Who writes this, and why

The person behind it

I'm Stephen V.— genuinely into smart home and home security. I don't run a test lab, and I'm not going to pretend I do. What I actually do is read the manuals, pull the published specifications, confirm what works with what from the manufacturers' own documentation, and add up what a setup costs over a few years once you factor in any subscription. Then I write it down plainly.

That's the whole pitch. I'm not a certified installer, I don't have a shelf of review units, and I'd rather tell you that up front than dress it up. The honest version of my method is on the methodology page, and it's the same method on every review here.

What we do

• Compile published specsand quote them faithfully — resolution, storage type, ecosystem support, power — from the manufacturer's own listing.
• Build ecosystem compatibility matrices so you can see, device by device, whether something works with HomeKit, Alexa, Google, Matter or Apple Home Key.
• Compute the real 3-year cost — hardware plus any monthly fee — because that number decides more purchases than the sticker price does.
• Show live, date-stamped prices. If our price data is stale, the number disappears rather than misleading you.

What we don't do

• We don't fabricate testing.No "in our lab," no invented ratings, no fake reviewer quotes.
• We don't fear-monger. No break-in statistics designed to scare you into a purchase. We help you choose good gear calmly.
• We don't let commission move a ranking. When the cheaper or subscription-free option is the better buy, we say so — even though it pays us less.

How we're funded

Latch & Hub is funded by the Amazon Associates program and published by Type 5 Marketing LLC. When you buy through our links we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. The full details are on the affiliate disclosure page, and our independence rules are in the editorial policy.

Questions, corrections or a product you'd like us to look at? Get in touch — a real person reads it.