Buy the right system once. Upgrade your place without losing the deposit.
We test the automation, security, and energy gear — and the no-drill fixes renters can actually undo.
The reference that tests automation, security, and energy gear so you buy the right system once.
Explore the Lab →Damage-free, landlord-safe upgrades — peel-and-stick, no-drill, deposit back.
Start a project →Bought & tested
No manufacturer freebies.
No-drill verified
Every DIY pick is reversible.
Deposit-safe
Undo it before move-out.
Newest posts
The latest gear reviews and reversible DIY fixes, added as soon as they’re published.
- Is Eufy Safe After Its 2022 Privacy Controversy? What Changed
Is Eufy safe in 2026? See what changed after the 2022 privacy scandal, how encryption and cloud access work, and what to verify before you buy or update. - Is Wyze Safe to Use? What Their Security Incidents Actually Mean for You
Is Wyze safe? See what 4 security incidents—including 13,000 users receiving another camera’s thumbnail—mean for your privacy and how to reduce risks. - What Is Frontpoint Security and How Does It Compare to ADT?
Compare Frontpoint’s DIY setup and cellular hub with ADT’s pro or self-install options, plus contracts, equipment, and full-term costs to choose wisely. - SimpliSafe vs ADT vs Vivint: Which Is Actually Cheapest Long-Term?
See which security system costs less over 5 years: SimpliSafe, ADT or Vivint. Compare equipment, installation, monitoring, interest and exit fees to save. - What Is SimpliSafe and Is It Worth It?
Secure your home without a long-term contract. See how SimpliSafe’s DIY sensors, cameras, app controls and optional monitoring compare before you buy. - Robot Vacuum Won’t Connect to Wi-Fi — Here’s the Fix
Reconnect your robot vacuum to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi without losing maps. Fix app permissions, passwords and pairing, then safely reset Wi-Fi only when needed.
Build your setup with our tools
Six interactive tools that share your data as you go — build a kit, check compatibility, generate a setup guide, and see the real cost.
Pick your home, ecosystem and budget to build a personalized device kit.
See if your kit works with Alexa, Google Home, Apple Home or SmartThings.
Turns your kit into an install order, checklist and starter automations.
See what your kit costs to run, saves per year, and when it pays for itself.
Browse every device we recommend, filtered by ecosystem, budget and renter-safety.
One dashboard for your kit, compatibility score, savings and price watchlist.
Where to start
A complete beginner’s roadmap — choosing an ecosystem, whether you need a hub, what to buy first, and a realistic budget.
Top picks by ecosystem, budget and use case — overall, energy monitoring, outdoor and Apple/Thread.
The adhesive strips, tapes, and surface prep that actually hold — no holes, deposit-safe.
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