These days, Alexa can be found just about everywhere. This all-knowing voice assistant is being embedded into our smart speakers, thermostats, streaming gadgets, and kitchen appliances in surprising and novel ways. Each successive version of Alexa brings additional features and choices for involvement. We wanted to take a look at some of the top Alexa-enabled speakers, displays, lights, plugs, and thermostats. Smart locks and cameras are also included. I often get asked which Alexa-enabled devices are the best, so I wanted to teach you how to get started with an Alexa-enabled home and make your life a little bit simpler.
Best Alexa Compatible Smart Plugs
Smart plugs are excellent for enabling remote control of previously unconnected items. Any lamp or coffee maker with an out-of-reach or broken switch may be turned on or off by a connected plug. The same goes for your coffee machine. You don’t have to get out of your chair to switch on your reading light thanks to Alexa compatibility.
I love the Belkin Wemo Mini smart plugs per outlet thin design. Using the app’s scheduler and If This Then That functionality, you may extend its functionality even further. There are a lot of cool things you can do with a smart plug. We highly recommend getting a few of these to start so you get comfortable with the technology and its functionality. If you opt-in for an energy monitoring plug from Belkin, it will display you how much power your space heater (or any other appliance) is consuming, which is a really cool feature.
There is no lack of security cameras that allow you to perform your own monitoring of your property, which is a major reason why people are starting to purchase smart gadgets for their homes. With the new Echo Shows, you can now see live feeds from your home’s security cameras. Home security has never been easier to operate and easier to afford than now.
In addition to 30 days of cloud recording, night vision, weatherproof choices, and wireless installation, the Arlo Pro 4 camera provides excellent security. In addition, the video feed is shown on the screen since Arlo is one of the brands that work really well with the Amazon devices mentioned above.
This is also possible with a few of our other top-rated security cameras. The Zmodo outdoor security camera bundle is an excellent choice for more professional purposes, while the Blink Mini is an excellent interior alternative with two-way audio.
Smart locks are great for things like allowing your dog walker in while you’re not home, seeing who’s at the door when you’re away, and just having a general feel on who is coming into your home, but they’re also a source of concern for some people. Renters with landlords who want access to their apartments, maybe you’re on vacation for a while and need to let a neighbor in to feed pets…there’s a bevy of more serious (and smart) reasons for having a smart lock. One of our favorites to consider is the August Smart Lock (winner of multiple awards), which works with your current lock and pairs nicely with Alexa. They claim it can be installed in minutes, but I wouldn’t rush this (it’s home security by the way). Another one to consider is the Schlage Connect Smart Deadbolt for a more classic smart lock look, which works really well with Alexa.
By connecting to Alexa, you’ll be able to use voice commands to check the lock’s status, lock it, or unlock it. An audibly spoken pin is required in order to open her door, so it’s definitely not the best idea to yell at your speaker from outside. Prior to having a smart lock, I didn’t think it was necessary since I already had a Ring system, but some of the features both of these smart locks provide have really beefed up the security and just the general feel-good safety feelings for our home. We know if a door is left open, we know if a door is closed. If it’s locked or unlocked. And to have that notification and alert is super awesome.
Why It’s Smart To Get An Alexa Echo Device With These Smart Devices
All of the devices listed above can be operated through the Alexa app. But we highly recommend getting an Amazon Echo device to really unlock these Alexa-enabled smart devices. They’re all fantastic products as well. The Amazon Echo Dot with Clock is our favorite Alexa speaker out of the bunch. Aside from making the Echo Dot’s sound richer, its spherical design also makes the screen simpler to see than the previous model’s. The Echo Dot with Clock’s display can do more than simply tell the time, it can also display the current temperature and serve as a timer.
Aside from just an all-around great Alexa speaker, there are two other Amazon Echo-themed products you’re home will benefit from. If you are getting one of the home security cameras listed above, I highly recommend the Amazon Echo Show. The product on its own is phenomenal, but it will enhance your home security experience. You can immediately drop in on movements around your property in seconds with one of these. And the other is the simple yet effective Amazon Echo Dot. We have a handful of these scattered throughout our home and they pair really well with the Alexa-enabled tech we highlighted throughout this article.
If you haven’t already embraced smart devices in your home, you’re really missing out. A smart device whether it be a speaker, plug, smart lock, Ring camera, or whatever is a must-have for any modern home. Besides just being cool and fun, smart devices make your life easier. With a smart device, you can control your lights, heating, and even your security system with just a few taps on your phone. No more fumbling around for switches in the dark or having to remember to set the alarm before you go to bed. You can automate a lot of your life, save time, and just make life a little bit easier. Smart devices can also help you save money. By being able to control your energy use with a smart device, you can make sure that you’re not wasting any electricity. That means lower bills for you and less impact on the environment.
