Latest news with #ChrisMonroe
CNET
29-07-2025
- CNET
How to Choose the Best Mounting Options for Your Home Security Camera -- I've Tried Them All
After you've decided the best place to put a new home security camera (while dodging the spots you should never put one), you have another choice to make. Security cams come with a variety of base and mounting options, which allow you to set and angle the camera in many ways -- while keeping the camera firmly where you put it. I've tested all kinds of these mounts, from adhesive tape models to screw-in bases, magnetic attachments and more. Below, I'm breaking down what I think of these camera options, which are my favorites and how they can work on different spots and surfaces in your home, too. I've discussed the best spots to install your security camera as well as the worst places to put cams, but there's another important decision home security adopters must make. What sort of mounting option -- how you attach and position the cam -- is best? Security cameras need to stay in place, and I've tested models that come with screws, sticky tape, wires and more. Some even give you a few choices for mounting, so I'm going over all the different kinds of mounts and bases and which methods I think are best. So, which camera mount is best? Magnetic mounts are some of my favorite camera installations. Chris Monroe/CNET The best camera mounts remain versatile while offering reliability in all kinds of conditions. My personal favorites are screw-in or wire-in mounts that use magnetic connectors for the camera so you can easily adjust or remove it. That includes Google Nest options, custom Arlo magnetic mounts and certain Tapo cams. However, traditional screw-in bases have their advantages, and wireless shelf mounts have a versatility that's hard to beat. However, if you're using an adhesive mount or light bulb socket mount, I've found these options are much more limited in where they can go. I'll take each choice one at a time so you can see what I mean. Screw-in wall bases The Blink Outdoor 4 has an adjustable mount that's sturdy enough to stay at the right angle. Tyler Lacoma/CNET Screw-in bases use a couple of screws to attach a camera base to a wall, so users can then attach the camera to the base and angle it. It's a no-nonsense approach that's very reliable for outdoor camera installation, especially wireless cameras (they work on indoor walls, too). You don't have to worry about the base falling down in a windstorm and they're pretty hardy against other elements. The only trick with screw-in bases is that you need to find the right spot and material to screw them in. That can be harder than it sounds. Screwing into stucco, for example, doesn't work well without specialized components and may damage the stucco. And my house has fiber cement siding, which you can't drill through, so many prime locations for security cameras are off limits. These cases require a little creativity, like finding siding, eaves or a fence post that you can screw into safely -- preferably non-structural wood. Screw-in base with magnetic mount Magnetic mounts make cams easy to adjust and charge. Chris Monroe/CNET Another type of screw-in mount uses a magnetic base instead of a physical latch-on design to attach the camera. Nest's outdoor floodlight is one example of how these magnetic bases work, but Tapo and many other brands also have them. This is my favorite version of screw-in mounts. The cameras are so easy to pop off and clean, or make small adjustments to the angle to get them just right. The only issue is that wind or time can somewhat dislodge them, so you may need to course-correct after a while. Wired-in mounts Wired-in cams need a junction box but make great options for floodlights. Tyler Lacoma/CNET I prefer wireless cameras outdoors, simply because of the options they open up for placement. But there's another popular type of camera mount, a wired-in solution where the camera is directly connected to the home's electrical system. This is more common with floodlight cameras, larger dome security cameras, any PoE (Power over Ethernet, which requires a cable connection) camera and similar models. On the plus side, you never have to worry about battery issues with these cameras. However, they may fail if your home loses power. Also, they're a bit of work to install. You'll need to replace the base, plus strip and connect three wires, which not everyone is comfortable with. Also, it requires a junction box or similar wired opening, which limits these cameras to spots where lights or cams are already installed. Overall, I liked wired-in solutions for any camera with big light panels, which don't usually play well with battery models. Plug-in shelf mounts (indoor) The Blink Mini 2 offers shelf and wall mounting options, but you'll need an outlet connection. Tyler Lacoma/CNET The quintessential indoor camera is a simple plug-in model that requires a nearby wall outlet, usually with a cable that's around 4 to 6 feet long. No work involved here, just plug and play -- as long as you have a handy shelf or table to put the camera on. This is a strictly indoor mounting option unless you have specialized outdoor-safe cables. It's a simple, cheap choice, but I recommend picking the exact outlet and spot on a shelf where you will use a security camera first. Many of these plug-in models have pan/tilt features, so they can fit in an out-of-the-way place. Wireless shelf mounts Ring's battery cam is on the higher-end pricewise, but offers a versatile, weather resistant option to watch the kids wherever they are. Tyler Lacoma/CNET This is a rare type of shelf and table mount that supports a wireless, battery-powered camera. Only a few brands offer this option. Nest's indoor/outdoor cam has a compatible cam stand that can charge it, but you don't have to plug it in when the camera is charged, which makes it more maneuverable. More versatile is the Ring Outdoor Cam Plus, previously called the Ring Stick Up Cam, which has shelf/table mounts and a built-in battery. I like this option because you can move these cameras around, taking them from a playroom to an entryway to a backyard, whatever you want to keep an eye on. They also have more permanent mounting options. Adhesive sticker mounts Adhesive mounts work well in some scenarios, but aren't a great fit for many security cameras. 