The stability, security, and ease of use of smart home products depend on the synergy between software and hardware. We continually test alternatives, but as of 2024, the highest quality still comes from suppliers who focus on hardware and heavily invest in both areas. The cost of high-quality products reflects the investment in their development. Open-source software (e.g., Home Assistant) and open standard communication protocols (e.g., Matter) have limitations in controlling hardware when it comes to ensuring stability, reliability, and a high-quality user experience. This is why most DIY smart homes, equipped with cost-effective products, often operate inefficiently and lack consistency, resembling more of a “Dumb Home” than a smart one.