There are oodles and oodles of reasons why you need to begin incorporating smart devices in your home. Here’s the best part: you can start small. You don’t have to break the bank and go all-in with a smart home. There are some people I know that spent around $3K for a robust smart home and love it. I know some that spent about $1K for smart home technology and hate it. My advice: if you’re unsure, start small. Don’t invest heavily until you feel comfortable with how everything works. Start with smart plugs, work your way up to an Amazon Alexa Echo, then maybe get a Ring camera. There’s no pressure to get everything all at once. But…I highly recommend you start now and truly unlock some cool tech for your home.
Looking for the best outdoor Bluetooth speaker? I was first introduced to one of these a while back and now it’s a staple in our home. Our top three picks will have you jamming out in no time. Whether you’re looking for something small and portable or something with a little more power and reliability, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s face it, most of us all love music. It gets us pumped up for a workout, maybe gets us amped up for work, helps us relax after a long day, and is the perfect accompaniment to any party. But lugging around a heavy speaker can be a pain and Bluetooth speakers that are small enough to fit in your pocket often don’t have the best sound quality. This is one reason why I truly believe everyone should have an outdoor Bluetooth speaker. One that was designed specifically for the outdoors (because that matters). These speakers are designed to provide clear, powerful sound while being lightweight and portable. And because they’re Bluetooth-enabled, you can control them from your phone or other devices without having to be in the same room.
Polk Audio Atrium 4 Outdoor Speakers
These speakers were engineered with the outdoors in mind. Period. Polk Audio Atrium 4 is truly an enriched audio experience for users. If you use semi-quality speakers, Polk Audio Atrium 4 will provide you with a dramatic improvement in your listening experience.
There is a two-year warranty on the polypropylene body of the speakers. Despite their diminutive size, they generate excellent sound quality and volume, so you don’t have to worry.
Besides being aesthetically pleasing, the speed lock system is also quite convenient. During installation, this mechanism comes in helpful.
These speakers are built to withstand the rigors of daily use. The Polk Audio Atrium 4 is hard to beat in terms of value for money. They’ll run you about $200 on Amazon (the best price we could find), but the value return and sound quality + experience are definitely premium. It’s reassuring that outdoor speakers of this kind of excellent quality can be yours for a very reasonable price. It won’t put a dent in your wallet.
The molded-in bracing and mineral-filled polypropylene cabinet can withstand extreme environmental fluctuations. It’s not a problem if it rains because these speakers are waterproof. Atrium 4 is a reasonably simple speaker to set up as well.
Benefits
The sound quality is excellent
It can withstand all weather conditions, super durable
Includes stainless steel and brass hardware for 100% rust-free
Can be placed vertically or horizontally so you get a customized experience with aesthetics
It is reasonably priced.
Drawbacks
Require a more significant amount of power and you have to buy the Bluetooth receiver to truly unleash that remote feature. A receiver will run you about $80 and a little technical know-how to install.
As far as outdoor speakers go, you can’t go wrong with the Polk Audio Atrium 4. These speakers pack a powerful punch despite their small size and won’t bust your wallet. It will not disappoint you if you reside in a location that encounters extreme temperatures and crazy weather.
JBL FLIP 5, Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker
The JBL Flip 5 speaker is an updated version of Flip 4’s cylindrical-shaped speakers. There is a range of colorful and cheery colors to choose from and more subdued black and white options for the Flip 5. A flat rubber panel stops the speaker from rolling around when it is placed upright or on its side. For people who want audio while they are engaged in any kind of water-related activity, this is the outdoor Bluetooth speaker to get.
There is a strap attached to one end of the speaker, and it can withstand submersion in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes with an IP-7 rating.
It is slightly more environmentally friendly because it is made from recycled plastic and packaged in a way that minimizes the impact on the environment. It’s the little things that matter and the fact that JBL is making this kind of environmentally-conscious action is definitely noble.
Additional features include stereo playback across two speakers with the Party Boost function. Making calls or using your voice assistant is impossible without a microphone.
Benefits
High-quality audio
Long-lasting battery (JBL boasts of up to 12 hours of playtime)
USB-C Quick Charge (the Flip 4 doesn’t have this)
A 20W power output
The sound is well-balanced and precise
There is a lot of depth and warmth in the bass.
Waterproof and rugged design
Warm and dynamic sound
Super easy to set up
Drawbacks
A wired connection to a computer is not possible
Lack of a microphone
Lack of a 3.5mm jack.
