amazon Shop Now Roomba Plus 505 Combo $549.99 at Amazon Shop Now Roomba j7 $299.95 at Amazon Shop Now

You can’t have a conversation about smart home devices without including Amazon’s Alexa in the picture. As of 2025, the number of Amazon Echo users is expected to reach about 69.9 million, and as of 2024, the Echo is the most popular smart speaker in the U.S., according to Electro IQ.

We surveyed our readers about the smart home products they use, and Amazon’s Alexa was among the top smart assistants used. 

SEE ALSO: Readers' Choice Awards 2025: Your favorite smart home brands How Mashable readers rate Amazon Alexa

In our Readers’ Choice Smartest Home survey, we asked readers to score their Amazon Alexa devices on a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being the best) on multiple factors, including voice recognition, smart home controls, and programmable actions. Here’s how Amazon fared compared to the competition. (Interact with the chart below by clicking the arrow buttons or using the dropdown menu.)

Testimony from Alexa users

Mashable readers reported that their Alexa devices are easy to use and that they rarely have issues.

“Overall, I've found the Alexa system to be 99.9 percent reliable. On a rare occasion, it will not catch a command to turn on or off a light. Its answers to questions beyond general knowledge are not strong (Google is much better), but suffice for most daily things,” one respondent wrote.

A common complaint among respondents is that Alexa’s voice recognition is inconsistent, stating that it sometimes starts talking without being addressed or can be non-responsive at times. Regardless, respondents lauded Alexa’s integration with other smart home products.

“I've had a pretty good experience with Amazon Alexa,” one respondent said. “One of the best moments was when I set up my smart home with Alexa and connected everything from lights to thermostats to smart plugs. It was so easy to control everything with just my voice. For example, I could tell Alexa to turn off the lights or set the temperature, which made life a lot more convenient, especially when my hands were full.”

Others appreciated updates and user experience improvements: “One thing about Alexa that tickles me is that it responds to me with the same audio level I use to speak to it. If I whisper a command, it whispers in reply. That is a thoughtful UX detail I would not have anticipated.”

Amazon Alexa scored 7.8 on our 10-point scale on respondents’ likelihood to recommend the brand. One survey taker, who rated Alexa a 9 in both overall satisfaction and likelihood to recommend, said, “I would recommend and will purchase more Amazon Echo devices in the future.”

Shop Alexa devices Echo Dot $49.99 at Amazon Shop Now Echo Spot $79.99 at Amazon Shop Now Echo Dot Max $99.99 at Amazon Shop Now Echo Show 5 $89.99 at Amazon Shop Now Echo Show 8 $179.99 at Amazon Shop Now

As smart home products become more integrated into U.S. homes, they need the best smart home hub to operate successfully. Smart assistants act as the centralized brain for a smart home, connecting to various devices so you can set routines, use voice commands, and more to seamlessly operate your gadgets.

We polled our readers to learn about the smart home products they use in our Readers’ Choice Smartest Home survey. When it comes to smart assistants, Google was the clear winner.

How Mashable readers rate Google Assistant

We asked readers to score their Google Assistant devices on a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being the best) on multiple factors, including voice recognition, smart home controls, and programmable actions. Here’s how Google fared compared to the competition. (Interact with the chart below by clicking the arrow buttons or using the dropdown menu.)

Testimony from Google Assistant users

Our readers who use Google Assistant in their homes lauded it for being reliable, saying they use Google for cooking, asking questions, and smart home controls like turning on the lights.

One respondent said, “Our whole house has Google displays, speakers, TVs integrated with Google TV, and third-party plugs, bulbs, and the like. Just recently, I upgraded to a Google mesh router. The third-party devices can occasionally be a bit tricky to set up, but once everything is working, it's nice to be able to control everything right in the Google Home app.”

Others called Google Assistant “awesome” and said that they are “overall very satisfied.” On the likelihood to recommend, Google Assistant scored 8.2 out of 10.

Shop Google Assistant devices Google Nest Mini $49 at Google Store Shop Now Google Nest Audio $99.99 at Google Store Shop Now Google Nest Hub $99.99 at Google Store Shop Now Google Nest Hub Max $299.99 at Google Store Shop Now

Smart home products have become increasingly popular in recent years. According to one survey, 45 percent of U.S. households connected to the internet have at least one smart home device, and 18 percent have six or more. 

With that in mind, we set out to ask our readers about the smart home devices they use in our Readers’ Choice Smartest Home survey. We asked about a swath of gadgets, and you all rated your gear. The winners have been crowned across various categories, and Blink was a major winner in the home security camera category, securing the highest overall satisfactory score.

How Mashable readers rate Blink

We asked readers to score their Blink security camera devices on a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being the best) on multiple factors, including video and audio quality, reliability, and motion detection. Here’s how Blink fared compared to the competition. (Interact with the chart below by clicking the arrow buttons or using the dropdown menu.)

Testimony from Blink users

In addition to the ratings, we asked Mashable readers for commentary on whether they had a particularly good or bad experience with Blink.

