Design

It looks like the G3. Same rounded white casing, same rotating base with a mounting screw. If you put them side by side you’d notice the G350 is heavier, and there’s no obvious second lens on the front — though there is one, more on that in a moment.

There’s a silicone cover with ear-shaped pieces that can be removed. I have no idea what it’s for and I’ve taken mine off. The front has the lens assembly, a button, and a status light. The rear has a USB-C port. Sliding the front lens cover activates privacy mode and also exposes the microSD card slot, which is a neat double function.

Clean, unfussy design. Aqara didn’t change what was already working.

What’s New

The main camera goes from 2K to 4K. That said, Apple Home still caps you at 1080p due to Apple’s own limitations, which continues to be frustrating. Come on, Apple. There’s also a second 2.5K telephoto lens with 9x hybrid zoom — one of the more interesting additions, which I’ll get into. Night mode now has better infrared lighting, though it’s still black and white.

Pan and tilt cover 360 degrees, with automatic person and animal tracking. Two-way audio is built in, and in Apple Home you get a Talk button too.

The G350 is the first camera to support Matter over Thread. Matter 1.5 is what introduces camera support, so I haven’t been able to test that fully yet, but it means integration with platforms like Home Assistant should get easier over time. It also works as a Matter Controller and Bridge, so your existing Aqara Zigbee devices can come under Matter control through it.

For Apple users, HomeKit Secure Video support means the camera works in Apple Home now, before Apple formally supports Matter 1.5. RTSP is also supported for Home Assistant. Beyond that, it’s compatible with Google Home, Alexa, and SmartThings.

Storage: microSD up to 512GB, and you can also point 24/7 recording at a NAS. Cloud storage runs through Apple Home or Aqara’s HomeGuardian plan — £8/month or £80/year for unlimited cameras, £4/month or £40/year for one. A 3-month trial is included. I haven’t used it, and I don’t think most people — especially if you’re on Apple Home or have a NAS — will feel the need.

Setup

Dead simple. I ceiling mounted mine with a screw mount from Amazon. Open the Aqara app, tap the plus button, and the camera appears in the list once it’s ready. Name it, pick a room, flip the image for ceiling mounting, add it to Apple Home. That’s it — no hiccups at all.

Everyday Use

Video quality is good, day and night. Connection has been stable throughout. Auto-tracking works as you’d expect.

The telephoto lens is the thing I’ve spent the most time with. Via the Aqara app you can zoom in reasonably well and pan around once zoomed. One thing to know if you’re ceiling mounting: you can’t pan downward beyond the current field of view, only upward. If you’re planning to use the zoom regularly, an upright mount will give you more flexibility than ceiling mounting does.

Privacy mode is genuinely useful. You can export it to Apple Home or Home Assistant and trigger it through automations — time-based, location-based, or via geofencing in the Aqara app. Mine switches recording off in the morning and back on at night, and toggles when the last person leaves or the first arrives home. For a camera in a living room, being able to automate that properly makes a real difference.

To export privacy modes: create a scene to enable or disable privacy, then go to Profile > Connect to Ecosystems > Scene Sync.

The Aqara app has a lot in it. From the main screen you can record, speak, toggle privacy, tilt the camera, set cruise modes, and turn tracking on or off. Playback lets you browse and filter clips. AI sound detection — for alarms, dogs, babies, coughs, loud sounds, and more — is available without a subscription, as are smile and gesture detection. AI video search and summaries need the paid plan.

Dig into the three-dot menu and you’ll find RTSP settings for Home Assistant, default position, power-off memory, screen orientation, timestamp options, and notification controls. There’s a lot of depth here if you want it.

Two Things Worth Knowing

Some features require a subscription. That’s most noticeable for cloud AI features, which makes sense given what those cost to run, but it’s worth going in with clear expectations.

The other issue is that with position memory enabled, the camera doesn’t reliably return to where it was when coming out of privacy mode. In my case it keeps swinging toward the wall and triggering a lens obstruction notification. My fix has been to save a custom camera position and create an automation that re-pans to it after a short delay when the camera turns on. It works, but it’s a workaround — I’d expect a firmware update to sort this eventually.

Is It Worth It?

The G350 costs £140. The G3 is still available for £85 and is still a good camera.

If you’re already using a G3 and Apple Home is your main platform, I’d hold off. Until Apple lifts the 1080p restriction, the upgrade doesn’t give you much you’ll notice day to day. But if you’re coming in fresh and want a capable indoor camera with solid Matter support and good app integration, the G350 is worth the money. It’ll be staying in my setup.

You can pick up the Aqara Camera Hub G350 now. The Aqara Camera Hub G3 is also still available if you’re after something more affordable.

The post Aqara Camera Hub G350 Review appeared first on Mark's Tech Blogs.

I decided to buy one myself and properly test it, and at around £130, it’s one of the cheapest Matter over Thread smart locks available for UK multi-point doors. Realistically, the only other comparable option at this price point is the Aqara U200 Lite.

So let’s get into it and see whether the Yale Linus L2 Lite smart lock is actually worth buying.

Design and Build Quality

If you’ve seen images of the Nuki Ultra, the Yale Linus L2 Lite smart lock looks like a slightly less polished version of that design. It’s available in either silver or black, and overall it looks pretty smart once installed.

The main body is essentially one large twist area, with a single button and an LED light on the front. That button is called KeySense, and it can be disabled in the Yale app, although you obviously can’t disable the manual twist function.

Compared to something like the SwitchBot Lock Ultra, the Yale Linus L2 Lite does stick out a bit more from the door, but I actually quite like the design. It feels solid, well made, and not cheap or plasticky.

Compatibility and Requirements

Before buying the Yale Linus L2 Lite smart lock, there are a few important requirements to be aware of.

• Your existing cylinder must be unlockable from the outside with a key while a key is inserted on the inside.
• If not, a thumb turn cylinder is the most affordable way to make your door compatible.
• Yale also sell an adjustable cylinder designed specifically for the Linus smart lock range.

Yale state that your cylinder must protrude at least 3mm from the inside of the door handle, and your door must open inwards. That protrusion is required for the mounting plate.

Interestingly, the box also includes a sticky mounting pad which isn’t mentioned in the instructions at all. Because of that, I think it may still be possible to install the lock even if your cylinder doesn’t protrude enough.

The box also includes a thumb turn adapter, which lets you replace an existing thumb turn with Yale’s adapter instead.