You can carry the JBL Flip 5 everywhere, rain or shine, without worrying about running out of juice before the party is finished with this speaker. And with a price tag of around $100, this just might be one of the best Bluetooth speakers around.
Bose Soundlink Flex Bluetooth Portable Speaker
This wireless waterproof speaker for outdoor travel is not only an Amazon Choice product, but it delivers all the goods you could ask for from a portable speaker. It truly is a remarkable product. Is that surprising? Not really, considering it’s built by one of the premier audio brands around. Bose did an excellent job with this model. What really stands out is the placement and functionality of its buttons. On the side or top of the speaker, a control strip runs along its length when the speaker is standing up. Immediately below the screen are the power button, the volume control (minus) button, the speakerphone pinhole microphone, and the left and right sides of the screen have Bluetooth pairing buttons. By pressing twice, you can skip forward, or three times, you can go backward. The multifunction button allows you to play music, make calls, and navigate tracks. Buttons are easy to find (no guessing what the button does ~ which I’ve seen a lot with these kinds of speakers) and easy to operate.
In addition to the rubber covering on the rest of the speaker, there are feet on both the back and bottom that allow you to pull the Flex forward or upward. Bose just hit perfectly on those little nuances you notice. The back-firing passive radiator is covered with a small grille on the back which is fully waterproof. The right side comes with a loop to allow the speaker to hang from a carabineer or hook. Some things that make for great audio include powerful sound, deep bass, and clear highs.
Benefits
The Bose Soundlink Flex is dust-tight and waterproof.
The speakerphone sound is crisp and clear.
IP67 waterproof standards
USB-C charging and a battery life of up to 12 hours per charge
Pairs with most Bluetooth enabled devices
Built-in microphone
Drawbacks
There have been some connectivity issues with the Bose Connect app with some consumers
Upper-mid EQ sounds aren’t as crisp vs the JBL Flip 5 (still good though)
Bose Soundlink speakers are one of the best choices if you are looking for good outdoor speakers for private settings. If you plan on being active and involved with a lot of people and water, you may want to opt-in for the JBL Flip 5.
Do You Really Need An Outdoor Bluetooth Speaker
Let’s be real: Do you really need an outdoor Bluetooth speaker? The answer may surprise you. While Bluetooth speakers are certainly not essential, they can be a great addition to any outdoor space (and indoor as well). Here are a few reasons why I love these cool pieces of tech: First, Bluetooth speakers provide great sound quality. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just enjoy listening to music outdoors, Bluetooth speakers can help you enjoy your favorite tunes in high quality. Secondly, Bluetooth speakers are portable. Portability is a huge feature of sound nowadays. If you enjoy spending time outdoors, Bluetooth speakers can be a great way to take your music with you. Picnics, backyard parties, small gatherings…it doesn’t matter. They’re small and lightweight, so you can easily pack them up and take them with you wherever you go. Finally, Bluetooth speakers are weather-resistant and very durable. Even if you don’t plan on ever using these in the outdoors or in inclement weather or around water…they’re still a solid option for portable sound.
With Covid-19 going back into the closet, travel is back on the rise. Traveling can be pretty exciting, but this excitement can turn into frustration if you are not appropriately equipped to survive every kind of stress and obstacle you may face during your trip. And who are we kidding, having the right kind of gadgets when you are traveling can make the world of difference! Having the best tech gadgets for travel has to be your priority if you want to enjoy your journey.
Let’s look at some scenarios that will help you understand the importance of some tech gadgets. Imagine yourself on a long-haul flight close to a screaming baby. Even worse, you have an uncomfortable and heavy backpack or carry-on…
Some Gadgets To Travel Light
These days, it seems like everyone is inseparable from their electronic devices (even when they travel!). Whether it’s a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or e-reader, we all have our favorite gadget that we can’t bear to part with. However, when it comes to travel, lighter is always better. Not only do heavier devices take up valuable space in your luggage, but they can also add a significant amount of weight. And let’s be honest, lugging around a heavy suitcase is no fun. Furthermore, devices with large screens are more likely to be damaged during transit. So if you’re looking to travel smart, leave the heavy-duty electronics at home and opt for a lighter gadget instead. Your arms will thank you for it! A word of advice only brings the heavy stuff if you have to. We get it, sometimes you need that laptop for a presentation or work conference. But a general rule of thumb when traveling with tech is to go light. And most of the time, only your smart tech gadgets can help you out in these situations. Let’s take a quick look at some best tech gadgets for travel.