3M Some cameras come with bases similar to screw-in models, but with two-sided adhesive stickers to attach the cam. I'm not going to knock these adhesive pads much: They're usually 3M stickers designed for outside use and they're seriously powerful. But they aren't a great fit for security cameras. Security cams, especially outdoor models, tend to be heavy and a single adhesive strip doesn't, in my experience, hold for very long before the weather and weight lead to cameras falling. There's also another issue -- these adhesive stickers require a smooth, flat, very clean surface to work well. That means you can't use them on siding, concrete or any type of wood or stone. They're mostly limited to metal and glass outdoors, so people may have a hard time finding a spot. Only choose this option for small, lightweight security cams. Many cams with adhesive options still include a screw-in alternative. Light bulb mounts Eversecu's budget model is a cheap way to add a security camera but limited in placement. Eversecu Light bulb mounts, like they sound, are used for special security cameras that screw into light bulb sockets, like a socket above your porch or entryway. That sounds convenient, and it absolutely can be in the right situations, but this is probably my least-favorite mounting option. Light bulb cameras are cheap, but they're usually very limited and lack the quality or extra features that other security cams do. You also lose a light in an important spot for a not-as-useful spotlight instead. And while these cams can usually rotate, they are limited to what they can see from a light socket, so you have very few placement options. It's a fun idea, but rarely practical in the real world. I do recommend them for small, out-of-the-way additions for those who don't want to add a bunch of complex home security. What about solar panel add-ons? If you're mounting a wireless outdoor camera, you also have the option of adding a compatible solar panel to most brands. That means you don't have to worry about replacing the rechargeable battery -- but you will need to install the solar panel at the right angle or find a model with a solar panel built in. The process takes extra work and placement, and won't be as effective in every climate. But if you are getting a wireless outdoor camera for the right sunny spot, it's certainly worth considering. Since you're here, why not stop by my guide to the best DIY home security systems, too?
CNET
25-07-2025
- CNET
I Tried These 4 Easy Router Tweaks to Solve My Slow Wi-Fi Issues
Like most everyone I know, I rely on the internet for nearly everything: streaming, working, gaming and keeping all my smart devices running smoothly. A fast, stable internet connection isn't a luxury anymore; it's a necessity. But even though I'm paying for gigabit internet, I still run into random slowdowns and frustrating Wi-Fi dead zones in the house. If you've been in the same boat, you get it. It's annoying when your speeds don't match what you're paying for, especially as the internet price tends to increase yearly. The good news is that there are a few easy tweaks that can seriously boost your internet performance -- and you don't have to be a tech expert to do them. To keep your Wi-Fi running smoothly, consider these simple tips and tricks. They are designed to optimize your Wi-Fi set-up and keep your Zoom meetings and gaming sessions running uninterrupted. Read More: Best Wi-Fi 6 Routers for 2025 1. Invest in the right router for your space First things first: you can trace many connection issues back to your equipment. It all starts with choosing the right router. Not all routers are the same, and your wireless speeds depend on variables like the size and layout of your home. Locating local internet providers A single wireless access point should suffice for most apartments and smaller homes (under 1,500 square feet). If your router is several years old, consider upgrading to a newer model or Wi-Fi 6E. That's not the latest and greatest generation of Wi-Fi technology -- that would be Wi-Fi 7 -- but it's newer than what most have in their homes. It should give you faster wireless speeds and better overall coverage for a reasonable price. For bigger, multilevel homes, it's worth considering upgrading to a mesh network to offer consistent coverage throughout the house. If you install the main access point and find that a far corner of your home doesn't have solid wireless coverage, just add another node to that area. Problem solved. To learn more, check out our list of the best mesh routers. If you need some additional guidance, consult our router buying guide. It's worth noting that where you place the primary access point still matters, regardless of whether you have a single access point or a mesh network. 