Smart Tech Recommendations for Prime Day

Over the last year, I’ve tested tons of smart cameras, sensors, and robots of every kind, and I’ve developed some favorites. What would be great about smart tech is if it were less expensive, so everyone could realize the accessibility and labor issues it can solve. That’s why Prime Day is a great time to consider one of these devices, since the prices are likely to drop. Here are my favorite smart tech devices from past year that I’d recommend looking at. 

Best robot lawnmower

Credit: Amanda Blum

Having now tested a number of lawnmowing robots, the ease and reliability of the Luba 2 makes it my hands down favorite. Full of features from video monitoring to GPS location if removed from the yard, the Luba even has lawn printing capabilities now (I was underwhelmed by this but did print a bunch of stars on the lawn for the Fourth of July. The only reason to choose a different mower is if your lawn is too small or has a lot of obstacles to mow around. The Luba 2 is rugged and will handle everything from a medium-sized yard to a field with ease. The Luba 2 comes in different capacities, each with their own discount for Prime Day. 

Best outdoor security camera

I’m not saying you should hang your string lights off them, but you can.
Credit: Amanda Blum

There are lots of good outdoor security cameras, but whenever I’m done testing others, I put my Eufy Solocams back up. There’s lots to like, including the extraordinary range of vision that comes from the spherical pan-and-tilt that allows you to rotate the camera almost 360 degrees. There are actually two cameras in each—one for a macroview and one for a microview. The microview is spectacular for detail: I can actually get a detailed look at individual plants in my yard while I’m away. I love that you don’t need a monthly plan if you get a Eufy hub for storing clips locally, and that the live view comes up reliably each time with minimal wait time. The two cameras on sale are the hardwired floodlights—the S330 and E340. I have both up as we speak, but also be sure to look at the solar powered s340, which is not on sale but is still worth it for spots where you don’t have the ability to hardwire. 

Best robot vacuum

Credit: Amanda Blum

I wish I could say that all robot vacuums, particularly the expensive ones, were comparable and that you’d probably get a good one if you just spent enough. Unfortunately, that hasn’t been my experience. Even within a brand, the variance from one model to the next can be jarring. However, Roborock models have consistently been my favorites over the last year. If I was going to buy a floorbot tomorrow, it would be from the Roborock S8 line. The S8 Pro Ultra is somehow exceptional on both carpet and hard floors. It has the fewest hiccups in terms of getting lost, getting stuck, or having to clear the rollers. The mopping feature isn’t an add-on—it competently gets the floor clean. The S8 Max Ultra is also a beast with improvements on every single feature above. Extending arms get closer to the wall, there’s a dedicated slot for floor cleaner in the dock, and the mopping even got better. Choose either and you’ll have made a good investment, but in my opinion, you should spend the extra $150 for the Max Ultra.  

• Roborock S8 Pro Ultra Regularly $1,599.99, will be $949.99 from July 15-21.

• Roborock  S8 Max Ultra Regularly $1,599.99, will be $1,199.99 from July 15-21.

Best sensors

When I need a smart sensor for almost any reason, I now always look at Aqara first. Their range is wide, and I’ve found the sensors more reliable than most. They’re easy to set up, with a nice clean app interface; I’ve got temp and humidity sensors and water sensors in various parts of my house.