Cable Organizer
Before we talk about any other gadget, let’s focus on this cable organizer that helps us avoid cluttering our bag with various wires. Since we have different devices like mobiles, laptops, cameras, etc., their chargers are all crammed in our bags on our trip. A cable organizer is a great gadget that would make packing and unpacking super-convenient while traveling. This will prevent you from elbowing a stranger while looking for your charger.
Are you wondering if wired headphones are cool again? Well, that’s not the case, but they can sometimes be the only option during your air travel. We know that the world has switched to wireless headphones, but various airlines still prohibit using them on flights. Do you want to sit through a long flight without music? That’s kind of boring. This is where wired headphones come into the picture again. Keep a paid or wired headphones on your bag and enjoy your flight with some rock music or romantic movie on your phone. That way, you don’t have to worry about losing your battery. Another reason why you might want wired headphones is if you have kids. Even if you don’t, it might be a good idea. Yes, it’s just one more cable to have to worry about and manage, but I once dropped my wireless earbud during a long flight. And yeah…never found it.
Our Favorite Wired Headphones For Travel
Zihnic Headphones (Wired + Wireless – $25.99 – LINK
Betron MK23 Earphones Wired in-Ear Headphones – $15.99 – LINK
This is the most essential travel tech gadget any traveler would ever need. Your phone’s battery will be drained in GPS, translating apps, podcasts, book apps, and more. A dead battery is an inconvenience on normal days, but if you are traveling, a dead battery can be a huge mess. Low battery warnings can be frustrating, and you don’t want that happening. The best thing you can do is equip yourself with a portable battery bank and charge your devices. This will give you peace of mind and help you stay updated. Plus…some battery packs aren’t allowed on flights because of their output. So…here are some of our favorite battery packs when traveling.
Our Favorite Battery Packs and Power Banks For Travel
Miady 10000mAh Dual USB Portable Charger (2 Pack) – $21.99 – LINK
Anker PowerCore 10000 Portable Charger – $25.99 – LINK
Portable UV Light
Not every adventurer will stay in a 5-star hotel in New York and dine-in in Michelin star restaurants. Some people like to stay in motels and eat in roadside cafes. Adventure comes with some challenges, but the most dangerous ones include germs, and this pandemic has taught us how harmful these germs can be. You can’t rub your hand sanitizer on every surface. This is where you can use your rechargeable UV light to kill germs. You can swipe this light over your bed or seat to kill the germs. So, keep this light in your backpack for your adventurous trip.
KLEAMS Portable UV Light Sanitizer Wand – $62 – LINK
Charging Adapter
Another top-rated gadget in this list is a portable charging adapter. An adapter with several USB-A and USB-C ports is what you need. These adapters are Power Delivery enabled, which means that they have high-speed charging technology, so you don’t have to wait for long for your device to charge. You can get your device charged quickly and then leave for another adventure in the new city. This is a great tech gadget for travel because it has several ports that allow you to charge multiple devices at once on one power supply. So, don’t forget to keep this in your travel bag.
Our Favorite Charging Adapters For Travel
New Vanga Universal All in One Worldwide Travel Adapter – $14.99 – LINK
Ceptics International Power Adapter – $19.99 – LINK
AILKIN 3.1A MultiPort Fast Charger Plug, 3 Pack – $16.99 – LINK
Extra Long Cables
Extra-long cables might not be a necessity but what if your room has just one socket near the washroom or your airport has one available socket right next to Shake Shack without any sitting space? You will have to stand with your half-foot-long cable while your phone is charged. That is going to frustrate you one way or another. Having those extra few feet of cable will relieve you, so it’s better to be prepared for such situations.
Our Favorite Extra Long Cables For Travel
(USB C) Anker New Nylon USB C to USB C Cable (10ft) – $19.99 – LINK
(USB 3.) USB Extension Cable (10FT) – $8.49 – LINK
(Apple) Long iPhone/iPad Charger (10ft) – $12.97 – LINK
We understand that traveling can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for some, whereas, for others, it is a way of earning their livelihood. In both these cases, being equipped is essential because you can quickly get into an unwanted hassle without having the same essential tech gadgets. And even if you only plan on traveling a long distance once or twice, these tech gadgets are excellent pieces to have as part of your everyday, home life.
When it comes to tech gadgets, there are a few must-haves for any traveler and we dished out some of our favorites. Personally, I think all of these are a must-have if you are doing any sort of traveling (by air, ground, or whatever!). Having the right tech gadgets can make a big difference in your travel experience, so make sure to pack accordingly and be smart. The last thing you want is to be hindered by not having something. No one wants to get into a mess when they are on holiday enjoying the beautiful scenery of Greece or the dunes of Peru. Ensure that you have all these supplies with you to avoid wasting your time looking for stores to find cables and chargers for your devices instead of enjoying your traveling experience.
