They’re also a cheap way to get into BirdNET and Apple HomeKit Secure Video if you get their cheapest security cams that have some weather proofing. You can get a microphone (and camera) outdoors without having to shell out a lot of money for a Raspberry Pi + microphone + all the protective casing required to keep it from breaking.

With software like Scrypted or Frigate, I was able to use an Apple TV 4K to get a security feed into my Apple Home with iCloud+. You don’t need to buy Homekit certified product.

They're also really cheap energy monitoring plugs, probably the cheapest from a known brand you can get. I also really like their light switches and they work great in HA. FWIW I also have them completely locked down on the network like all other IOT devices.