Hardware & Accessories

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Arlo Video Doorbell

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Pros The Arlo Video Doorbell conveniently connects to an existing wired mechanical or digital chime for continuous power, recently they started offering a battery-powered version for locations without a wired power source available. Features include: _ Optimized front entry view – industry-leading vertical field-of-view with an optimized 1:1 aspect ratio _ Motion detection and alerts – receive alerts when motion is detected _ Video call – calls your phone directly so you never miss a visitor _ Quick reply messages – pre-recorded messages to quickly reply to visitors _ Night vision – see who’s at your door at night, even without a light on _ HD video – capture vivid detail in bright and dark areas with HDR _ Zoom – zoom in on a subject while on a live video call _ Silent mode – disables push notifications and silences chime _ Weather-resistant design – designed to withstand heat, cold, rain, or sun _ Tamper detection – siren can be triggered if someone attempts to remove the doorbell
Cons This is a very good device with no obvious negative compared to other options in this category but if we are being picky ;): _ The camera view is fixed and lacks the ability to pan from side to side _ If not installed properly, there can be areas that are missed or lack coverage or blind spots
LogoUrl https://reti.us/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Arlo_logo.png

Arlo Video Doorbell is designed to capture what traditional video doorbells can’t, the new smart entry solution boasts an industry-leading vertical field of view, allowing users to get a bigger, more precise picture of their front porch. The Video Doorbell captures footage in a square aspect ratio to allow users to fully view packages on the ground or visitors from head to toe. It also offers features such as HD resolution image quality along with clear, two-way audio for users to simultaneously see and speak to visitors. The Arlo Pro Doorbell can be purchased on Amazon – https://amzn.to/37yl2gD

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Blink XT2 Security Cameras

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Pros _ Owned by Amazon, so has plenty of backing and integrates with many Amazon products and services _ Can be used both indoor and outdoor _ Wire-Free _ Shoots and records in day and night HD (up to 1080p) coverage with infrared night vision _ Two-way audio communication _ The camera can be mounted anywhere within range of your 2.4 GHz 802.11n wireless network and connects via the mobile app. _ No monthly fees _ Video clips are stored in the cloud for up to a year however each clip is limited to a maximum of 60 seconds.  _ The camera is triggered upon motion, which helps save battery because of that you may miss a couple of seconds of action.
Cons _ Video clips are limited to a maximum of 60 seconds. _ There is not an option to save the videos locally and it won’t work if your internet goes down.  _ Motion detection can sometimes have a lag which means you may miss a couple of seconds of action. _ Blink claims right on the box that the camera has a two-year battery life with the included AA Lithium batteries however based on our experience and what we’ve read from other reviewers online we don’t believe that is true as most users are reporting battery life closer to 4 months, but this all depends on the camera settings and the amount of activity.
LogoUrl https://reti.us/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/blink_logo_smile_blue.png

Blink is now owned by Amazon along with a competitor Ring. The Blink XT2 camera is the indoor/outdoor version of their Wire-Free HD smart security camera lineup. Added features include two-way audio communication, day & night HD (up to 1080p) coverage with infrared night vision. The camera can be mounted anywhere within range of your 2.4 GHz 802.11n wireless network and connects via the mobile app. There are no monthly fees, the clips are stored in the cloud for up to a year however each clip is limited to a maximum of 60 seconds.  There is not an option to

ecobee-thermostat

Ecobee Thermostat

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Pros _ Manually, remotely, or automatically (ex. scheduled) control a property temperature _ Can automatically change the mode to away when you’re gone using a geo-fence and your phone to determine your location. _ Optional sensors can be placed around your home to detect occupancy and temperature in an area. That way your home’s heating and cooling needs are adjusted based on the room you’re using and an overall average of the temperature throughout which may vary from room to room and level to level. _ Have Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant built-in which can be nice if you don’t already have an echo nearby. _ Installation is straightforward, if you don’t already have a C-wire there is an adaptor that can be added to send power to the device. _ For homes with multi-zone controllers, humidifiers, or heat sources other than forced air you’ll want to check the box to ensure compatibility.
Cons _ Ecobee while an excellent product has very little brand awareness compared to category leaders Nest (Google), Amazon or Honeywell _ While it has many customizable features (ex. geo-fencing occupancy in the property or rooms), configuring them does require a degree of technical knowlege
LogoUrl https://reti.us/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/ecobee-thermostat-ecobee-logo.jpg