Are you looking for secure and safe ways to manage your passwords? Do you get tired of sticky notes and want peace of mind? Sick of storing all of your sensitive and important passwords and logins in a spreadsheet or Google sheet? We took some time to review some of the best password managers that you can use to safeguard your passwords.
Memorizing every password can be complex, and it is also not a good thing to use the same password for everything. You should take it easy when it comes to online privacy. Whether you are an employee working remotely or acting personally, it is vital to make sure that your online presence is safe and secure from poking eyes.
Unless you want to have a hard copy of all of your passwords and notes on your mobile that can be compromised, you might need to consider a password manager. It can help safeguard your login credentials and identity for any online account.
What is a Password Manager?
A password manager is an encrypted digital vault that helps store the passwords login details you use to access different accounts and apps on your mobile. Password managers enable secure your sensitive data, credentials, and identity from online theft.
Additionally, it has a password generator that creates unique and strong passwords and makes sure that your password does not match your other passwords. A password generator is a helpful feature of a password manager when it comes to creating a unique password for any online account.
A password manager not only provides security to your login data but also helps in solid password suggestions through a password generator. With all the security breaches, increased cyberattacks, and online theft, it is crucial to have a unique password for your online apps and accounts.
Additionally, with a manager, you don’t need to memorize the various pieces of information, such as credit card information and shipping addresses. You can set one master password or in some cases fingerprint or PIN to autofill your password field and form.
Best Password Managers Today
The list of best password managers keeps on updating every year. They are gaining in popularity and use so more and more password managers enter the market. Due to much competition in this field, users can get some high-quality options for choosing their password managers. For this review, we honed in on three of the top password managers which have been selected to give you a better version of password security.
Bitwarden is the top password manager for 2022 due to its open-source roots and its unlimited, unbeatable, and free version. Don’t confuse the word “free” in this case as cheap or inadequate either. This free version can help in generating, storing, and automatically filling all of your password details across all the known devices and websites.
Some of the crucial features of this software are as follows
Secure, open-source, and transparent
Free version that can be used across multiple devices
Premium subscriptions start just at $10 per year
Works with: macOS, Windows, Linux, iPhone, Android, iPad
Browser extensions for Firefox, Chrome, Edge, Opera, Safari, Brave, Tor, and Vivaldi
Its free version has only limited features but its premium version is feature-rich. Just like its competitor, Bitwarden allows its users to share memberships, passwords, and other items in premium subscriptions.
LastPass is also one of the top password managers that you can use to secure your personal details on the internet. It’s my personal “daily driver”. Its free version allows you to store passwords, sync all credentials and login information, and use them across multiple devices and internet browsers. .
While you can choose a free version of Lastpass to use on desktop and mobile devices, recent updates have confined the role of the free version. It also has the following features:
Offers free and paid versions
Paid version price starts at $36 per year
Works with: iPhone, Android, iPad, Windows, Linus, MacOS
Browser extensions for Opera, Chrome, Firefox, Brave, Safari, and Edge
Upgrading to the Paid version (starting as low as $3/month or $4/month for a family plan…yes if you kids are on devices, they need to protect their passwords) is going to unlock some really cool features. You’ll get a security dashboard, priority tech support, group and the ability to share your passwords with others (no they can’t see your password, LastPass just fills in your password for them), and encrypted storage. You can also store passport info, serial numbers, bank info, credit card info and even just notes you want to keep private.
1Password is also one of the top and unique password managers that allow you to access it on multiple devices. If you are looking for a trusted and strong password manager app that keeps your personal information secure and safe, then 1Password is the ultimate solution for your online problems.
The major features of this password manager are as follows:
It does not offer a free version
Only offers 14 days trial, then you have to buy the premium version
You can buy the premium version for $36 per year
Works with: Linux, Windows, Chrome, iPhone, Android, iPad, macOS
Browser extensions for Opera, Chrome, Firefox, Brave, Safari, and Edge
The best password sharing options of any password manager we looked at
Has extensive (and free) online security resources for any level of learner
Features both password manager options for families and businesses
If you’ve ever struggled to remember a password, you may have considered using a password manager. But let’s recap exactly what a password manager is and really hone in on if you really need one. A password manager is a piece of software that helps you generate and store strong passwords for all your online accounts. That way, instead of trying to remember dozens of different passwords, you only need to remember one master password (and please don’t use “password123” as your password!). And if that sounds like a lot of work, don’t worry. Most password managers can automatically fill in your passwords for you.