Power and Battery Life

The Yale Linus L2 Lite smart lock is powered by three CR123A batteries, which Yale claim will last up to six months depending on usage.

Battery handling is probably the biggest oversight with this lock. Not only are CR123A batteries non-standard, but there is also no way to see the battery percentage in the Yale app, and this information is not exposed to Apple Home either.

I contacted Yale about this and they confirmed that there is no battery level indicator at all. Instead, once the batteries hit around 20%, you’ll receive a push notification from the Yale app. After that, you’ll get daily reminders until the batteries are replaced.

Once you do replace the batteries, you need to open the Yale app and operate the lock three times using Bluetooth and Wi-Fi so Yale’s servers update correctly. It’s not ideal, but at least there is some form of warning.

Interestingly, when connected via Matter in Home Assistant, the lock does expose a battery property, although most users won’t be running Home Assistant.

Smart Home Features and Matter Support

The Yale Linus L2 Lite smart lock is compatible with most lift-to-lock doors, including doors with a latch feature where an additional key turn is required from the outside. I haven’t tested this myself, but Yale customer support confirmed compatibility.

The lock includes Bluetooth for local control, automatic unlocking when you arrive home, and setup through the Yale app.

The standout feature is Matter over Thread support. No external hub is required, and it works with:

• Apple Home
• Google Home
• Amazon Alexa
• SmartThings
• Home Assistant

I’ve personally tested the Yale Linus L2 Lite smart lock with Apple Home and Home Assistant, using existing Thread border routers such as HomePod mini.

If you want remote access through the Yale app itself, you will need Yale’s Wi-Fi bridge.

Yale also offer optional accessories like a keypad or a keypad with fingerprint reader. I haven’t tested these, but they are available if you want additional access methods.

Installation Experience

Installing the Yale Linus L2 Lite smart lock is refreshingly straightforward. Everything starts in the Yale app, which walks you through the entire process step by step.

If you already have a thumb turn cylinder, you simply remove the existing thumb turn, attach the Yale mounting plate, and tighten it using the included Allen key. You can also use the adhesive pad if needed.

You then install Yale’s thumb turn adapter or insert your key, clip the lock onto the mount, and run firmware updates and calibration through the app.

Calibration involves locking and unlocking the door a few times so the lock learns the correct positions. You can then add it to Apple Home or any other Matter-compatible platform.

Even while filming, I had everything installed and working in around ten minutes.

Daily Use and Performance

From inside the house, the easiest way to operate the Yale Linus L2 Lite smart lock is using the KeySense button. By default, it locks if the door is unlocked and unlocks if it’s locked.

The motor is fairly quiet, definitely quieter than the Aqara U200, although it isn’t silent and there’s no dedicated quiet or night mode.

You can also twist the lock manually, use Apple Home, or any other Matter-enabled app. From outside, locking and unlocking works reliably through the Yale app or third-party platforms.

Auto Unlock uses Bluetooth to detect when you arrive. While this is on my back door and not something I’d personally use every day, it worked reliably during testing and was faster than manually opening the app.

The Yale App Experience

The Yale app for the Linus L2 Lite smart lock is basic but functional. Without a Yale hub, most actions require a Bluetooth connection, although this doesn’t affect Matter-based platforms like Apple Home.

You can quickly lock or unlock the door, adjust LED and sound settings, configure Auto Unlock, manage KeySense behaviour, recalibrate the lock, or perform a factory reset.

For the most part, I expect most users will rely on Apple Home, Google Home, or another smart home platform rather than the Yale app itself.

Downsides to Consider

The lower price of the Yale Linus L2 Lite smart lock does mean fewer features compared to more expensive options.

• No quiet or night mode for slower, quieter locking.
• No visible battery percentage in the Yale app or Apple Home.
• Optional accessories are relatively expensive.

Battery reporting in particular feels like something that could be improved with a firmware update.

Final Verdict

At around £130, the Yale Linus L2 Lite smart lock is one of the best-value smart locks available right now. It looks good, feels well built, works reliably, and offers Matter over Thread support without requiring a hub.

If your main goal is simply to lock and unlock your door using Apple Home or another smart home app, this is a great option and very easy to recommend.

The post Yale Linus L2 Lite Smart Lock Review appeared first on Mark's Tech Blogs.

Until recently, most presence sensors required constant USB power, which often made positioning awkward or impractical. New battery powered models from Aqara, Meross, and SwitchBot aim to solve that problem while still supporting modern smart home platforms like Apple Home, Home Assistant, Alexa, and Google Home.

What Makes Presence Sensors Different?

Presence sensors use a combination of PIR and mmWave radar technology to detect micro-movements such as breathing. This allows automations to stay active while someone is sitting still, working at a desk, or relaxing on the sofa, something motion sensors simply cannot do reliably.

Design and Installation

Aqara FP300 Presence Sensor

The Aqara FP300 Presence Sensor is the smallest and most discreet of the three. It features a fully rounded design and attaches to its mount using a magnetic metal plate, making it easy to position on walls or ceilings without visible fixings.

Meross MS605 Presence Sensor

The Meross MS605 Presence Sensor closely resembles Meross’ earlier wired model but is slightly thicker to accommodate the battery. While it is not the most attractive of the three, it blends reasonably well against white walls and ceilings. Sensors are located on the front, with an adjustable stand on the back and a physical button on the top.

SwitchBot Presence Sensor

The SwitchBot Presence Sensor looks similar to a traditional motion sensor, with rounded edges and a compact white housing. Its stand can be attached to either the back or base, making it suitable for wall, ceiling, or floor mounting.

Price Comparison

Pricing varies significantly between the three battery powered presence sensors.

• Aqara FP300 Presence Sensor – approximately £50
• SwitchBot Presence Sensor – approximately £30
• Meross MS605 Presence Sensor – approximately £26

When platform requirements are factored in, overall cost can change depending on whether a hub is required.

Battery Life and Power

Meross MS605 Presence Sensor

The Meross MS605 Presence Sensor is rated for up to three years of battery life and uses a single CR123A battery, which is included. After one month of real-world use, the battery level remains at 100%.

Aqara FP300 Presence Sensor

The Aqara FP300 Presence Sensor uses two CR2450 batteries. In Zigbee mode, it is rated for up to three years of battery life, while Thread mode offers around two years. After two months of use in Zigbee mode, battery levels remain at 100%.

