Best water monitor

Phyn Smart Water Assistant ($250 — currently available)

Phyn's water monitor is more affordable and requires less hassle than others on the market. That's because it doesn't require professional installation from a plumber, but it can still offer detailed insights into water usage in your home and notify you when there's a leak. The more advanced version of this assistant, the Phyn Plus, will actually shut off your main water line when it detects a leak. The caveat is that it's more than double the price at $600.

If you'd prefer not to spend so much money upfront and you don't have a trusty plumber who can get to your home quickly in case of a leak, then getting this smart water assistant may be a more strategic move.

Features like Plumbing Check can detect hard-to-spot seals and leaks and Pre-Freeze Warnings can give you enough time to prevent pipe damage in cold conditions, so you'll have peace of mind that your water systems are running smoothly. It's also great for households in drought-inclined environments because it tracks water usage down to individual appliances. The corresponding Phyn app is user-friendly and free to use, no subscription necessary. — Connie Chen, senior reporter