Those we’ve reviewed here are work phenomenally on desktop, tablet, and mobile. So do you need a password manager? That depends on how many online accounts you have and how concerned you are about security. If you only have a few accounts, and you’re not worried about anyone hacking your info…then maybe pass on one (no pun intended). However, if you have a ton of accounts across multiple platforms, software, services, devices, etc…you may want to consider taking the plunge and checking it out. At the very least, opting in for a free trial is worth your time and energy. I did an audit on my account, and I have over 300 passwords (accounts, apps, websites..they add up fast) and I don’t know what any of them are! I don’t have to! A password manager tracks, changes and fills in the random password that it’s tracking when I need it!
Final Thoughts On Password Managers
An extensive and highly effective password manager is one of the best solutions to protect you against online-based theft and security breaches. A quality password manager allows you to store, secure, and safeguard your login information, personal details, and important credentials. Multiple password managers are available today. When it comes to choosing the best password version for you, keep in mind your personal preferences and what you think a password manager should do for you. If you’re looking for something simple and effective, Bitwarden is your best bet. If you’re looking for one of the best premium password managers with all the bells and whistles (think business, multiple device and platform sharing, etc), you’ll want to target something like Lastpass.
Are you looking for a NAS (Network Attached Storage) device that can provide you with plenty of storage space and also allow you to access your files remotely? If so, then you may want to take a look at the WD 8TB Cloud Home Duo. This device not only provides you with ample storage space, but it can also be easily accessed from anywhere in the world. In this post, we will provide you with a review of the WD 8TB Cloud Home Duo and discuss some of its key features. For home users, file storage can be a hassle. We want something we can just set up and forget about, not fumbling with external hard drives or countless USB thumb drives. And transferring it to one device then transferring it to another.
My Cloud Home Duo connects straight to your Wi-Fi network at home and allows you to save all your files in one location to keep all of your digital stuff. A NAS can be complicated, but this is a straightforward method for storing all of your images, movies, and other digital media. You can view, upload, and share your material from any location with an internet connection with the My Cloud Home app.
Even though power users like us would be more than happy to set up a primary NAS at home, many home users do not want or need something complicated, so WD’s My Cloud Home Duo is a viable option. I’m all about simplicity and ease of use being front and center with tech!
WD My Cloud Home Duo Features
WD My Cloud Home Duo comes in many storage configurations, including the one-bay and two-bay models. You can get the two-bay unit we tested with 4TB, 6TB, 8TB, 12TB, 16TB, and 20TB of storage, with prices going up accordingly. Ultimately, you get a better price per TB the higher you go. But…if you don’t know how much memory, the 8TB model is a perfect choice. Home Duo is for people who need a lot of data to be available across their network, and if you do not need that much, this might not be the drive for you.
You might have to wait a little while if you have a complicated network setup or if your computer is too far away from the router, but we were able to transfer five gigabytes in just under four minutes. Even when it may not be as fast as an external drive, you get the added benefit of accessing your files from any device on your network.
And that file access system is hard to fault, even if more advanced users will probably want a more advanced hardware and software package (Western Digital makes network drives if you need them). Whether you need access to files from the office or share a folder, everything is fast and easy. WD My Cloud Home Duo lets you set up multiple family members on the same account, so everyone has their little bit of private storage. The My Cloud Duo is a great option for centralized storage for videos, photos, files, basically anything you want to save and access. And the ability to access this content from anywhere you have internet is great.
Other features worth mentioning:
The ability to stream music, movies, and other media flawlessly (while connected to the internet)
Simple and easy app to operate (My Cloud Home app)
No subscription fees or monthly premium services.
Compatible with PCs, Macs, Apple iOS, and Android.
Sync backup for multiple devices
Dual hard drives with Mirror Mode (duplicate content storage)
Organization and integration with Box, Dropbox, Facebook, Google Drive, Google Photos, OneDrive, and more.
The My Cloud Home Duo Design
Cool, futuristic design (white)
Minimal LED lights
Easily serviceable
Size: 6 x 4 x 7 inches (so it’s not super bulky)
WD’s My Passport series got a new look recently, sporting a futuristic geometric design and color scheme. This design inspiration has carried over to My Cloud Home Duo. It’s time to say goodbye to bulky black boxes with bright LEDs in the front (which can be annoying). With this box, you get a chic white and grey box that goes anywhere in your home and doesn’t look garish.
A horizontal LED strip on the front indicates the drive’s status, while you can find its connectivity options on the back. You get a power button, two USB 3.0 ports, Gigabit Ethernet, and a reset button.
Do You Really Need A Network Attached Storage (NAS) Device?