SwitchBot Presence Sensor

The SwitchBot Presence Sensor uses two AAA batteries and is rated for up to two years of battery life. After six months of continuous use, battery level sits at around 80%.

Smart Home Platforms and Connectivity

All three presence sensors support Matter, allowing them to work with Apple Home, Home Assistant, Alexa, Google Home, and SmartThings.

Meross MS605 Presence Sensor

The Meross MS605 Presence Sensor uses Matter over Thread and does not require a proprietary hub if you already have a Thread border router such as an Apple HomePod mini.

Aqara FP300 Presence Sensor

The Aqara FP300 Presence Sensor can operate in either Matter or Zigbee mode. Zigbee mode requires an Aqara hub, such as the Aqara M3, while Matter mode allows it to join an existing Matter network directly.

SwitchBot Presence Sensor

The SwitchBot Presence Sensor supports Matter but requires a SwitchBot Hub, which increases the overall cost if you do not already own one.

Built-In Sensors

Sensor availability plays a big role in how flexible automations can be.

• Aqara FP300 Presence Sensor: presence, temperature, humidity, and light sensors
• Meross MS605 Presence Sensor: presence and light sensors
• SwitchBot Presence Sensor: presence and light sensors

The Aqara FP300 Presence Sensor exposes all sensors to Apple Home and Home Assistant regardless of connectivity mode. The Meross MS605 Presence Sensor exposes light and multiple presence zones, while the SwitchBot Presence Sensor only exposes presence data to third-party platforms.

Presence Detection Performance

All three presence sensors use PIR and mmWave radar technology. The Aqara FP300 Presence Sensor uses a 60GHz mmWave sensor and includes AI learning features within the Aqara app. Meross and SwitchBot do not publish detailed specifications for their mmWave sensors.

In daily use, all three sensors detect presence within roughly one second. Reliability has been excellent, with no noticeable false positives, including from pets.

Bathroom and Humidity Suitability

Environmental ratings are especially important when installing presence sensors in bathrooms.

• Meross MS605 Presence Sensor: IP67 rated and suitable for wet areas
• SwitchBot Presence Sensor: IP65 rated but limited to non-condensing humidity
• Aqara FP300 Presence Sensor: no official wet-area rating

For bathroom installations, the Meross MS605 Presence Sensor is the safest and most practical choice.

Automation and Real-World Use

Automations work best when presence detection can be combined with light level checks. This avoids lights turning on during bright daylight conditions.

The Aqara FP300 Presence Sensor excels here thanks to its multiple exposed sensors and the flexibility of the Aqara app. Advanced conditions such as delayed presence ending or extended presence detection are easy to configure and can run locally when paired with an Aqara hub.

The Meross MS605 Presence Sensor performs well but requires more complex automation logic due to multiple presence zones. The SwitchBot Presence Sensor is more limited unless automations are handled directly within the SwitchBot ecosystem.

Which Battery Powered Presence Sensor Should You Buy?

For bathrooms and humid environments, the Meross MS605 Presence Sensor is the clear choice thanks to its IP67 rating and competitive price.

For most rooms in the home, the Aqara FP300 Presence Sensor offers the best overall experience. While it is more expensive, the additional sensors and excellent automation support make it the most flexible option.

The SwitchBot Presence Sensor is best suited to existing SwitchBot users who already own a hub. Without that ecosystem, it offers fewer advantages compared to the other two.

Final Thoughts

Battery powered presence sensors remove one of the biggest compromises of earlier models. Whether you prioritise price, sensor flexibility, or bathroom suitability, there is now a strong option available to fit most smart home setups.

The post Battery Powered Presence Sensors Compared: Aqara FP300 vs Meross MS605 vs SwitchBot Presence Sensor appeared first on Mark's Tech Blogs.

Prefer to watch instead of read? Watch my TP-Link Deco BE9300 and BE14000 comparison on YouTube.

About this TP-Link Deco BE9300 and BE14000 comparison

TP-Link sent me both the TP-Link Deco BE9300 mesh system and the TP-Link Deco BE14000 mesh system to review. I did not pay for these products, but this is not a sponsored review and TP-Link did not get any say in what I say about them.

I do not review routers full-time on Mark’s Tech Blogs, so I have been spreading this content out. I used the TP-Link Deco BE9300 as my main home Wi-Fi for around a month, and then switched to the TP-Link Deco BE14000, which I have also been using as my daily mesh system.

This article focuses on comparing the TP-Link Deco BE9300 and the TP-Link Deco BE14000 to help you decide which Wi-Fi 7 mesh system is right for your home.

What you get in the box

Both the TP-Link Deco BE9300 and the TP-Link Deco BE14000 are available as packs of one, two or three Deco units, depending on the size of your home and how much coverage you need.

• TP-Link Deco BE9300: ships with Deco BE65 units.
• TP-Link Deco BE14000: ships with Deco BE68 units.

In each box you will find the Deco units, their power adapters and at least one Ethernet cable so you can connect the main Deco to your modem or router.

One of the strengths of the Deco ecosystem is that the different models are generally compatible with each other. That means you can upgrade an existing TP-Link Deco setup gradually by adding a newer Deco unit and making it the main node.

There is a feature in the Deco app that lets you swap your main Deco, but when switching between the TP-Link Deco BE9300 and the TP-Link Deco BE14000 I found it more reliable to add the new unit, set it as the main Deco in the app, and then move the Ethernet cable from the old main Deco to the new one.

TP-Link Deco BE9300 vs BE14000: pricing and subscriptions

Pricing will vary depending on where you buy, but for a three-pack the RRPs and typical prices at the time of writing look roughly like this:

• TP-Link Deco BE9300: RRP around £600, often available closer to £460 on popular retailers.
• TP-Link Deco BE14000: expected around £700, and likely to drop towards the £500 mark over time.

On top of the hardware cost, there are optional subscription services that add extra security and privacy features. Both systems support the same services:

• Security+: around £4.99 per month or £35 per year, with a 30-day free trial.
• Total Security Package: around £70 for the first year (rising to about £130 per year after the first term).

Security+ adds IoT protection, web protection, intrusion prevention and more detailed security reports inside the Deco app.

The Total Security Package adds:

• Antivirus protection for Windows, macOS and Android devices.
• Unlimited VPN usage.
• Password management tools.
• ID monitoring to check if personal information appears on the dark web.

