Chris Hachey-Contributor

Chris Hachey

Contributor

October, 2025
Tech journalist with over 15 years of writing experience
Smart Home, Smart TV, Entertainment
  • 178
    articles
  • 119
    Features
  • 58
    Lists
  • 1
    Guides

About Chris Hachey

Chris Hachey is a contributor for MakeUseOf with years of experience covering consumer tech. He has been published on XDA-developers.com, Pocket-lint.com, BGR.com, and other tech sites. He is passionate about finding great deals on tech, testing out new consumer electronics, and sharing his insights into smart home devices.

From Bluetooth speakers and earbuds to 2-in-1 laptops, Chris has tested hundreds of products to provide his audience with real analysis on how well something works. When he's not looking for the latest and greatest in tech, he's probably spending too much time on his phone, playing with his dog or daughter, or watching his favorite sports teams. Follow him on X @hach_tag 
MuckRack

Latest

Importing data into a Excel using Power Query
I stopped cleaning messy data by hand the day I discovered this built-in Excel feature

I'm all for anything that makes Excel easier to use.

The Myggspray motion sensor in a corner of a room.
This $8 sensor unlocked more useful automations in my home than anything else I bought

I was surprised that something so cheap worked this well.

An Echo Spot in a bedroom on a table
5 smart home upgrades renters can actually make without losing their security deposit

Your landlord might pay you your security deposit back and more with these upgrades.

Featured Free on a Roku on a TV
I ditched cable for Roku's free channels and haven't looked back

There's so much at your fingertips for no cost.

A Moen Leak Detector is under the sink
4 smart kitchen gadgets that actually earned their counter space

This has made my kitchen a better place to be.

Amazon Smart Thermostat on a wall
These 4 smart home devices promised to save me time — they did the opposite

I just can't get used to these.

BSOD showing error code and qr for help.
QR codes were supposed to die — here's why they're more useful than ever

QR might stand for quit resistance.

echo show 8 with alexa using ai image creation
I've had an Alexa speaker for years — these 5 commands are the only ones I actually use

You can also ask Alexa ridiculous questions.

1
A new Moen kitchen sink faucet
6 small home upgrades that actually add value when you sell

If you are thinking of moving, try considering these.

Matter-Smart-Home-2
5 reasons I’m only buying Matter-compatible smart home devices now

The future is now.

A Milwaukee Sawzall Reciprocating Saw in a closed case
I bought my first Milwaukee power tool and now I understand why professionals swear by them

But it's never too late to start building up a new inventory.

A Ring Alarm Motion Detector on top of a cupboard
This $30 motion sensor ignores your pets but catches intruders

It was a nice surprise that fit into my smart home system.

An Echo Show 8 smart speaker in a kitchen
My smart home runs through this one device, and I stopped buying dedicated hubs years ago

I started with it and haven't looked back.

1
Alexa Echo Dot on a shelf, next to a sign and a small Grogu figure
I set up this Alexa automation so my lights turn on before I walk through the door

There's no surprising my house.

2
Maxfree Lithium AA rechargeable batteries next to gadgets
This is the only AA battery type I trust when the temperature drops

The cold never bothers them anyway.

A RYOBI ONE and Porter-Cable drill driver next to each other on a table
I own both a Ryobi and Porter Cable drill, and the winner comes down to one thing

Regardless, they both can get your DIY jobs done.

A Milwaukee Sawzall Reciprocating Saw
The one power tool I kept putting off buying turned out to be the most useful one I own

It seriously does so much.

1
A Craftsman toolbox filled with screwdrivers
I didn't know what half my screwdrivers were for until I organized my toolbox

It took me some time to figure some of them out.

TP-Link Wi-Fi 6 router in hand
Your router is probably dying and you don't even know it

Give your network the best chance at succeeding.

1
The profile settings in Prime Video
Your owned Prime Video movies shouldn't have ads — here's how to stop them

As a loyal Prime member, I wanted the best viewing possible.

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