Erika Rawes
Former Smart Home Evergreen Coordinator
Author/Co-Author of 320 articles
Erika became a professional writer in 2010, and her work is published all over the web on sites ranging from USA Today to Lifewire. Erika has reviewed more than 150 consumer technology products, and she primarily covers smart home evergreen content here at Digital Trends.
The best home security cameras for 2025
Looking for a camera smart enough to protect your home and property when you're away? The best home security cameras for 2025 have all the features you'll need.
The best video doorbells for 2025
Keep a watch on your front porch with the best video doorbells for 2025. These products feature smart cameras, so you can check the door from anywhere.
The best smart locks for 2025
A good smart lock should offer a combination of security, aesthetics, and convenience. We share our favorite smart locks for 2025 and what we love about them.
The most common Instant Pot problems and how to fix them
Instant Pots are safe, high-tech, and can do almost anything -- but they can be tough to figure out. We list common Instant Pot problems and how to fix them.
How to Drop In on an Echo, Echo Show, or Echo Dot
Amazon's Drop In feature allows users to communicate through Echo devices. Here's how to use the Drop In feature with your Echo smart speakers.
Can Alexa call 911? How to set up Alexa for emergencies
You may be wondering whether or not Alexa can call 911. Here's how to use Alexa to help promote safety.
How to clean a humidifier
If the air you're breathing in seems a bit gross, it might be your humidifier. Here's how to clean your humidifer in a few simple steps.
The best outdoor smart plugs for 2023
Want to get your exterior lights up, but don't want to have to go outside to turn them on or off? Check out some of these app-controlled outdoor smart plugs.
Your Christmas tree might be bright, but here’s how to make it smart
Making a smart Christmas tree is easier than you think with the right products and apps. Here's how to set schedules, control colors, sync to music, and more!
The best electric toothbrushes
Electric toothbrushes take all the push and pull out of manual brushing, giving you a deeper clean. Here are our favorite electric toothbrushes on the market.
The best Google Home tips, tricks, and Easter eggs
Google Home can do a lot more than you think. Here are some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of Google Home and its growing ecosystem of gadgets.
The best air fryers under $100
While air fryers are a great addition to any kitchen, they can be quite expensive. We've found the best air fryers under $100 for people who are on a budget.
Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Pro review: More bird’s-eye view for your home
What does the Floodlight Cam Wired Pro have to offer? Is it worth the investment? Check out our full review to find out.
Amazon Echo Flex vs. Echo Dot
The Echo Dot and Echo Flex are two of Amazon’s smallest smart speakers with Alexa, but how are they different? We take a look at both to find the best for you.
The best smart home tech of CES 2020: Lockly Vision, Lucy Vacuum, and more
From lighting to security devices to kitchen gadgets, CES 2020 had a ton of cool smart home tech. After looking at dozens of different products, the smart home team at Digital Trends voted on the best smart home tech at CES 2020. Here are our selections.
Shark IQ Robot R101AE Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum review
The Shark IQ Robot R101AE claims to have exceptional suction power, a self-cleaning brush roll, and advanced mapping capabilities. I put it to the test.
Can Casper’s Glow Light help the sleep deprived? I tried it to find out
Casper, the same company that sells luxury mattress, created a light that's designed to help you fall asleep. What is it all about? And, more importantly, does it really work? I tried the Casper Glow to find out if it really can help with sleep. Here's how things went with Casper's Glow night light.
The best last-minute smart home gifts of 2018
Looking for a cool tech gadget to buy for someone during the holidays? With the holidays quickly approaching, we sorted through the gadgets we researched and tested throughout 2018 to determine which gadgets would make the best gifts. These are our picks for the best last-minute smart home gifts for 2018.
How to stop package thieves
Online shopping is becoming more the norm and is becoming the preferred method of buying. Porch pirates are a major drawback to shopping on the web though. Nearly one in five people in the U.S. have had a package stolen. How can you protect yourself from porch pirates this holiday season? Here are some tips.
Front-load vs. top-load washers
Front-load and top-load washers both have pros and cons. If you think the only difference between these washers is how the doors open, this guide is for you.
Amazon Echo vs. Echo Dot: Battle of siblings
Amazon Echo versus Dot: We break down the differences with information about the Echo and the Dot so you can decide which smart speaker is right for your home.
The best hair dryers
Not all hair dryers are created equally. We've rounded up some of the best options on the market right now, no matter your budget, hair length, or hair type.
The best grocery delivery apps
Not in the mood to leave your house for a trip to the grocery store? Delivery services like Instacart, Peapod, and Amazon Prime Now can shop for you.
The Best Food Delivery Service Apps for 2022
Staying home? You can use a food delivery service to get meals right to your door. These are the best food delivery apps. See if your fave is on the list.
The best air purifiers
The air we breathe indoors should be as clean and pure as possible. Our picks for the best air purifiers help rid your home of allergens and contaminants.
The best steam cleaners
A steam cleaner can clean and even sanitize almost anything. Finding the right steam cleaner can be tough, but these are some of the better options available.
The best alarm clocks
People have different sleeping habits, but the best alarm clocks are able to match both your lifestyle and budget. Here are the best alarm clocks we found.
Alexa Guard vs. Alexa Guard Plus
What's the difference between Alexa Guard and Alexa Guard Plus? We break down the two services, including pricing, features, compatibility, and availability.