In these days and age, everyone and anyone can, and should, use smart home technologies to automate many facets of their home and of their life.
If you are new to the subject of home automation you might be overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of brands, feature and the price tags.
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Don’t worry! I’ve been there before you, I know how you feel!
But, don’t let the price tags of some smart device deter you to transform your home into a smart home! Obviously, there are some brands that do have a high price tag. But there are options out there that works, at least, as well as these brands without the price tag.
Also, you need to understand that the price of smart home technology, and smart devices as a whole, has been slowly going down as competition increase on the market.
The smart home industry is growing and will keep on growing, which is also drawing prices down.
The smart devices that I will present to you today are not what people calls the best in class. However, if they are on that list, they do their job marvelously well and you wallet will survive.
Remember, there is no rush, build your smart home slowly but surely.
Additionally, as with any investment, you should do your due diligence and do some research on your side.
If you have any doubts about one of the product and if it suits your needs, roll up your sleeves and dig deep, there are fantastic resources online.
Now, if you are on a budget, like I am, investing any hard earned dollars into smart devices is not easy decision. As such, these devices are perfect for you to start your home automation.
Take note that this list does not include any DIY solution, that would be even less costly but are harder and take longer to make.
Smart Hubs and Home Assistant
If you are, like me, a huge fan of JARVIS, having a voice assistant to help you out control your home is fantastic. Although we are a bit far from the AI that is Jarvis, there are several assistant out there.
The two biggest, integration wise, are Google and Alexa followed by Siri.
For now, Siri is a bit behind because less devices integrates well with Apple Homekit. However, this will change in the future as Apple multiplies investment in smart home technology.
To put it simply, your assistant will be the “ears” of your home automation system. As such, when you ask Google, Alexa or Siri to “Dim the light in the living room” they will hear your command and transmit that information to your Smart Dimmer in the living room.
This applies to any smart devices in your smart home ecosystem, as long as they are compatible and connected with the Apps.
Also, you need to accept the fact that your smart devices connects to the internet to reach Amazon, Google or Apple servers. Otherwise your voice assistant won’t be able to control anything.
Smart Hubs
A smart hub, is not a voice assistant, it’s one part of your smart home ecosystem but it can be a great addition to your smart home technology. Some Smart Hubs do come with a Voice Assistant, but their primary role is to communicate with your Smart Devices.
Echo Show and Echo Plus
The Echo Show and Echo Plus are Zigbee hubs in addition of their Voice Assistant duty. As such, they can talk directly with Zigbee enable devices. Using Zigbee will reduce the strain on your router since it’s a different wireless protocol that does not rely on Wi-Fi radios.
Here is a great post for more information on Smart Home Protocol and how to select one.
However, the downside, for a tight budget, is the higher price tag of those. Additionally, if you don’t want to go the Zigbee way, you would be paying a premium for nothing.
Echo Dot
If you want to use Alexa, but you’re not willing to pay the premium for the Echo Show or Echo Plus, you need to go with their little brother, the Echo Dot!
But, if you are planning to use the Echo Dot or even the Google Nest Mini, all of your smart devices need to use Wi-Fi, and be compatible, to be able to connect with your assistant.
Also, to get full coverage for your house, you will need an Echo Dot in every room where you want voice control.
However, it’s not a requirement as you can control your smart devices with one, but you need to keep that in mind.
The other solution could be to use some smart devices that include Alexa, such as some Bose Speaker.
Google Nest Mini
If you want to harness the power or Google, the Google Nest Mini is the tool you need!
Google offers some higher, more expensive, models like the Google Nest Hub, but it’s not a Smart hub since it can only use one protocol, Wi-Fi.
One of the forte of Google is it’s search engine.
As such, the Google Nest Mini is much more likely to give you a correct answer to any of your question, which is not the case with Alexa. Connecting a compatible Smart Device is pretty straight forward.
One thing not to forget is that, like the Echo Dot, you might want to have several Google Nest Mini across your place to make sure that Google hear you all the time.
Samsung SmartThing
This smart device is actually a Smart Hub component that can be very useful to your smart home ecosystem. Although it’s not required for a smart home, it does help reduce the strain on your Wifi.
If you want to use the Smart Hub route, you need to plan ahead. You need to verify that the devices you want to add to your smart home are compatible with your Smart Hub.