It is also worth noting that you can connect your own existing VPN service from providers like NordVPN, Surfshark, IPVanish, PureVPN or a custom VPN, directly to both the TP-Link Deco BE9300 and the TP-Link Deco BE14000.

If you already pay separately for VPN and antivirus software, there is a chance these bundles could save you money, but whether they are worth it will depend on your setup and how much value you place on the extra protection.

Overall, in terms of pricing, the TP-Link Deco BE9300 and the TP-Link Deco BE14000 are in a similar ballpark. If your budget stretches to the TP-Link Deco BE14000, it will offer a bit more future-proofing, but the TP-Link Deco BE9300 is still a very capable Wi-Fi 7 system.

Wi-Fi 7 specs and wireless performance

Both the TP-Link Deco BE9300 and the TP-Link Deco BE14000 are Wi-Fi 7-compatible tri-band mesh systems. They each offer 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 6 GHz bands, and you can choose to create a dedicated 6 GHz network if you want more control over how your devices connect.

Deco BE14000 wireless specs

• Tri-band Wi-Fi up to 14 Gbps.
• 8-stream Wi-Fi 7.
• Up to 8647 Mbps on 6 GHz.
• Up to 4324 Mbps on 5 GHz.
• Up to 688 Mbps on 2.4 GHz.

Deco BE9300 wireless specs

• Tri-band Wi-Fi up to 9.3 Gbps.
• Wi-Fi 7 with similar feature set, but lower peak speeds.
• Up to 5765 Mbps on 6 GHz.
• Up to 2882 Mbps on 5 GHz.
• Up to 688 Mbps on 2.4 GHz.

Both systems support key Wi-Fi 7 features such as Multi-Link Operation (MLO), 320 MHz channels on compatible bands and full backwards compatibility with older TP-Link Deco units and older Wi-Fi standards.

They are also compatible with Google Home and Amazon Alexa, can handle over 200 devices in a single network and use AI-based algorithms to help optimise roaming between Deco units as you move around your home.

Coverage

• TP-Link Deco BE9300 (three-pack): rated to cover up to around 4600 sq ft over two floors.
• TP-Link Deco BE14000 (three-pack): rated to cover up to around 8100 sq ft over three floors.

Real-world coverage will always depend on where you position the Deco units and the construction of your home (walls, insulation, floors and so on). But on paper, the TP-Link Deco BE14000 clearly targets larger homes or homes that need more headroom for high-speed devices.

If you stream a lot of high-quality video, run multiple gaming consoles or work with large files over your network, the extra throughput headroom of the TP-Link Deco BE14000 will be appealing. That said, for many households, the speeds provided by the TP-Link Deco BE9300 are more than enough.

Ports and wired connectivity

The biggest physical difference between the TP-Link Deco BE9300 and the TP-Link Deco BE14000 is in their Ethernet port configuration.

Deco BE9300 (Deco BE65 units)

• 4 × 2.5 Gbps Ethernet ports per Deco unit.

This is great if you have a lot of wired devices or smart home hubs that perform better when connected via Ethernet. For example, the Aqara M3 hub can work in LAN mode for faster, more reliable local automations, which pairs nicely with a 2.5 Gbps port.

Deco BE14000 (Deco BE68 units)

• 1 × 10 Gbps Ethernet port.
• 2 × 2.5 Gbps Ethernet ports.

The TP-Link Deco BE14000 gives you fewer ports overall, but you gain a very fast 10 Gbps port, which is useful if you have a multi-gig internet connection or want to connect to a 10 Gbps switch for high-speed local networking.

Both systems also include a USB 3 port on each unit, allowing you to plug in an external hard drive or USB stick and use it as basic network-attached storage.

Smart home and IoT features

Both the TP-Link Deco BE9300 and the TP-Link Deco BE14000 offer a dedicated Internet of Things (IoT) network mode, designed to isolate smart home devices on a separate SSID. In theory this can improve security and management, but I have not used this mode extensively because my setup includes a lot of Apple devices.

If you rely heavily on HomeKit (with iPhone, HomePod mini, Apple TV and HomeKit accessories), keeping everything on the same main network often provides the most reliable experience.

Both systems support Matter, so you can connect Matter-compatible devices directly to the router and manage them through the Deco app. In practice, many people will continue using their existing smart home hubs (such as Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa or dedicated manufacturer hubs), but it is good to know that the Deco systems are ready for the latest smart home standards.

Design and build

From the outside, the TP-Link Deco BE9300 and the TP-Link Deco BE14000 look very similar. Both follow the same Deco design language: tall, modern-looking towers that blend in fairly well on a shelf or sideboard.

The main visual differences are around the venting on the top of the Deco BE68 units used in the TP-Link Deco BE14000. Most people will not notice these small differences day-to-day, and both systems look like premium mesh routers.

Real-world performance and speed tests

Coming to the TP-Link Deco BE9300 from an older Eero system, I noticed an immediate improvement in my home Wi-Fi performance:

• Streaming video is smoother, with no buffering in the apps I use regularly.
• Downloads complete faster.
• Live video from HomeKit cameras loads more quickly and feels more responsive.
• Adding new 2.4 GHz smart home devices has been easier, without having to force the network into 2.4 GHz-only mode.

To get some more objective data, I ran several speed tests on both mesh systems on the same day:

• The built-in Deco speed test gave almost identical results for my Virgin Media fibre connection on both the TP-Link Deco BE9300 and the TP-Link Deco BE14000.
• Using a popular speed test app on my iPhone, the numbers were again very close, with the TP-Link Deco BE14000 only slightly ahead in some tests.
• I also used an online stress test to simulate multiple streams and connections, and both systems coped well, with overall performance feeling very similar.

For what I would consider an “average” but smart home-heavy user, it is genuinely hard to tell these systems apart in everyday use. Both provide fast, stable Wi-Fi 7 coverage throughout my home.

Deco app experience and parental controls

Managing both the TP-Link Deco BE9300 and the TP-Link Deco BE14000 is essentially the same experience, because they use the same Deco app and a similar minimal web interface.

The web interface is basic, but the Deco mobile app is where you will spend most of your time. It is well designed and fairly intuitive, even if you are not deeply technical.

Key features available without any subscription include:

• Renaming devices to something meaningful.
• Seeing which Deco unit each device is connected to.
• Turning mesh on or off for individual devices.
• Assigning static IP addresses.
• Connecting your existing VPN service.