Ecobee is a smart thermostat that competes with Nest, it doesn’t have as much brand awareness however it is arguably a superior product. The major benefit to any smart thermostat is that you can automate schedules and control the temperature remotely in order to save money on your utility bills. There is no sense in heating or cooling your home when you aren’t there, Ecobee has a feature that will automatically change the mode to away when you’re gone using a geo-fence and your phone to determine your location. It also has optional sensors which can be placed around your

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EUFY VIDEO DOORBELL

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Pros _ Storage: 16GB on HomeBase, (approx 180 days). _ Video quality: 2K (2560 x 1920) at 20-30 frames per second – 4:3 Aspect Ratio _ Can trigger Alexa routines _ Battery/Hardwire: Wired or Rechargeable Battery _ Installation: Very easy, uses Base Station for Chime _ Detection: Activity zones and facial snapshot notifications
Cons _ Requires Subscription/Monthly Fee for Cloud Recording Storage (No monthly fees for local storage) _ $3/month / $30/year per device for 30 days of cloud storage _ $10/month / $100/year for up to 10 cameras.
LogoUrl https://reti.us/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/eufy-logo.png

Eufy wireless video doorbell is a very good, inexpensive ($169 on Amazon) that is easy to self-install.  The device provides 16GB of HomeBase local storage which can save approx 180 days’ worth of video recordings at 2K (2560 x 1920) at 20-30 frames per second – 4:3 Aspect Ratio.  Is also Alexa enabled which means you can trigger actions and routines via any Alexa powered device. Check out this video from Smart Home Tech Decisions a partner with RETI featuring RETI team member Brandon Doyle as they provide an unboxing and breakdown of the Eufy Wireless Video Doorbell.

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Haiku Smart Fans

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Pros _ Works with Alexa so you can control (turn on/off, speed up or down, etc.) your fan via the voice assistant or app _ Can be synced with an Ecobee or Nest thermostat and will adjust settings and speed based on the current temperature. _ Has sleep settings.
Cons _ Retails on Amazon for $600 with its Wi-FI module which is considerably more than comparable non-smart connected fans. _ Optional wall switch is an extra $100, which will need to be purchased from the manufacturer directly. _ Installation and operation of the Haiku fan are a bit more complicated than the standard fan you’ll find at a hardware store. _ Needs a strong Wi-Fi signal to operate properly. _ May not be compatible with routers provided by your internet service provider.
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Haiku L series is made by the Big Ass Fan Company and retails on Amazon for $600 with its Wi-FI module. The wall switch is an extra $100, which will need to be purchased from the manufacturer directly. Not only does it work with Alexa, but it can also sync with your Ecobee or Nest thermostat and will adjust settings and speed based on the current temperature. It even has sleep settings. The Haiku fan is a bit more complicated than the standard fan you’ll find at a hardware store. Installation is also a bit more complicated. You’ll need to make

Hubitat-Elevation-Smart-Hub

Hubitat Elevation Smart Hub

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Pros _ Z-Wave & Zigbee hub _ Focuses on local automation. can function without being connected to the internet. _ Provides a deeper level of control and functionality than other competitive products like Samsung SmartThings. _ Lutron Caseta integration, when paired with a Lutron Smart Bridge Pro the system opens up two-way communication through the telnet protocol. _ Integrates with many devices and can be updated frequently with new drivers that often give great control than with native apps.
Cons _ Most Hubitat users end up transferring their devices over from another hub such as Wink or SmartThings and tend to be a little more advanced. _ It is not as easy to set up as competitive products like Samsung SmartThings _ The learning curve is a little steeper than other competitive products, but the online community is very helpful should you run into problems or are looking for new ideas.
LogoUrl https://reti.us/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Hubitat_INC_Official_Logo.jpeg