So this leads us to an important question. Do you really need a NAS device? Well…it depends. Before you roll your eyes at that canned response, consider this. If you’re like most people, you probably have a ton of digital stuff: photos, videos, music, documents, and more. And it’s only going to get bigger as time goes on. And what’s worse, our smartphones and the devices we use are coming with higher pixeled cameras which means…BINGO…our digital data will be larger!
So where do you keep all this stuff? Sure, you could just store it all on your computer’s hard drive. But what happens if something goes wrong with your computer and you lose everything? That’s where a network attached storage (NAS) device comes in. A NAS is basically just a storage device that you can connect to your home network. That way, you can back up your data and access it from any device on your network. Plus, NAS devices are usually much faster than external hard drives, so you can access your files
Price Point and Final Verdict
Back to the WD review. The WD My Cloud Home Duo is one of the best network storage solutions. It is excellent for people who want to get started with networked storage or who do not want to deal with all the options and settings you get with a fully-featured NAS drive. Standard NAS drives can be very difficult to set up and cumbersome to operate. After setting up WD My Cloud Home Duo, you can easily transfer files in minutes.
Although an external drive connected directly to your computer via USB will be much faster, access speeds are on par. Nothing jaw-dropping quick, but decent when it comes to speed. I will say that you probably need to think rather precisely about what you want from a storage solution before buying one of these (considering the $$).
Another thing to consider is the price. At the time this review was published, the latest WD My Cloud Home Duo prices vary by storage capacity. You can get the two-bay 4TB model for $339 or the 8TB model for $379 on Amazon. In the grand scheme of storage capacity, you get a lot of storage for your money, BUT…these drives are a bit expensive (and because there are two hard drives inside the two-bay model).
All in all, we are impressed with what the WD My Cloud Home Duo has to offer. As long as you do not need advanced networking or file-sharing features or super-fast transfer speeds, this is a solid external hard drive. It’s small, easy to use, quiet, and has ample storage space you can get to from anywhere.
If you’re like me, you’re always on the lookout for new pieces of technology to improve your home network. Recently, we had the chance to test out the Synology RT2600AC wifi router, and I was really impressed! Not only is this thing a workhorse when it comes to throughput and range, but it’s also packed with features that make it a great addition to any home network. The router market is snowballed with various options. There are many huge brands with excellent offerings, making it difficult for a newbie to choose the right one. Synology is one of the most popular companies for routers.
Synology RT2600AC Router Review – Everything You Should Know
As for a specific router, Synology RT2600AC is by far the most popular of the brand. Just on Amazon alone, this product has already yielded 3K+ reviews with an average of 4.4 out of 5 ratings. It truly is a poster child for Synology. And for good reason…
Synology RT2600AC Specs
Processor: Dual Core 1.7 GHz
Coverage Area: 3,000 square feet
Memory: 512 MB DDR3
Antenna: 4×4 MIMO Omni-Directional up to 2.53 Gbps wireless speeds
Hardware: 7 Engine
LAN Ports: 2
WAN Ports: 2
USB Ports: 2
Additional Ports: 1 SD Card Reader
Dimensions: 7x11x3 inches + 1.5 pounds
Switch And Button: WPS, USB/SD Eject, Reset, Wifi On/Off
WiFi Type: Dual Band
Maximum Device Connection: 100
Security WPS 2.0
Mobile Dongle Support: 3G and 4G
Let’s Talk About The Synology RT2600AC WiFi Router
Synology RT2600AC is the upgrade to its previous year’s release RT1900AC. As you may expect, it is a bit more pricey than the last but surely worth the cost. What this new version delivers on specs and performance more than triples the value compared to the previous version’s price. Many times, consumers will opt-in for the earlier versions because of price (they don’t see the increased value in newer versions). This is partly because they may not understand all the new tech involved with newer versions. And in some cases, opting in for older versions is cost-effective. But with the Synology RT2600AC router, you’ll be glad you spend a little more coin for a better product (a much better product). The router can support a quad-stream with 1733 megabits per second on the 5GHz band. The other band, 2.4GHz, can support 800Mbps. And that’s not even the best part. Are you sitting down? This Wifi router comes with an operating system, Synology Router Management (SRM). That’s pretty cool and I personally believe it lends itself to a better user experience. But I’m geeky like that. While most other routers rely on websites for management, the OS makes Synology RT2600 a standout.
