1. Smart Light Bulbs
Smart light bulbs are some of the most accessible and practical smart home devices under $50. Models like the Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance bulbs allow you to control brightness and color temperature remotely through your smartphone or smart home assistant. With voice commands, you can change lighting based on mood or time of day, contribute to energy savings, and even set schedules for turning on and off. These bulbs also offer integration with platforms like Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit, which enhances their usability.
2. Smart Plugs
Smart plugs like the TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug enable you to control any electronic device plugged into it via an app or voice assistant. They are incredibly versatile, allowing you to automate lamps, fans, or even coffee makers. With built-in timers and scheduling features, you can set your devices to turn on or off when you’re not home, enhancing home security and energy efficiency. Additionally, the Kasa app provides energy consumption reports, enabling you to track usage over time.
3. Smart Thermostats
While high-end smart thermostats can be expensive, models like the Google Nest Thermostat E can sometimes be found under $50 during sales or promotions. These devices learn your heating and cooling habits and automatically adjust settings for optimal comfort and energy savings. Many smart thermostats can be controlled remotely, and some even provide insights into your energy consumption, helping you make more informed choices about your home energy usage.
4. Smart Doorbells
Smart doorbells, such as the Ring Video Doorbell Wired, can occasionally dip under the $50 mark, especially during discount events. These devices enhance home security by offering video feeds of visitors and potential intruders directly to your smartphone. Many models come with two-way audio capabilities, allowing you to communicate with anyone at your door even when you’re not home. They can be integrated with other smart home systems for synchronized alerts, enhancing your overall security.
5. Smart Home Security Cameras
Affordable smart security cameras like the Wyze Cam v3 can be found under $50. They offer high-definition video streaming, motion detection alerts, and night vision capabilities. Ideal for monitoring your home, these cameras provide peace of mind. They can also connect with your smartphone via an app, allowing for real-time viewing. Some models even come with cloud storage options to save crucial footage, ensuring you don’t miss anything important.
6. Smart Speakers
Smart speakers, such as the Amazon Echo Dot or Google Nest Mini, are fantastic gateways into the smart home ecosystem. Priced often around $50, these speakers not only provide high-quality music playback but also function as hub controllers for your smart devices. You can ask them to control lights, play music, set reminders, or answer questions—all through voice commands. Their compact size makes them perfect for any room in your house.
7. Smart Sensors
Smart sensors like the Aqara Door and Window Sensor can enhance security by alerting you when doors or windows are opened. These devices are often compact and easy to install, providing real-time notifications on your smartphone. This is crucial for ensuring the safety of your home, especially when you’re away. Some sensors can integrate with larger smart home systems, allowing you to set automations—like turning on lights when a door is opened.
8. Smart Irrigation Controllers
Affordable smart irrigation controllers like the RainMachine Mini can help you manage your garden’s watering schedule efficiently. These devices can connect to your local weather forecast and adjust watering times based on predicted rain or temperature, helping save water and keep your garden thriving. Some controllers offer app compatibility, allowing you to monitor and control your garden from your smartphone remotely.
9. Smart Air Quality Monitors
Devices like the Eve Room Air Quality Monitor are valuable tools for maintaining a healthy home environment. These monitors provide real-time data on air quality, temperature, and humidity levels. By understanding these factors, you can create a more comfortable living environment. Additionally, many smart monitors sync with your smartphone, enabling you to track changes over time and receive alerts when levels become unhealthy.
10. Smart Kitchen Gadgets
Smart kitchen devices, such as the Instant Pot Duo Crisp or smart meat thermometers like the MEATER, offer exceptional cooking convenience under $50. Smart thermometers connect to your smartphone, alerting you to the cooking status of your meals, ensuring perfect results every time. This reduces guesswork in the kitchen, enhancing your cooking experience and allowing for precise control over your culinary creations.
11. Smart Home Hubs
For those starting their smart home journey, a smart home hub under $50, like the Samsung SmartThings Hub, can greatly simplify device connectivity. These hubs allow various smart devices to communicate with each other, regardless of brand. This creates a cohesive smart home experience where you can manage all your devices from a single app, enhancing automation and control over your home environment.
12. Smart Thermometers
Smart thermometers for home use, such as the Withings Thermo, often dip below $50 and offer convenience and accuracy in tracking your family’s health. These devices are typically equipped with features like fever alerts and historical temperature tracking via an app, helping you monitor illnesses effectively. They enhance health management, particularly important during flu seasons or in households with small children.
13. Smart Scale
A smart scale like the Eufy Smart Scale C1 can provide a wealth of information beyond weight, such as body fat percentage and muscle mass. These scales sync with health apps, allowing for easy tracking of your fitness journey over time. Ideal for anyone looking to keep tabs on their health, they integrate seamlessly with platforms like Apple Health and Google Fit, adding convenience to your fitness regime.
14. Smart Outlets
Smart outlets, like the Wemo Mini Smart Plug, provide an easy way to convert any device into a smart gadget. Simply plug them into an existing outlet and connect to your Wi-Fi for control via an app. You can schedule when devices turn on or off—great for lamps or appliances—without needing to replace them entirely. This approach combines affordability with versatility, making it a smart addition to your home.
15. Smart Air Fresheners
Innovative devices like the Pura Smart Air Freshener allow you to control fragrances and settings through an app. Detecting when you’re home or away, these systems utilize refillable scent pods to diffuse fragrances on a schedule, maintaining a pleasant ambiance. They also let you tailor your environment to different times of the day, ensuring an inviting atmosphere while being eco-friendly.
By harnessing the potential of these smart home devices under $50, you can elevate your home security, convenience, and energy efficiency without breaking the bank. Each product serves as a stepping stone toward a more connected and intelligent living space, enabling a lifestyle that aligns with modern needs and preferences. With various options available, there’s never been a better time to start transforming your home into a smart haven.