Hubitat Elevation is a smart home Z-Wave & Zigbee hub that focuses on local automation. This means that your data is not shared, and your automation will still function without being connected to the internet. Most Hubitat end up transferring their devices over from another hub such as Wink or SmartThings and tend to be a little more advanced. It is not as easy to set up as Samsung SmartThings but it provides a deeper level of control and functionality. One of my favorite things about Hubitat Elevation is the Lutron Caseta integration, when paired with a Lutron Smart Bridge

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Phillips Hue Smart Lights

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Pros _ Line up includes several options for your lighting needs including light bulbs, lamps, and light strips _ All hue lights are controllable with an app on your phone that allows individual color and brightness customization _ Can create custom scenes for groups of lights in an area. _ Easy to install and doesn’t require any rewiring. _ Can be controlled by voice when integrated with your favorite assistant and is compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. _ Can be synced with music or entertainment systems to add a fun effect. _ If you’ve got a home hub such as SmartThings or Hubitat you could add an in novella switch which provides constant power to the bulbs and communicates with your hub to control the set of bulbs via Z-Wave. _ With a Hubitat hub and Lutron Bridge Pro, you can use Pico remotes to control both Lutron lights and Philips Hue lights simultaneously. _ A Brilliant Home Control can be added in place of existing switches, this offers a touch screen and dimmers that can be programmed to control a number of devices and operates over your home WiFi so it does not require an additional hub.
Cons _ For larger rooms with lots of lights, this option will be more expensive than controlling via a switch. _ The one major downside is that if a guest turns the power off at the wall switch, you can’t turn them back on remotely. You lose the ability to control the lights at the wall without purchasing an addon switch, the standard version can be mounted anywhere but doesn’t blend in with other switches. _ Setting up individual lights is very easy and straight-forward, but setting up rooms or areas with multiple lights and tying them together or setting up sequences can be a bit more complex for some users _ Custom configurations detailed under Advanced Users require additional devices and advanced technical skill and knowledge than most users are capable of
LogoUrl https://reti.us/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/phillips-hue-logo.png

Philips hue-colored light bulbs, lamps, and light strips are a popular choice for renters and homeowners alike. They are easy to install since you’re just replacing the bulbs and don’t require any rewiring. If you decide to move, you could take them with you but be sure to change them out before including them in advertisements or in use for any showings. The lights are controllable with an app on your phone that allows individual color and brightness customization including scenes for groups of lights in an area. They can also be controlled by voice when integrated with your favorite

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REMO+ VIDEO DOORBELL

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Pros _ Inexpensive option that includes free cloud storage (3 days rolling), _ Storage: Cloud-Based _ Video quality: 1536 x 1536 at up to 30 frames per second – 1:1 Aspect Ratio _ Ecosystem: Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT _ Battery/Hardwire: Hardwire (RemoBell is battery version) _ Installation: Very easy, can be done in under 5 minutes _ Detection: Customizable Motion Zones
Cons _ Does not include local storage and 3-days of included is not sufficient in many cases (ex. if you go away for a 4-day trip) and almost necessitates the need to upgrade the extended cloud storage _ Extended cloud storage is an optional upgrade - 30-day plans cost $3/month or $30/year _ Resolution is okay but not great compared to others on the market
LogoUrl https://reti.us/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/remo_logo_horizontal.jpeg

The Remo+ RemoBell S WiFi Video Doorbell Camera with HD Video, Motion Sensor, 2-Way Talk, and Alexa Enabled (No Monthly Fees) (Free Cloud Storage) at $99 on Amazon and no monthly fees, this is a very affordable option Check out this Unboxing & Installation video from Smart Home Tech Decisions a partner with RETI featuring RETI team member Brandon Doyle as they provide an unboxing and breakdown of the Remo+ RemoBell S WiFi Video Doorbell Camera.