2. Find the best place for your router Chris Monroe/CNET When you first move into a new home or apartment, the modem is usually installed along the wall in one of the far reaches of the house. This is simply because that's where the line comes into the house and the technician's job is to set up the connection, not optimize your network. That part is up to you. It's tempting to leave everything where the technician set it up, especially if you feel clueless about the best place to put a router, but it's unlikely that the original location is the most optimal place for your router. That said, location might just be the most important consideration when trying to boost your Wi-Fi. Even if you have the newest router technology, you might not be getting the fastest speeds if your router is poorly placed. Here Are The Wi-Fi Range Extenders We Recommend Here Are The Wi-Fi Range Extenders We Recommend Click to unmute Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Skip Backward Skip Forward Next playlist item Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 4:45 Loaded : 2.10% 0:00 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 4:45 Share Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Close Modal Dialog This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. Close Modal Dialog This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. Here Are The Wi-Fi Range Extenders We Recommend Choose a central location Routers send the signal out in all directions. If you keep your router in the left corner of the house, you're losing wireless coverage, and if your neighbors can guess your Wi-Fi password, they can easily access your network. Moving the router to a central location is your best bet for consistent speeds (and network security). Installing a router across the house from the modem may prove troublesome. It may require manually running an especially long Ethernet cable under the floor or along the bottom of your walls, or enlisting the help of power line network adapters, which use your home's electrical wiring to pass an internet signal from point to point. The improved wireless coverage will be worth it. If you're curious about the difference between a Wi-Fi and Ethernet connection, former CNET broadband writer Hallie Seltzer tested both connections at her house to determine which worked better. Raise the router Routers tend to spread their strongest signals downward, so it's best to mount the router as high as possible to maximize coverage. Try placing it high on a bookshelf or mounting it on the wall. Search online, and you'll find many custom wall mounts built for specific routers, like this stick-up mount for the Eero Pro 6 mesh router. A router mount is an easy solution if you're struggling to find an elevated spot for your router without a tangle of messy cords. Avoid other electronics Pick a location that's away from other electronics and large metal objects. The more walls, large obstructions and electronics near your router, the higher the chances are that something will interfere with the strength of your signal. One type of electronic device to especially avoid is the microwave, which emits a strong signal in the 2.4GHz band, the same wireless band your router operates in. Be careful not to stick your router behind a large TV, which can cause electronic interference while also physically blocking or disrupting the signal. Along with electronics, keep an eye out for bulky furniture and the like that might be limiting the signal's reach. Wi-Fi doesn't travel well through water, for instance, so if you have an aquarium in your home, try to avoid situations where it'll be in between your router and the device that needs to connect. 3. Change Wi-Fi channels The Wi-Fi bands your router uses affect your speeds, but it's pretty easy to switch between channels. Most routers come with 2.4Ghz or 5GHz channels -- you can think of those channels as the highway your internet network uses to transmit data. More advanced routers, like the Wi-Fi 6E and the Wi-Fi 7, come equipped with a 6GHz channel. You should be able to switch your router's Wi-Fi band in the Wi-Fi network settings, though that may differ slightly depending on the router. While most routers use a dual-band technology, which allows them to use both frequencies at the same time, you may be able to choose a Wi-Fi band to prioritize. The 2.4GHz band offers a wider range but is slower than the 5GHz band. Conversely, the 5GHz band is faster, but it struggles with short range and keeping your entire house connected at fast speeds. Still, switching channels is a quick solution to slow Wi-Fi. 4. Set up your Wi-Fi antennas properly Some routers have no antennas at all, but some have up to eight. These antennas help direct the signal. If there are two or more antennas on your router, don't position them all in the same direction. Instead, make them perpendicular to one another -- position one horizontally and the other vertically. Or slightly change the position of all the antennas to cover a wide range of angles. You might have to experiment with speed tests to find the most effective configuration. The signal from each of those antennas will come out like a wave traveling in all directions, and that wave will be perpendicular to the antenna itself, so a vertical antenna is going to be more helpful in single-story homes, while a horizontal or angled antenna is going to put out a signal that travels upward, which might be more useful in a multistory home. Wi-Fi mapping software -- like NetSpot -- can help you visualize your network's strengths and find and address weak spots. Matt Elliott/CNET 5. Map your Wi-Fi signal In worst-case scenarios, you may have to map out the Wi-Fi signal in your home to find dead zones and analyze the range of coverage. Several years ago, we used the NetSpot software to map out the signal strength throughout the CNET Smart Home. Ultimately, we got a great look at the weak spots in our Wi-Fi network, which helped us shore things up by moving our hardware to more optimal locations.