But, lucky you are!
The Samsung SmartThing is a very good Smart Hub choice, because it will provide radios for various smart home communication protocols.
However, let’s be honest, not all smart devices compatible with the Samsung SmartThing are budget friendly.
Smart Bulbs
Smart Bulbs are one of the easiest smart devices and one the of most widely used. If you are creating your smart home ecosystem, you will want to control, at the very least, some of your lights.
The easiest way to control lighting is to use Smart bulbs, which are more budget friendly then Smart Switches and Smart Dimmers.
Additionally, they come in white or color changing, where you can change the color according to your mood.
Smart LED White
Powered at 800 lumens, these smart bulbs pack a load of light. They barely emit any heat and thus can be touched without an oven mit even after hours of use, thanks to LED technology.
Also, they come with their own small, very small, hub. With the app you can scan the smart bulb bar code and it will be added to the hub. Once this is done, you can rename the bulb for easy reference.
TP-Link Mini Smart Bulb
These color changing bulbs have a very good price tag for what they offer. Additionally, they are compatible with both Alexa and Google. It’s a very bright bulb and offer vibrant colors when compared to other Smart Bulbs from the competition.
These mini smart bulb are controlled through the Kasa app or you can add them to your Alexa or Google apps. And, they have a circadian mode which mimics the natural light pattern that is known to be healthy and good for your mood.
Lohas Smart Bulb
These color changing bulbs are on the budget side of thing, being one of the most affordable. They are a good addition to your smart home ecosystem if you are just starting or if you want to test color changing bulbs.
Additionally, they are dimmable, which is good to help set up some routines. As most smart devices, they do have a companion app and you can add them to your favorite home voice assistant.
Smart Plugs
Smart plugs are small devices that you plug dumb light electronic devices to make them smarter. With these plugs, you can have some form of On/Off control of devices you plug in from anywhere in the world.
My first take at automating my garden irrigation was using one of these. It allowed me to control the valve that feed my garden even when I wasn’t home. Additionally, often the companion app will let you set some kind of On/Off routine, a very good idea when you don’t want to forget to light up your Plant Nursery.
Another great concept to use smart plug is energy saving. A lot of devices, namely TVs are using “ghost” energy even when closed. Using a Smart plug is like unplugging them.
Tadam! Money Saving!
TP-link Kasa Smart Plug
This smart plug is not expensive and work as advertised. Since it’s a TP-Link product, it uses the Kasa companion app, which I need to say, is pretty user-friendly and robust. It’s a good example of a good integrated app that allow you to create scenes and automation for your smart devices.
Additionally, you can connect the Kasa Smart Plug to the Amazon Alexa app to control the by phone or using your voice. For Google users, you have not been forgotten and this smart plug also work with your favorite voice assistant.
Teckin Smart Surge Protector
A great Smart Device to control multiple dumb devices. It has 4 outlets that are all independent and 4 USB charging port with a single switch. As such, you can control every single outlet individually, not all at once. However, the 4 USB charging port are not individual. But there is a high chance that you will be using those to charge phones and tablets, which means that they don’t really need to be turned off.
Additionally, as with many smart devices they can be controlled by both Google and Alexa.
One of the great advantages is when you have several devices close together that you want to control, such as your entertainment center. You can control them using 1 single outlet from your wall socket using this smart surge protector.
As such, it can results in good energy saving by preventing “ghost” energy for most of your entertainment electronics.
Security Cameras
Ever wanted to watch your home when you are away from home?
If you want to do it, your will need some form of security camera system. The problem with security cameras is that they are pricy, very pricy.
No, you are not alone to get a heart attack when you look at those price tag,
I’ve been there. I have bought a pricey system. There was some trouble in the neighborhood a few years ago.
The system was less expensive than the potential damage and trouble with insurance claim.
However, you still can have decent surveillance of your home for a good price. You might not get all the bells and whistles of the very expensive one, but they get the job done pretty well.
Wyze Cam Indoor Camera
If you are looking to buy a smart camera but you don’t want to get to the high price tag of, let say the NEST indoor Camera, the Wyze Cam is the one you need! At around 25 dollars, these camera are one of the best price camera, with decent capability, available on the market.
To start, the Wyze Indoor Camera offer a crystal clear 1080p image. Additionally, you get the added benefit of night vision.