If you have children, the built-in parental control features are genuinely useful. You can restrict access to certain types of websites, limit YouTube content and manage online time. These parental tools are comparable between the TP-Link Deco BE9300 and the TP-Link Deco BE14000.

TP-Link Deco BE9300 vs BE14000: which should you buy?

After using the TP-Link Deco BE9300 for a month and the TP-Link Deco BE14000 for around a week, it is difficult to find significant faults with either system. It is also surprisingly difficult to notice a big difference in real-world performance for typical home usage.

Both mesh systems:

• Run a busy smart home setup seamlessly.
• Offer plenty of Ethernet ports for wired devices and hubs.
• Are easy to manage in the Deco app.
• Support Wi-Fi 7 and advanced features like Multi-Link Operation.

So the choice really comes down to your budget and how much you want to future-proof your home network:

• If your budget allows and you want maximum headroom for faster broadband, 10 Gbps networking and larger coverage areas, the TP-Link Deco BE14000 is the best choice.
• If you want a more affordable Wi-Fi 7 mesh system that still feels very modern and powerful, the TP-Link Deco BE9300 is a great option that should not leave you feeling left behind.

Whichever system you choose, both the TP-Link Deco BE9300 and the TP-Link Deco BE14000 deliver strong Wi-Fi 7 performance, good smart home integration and a user-friendly management experience, making them excellent mesh router options for many homes.

Where to buy the TP-Link Deco BE9300 and BE14000

If you decide that one of these systems is right for your home, you can use the following phrases as link text for your preferred retailers:

Buy the TP-Link Deco BE9300 mesh Wi-Fi system

Buy the TP-Link Deco BE14000 mesh Wi-Fi system

The post TP-Link Deco BE9300 vs BE14000: Which Wi-Fi 7 Mesh System Should You Buy? appeared first on Mark's Tech Blogs.

Watch my SwitchBot Contact Sensor review on YouTube

Welcome back to Mark’s Tech Blogs! In today’s post, I’m reviewing the SwitchBot Contact Sensor — a compact and reliable smart home device that helps you monitor doors and windows with ease.

If you’ve followed my channel, you’ll know I’ve reviewed a few contact sensors before. When I tested the Eve Contact Sensor, I had major issues with its battery life, so I replaced it with the SwitchBot Contact Sensor. After using it for several months, I’m ready to share how it performs in real-world use.

Price and Availability

The SwitchBot Contact Sensor has a retail price of around £29.99, making it one of the more premium options. However, SwitchBot often runs sales and discount codes — I managed to grab mine for just £20. It’s worth checking both Amazon and the official SwitchBot store for the best deal.

Design and Build

Like most contact sensors, this device comes in two parts that detect when contact between them is made or broken. Both parts are finished in white with rounded edges, and the main unit includes a status light and button.

It attaches easily with sticky pads, and the cover can be removed to access the two AAA batteries. The overall design is clean and modern, blending nicely with most door or window frames. It’s slightly larger than the Aqara sensor but still fairly compact.

Specifications and Features

The SwitchBot Contact Sensor operates via Bluetooth, but to unlock its full potential you’ll need a SwitchBot Hub. Any of their Matter-compatible hubs will work, enabling you to control and monitor the sensor remotely and integrate it with ecosystems such as Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa, or Home Assistant.

It can alert you when a door or window opens or closes, and it includes a built-in brightness sensor (though this isn’t exposed to Apple Home). You can also configure how long the sensor remains open before triggering a notification or automation. Within the SwitchBot app, you can view detailed device logs to monitor its activity.

Installation and Setup

Setup is straightforward. Simply pair the sensor with the SwitchBot app, follow the on-screen installation steps, and attach it using the included adhesive pads. I’ve installed mine on my record player lid — similar to how I’ve tested previous contact sensors.

Once paired, add it as a Matter accessory to your SwitchBot Hub so it appears in your preferred smart home platform. In my case, that’s Apple Home, and integration worked perfectly.

Performance and Everyday Use

I’ve been using the SwitchBot Contact Sensor for a few months now, mainly to trigger automations in Apple Home. For example, when I open my record player, it turns on power to both the player and speakers automatically — and it does so within about one second of contact being broken.

When connected via the SwitchBot Hub 3, the sensor has stayed reliably online. Notifications work well, and the brightness sensor performs accurately. The only downside is that the brightness sensor data isn’t available in Apple Home, which would make it even more versatile. Hopefully, SwitchBot addresses this limitation in a future firmware update.

Battery Life

SwitchBot claims the sensor’s two AAA batteries can last up to three years depending on usage. Based on my experience so far, that seems realistic — a huge improvement over the Eve sensor, which drained batteries quickly.

Final Verdict

At its sale price, the SwitchBot Contact Sensor offers solid value for money. It’s not quite as compact as the Aqara alternative, but if you already have a SwitchBot Hub, this is an excellent addition to your smart home setup. It delivers reliable automations, accurate alerts, and impressive battery life — all wrapped up in a sleek, modern design.

Recommended for: anyone looking to expand their SwitchBot ecosystem or add a dependable contact sensor for smart home automations.

Buy the SwitchBot Contact Sensor here

Thanks for reading this review on Mark’s Tech Blogs! Don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel, Mark’s Tech Vlogs, for more smart home reviews and tech content.

The post SwitchBot Contact Sensor Review appeared first on Mark's Tech Blogs.

Update – Late January 2026

After creating this review and returning the Habi items within my 30 day window from Screwfix Habi’s technical team reached out to try and replicate the issues. Their team came out and replicated my original setup without connecting anything to the boiler but keeping the receiver, thermostat and radiator TRVs in the same place and spent some time monitoring it. They have now pushed a software update and from my own monitoring these haven’t gone offline at all making them the reliable system I had hoped for. They are also now available on Amazon.

Why I Looked for a Tado Alternative

When Tado made a change in October that meant new users had to subscribe for features like allowing smart radiator valves to call for heat, I went in search of an alternative. That led me to Habi, a smart heating range from Salus Controls.

Salus Controls have been around for quite a while and have a range of heating-related products. Under the Habi brand, they launched a new smart heating lineup, initially exclusive to Screwfix in June 2025 (now available on Amazon). I bought the Habi wireless thermostat, boiler control and several Habi TRV radiator valves with my own money and have been using them for about a month.

