Gear Picks

All-in-one router, firewall, and WiFi 6 access point.

Why: The best single-device solution for serious home networking. Full UniFi ecosystem, VLAN support, and a controller built in. This is what we install.

WiFi 6 access point for homes and small offices.

Why: The entry point to the UniFi ecosystem. Pair with a UniFi router for proper network segmentation. Rock solid.

8-port managed switch with Power over Ethernet.

Why: Powers access points and IP cameras without separate adapters. Managed means you can set up VLANs properly.

WiFi 6 access point — best value for the price.

Why: If UniFi is out of budget, Omada is the next best thing. Solid performance, good controller app, proper VLAN support.

8-port managed gigabit switch.

Why: The most affordable way to get a managed switch with VLAN support. Perfect for a clean wired backbone.

2-bay NAS — best starter unit for most households.

Why: User-friendly OS, excellent mobile apps, automatic backup for your devices. The right first NAS for most people.

4-bay NAS with Intel processor — serious home cloud.

Why: Step up when you need more storage, faster transcoding, or want to run more apps locally. Built to last a decade.

NAS-optimized hard drives — the standard recommendation.

Why: Purpose-built for always-on NAS operation. Run two in RAID 1 for data redundancy. Available in 2TB–14TB.

Alternative to WD Red — solid and widely available.

Why: Our second choice for NAS drives. Same reliability profile, slightly different pricing at different capacities.

The brain for a local Home Assistant setup.

Why: Run Home Assistant locally on a Pi 5 and your automations work without internet, without clouds, without subscriptions. This is the setup we recommend.

Zigbee coordinator for local smart home control.

Why: Plug into your Home Assistant device and control Zigbee sensors, bulbs, and switches without any manufacturer cloud.

Travel router with built-in VPN support.

Why: Bring your home network with you. Connect to hotel WiFi and tunnel back to your home network securely. Runs OpenWrt.

Outdoor 4MP PoE IP camera — the workhorse of a UniFi Protect system.

Why: Weatherproof, wide-angle, night vision, and fully local. Pairs with any UniFi NVR or CloudKey. No subscription, no cloud. Your footage stays on your hardware.

Compact ceiling/soffit-mount dome camera for covered areas.

Why: Same specs as the Bullet in a lower-profile form. Better for porches, garages, and interior installs where you don't want a camera that sticks out.

4-bay Network Video Recorder — dedicated local storage for UniFi Protect.

Why: Purpose-built for camera systems. Handles 4–15 cameras with dedicated processing and drive bays for continuous recording. Simpler and more reliable than running cameras through a NAS. Already have a Synology? Check Surveillance Station compatibility first — but for a dedicated camera system, this is the right tool.

4K PoE IP camera — best value for local recording.

Why: No subscription, local storage via NVR or NAS, 4K resolution, color night vision. If UniFi is out of budget, Reolink is the next honest recommendation. Works with most ONVIF-compatible NVRs.

NVR + 4 or 8 PoE cameras — all-in-one starter system.

Why: The right starting point if you have nothing and want a complete local system fast. No cloud, no fees, footage stays on the NVR. Upgrade path to UniFi later if needed.

PoE video doorbell that integrates with UniFi Protect.

Why: The Ring alternative for UniFi setups. Powered by your PoE switch, recorded locally, no subscription. If you're already running UniFi, this is the obvious choice.

WiFi deadbolt with Apple Home Key and keypad.

Why: The most capable smart deadbolt for most households. Works with HomeKit, no hub required, physical keypad backup. Schlage hardware quality is a step above consumer-grade locks. This is what we'd put on a front door.

Slim touchscreen deadbolt — clean look, solid security.

Why: Best option when aesthetics matter. Works with Z-Wave, Zigbee, or WiFi depending on the module. Pairs well with Home Assistant for local control. No exposed keyhole on some models — forces digital entry.

Enterprise-grade door access controller for UniFi ecosystems.

Why: The professional solution for controlled entry — manages door strikes, readers, and schedules from the UniFi dashboard. Overkill for most homes, right-sized for small offices, rental properties, or anywhere you need audit logs and remote unlock.

NFC/keycard reader for UniFi Access systems.

Why: Pairs with the UniFi Access Hub. Supports NFC keycards and mobile credentials. Clean install, PoE powered. The reader your clients see every day — worth getting right.

Convert a wired alarm system to smart home compatible.

Why: Most older homes have wired door/window sensors already installed. Konnected lets you keep that reliable hardwired infrastructure and connect it to Home Assistant or SmartThings. Don't rip out what's already working — modernize it.

RJ45 pass-through crimping tool.

Why: The standard crimper in the field. Pass-through design makes terminating ethernet cables faster and cleaner.

Cable toner and probe kit.

Why: Find and trace cables through walls, panels, and bundles. A must-have for any structured cabling work.

Tool-free Cat6A keystone jacks — 10-pack.

Why: What we use for clean, reliable terminations. Tool-free punch-down makes installs faster.

Rackmount patch panel for structured wiring.

Why: Anchor your home wiring closet properly. Monoprice makes solid low-cost infrastructure gear.

Cable and port labeling — don't skip this.

Why: Label everything. Every cable, every port, every panel. You'll thank yourself six months later when you need to trace something.