About
Why this site exists, how our reviews work, and how we handle affiliate recommendations.
Our Mission
Modern Home Tech exists to make smart home decisions less confusing. We focus on products and setups that solve real household problems: saving power, improving security, running automations locally, and hosting useful tools without exposing your home network.
- Explain protocol trade-offs in plain English before you buy hubs or sensors.
- Prioritise gear that keeps working when cloud services slow down or disappear.
Cross-check compatibility, safety and local rules with official sources before you buy. Australian 240 V wiring, RCM labelling and hub protocols change with firmware updates, so confirm details against manufacturer docs and a licensed electrician when mains power is involved.
How We Review Products
We look at compatibility, setup effort, privacy, local-control options, replacement costs and long-term usefulness. Affiliate income can support the site, but it does not decide whether a product earns a recommendation.
When we compare switches, plugs or hubs, we note Australian wiring context, RCM or SAA labelling expectations and whether automations survive internet outages.
Cross-check compatibility, safety and local rules with official sources before you buy. Australian 240 V wiring, RCM labelling and hub protocols change with firmware updates, so confirm details against manufacturer docs and a licensed electrician when mains power is involved.
How We Test Smart Home Gear
When we recommend hardware, we check Australian buying context first: 240 V suitability, Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM) or SAA labelling on mains-powered gear, hub protocol (Zigbee, Thread, Matter, Wi-Fi), firmware update policy and whether the device still works if the vendor cloud goes offline. We note setup friction, app permissions and realistic automation limits, not just spec-sheet features.
We are not electricians or licensed installers. Guides explain trade-offs and link to manufacturer docs; hardwired work belongs with a qualified tradesperson. See our affiliate disclosure for how commissions work.
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Browse all guidesCross-check compatibility, safety and local rules with official sources before you buy. Australian 240 V wiring, RCM labelling and hub protocols change with firmware updates, so confirm details against manufacturer docs and a licensed electrician when mains power is involved.