As for user experience and ease of use, the Synology RT2600AC is easy to use (for novice users as well), even more, if you have experience using Windows or macOS. You can use it for search, get notifications, transition, open multiple windows, and more! Plus, the router keeps things very organized. This way, you can easily keep track of everything without a lot of hassle. The most impressive feature about the router is its Package Center. It enables users to add more features to the device, such as VPN server, Download station, Intrusion Prevention, etc. Synology currently offers eight free applications to support packages. The router is equipped with 512 MB of memory, which might seem a little inconvenient for many. But, it also comes with a solution. You can insert an external hard drive or SD card to add more storage. More memory in your router allows you to install more packages. That’s more of an advanced feature, but it will only take you about 20-30 minutes to research those extra packages to determine if that’s something you want or need.
Some of those additional packages include:
VPN Plus Server: turn your router into a powerful VPN server
Download Station: easily download files from the internet through BT, FTP, HTTP, and more.
Media Server: Easily stream files located on SD cards or attached storage
DNS Server: host multiple zones and provide name and IP address services
RADIUS Server: provides centralized authentication, authorization, and account management
Threat Prevention: protects your network from threats and malicious activities
Cloud Station Server: sync data from multiple platforms
It is also important to talk a little bit about security protocols in this Synology RT2600AC review. And, the router exceeds its older brothers and most other routers with strong parental controls. It features web filtering, HTTPS Sites blockage, and Ads reduction. On top of all, Synology RT2600 also features Traffic Control, which allows you to monitor your internet bandwidth with detailed reports and activity analysis.
Parental Controls and Content Filtering At The Router Level?
Yes! This is becoming a very popular and effective way of implementing parental controls. In this regard, Synology makes it easy. With their powerful traffic monitoring tools, you can easily set up bandwidth prioritization so your gaming console or smart TV always gets enough speed and never stutter or lag. Plus, you can keep kids away from harmful websites with just a few clicks by using custom profiles for different members of the family! Like most parental control features it includes the ability to assign devices to profiles (Gabe has one with his tablet, desktop, and phone linked to it). You can control the times those profiles have access to the internet, and set content filters for each profile based on their ages. Before I discovered the Firewalla, this was my go-to parental control system for the DDID Home.
Support? Other vendors should follow these folks.
Synology support is the best in the business for a number of reasons. First, Synology offers a wide range of products that are designed to meet the needs of a variety of users, so their support team is well-versed in all kinds of users. From entry-level to enterprise-level, Synology has a product and a support team member there for you to fit your needs. Synology offers a high level of customer support and their team of experts is available 24/7 to help you with any questions or issues you may have. The support via chat is second to none. I’ve personally resolved most issues in 15 minutes or less. If it takes longer (or is more complicated to handle over the phone or chat), there’s an option to allow them to remotely resolve the issue. And that remote access is an encrypted connection and the security for this is crazy cool. When it comes to tech support…compared to every device or service I’ve engaged with, Synology is the best I’ve ever experienced.
This wifi router is packed with features and can deliver great performance. Small, medium, or large home? Doesn’t matter. This is a great device all around. But is it the right router for you? Let’s take a quick look at the pros and cons of the RT2600AC to help you make an informed decision.
Pros
MU-MIMO Data Streaming
Package Center makes various tasks pretty easy; allows for some sweet add-ons for protection as well
Great performance with 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands
Several management and monitoring tools
Powerful WiFi range
Setup, Management, and Connectivity are seamless and easy to understand
Simple yet Professional level controls for those wanting it
Comprehensive VPN server
Intrusion prevention
Regularly updated (a must-have option for Wifi routers)
No monthly fees!
Cons
Some would prefer that there should be support for combining LAN ports into a single connection. This is picky, but something some have said they wish it had (I don’t think it’s too much of an issue, but wanted to mention it).
Compared to premium VPN services, it’s not as good (again…compared with premium VPN services).
Lackluster options for VLAN (but this is again being picky and only advanced users would understand).
The Final Verdict For Synology RT2600AC?
Do you really need the Synology AC2600RT wifi router? Again, I’ll just say this was the device I use personally for my home network. When it comes to routers, there are a lot of options on the market. A lot of easy to operate, but lacking in other features. There are also a lot of complex and advanced routers that the everyday person would have no clue how to operate. But what about this one? Do you really need the Synology AC2600RT wifi router? Let’s recap briefly some of the features of this router to see if it’s worth the investment. The Synology AC2600RT router has incredible Gbps speeds, supports MU-MIMO technology for efficient data streaming, has efficient parental controls, and includes content filtering. It allows you to extend its functionality and offers stellar security protocols. This Wifi router also comes with four external antennas for stable signal performance. In addition, the router includes a built-in VPN server and firewall for security. And it’s easy to set up and use, even for beginners. To combine all of that into one device, this router is very powerful and offers ease to users. That’s a tough ratio to peg in today’s tech world. If you want to upgrade your old Synology routers or even upgrade from another brand, RT2600AC is one of the best options for you.