Multiple survey respondents expressed that Blink cameras were easy to set up and easy to use. Others commended Blink’s durability and highlighted positive interactions with Blink’s customer service. On durability, one respondent said, “The cameras have held up perfectly fine in a variety of weather conditions.”

One area we saw complaints from readers was the short video clips. One user said, “Cameras sometimes catch the middle or end of a motion event inside, leaving out people until they leave the house, and I just get the video of the door closing without knowing who it was.” And another reported, “The short clips can be frustrating. I often miss the beginning or end of events because of the short duration.”

Overall, that last reader said, “Despite the minor drawbacks, I'm pretty happy with my Blink Outdoor Security Camera System. It provides a good level of security for my home at a reasonable price. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a basic and easy-to-use home security solution.”

Blink received a 7.8 out of 10 from our readers when asked about their likelihood to recommend the brand.

Shop Blink security cameras Blink Mini 2 $39.99 at Amazon Shop Now Blink Outdoor 4 $79.99 at Amazon Shop Now Blink Video Doorbell $34.99 at Amazon (save $35) Shop Now Blink Mini Pan-Tilt Camera $39.99 at Amazon Shop Now Blink Wired Floodlight Camera $49.99 at Amazon (save $50) Shop Now

In case you missed it, we polled our readers on the smart home tech they use and love. The Mashable Readers' Choice 2025 results are in, and your favorite smart home brands have been revealed. We also asked our readers which smart home brands they trust in the vacuum category, and you probably won't be surprised to learn that Dyson and iRobot scored highly.

Keep reading for our breakdown of our readers’ preferred vacuum brands.

SEE ALSO: Readers' Choice Awards 2025: Your favorite smart home brands Your favorite vacuum brands

Dyson and iRobot were the two most popular vacuum brands with Mashable readers, with Dyson slightly beating out iRobot in the overall satisfaction ranking (7.6 and 7.4 out of 10, respectively). See how they fared against each other in the chart below. Pro tip: Use the arrow keys or dropdown menu to cycle through different scoring categories. And check out more vacuum guides from our experts.

Reliability and ease of use

iRobot Roomba scored more favorably on reliability (7.7 compared to 6.1) and ease of use (7.9 compared to 5.9) than Dyson. One respondent said of their Roomba robot vacuum, "It's an easy-to-use, simple feature, low-end smart vacuum robot; however, that makes it desirable for a lot of people like me because it's easier to use than complicated systems."

Cleaning performance

Our survey found Roomba to have better cleaning efficiency among the brands (though our vacuum expert swears by her Dyson stick vacuum). A survey respondent who has a Roomba commented that it vacuums well and they prefer it to using a traditional vacuum.

Another said, "I have had the Roomba for more than five years, couldn't be happier. I use it just about every other day — has never needed repairs. I am very satisfied. I wish I had another one."

Likelihood to recommend

Even though there were clear preferences in some of the scoring categories, the overall likelihood to recommend was about even for our readers' top two brands. Dyson secured a 7.3, while iRobot landed at 7.2. And, according to our in-house vacuum expert, both are solid brands worth adding to your cleaning arsenal.

Shop Dyson and iRobot vacuums Roomba Combo 10 Max + AutoWash Dock $598.96 at Walmart Shop Now Roomba 105 Vac $249.99 at Amazon Shop Now Roomba Plus 505 Combo $549.99 at Amazon Shop Now Dyson V12 Detect Slim Cordless Vacuum $399.99 at Walmart Shop Now Dyson V9 Motorbar Cordless Vacuum $269.99 at Amazon Shop Now Dyson 360 Vis Nav Robot Vacuum $399.99 at Amazon Shop Now

In case you missed it, we polled our readers on the smart home tech they use and love. The results are in, and your favorite smart home brands have been revealed. Smart lights are some of the most approachable and accessible smart home gadgets, thanks to their low entry pricing and ease of use. They can be controlled via your smartphone or smart home assistants, giving you some versatility on how you integrate them into your home. Check out our full survey results, or continue reading for our breakdown of our readers’ preferred smart lights.

SEE ALSO: Readers' Choice Awards 2025: Your favorite smart home brands Your favorite smart lights

Readers narrowed down their favorite smart lights to just two brands: TP-Link (Kasa) and Philips Hue. Kasa won in most categories, including overall satisfaction, where it cinched an 8.6 out of 10 rating (compared to Philips Hue's 8.1). See how each brand fared in different categories in the chart below by clicking the arrows or using the dropdown menu.

Editor's note: TP-Link has been under investigation for security vulnerabilities with its routers and predatory pricing.

Cost and installment

Smart light bulbs are one of the more accessible smart home devices, thanks to their relatively low cost. However, when comparing smart lights, you'll find a clear divide in this product category between premium-priced brands and more budget-friendly brands. It's clear from our survey responses that Philips Hue and Kasa are on different ends of the price spectrum. Philips was rated pretty low at 6.4, while readers favored Kasa at 8.7.

"The only reason I am not 'extremely likely' to recommend Philips Hue is they are relatively expensive compared to other brands," one respondent wrote.

A Kasa user commented, "I had another brand before and found them so frustrating. I was glad to find these worked to my liking at a lower cost."