Before I get into the details, I want to be upfront: while Habi started off strong, it has become progressively less reliable in my home. Because of this, I cannot recommend it as a smart heating solution, even though there is a lot to like on paper.

Pricing and Value

Habi is positioned as an affordable smart heating option:

• Habi Smart radiator valves (TRVs) – around £40 each
• Habi Wireless thermostat and boiler control kit – around £80

Compared to some competitors, that is a very attractive price, especially when you factor in Matter over Thread support and the ability for the valves to trigger the boiler control.

Key Features and Specifications

The Habi range is built around modern smart home standards and a simple, no-frills app experience.

Matter and Smart Home Compatibility

• Matter over Thread compatible
• Works with Google Home, Apple Home, Amazon Alexa and SmartThings
• Initial setup is via the Habi app, after which you can control devices from your preferred platform
• Boiler control acts as a Thread border router for the Habi devices
• All products include a 5-year warranty

Habi Wireless Thermostat and Boiler Control

• Wireless thermostat powered by 2 × AA batteries
• ITLC advanced load compensation to avoid overshooting the target temperature
• Dial-based temperature adjustment and a function button
• Boiler receiver can control heating and, if applicable, separate hot water
• Receiver includes physical buttons for on, off and auto modes (follows schedules)

Habi Radiator Valves (TRVs)

• Powered by 2 × AA batteries
• Connect via Thread, using the boiler receiver as the border router
• Ultra-quiet valve actuation
• Onboard LCD display with a turn wheel and top button
• Child lock option available in the app
• Temperature offset adjustable by ±2.5°C in 0.5°C increments
• Includes a Danfoss RA adapter if you need it

What’s Missing?

Although the feature list looks good, there are a few notable omissions:

• No OpenTherm support. This will be a dealbreaker for people who want more advanced boiler modulation. Salus effectively sell the boiler control separately, so in theory an OpenTherm version could appear in future, but that is only speculation.
• No native geofencing or open window detection. Schedules are basic: on, off and boost, with no built-in location-based automation.

Personally, I am not too bothered about open window detection, but geofencing feels essential in a modern smart heating system so you are not paying to heat an empty home.

Design and Hardware

Boiler Control

The boiler control is a simple white box that would not look out of place on a wall, although mine lives in a cupboard. The physical buttons on the front are a big plus, letting you turn heating and hot water on, off or to auto even if wireless connectivity fails.

Wireless Thermostat

The thermostat has a rounded back piece and a protruding circular dial. There is a function button in the bottom-right corner and the dial is used to adjust temperature. The screen shows the essentials: current temperature, target temperature while adjusting, boost status and connectivity. The display only lights up when you interact with it.

Radiator Valves

The TRVs look very similar to Tado V3+ valves. The LCD is clear and simple, and with the wheel and button on top you can adjust most settings directly on the valve, which is genuinely handy once you know the controls. As a package, the design is simple, modern and unobtrusive.

Installation and Setup

I previously filmed a full setup video, so here is the shorter version of the process I followed.

Hardware Installation

• I replaced an existing Tado wireless control with the Habi boiler receiver and wired it in myself. If you are not comfortable with heating electrics, you should use a qualified heating engineer, which is an extra cost to consider.
• The wireless thermostat is screwed to the wall and is straightforward to mount.
• The TRVs simply screw onto existing adjustable radiator valves, with adapters included for common fittings.
• A nice touch: all packaging, including battery packaging, is cardboard. There is no plastic at all.

App Setup

Setup in the Habi app is generally smooth:

• Create an account, then create a home.
• Add the wireless boiler receiver first.
• If you sign in using Google or Apple and want to stay signed in, you must tick the “stay signed in” option in the app, even though the placement of this checkbox does not make that especially clear.
• Most of my devices paired quickly, although one radiator valve needed a few factory resets and restarts. I suspect there may have been some server downtime at the time, but it is hard to know for sure.
• Once devices are in the Habi app, you put each one into Matter pairing mode to add it into your chosen ecosystem such as Apple Home.
• Importantly, you pair using the Matter codes shown in the app rather than the printed codes that come in the box.

Habi App Experience

The Habi app is simple but functional and gives you control over devices, schedules and basic settings.

Home Screen and Device Control

• The Home screen shows devices and rooms along with their current and target temperatures.
• You can adjust the set temperature using plus and minus controls directly from the overview.
• Tapping into a device shows more details and controls, including on/off and schedule toggle.

Device Options

For each device you can:

• Change the device name and room
• Access and edit schedules
• See battery and connectivity status
• Turn on child lock
• Adjust temperature offset (very useful for TRVs)
• Use an identify mode to make the device light up so you can see which one you are working on

Schedules

Scheduling is one of the strongest parts of the Habi app:

• Create schedules per device
• Set the same schedule every day, weekdays and weekends, or different schedules per day
• Add multiple time slots, each with its own start time and target temperature

The interface for managing slots is well thought out and intuitive, making it easy to build a day’s heating pattern. There are also basic global options such as units, hour format, data collection and notifications. All devices have built-in frost protection for safety.

Matter and Apple Home Integration

Because Habi lacks native geofencing, I rely on Apple Home for location-based control and more advanced scheduling.

I have created automations in Apple Home that:

• Adjust temperatures at various times of day if someone is home
• Turn off heating when the last person leaves
• Run a shortcut when the first person returns, which checks the time and sets different rooms accordingly to effectively resume the schedule
• Integrate other devices such as my Meross Matter electric underfloor heating controller for the bathroom

When the Habi devices are online, this setup works well. The valves can call for heat from the boiler receiver and Apple Home handles the geofencing side of things.

Performance, Reliability and Battery Life

This is where the experience falls down for me.

Offline Devices and Border Router Issues

The biggest problem I have had is that devices keep going offline. The boiler receiver itself has been fine: it is on 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi with a static IP and has been rock solid. However, the wireless thermostat and several TRVs regularly lose their connection to the receiver.

When I contacted Habi support about my bedroom TRV, which was going offline more than any other, I was told it was due to low signal. That might be plausible, except the radiator in question is roughly 20 feet from the receiver downstairs with only a door in the way. The wireless thermostat, on the same floor as the bedroom and about ten feet from the receiver, also drops offline occasionally.

