Product catalogue

Philips Hue White and Colour Ambiance Starter Kit

The most reliable way to start smart lighting, and the layer that survives you changing your mind about ecosystems. It works with Alexa, Google and HomeKit alike, so your lighting is not locked to whichever hub you bought this year.

Typical price £130–£170

Included

Colour bulbs + Hue Bridge (count varies by market)

Colours

16 million, 2000-6500K white range

Protocols

Zigbee (via Bridge)

Voice control

Alexa, Google, HomeKit

eufy Video Doorbell E340

The best no-subscription doorbell for most homes. The second, downward-facing camera catches parcels on the step that single-lens doorbells miss entirely, and the footage stays on the device rather than on a company's servers.

Video

2K front camera, 1080p downward camera

Cameras

Dual (front + doorstep)

Storage

8 GB local, no monthly fee

Power

Battery, or wired 16-24 V AC

Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen)

The cheapest sensible way into Google Home, and a good bedside or kitchen display. Sleep Sensing is still free, whatever you may have read. Just do not count on radar tracking you accurately if you share the bed.

Typical price £70–£100

Display

7-inch touchscreen (1024×600)

Assistant

Google Assistant

Protocols

Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Matter controller

Camera

None

Ring Battery Video Doorbell Pro (2nd Gen)

The best video quality you can get on a battery doorbell, and the right choice inside the Ring and Alexa ecosystem. Understand that the subscription is not optional if you want recordings, and that it is a permanent cost for as long as you own it.

Typical price £179.99

Video

4K (2880×2880)

Field of view

140°×140° head-to-toe

Motion detection

Radar-based 3D

Power

Quick Release battery pack

Amazon Echo Hub

A dedicated wall panel for a serious Alexa smart home, and only for that. If you have a lot of devices and want a glanceable dashboard instead of a phone, it delivers. If you have a few bulbs, buy an Echo Show and save the money.

Typical price £110–£180

Display

8-inch touchscreen

Protocols

Zigbee, Matter, Thread, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2

Voice assistant

Alexa

Mounting

Wall or tabletop (stand optional)