CNET
11-07-2025
- Business
- CNET
Anti-Prime Day Deal: Google Nest Audio Speaker Is $30 Off at Best Buy
Smart speakers have been around for a while and are often used to play music in smart homes. You can also talk to them and issue commands, like to turn off lights or preheat your oven. If you're looking for deals during Amazon's Prime Day event, many smart speakers are on sale. But why not expand the search with an anti-Prime Day deal? Here's where Best Buy's "Black Friday in July" discounts come in. The Google Nest Audio speaker is $30 off right now -- higher than the $50 off earlier today, though, if you're keeping score -- marked down to $70. We took a closer look at the Google Nest Audio when it launched in 2020. It's a wired speaker, so it'll need to hang out next to an outlet. It has touch-sensitive buttons on top to control commands such as play and pause, volume and more. The Nest Audio looks like a Google speaker through and through, with the hallmark fabric wrapping. People with the old Google Home could take this opportunity to upgrade, as our review notes that the sound quality is "absolutely better" than that of its predecessor. The only issue we could find is that you may need to keep the volume a little higher than normal to get the sound you want. The Nest Audio is an excellent bookshelf speaker, especially at its discounted price. Chris Monroe/CNET I don't have experience with the Nest Audio, but I do own a Google Home Hub that I received as a Christmas present some years ago and that's been dutifully sitting in my kitchen, pumping out jams while I cook. The experience is a little different since mine has a display, but the Home Hub works perfectly with voice commands, and the Nest Audio will do just as well at turning off your lights or answering questions. Let CNET help you find deals. Sign up for our text service. It's free, easy to use, and it'll help you navigate Amazon Prime Day without being glued to your phone all day. Smart speakers can be a big decision because many smart homes are based around them. Choosing an ecosystem can have an impact in the long run. If you're not a Google fan, we have a list of the best smart speakers on the market from Amazon, Apple and Sonos. No, really, you should consider getting two Getting one of these smart speakers for $30 off is a solid deal, no matter which way you look at it. However, I'd encourage you to consider buying two; these speakers can be set up as a stereo pair, giving you a more immersive music experience. We note in our review that the channel separation is quite good, and a set of stereo speakers that can also answer questions, turn off lights and do other stuff is a surprisingly easy deal to recommend.
CNET
10-07-2025
- Business
- CNET
Anti-Prime Day Deal: Google Nest Audio Speaker Is 50% Off at Best Buy
Smart speakers have been around for a while and are often used as the centerpiece in smart homes to play music. You can also talk to them and issue commands like turning off lights or preheating your oven. If you're looking for deals during Amazon's Prime Day sale, many smart speakers are on sale. But why not expand the search with an anti-Prime Day deal? Here's where Best Buy's "Black Friday in July" discounts come in. The Google Nest Audio is a pretty good speaker, and it's 50% off right now, marked down to $50. We took a closer look at the Google Nest Audio when it launched in 2020. It's a wired speaker, so it'll need to hang out next to an outlet. It has touch-sensitive buttons on top to control things like play and pause, volume and more. The Nest Audio looks like a Google speaker through and through, with the hallmark fabric wrapping. Those with the old Google Home could also take this opportunity to upgrade, as our review notes that the sound quality is "absolutely better" than its predecessor. The only problem we could find is that you may need to keep the volume a little higher than normal to get the sound you want. The Nest Audio is an excellent bookshelf speaker, especially at its discounted price. Chris Monroe/CNET I don't have experience with the Nest Audio, but I do own a Google Home Hub that has been dutifully sitting in my kitchen, pumping out jams while I cook since I received it as a Christmas present some years ago. The experience is a little different since mine has a display, but the Home Hub works perfectly with voice commands, and the Nest Audio will do just as well at turning off your lights or answering questions. We looked around, and it seems this deal is only available at Best Buy. This is doubly nice since you can pick up the speaker in-store today if you don't want to wait for shipping. Let CNET help you find deals. Sign up for our text service. It's free, easy to use, and it'll help you navigate Amazon Prime Day without being glued to your phone all day. Smart speakers can be a big decision since many smart homes are based around them. Choosing an ecosystem can have an impact in the long run. If you're not a Google fan, we have a list of the best smart speakers on the market from Amazon, Apple and Sonos. No, really, you should consider getting two Getting one of these smart speakers for half off is a heck of a deal, no matter which way you look at it. However, I'd argue to consider buying two. It's essentially a buy-one-get-one proposition at that point. The reason is that these speakers can be set up as a stereo pair, giving you a more immersive music experience. We note in our review that the channel separation is quite good, and $100 for a set of stereo speakers that can also answer questions, turn off lights and do other stuff is a surprisingly easy deal to recommend. Even if you don't go that route, 50% off a smart speaker is a deal that speaks for itself, pun squarely intended.