This suggests to me that the issue is not simple range but a weakness in the Thread border router implementation on the boiler receiver. Moving the receiver outside the cupboard did not solve the problem, and there does not seem to be any clear pattern to when devices drop off.

Testing and Troubleshooting

I even bought an extra radiator valve to see whether my bedroom valve was faulty. For a while I had two valves side by side: one connected and one not, which further highlighted how inconsistent the connection could be. The thermostat and another valve have also spent a fair amount of time offline, reinforcing my suspicion that this is a system-level issue rather than a single defective device.

Battery Life and Noise

In terms of battery usage, early indications from the TRVs suggest something in the region of six to nine months on a set of AA batteries, which is reasonable for this type of device.

The valves are quiet but not completely silent. You can hear them move, but they are quieter than Tado V3 valves, although not as quiet as the newer X valves. They should not wake you up at night.

Customer Service

It is worth noting that my experience with Habi’s customer service has been positive. During the pre-purchase phase I sent several emails with questions, and during weekday working hours the responses were quick and helpful. Unfortunately, good support does not fully compensate for a system that proves unreliable in day-to-day use.

Final Verdict: Great Idea, Let Down by Reliability

On paper, Habi gets a lot right. The pricing is very competitive, the design is modern and unobtrusive, the app is simple but effective, and Matter over Thread support with integration into platforms like Apple Home makes it very flexible. The ability for radiator valves to trigger heating is exactly what many people want as they move away from subscription-based platforms.

However, a heating system has to be reliable above all else, and in my experience Habi simply is not. Persistent issues with devices dropping offline, even at modest distances from the receiver, mean I cannot recommend it as a smart heating solution right now.

If you have tried Habi or other Salus products yourself, it would be interesting to hear whether you have had similar issues or a more reliable experience. For the moment though, despite its promise, Habi is not the Tado replacement I was hoping for.

The post Habi Smart Thermostat and Radiator Valves Review – Great Features, Poor Reliability appeared first on Mark's Tech Blogs.

Welcome to Mark’s Tech Blogs. Today I’m reviewing the Insta360 Go 3S, a compact action camera I’ve been using for the last six months. As someone who had never owned an action camera before, I wanted something versatile for vlogging and theme park trips. The Insta360 Go 3S has been my go-to device for capturing roller coaster footage and travel vlogs, and in this review I’ll break down my full experience.

First Impressions & Price

The Insta360 Go 3S retails at around £350 for the 64GB model and £370 for the 128GB version. Since there’s no expandable storage, I recommend the 128GB option. It’s available in black or white, and there’s a wide range of accessories. In my setup I’ve added a carry case, a small pocket case, wind muffs (£6.99 for four), a chest strap for roller coasters, the Quick Reader for easy file transfers, and the selfie stick tripod. Pricing feels competitive compared with other branded action cameras.

Design & Build

The Insta360 Go 3S is designed as a two-part system: the camera and the Action Pod. Together, they look like a standard action camera, but the camera can also be removed and used as a tiny, wearable device. It’s magnetic, which means you can mount it on metal surfaces – I even attached it to a lighting bar at a gig instead of using a tripod. The included attachment provides a shoe mount if needed.

The pod includes a flip-up touchscreen for selfie filming, power and mode buttons, a USB-C port, and microphone placement for the optional wind muff. Overall, the design is compact, pocket-friendly, and thoughtfully made for versatile use.

Technical Specs

• 4K video recording at 24/25/30fps
• Field of view options from UltraWide to “MegaView” distortion-free mode
• Built-in stabilization for smooth footage
• Gesture and voice controls, plus quick record buttons
• Apple Find My support for iOS users
• 38 minutes of standalone camera battery, or up to 140 minutes with the Action Pod
• IPX8 waterproofing up to 33ft with the lens guard
• Connectivity via Wi-Fi and the Insta360 app for iPhone, iPad, and Mac

The camera also supports creative modes like Timelapse, Slow Motion (2.7K), Star Lapse, Interval Photo, HDR, and FreeForm Video for cropping later to vertical or horizontal formats.

Setup & App Experience

Getting started with the Insta360 Go 3S is simple: unbox it, download the Insta360 app, and follow the pairing instructions. The camera connects via Wi-Fi, which means firmware updates require mobile data as you can’t use the app and home Wi-Fi simultaneously. The app allows access to video previews, manual settings (ISO, white balance, exposure), and exporting footage with stabilization applied. While raw files can be copied directly, stabilization requires export through the app or desktop software.

Real-World Use

Using the Insta360 Go 3S has been a mixed but largely positive experience. On the plus side, the compact size makes it perfect for travel, vlogging, and roller coaster POV shots using the chest strap. The magnetic pendant mount is great for walking POV footage, and stabilization is excellent even on wooden roller coasters. Video quality is impressive in daylight, and the Timelapse feature is particularly fun. Low-light video isn’t perfect, but it performs better than expected for such a small sensor.

Audio is acceptable for vlogging if the camera is facing you, though it struggles in noisy environments. Unfortunately, there’s no external microphone support despite Bluetooth being built-in, which feels like a missed opportunity. The device also gets quite warm, which impacts battery charging and long recordings. Exporting stabilized video through the app takes time, which can be frustrating for bulk files, though the Quick Reader accessory helps.

Verdict

The Insta360 Go 3S is a powerful pocket-sized action camera that delivers smooth, stabilized footage in a tiny, versatile package. It’s perfect for travel, theme park days, and vlogging on the go. While it has downsides – such as limited audio options, occasional overheating, and reliance on the Insta360 app for stabilization – it remains an excellent choice for creators who value portability and creative shooting modes.

Check out the Insta360 Go 3S through my links for current pricing and bundles, which may include free accessories.

The post Insta360 Go 3S Full Review – Tested on Roller Coasters appeared first on Mark's Tech Blogs.

Watch my full review here: Apple Watch Ultra 2 Video Review

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is one of the most capable smartwatches Apple has ever made, but with the newer Ultra 3 now available, is it still worth buying in 2025? In this review for Mark’s Tech Blogs, I’ll cover why I upgraded to the Apple Watch Ultra 2, what makes it such great value, and whether it’s the right upgrade for you.

