Expert Advice

If you've been curious about smart home tech but don't know where to start, a smart plug is the answer. It's the cheapest, simplest gadget in the smart home world — and arguably the most useful. For less than the price of a takeaway, you can make almost any appliance in your house controllable from your phone. Here's everything you need to know, plus ten practical ways to put one to work.

Here's how to combine the Shelly products available at Maplin into setups that genuinely make life easier — whether you're starting from scratch or levelling up an existing system.

Matter is one of the most significant developments in smart home technology in years. But if you're not sure what it actually means for you as a buyer — or whether it changes what you should be buying right now — this guide explains it clearly and practically.

A few well-chosen smart devices can save you money on energy bills, make your home more secure, and take the hassle out of daily routines — all for less than you might expect. This guide walks you through exactly where to start, what to buy first, and how to build up your setup over time without blowing the budget.