CNET
24-06-2025
- CNET
Pro Tips: How to Charge Your Battery-Powered Wireless Security Cameras
Easy installation and the ability to place them anywhere make the best wireless security cameras really useful, particularly in summer months, where bright sunshine can hurt your video feed. Not to forget, these are especially important in the fight against porch pirates, who, according to a recent CNET survey, have stolen from one in six US adults. However, having to manage the power supply to them is a caveat you will have to deal with a few times a year. So, if you're new to battery-powered security cameras and are wondering how to keep them powered and your security system functioning at all times, we've got you covered. Remember, charging a drained battery isn't complicated, but there are a few things you should know to make it pain-free. Having tested dozens of wireless security cameras, I'm well acquainted with recharging techniques, so here are the best ways to go about it. Read more: Best Wireless Home Security Cameras Detach your security cam from its mount Magnetic bases make recharging especially easy. Chris Monroe/CNET When you get a low battery warning on your camera app, it's time to access your cam and pull it from its mount. Many cams, like the Nest Cam or Tapo's outdoor cams, make this easy with magnetic bases -- you can simply reach up and grab the cam to pull it off its base. Some cams are more locked into their mounts, so you'll need more leverage and a firm grip. Be as gentle as possible to avoid damaging the camera. Some cams use battery packs you will need to disconnect to charge. Arlo Certain video devices, like many of Ring's video doorbells plus some Arlo and Ring cams, have detachable battery packs that you slide out while leaving the device in place. In theory that sounds easy enough, but in practice, I've found I like removing the entire camera to charge. It's typically easier and faster than removing a battery pack. The advantage of battery packs is that you can buy a few and have a previously charged pack ready to go for your cam. Finally, this is an excellent opportunity to clean your security cam with a clean, soft cloth to get the outdoor dust and grime off. Bring the cam inside and connect to its USB cable The Nest Cam (Battery) comes with a charging cable and wall plate for mounting. Molly Price/CNET Your wireless cam package should have included a USB cable for charging. Find the USB port on your cam and open it up to connect the cable. These ports are usually protected from the elements by covers and plugs, so you'll need to uncover it first. Connect the USB cable so that it's firmly in place. There is one exception to this process: Some security cams, notably models like the Blink Outdoor 4, use long-lasting AA lithium batteries that are rarely rechargeable and should be replaced. For these cams, you'll need to manually remove the AA lithium batteries and install new ones. Do not use standard AA batteries for these cams. Plug the USB cable into a power source to start charging Use the cable and adapter that cam with your camera. Lorex You can now connect the USB cable to a matching charging-capable port on your computer, or to the included power adapter you can plug into a wall outlet. If your cam came with an adapter then always use it if possible, as its voltage was designed to match your cam battery. Two important notes about starting to charge. First, don't use off-brand chargers with your security camera batteries. They may get the job done, but they can be bad for the batteries and less reliable than the brand option. Second, don't charge your camera near hot spots, such as heaters, fireplaces or on top of PC towers. The heat can damage both the battery and the camera. Watch your app and LED indicators to monitor charging Your app or a set of indicator lights should tell you when the battery is done charging. Ring Most apps will let you check on charging batteries or give you a notification when the battery is charged and ready to go. In some cases, the battery pack or cam will have an LED indicator that changes color (usually to a happier green or blue) when the battery is charged. It can take several hours -- you can usually leave the cam battery charging overnight if you prefer. Unplug the cam and reposition it on the mount The Blink Outdoor 4 has an adjustable mount that's sturdy enough to stay at the right angle. Tyler Lacoma/CNET At full charge, remove the cam and place it back on the mount. With magnetic bases, you may need to make some small adjustment to get the camera at the right angle again, an unavoidable price to pay for this kind of swift dismounting. Tap back into your app and check the camera's live view to make sure everything is working as it should.\ Read more: The Best Home Security When You're Off the Grid Add a solar panel to make charging easier Solar panels are a minor installation that can save a lot of camera hassle. Tyler Lacoma/CNET If recharging your wireless cameras seems exhausting just reading about it, you should take a look at an increasingly popular option: camera solar panels. Most security camera companies also produce solar panels that connect to their cams and are mounted right beside them or in a nearby spot where they can catch lots of sun. These solar panels automatically recharge the camera battery. With enough sun, they can continue recharging and keep the battery topped off. You rarely, if ever, need to manually recharge yourself if you have a well-placed solar panel. Round off your home security knowledge with a look at our best video doorbells (with many wireless models), the best home security cameras without a subscription and the best 4K cams for high definition video.