Why I Upgraded to the Apple Watch Ultra 2

I’ve been using Apple Watches since 2017 and previously had the Series 7. Over time, battery life became an issue, so I decided it was time to upgrade. Instead of going straight for the Ultra 3, I opted for the Apple Watch Ultra 2. The reason? Value for money. While the Ultra 3 retails for around £750, I managed to pick up an Ultra 2 for around £400 with warranty, excellent battery health, and in near-new condition. This makes the Ultra 2 one of the best-value Apple Watches available right now.

What to Look for When Buying a Refurbished Apple Watch Ultra 2

If you’re considering the Ultra 2, buying refurbished is often the best way to save money. There are three key things to check:

• Age: The black finish has only been available for a year, so it’s easier to judge how old the watch is. The titanium version has been around longer.
• Battery Health: Ideally, aim for 95% or higher. A replacement battery from Apple costs around £95, so factor that in if needed.
• Condition: Some scuffs are normal, but you’ll want the watch to feel as close to new as possible.

Apple Watch Ultra 2 Features

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 comes with a 49mm titanium case and an always-on Retina display that reaches up to 3000 nits of brightness, making it clear even in bright sunlight. It includes heart-rate monitoring, ECG, blood oxygen tracking, sleep tracking with sleep scores, sleep apnoea notifications, and temperature sensing. It also supports cellular models with international emergency calling, fall detection, and crash detection.

Water resistance is another standout, with support up to 100m and diving depths of 40m. Inside, the Ultra 2 runs on the S9 chip with support for new gestures like double tap, wrist flicks, precision finding for iPhone, and faster Siri responses.

Design and Build

The Ultra 2 design is rugged yet stylish. The titanium body is durable, and the protective bezel around the display adds extra toughness. The new Action Button makes it easy to launch workouts or customise shortcuts, and while it weighs around 20 grams more than standard models, it still feels comfortable for all-day wear—including overnight for sleep tracking.

Everyday Use

From paying with Apple Pay to unlocking a Mac, controlling smart home devices, or checking notifications, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 fits seamlessly into daily life. Features like Transport Mode make it even quicker to tap onto the London Underground or buses, and the bright display with customisable complications ensures you always have quick access to important information.

The Action Button is especially useful for workouts. I use mine to instantly start outdoor runs, and paired with AirPods Pro 2 or Shokz headphones, the workout buddy feature gives spoken updates without being intrusive.

Battery Life

Apple claims 36 hours of battery life, and that’s accurate in my experience. I usually charge it every day and a half, but pushing it further could get you close to two full days. This makes the Apple Watch Ultra 2 far more reliable for travel or long days compared to older models like the Series 7, which struggled to last even a single day.

Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs Ultra 3

When compared to the Ultra 3, the differences are surprisingly small. The Ultra 3 offers satellite coverage, slightly better battery life, and minor performance gains. However, the Ultra 2 delivers nearly the same experience at a much lower cost if you buy refurbished. For most people, that makes the Ultra 2 the smarter choice in 2025 and even into 2026.

Is the Apple Watch Ultra 2 Worth It in 2025?

Yes. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 combines durability, excellent features, great performance, and strong battery life with the advantage of being available at a far lower price than the Ultra 3. If you’re looking for the best value Apple Watch in 2025, the Ultra 2 is the one to buy.

Buy the Apple Watch Ultra 2

The post Apple Watch Ultra 2 Review – Is This the Best Apple Watch to Buy in 2025? appeared first on Mark's Tech Blogs.

Being Matter-compatible, the Eve Matter Door and Window Sensor doesn’t require a dedicated hub. Instead, devices like a HomePod mini can act as the hub, thanks to Thread support. This makes it compatible with Apple Home, SmartThings, Alexa, Google Home, and Home Assistant. I’ve primarily tested it with Apple Home, but you can also use the Eve app for more advanced functionality, including fixing orphaned automations and monitoring battery status and usage stats.

One major downside is the battery performance. It uses a 1/2 AA battery, but Eve doesn’t provide an estimated battery life. In my four months of use, I’ve already gone through two batteries, despite the sensor only being triggered once per day on average. By comparison, my old Meross contact sensor lasted a year on one battery, making this a serious drawback for the Eve sensor.

Design of the Eve Matter Door and Window Sensor

The device has a clean, simple design consisting of two parts: the main body and the smaller contact sensor. Spacers are included if you need to adjust the installation height. The back slides off easily for battery replacement, which is convenient. While the design is functional, it’s not the most compact option on the market—the Aqara sensor I reviewed previously takes that crown and remains a strong competitor.

Setup and Installation

Setting up the Eve Matter Door and Window Sensor is straightforward. Pull the battery tab, open Apple Home, scan the QR code, and the device is ready to use. I recommend mounting it after pairing so you can test its status in Apple Home and ensure it monitors the right area.

How I’ve Been Using It

You can use the Eve Matter Door and Window Sensor in different ways:

• Receive notifications when contact is broken—useful for home security.
• Trigger automations—for example, I use it with my record player so that when contact is broken, it powers on my record player and speakers.

Although I could add a second automation to switch everything off after a set time, I don’t use the record player for a fixed duration. Instead, I use a separate automation to power everything down at midnight.

Performance and Reliability

In terms of responsiveness, the sensor works quickly and reliably. However, it does not expose battery level to Apple Home, which is frustrating considering how quickly it consumes power. By contrast, my Aqara sensor has been in use for nine months and still shows a good battery level. Given the Eve’s short battery life, I wouldn’t recommend using it in a high-traffic area like a front door.

Verdict: Should You Buy the Eve Matter Door and Window Sensor?

Despite its good design and fast response time, the Eve Matter Door and Window Sensor is severely let down by poor battery life. In my experience—and based on reviews from other users—this is a widespread issue. For that reason, I cannot recommend this product. I’ll personally be switching to a SwitchBot contact sensor soon, which I’ll be reviewing as well.

If you’ve used the Eve Matter Door and Window Sensor, I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments. You can also check out alternative options like the Aqara and SwitchBot contact sensors.

The post Eve Matter Door and Window Sensor Review appeared first on Mark's Tech Blogs.

Products shown in this video

CTKIAUSB.2 Kit: https://ebay.us/LeJCYj

Facia and Cable Adapter Kit: https://ebay.us/GOfycE

Pioneer CarPlay Stereo shown in the video: https://amzn.to/4940A7B

Watch my Kia Picanto after marker stereo installation tutorial here

The post Fitting a CTKIAUSB.2 to use built in USB & Aux with after market radio in a Kia Picanto appeared first on Mark's Tech Blogs.