Using the smart bulbs

Both Kasa and Philips Hue scored favorably in ease of use, reliability, and integration with smart assistants.

"Mostly, they work extremely well. We primarily control them by voice through Alexa," one respondent said about their Philips Hue lights.

Multiple survey respondents noted integrating their smart lights with either Alexa or Google Assistant. From a Kasa user: "I have a bunch of these bulbs throughout the interior and exterior of the house. The exterior ones had issues, but after upgrading to a mesh router, I haven't had any since. I can set them up for specific times, on and off at sunset/sunrise, and they have the ability to change colors. They integrate into my Google Home system without any problems."

Not enough respondents rated their TP-Link (Kasa) bulbs on lifetime of bulb, preset color themes, or routines and automation to generate a score, but Philips Hue received high marks in all of these areas.

Likelihood to recommend

Mashable readers equally recommend TP-Link (Kasa) and Philips Hue, each cinching a score of 8.1 out of 10.

Shop smart lights Philps Hue Essential A19 smart bulb $24.99 at Philips Hue Shop Now Philips Hue A19 white and color smart bulbs (2-pack) $74.27 at Amazon Shop Now Philips Hue indoor smart LED light strip $60.98 at Amazon Shop Now Kasa A19 dimmable smart light bulb KL110 $20.00 at Walmart Shop Now Kasa dimmable smart light bulbs (4-pack) $26.99 at Amazon Shop Now Kasa color-changing smart light bulbs (4-pack) $26.99 at Amazon Shop Now

In case you missed it, we polled our readers on the smart home tech they use and love. The results are in, and your favorite smart home brands have been revealed. As part of that survey, we also asked our readers about their smart assistants of choice, pitting Alexa against Siri and Google Home.

This is a space that's rapidly changing, with Google revamping Google Home devices with Gemini AI, and both Alexa and Siri getting key upgrades for the AI era. While this is going on behind the scenes, millions of people are just looking for a quick download on the day's weather. So, when you need to automate your home's lights or find out whether you need an umbrella, which smart home assistant do you trust?

Check out our full Readers' Choice results, and continue reading for our breakdown of our readers’ preferred smart assistants.

SEE ALSO: Readers' Choice Awards 2025: Your favorite smart home brands Your favorite smart assistants

Google is our readers' favored assistant, with an 8 out of 10 overall satisfaction rating. Amazon's Alexa follows behind with a 7.7, and Apple trailing at 7.2. Google was also rated highest for "most likely to recommend." To see how the brands scored across different categories, click through the chart below using either the arrow keys or the dropdown menu.

Voice recognition and response to prompts

Google is ahead of the competition in voice recognition, in our readers' experiences. It secured an 8.5 out of 10 rating, while Amazon received a 7.7 and Apple got a 7.6. Survey respondents called their Google Assistant-enabled products "reliable" and "awesome." One reported that Google Assistant seems to always find the answers to the questions they ask.

Another Google user said that they were overall very satisfied, but that occasionally, the assistant stops understanding or commands stop working.

A respondent who uses Amazon products said, "Overall, I've found the Alexa system to be 99.9 percent reliable. On a rare occasion, it will not catch a command to turn on or off a light. Its answers to questions beyond general knowledge are not strong (Google is much better), but suffice for most daily things." Another said, "Sometimes Alexa activates, indicating it is on, but does not respond to my command."

In addition to voice recognition, Google also took the cake in responses to questions and commands, scoring 8 out of 10, while Amazon and Apple scored 7.1 and 7.2, respectively.

Programmable actions, routines, and automations

Not enough respondents rated Google or Apple in programmable actions, so Amazon wins by default in this category. For routines and automation, though, Google is rated higher at 8.2 compared to Amazon's 7.5.

One survey respondent said that they like Alexa for routine items and integrations, but Google Assistant is better at answering questions.

An Alexa user reported that they have a morning routine that provides the weather report, reads news headlines, and turns on their office lights. That same person also uses Alexa to create shopping lists. They wrote, "The more I use it, the more things I find I can do."

For another reader, their best experience with the Amazon smart assistant is when they set up their smart home with Alexa and "connected everything from lights to thermostats to smart plugs." They enjoy the ease of controlling everything with their voice, especially when their hands are full.

A Google user wrote, "Our whole house has Google displays, speakers, TVs integrated with Google TV, and third-party plugs, bulbs, and the like. Just recently, I upgraded to a Google Mesh router. The third-party devices can occasionally be a bit tricky to set up, but once everything is working, it's nice to be able to control everything right in the Google Home app."

Likelihood to recommend

Mashable readers are most likely to recommend Google Assistant, with an 8.2 rating. Amazon Alexa follows behind with 7.8, while Apple's Siri trails at 7.1.

Google users appreciate being able to change the assistant's voice, the safety and convenience voice commands provide, Google's music recommendations, and the reliability.

Siri users called the assistant "awesome" and said it gives the proper information they need.

Multiple Amazon users said that they "love" their Alexa devices. One wrote, "My family owns a few different models of Alexa devices...I would recommend and will purchase more Amazon Echo devices in the future."

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