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RING Security Cameras

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Pros _ Good and affordable security cameras _ Easy installation and set up process _ Ring is owned by Amazon, so excellent integration with all Amazon devices _ Rechargeable batteries can be placed anywhere within range of your 2.4Ghz wireless router, no need to worry about having a power source nearby. _ A solar panel can be added so you never have to worry about it recharging the battery. _ Ring offers a full line up of security cameras (Battery, Wired, Spotlight, Mount, Video Doorbell, and Floodlight) to choose from to address your outdoor needs _ Free to monitor the cameras in real-time with the app _ Includes a 30 day trial of cloud services, $3/month to view past recordings, and $10/month for unlimited cameras at the same property.
Cons _ Batteries last only 3-6 months which can be an issue if you do not opt for the solar charging panel upgrade _ Cloud recording option is not included (after the 30-day trial period), is $3/month to view past recordings, and $10/month for unlimited cameras at the same property. _ The Ring camera system is 100% dependent on having a strong internet connection, if your internet connection goes down the system is worthless. _ There is no local backup or way to access the cameras outside of using the app. 
LogoUrl https://reti.us/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Ring_logo.png

Ring outdoor security cameras come in a variety of models, the main variations are based on the power source and there is also an option to add floodlights. The Spotlight Cam Battery version uses rechargeable batteries and can be placed anywhere within range of your 2.4Ghz wireless router, no need to worry about having a power source nearby. The batteries last 3-6 months and a solar panel can be added so you never have to worry about it recharging them. The Spotlight Cam Wired is the same camera but with a plug for a nearby outlet The Spotlight Cam Mount,

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Samsung SmartThings Hub

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Pros _ Wirelessly connects your smart home devices. This allows you to remotely control and automate devices across different manufacturers that don’t have direct integrations. _ Works with the most devices available on the market right now and is very user-friendly. _ Set up of devices is very easy, simply select the manufacturer/device from the list within the app and it’ll walk you through the pairing instructions. _ Some devices will be controlled locally via Zigbee, Z-Wave, or WiFi however others are controlled through the cloud _ No subscription fees to make these work. _ Has a partnership with ADT for home security but can work with many other security systems
Cons _ Adding a hub is not always required based on your Internet setup and the number of connected devices on your network _ Many devices now allow for similar customizations and functionality (so again adding a hub is not always necessitated) _ Other options such as Hubitat offer complete local control with even more level of customization.
LogoUrl https://reti.us/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/samsung-smartthings-logo.png

Samsung SmartThings is a home hub that wirelessly connects your smart home devices. This allows you to remotely control and automate devices across different manufacturers that don’t have direct integrations. Want your voice assistant to alert you and turn a light on when your security camera detects a person outside at night? It can do that! SmartThings works with the most devices available on the market right now and is very user-friendly. We’ve tested ours with a variety of different sensors, cameras, locks, thermostats, speakers, plugs, switches, and voice assistants. Setting up the hub is very easy, simply select the

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Wyze Security Cameras

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Pros _ High-quality products at much lower prices than most competitors in this space _ Capable of streaming full 1080p HD, it records 12-second videos to the cloud automatically when it detects motion or sound, they’re accessible for up to 14 days for FREE. _ Has SD memory card slot to expand the onboard storage capacity _ Only $19.99 with no subscription fees _ The Wyze Cam Pan is just $10 more and adds 360-degree coverage as it can spin around the room. It will automatically track motion and follow the person or your pet around. _ Can now be combined with other Wyze devices including light bulbs, plugs, and motion sensors. _ All Wyze devices operate over wi-fi and do not require a hub _ Set up of the devices and automations are easy in the Wyze app
Cons _ Does not have a battery, it is powered via an included 6-foot-long micro USB cable which should work for most indoor applications. _ The camera is not rated for outdoor use however many users have placed them underneath an eave, or inside a windowsill looking outside. _ With the addition of a 32 GB Micro SD card (not included), you can record up to 8 days of continuous standard definition video or 2 days’ worth of HD footage.
LogoUrl https://reti.us/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/wyze-logo.png

The goal at Wyze is to make quality smart home technology accessible to everyone. By working with efficient manufacturers and selling directly from their website, they’re able to offer high-quality products at much lower prices. The companies first product, Wyze Cam is a great alternative to more expensive options available on the market. While it does not have a battery, it is powered via an included 6-foot-long micro USB cable which should work for most indoor applications. The camera is not rated for outdoor use however many users have placed them underneath an eave, or inside a windowsill looking outside.