Hi, I’m Harry. I review home tech and maker tools by living with them.
By day I program lighting for Broadway shows. At home I wire up my own apartment. So I check the things most reviews skip: does it stay connected, does it work when the internet drops, and is it nice to use on a regular Tuesday?
- I live with it first.Weeks on my own door, desk or bench before I write a word. First impressions go in, but they aren’t the verdict.
- I test it on a real network.Thread, Wi-Fi, Matter, Home Assistant. I check what happens when the internet goes out or the hub reboots.
- I tell you who should skip it.Every review says who it’s good for, and who would be happier with something else.
Latest
Aqara U400
I finally replaced my Yale. Here’s how the hands-free unlock holds up, and how it gets along with HomeKit and Home Assistant.
On the bench
What I’m testing right now. Want me to look at something? Tell me.
About me
I’m a lighting programmer. I’ve worked on 10+ Broadway shows, plus fashion week and TV. My job is making complicated gear behave the same way every night.
I started Harry’s Bench because friends kept asking me things like “which lock should I buy?” and “is that printer worth it?” These are the answers I give them, written down.
I buy most of what I review. When a company sends me something, I say so at the top. Some links earn me a small commission, and that never changes the verdict.