You need your home and your home needs you! It is therefore essential that you make the best of your smart home needs.
Sometimes, money may not be that forthcoming. What can you do in such situations?
Building a smart home doesn't have to break the bank. That's why I have put together six types of cheap gadgets that can add convenience, efficiency, and a cool factor to your home. Let's look at these below.
Smart Plugs
What the smart plugs😁😁😁😊😂🙋🙋🙋 do: They can turn any device with a power cord (lamps, fans, coffee makers, holiday lights) into a "smart" device that you can control with your phone or voice assistant.
Cool factor: Automate your old appliances! Set a schedule for your lamp or turn off your iron remotely.
Budget range: Often one of the cheapest entry points into a smart home, typically under $20 each. (Look for brands like Kasa, TP-Link Tapo, Emporia).
Smart Light Bulbs (Wi-Fi or Bluetooth)
What these do: Replace a standard bulb to control brightness, color (for RGB versions), and schedules via an app or voice command, often without needing a separate hub.
Cool factor: Instantly change the mood of a room with colors or dim the lights for movie night using just your voice.
Budget range: Many affordable Wi-Fi/Bluetooth bulbs are available for under $15-$25 each (e.g., Wiz, Cync, or budget options from TP-Link).
Basic Smart Speakers/Displays
What they do: Act as a central voice assistant to control your other smart devices, play music, set timers, and get information.
Cool factor: Hands-free control for your entire smart home. A smart display (even a small one) can show your calendar, weather, or video doorbell feed.
Budget range: Entry-level models like the Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) or Google Nest Mini/Nest Hub (2nd Gen) often have sale prices or budget-friendly versions well under $50.
Indoor Security Cameras (Budget Models)
What they do: Provide live video monitoring, motion detection, and often two-way audio for checking in on your home, kids, or pets. Many offer local storage via a microSD card to avoid subscription fees.
Cool factor: Peace of mind and the ability to check in anytime, from anywhere.
Budget range: Cameras like the Blink Mini 2 or TP-Link Tapo/Wyze Cam can frequently be found for $30–$40.
Contact Sensors
What they do: Small two-piece sensors placed on doors, windows, or cabinets to alert you when they are opened or closed. Requires a compatible hub (like an Aqara or Zigbee hub) for some brands, but others work over Wi-Fi.
Cool factor: Use them for security alerts, or trigger automations—for example, turning on a light when you open the linen closet.
Varies, but many Zigbee or budget Wi-Fi/Bluetooth sensors are available in packs or individually for under $15–$25.
LED Light Strips (Wi-Fi)
What they do: Flexible strips of LED lights that can be adhered under cabinets, behind TVs, or along coves to add vibrant ambient lighting. Controlled via an app.
Cool factor: Adds a dramatic, modern flair to entertainment centers, desks, or kitchens with customizable colors and effects.
Budget range: Entry-level strips (like those from Govee or TP-Link Tapo) can often be found for under $40 for a standard length.
These are the cheap options I believe you have when you're looking for cheap gadgets for coolest smart homes. Make your choice and you're good.
Keep in mind that prices are approximate and can fluctuate, especially during sales periods.
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