Sarah Mitchell
Senior Security Editor
Sarah covers home security systems, professional monitoring, and how modern alarm technology actually holds up in the real world. She has spent a decade testing and writing about connected-home safety.
Content is produced for an authorized Vivint dealer and may use AI assistance under human editorial review. See our editorial policy.
Articles by Sarah Mitchell
Yard Tools Get Smarter Too: What a Trending Worx Cart Deal Says About Home Upgrades in 2026
A viral deal on the Worx Aerocart, a multi-purpose wheelbarrow alternative, is a reminder that homeowners are investing in tools that save effort around the house. Home security and automation follow the same logic: the best upgrades reduce daily hassle while protecting what matters.
Sep 1, 2026 · 2 min readWhy Your Internet Provider Matters More Than You Think for Home Security
CNET's latest reader survey on internet service providers is a good reminder that your home network is the backbone of every smart device in your house, including your security system. Here's what the results mean for smart-home reliability.
Sep 1, 2026 · 2 min readRobot Mowers Get Smarter (and Cheaper): What the Mammotion Deals Mean for Your Connected Home
A wave of discounts on Mammotion's app-controlled, AI-vision robot mowers highlights a bigger trend: yard care is joining the smart home. Here's what that means for homeowners building out a connected property.
Aug 28, 2026 · 2 min readHow Many Security Cameras Does Your Home Actually Need?
There's no one-size-fits-all camera count for every home. Here's how to figure out the right number of security cameras based on your home's layout, entry points, and budget.
Aug 28, 2026 · 4 min readWhy "Smart Habits" Matter for Security Too: What an Espresso Tip Teaches Us About Home Protection
A CNET piece on the "right" amount of espresso to pack in a shot might seem worlds away from home security, but the underlying lesson (precision beats guesswork) applies just as much to protecting your home as it does to your morning coffee.
Aug 20, 2026 · 2 min readNight Vision Security Cameras Explained: How They Work and What to Look For in 2026
Not all night vision is created equal. Here is what infrared, color night vision, and low-light sensors actually do, plus how to choose a camera that keeps your property visible after dark.
Aug 1, 2026 · 4 min readNo-Subscription Security Cameras: Are They Really Free, or Just Cheaper Upfront?
A recent CNET roundup highlights security cameras that skip monthly fees. Here's what "no subscription" really means for storage, monitoring, and long-term value, and how to weigh it against a fully monitored smart home system.
Jul 26, 2026 · 2 min readGas vs. Electric Stoves: What a New Asthma Study Means for Your Smart Home
A new study links switching from gas to electric stoves with improved asthma symptoms, spotlighting indoor air quality as an overlooked home health issue. Here's what it means and how smart-home monitoring can help you stay ahead of it.
Jul 26, 2026 · 2 min readHome Automation 101: Why a Smart Home Is Safer and Smarter
Home automation has moved well past novelty gadgets. Here is a plain-English look at what it actually is, why it matters for your safety and budget, and how to start building a smart home that works for your family.
Jul 22, 2026 · 4 min readThe Best Smart Home Devices for Home Security in 2026
From smart locks to video doorbells, here are the smart home devices that actually make your house safer in 2026, and how to connect them into one system that works together.
Jul 22, 2026 · 4 min readWhat Is 24/7 Professional Monitoring, and Is It Worth It?
A closer look at how 24/7 professional monitoring works, what happens when an alarm trips at 3 a.m., and whether paying for round-the-clock monitoring makes sense for your household.
Jul 22, 2026 · 4 min readBest Outdoor Security Cameras of 2026
Shopping for an outdoor security camera in 2026? Here's what actually matters, from resolution and weatherproofing to smart alerts and professional monitoring, plus how to choose the right setup for your home.
Jul 22, 2026 · 3 min read