About SmartHome.shalkot.com
Our Austin, TX testing lab, May 2026
We Test Smart Home Tech So You Don’t Waste Money
SmartHome.shalkot.com is an independent product testing site based in Austin, Texas. We launched in 2022 after getting burned by $4.99/month subscription fees that weren’t disclosed upfront.
Our mission for 2026: Find the best smart home devices with no mandatory subscriptions, test them for 30+ days in real homes, and show you the true 3-year cost.
Meet the Team
John Smith – Lead Tester & Founder
8 years in IoT and home automation. Former network engineer. I’ve installed 200+ smart devices across 3 test homes in Austin. Every product on this site was purchased with our own money. We never accept freebies from brands — that’s how we stay unbiased.
Certifications: CompTIA Network+, Matter 1.3 Certified Installer 2026
Contact: john@smarthome.kherifootwear.com
How We’re Different in 2026
- US-based testing: All tests done in Austin, TX homes with US power, WiFi, and weather conditions.
- No subscription bias: We prioritize devices with local storage and no monthly fees. If a product requires a sub, we show you the 3-year total cost upfront.
- 2026 standards: Every device is tested with Matter 1.3, Apple Home, Google Home, and Alexa as of May 2026.
- Updated monthly: Prices and firmware change fast. We re-test and update reviews every 30 days.
Our Testing Process
Read our full Editorial Policy to see exactly how we test cameras, doorbells, and smart hubs. Short version: 30 days minimum, 3 locations, night tests, false alert tracking, and subscription cost analysis.
Contact Us
Address: 123 Main St, Suite 4B, Austin, TX 78701, United States
Phone: +1 512-555-0199
Email: hello@smarthome.kherifootwear.com
Business Hours: Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm CST
Have a product you want tested? Send us a message. We buy all suggestions ourselves.
SmartHome.shalkot.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Read our Affiliate Disclosure.