Also, you get a 14 days rolling cloud storage for the small 12 second video snapshot of motion. And you can add an SD card, such as a Wyze lab for continuous recording.
Another good feature is that is has 2-way audio. You can talk through the camera to whoever is on the other side. It’s a good addition to a good camera.
All in all it’s a good, rounded camera, especially for the price.
Yi Smart Home Camera
This camera is another good option to get a smart camera or two, in your house. Like the previous Wyze Cam, it feature crystal clear 1080p video feed, night vision and 2 way audio.
Also, it will send you a notification for both movement and sound. As such, you can use it as baby monitor and be notified when your baby is awake and/or crying!
Additionally, you can take advantage of the offered cloud base storage or you can add an SD Card if you don’t want your video to be on a cloud.
And, you can mount Yi Smart Home Camera anywhere thanks to its magnetic base and mounting points.
Again, a very good camera that offers lots of capability at a very decent price.
Video Doorbell
A video doorbell is a useful smart device that allows you to monitor what is going on at your front door.
It allows you to interact with the people on your porch through a video enabled device from anywhere in the world.
Additionally, a motion sensor picks up anyone, or anything, passing in front of the doorbell and send you a notification and record a picture and or video.
This additional layer of protection might help thwart one of the worst problem of online shopping, the Porch Pirates, who steal your priceless Amazon package from your front door.
However, Smart doorbell are some of the priciest item on this list. However, not enough to make you cry and they are worth every penny you spend.
Ring Video Doorbell
This Smart device is a great way to add some smart to your home. The additional price premium you pay for is worth it when you see the additional quality and capabilities.
One of the best thing about Ring is the included lifetime theft protection. You now don’t have to worry about your neighbor or some Porch Pirate running off with your new smart device.
Also, your Ring Video Doorbell comes with night vision, motion sensors and 2 way audio. As such you can see anyone, at any time on your front porch and have a chat with them.
Additionally, this doorbell either comes battery operated or hardwired version. Having a hardwired version is best since you don’t have batteries to change when power is low. However, if battery is the only option, you are covered.
As is the case with other video camera, you can use the ring app to access live video feed. As such, if you are curious of what is happening on the outside of your house, you can stream your front porch anywhere in the world!
Smart Light Switches
These smart devices replaces any hard wired in-wall switches that you currently have. They may not be an option for all, depending on your electrical installation, but they are a great addition to any smart home.
A lot of the newer models are compatible with your favorite assistant allowing you to fully control them with your voice. Also, most of them offer a dimming feature or option as well.
Since we are looking at smartening your home on a budget, some options are relatively inexpensive. But if you want to change all of your house switches, it will add up quickly. However, you can usually find deals for packages, such as a pack of 4 Kasa, so keep your eyes open.
If you are a renter, chances are that this is not a good solution for you. However, don’t despair, there are some smart covers that will give you hope to smarten your apartment.
Legrand Smart Light Switch
These smart switches installation is quite straight forward, but if you are not comfortable with playing with electricity, you should contact a professional. Working with main power is dangerous, can harm you and be fatal, you have been warned.
Also, the smart switch works with both Google and Alexa waiting for your command. Talking about compatibility, this smart switch is compatible with a plethora of other devices.
This allow you to set routines and schedules in conjunction of those other devices without the need of a smart hub.
And, you can always control your lights using the app from anywhere in the world.
But, remember that it can become addictive to use these devices. And you can end up with a heavy bill replacing all of your dumb switch.
TP Link Kasa Smart Switch
Again, this smart switches installation is quite straight forward, but if you are not comfortable with playing with electricity, you should contact a professional. Working with main power is dangerous, can harm you and be fatal, you have been warned.
Also, the Smart Switch works with both Google and Alexa waiting for your command. Additionaly, it works with the Kasa app. Which is a very user friendly app, and doesn’t require any smart hub to set up routines and schedules.
However, if you want to integrate other smart devices into your routines, you might want to consider a smart home automation hub.
And, this smart switch has very good quality for the price and will make it easier on your wallet to completely automate your lights.
SmartPlex Smart Switch
This smart switch is a modern looking, touch-enabled smart device that will up your smart home style. They look quite futuristic and they come with a lifetime warranty, so you know that they cover your back.
Again, this smart switches installation is quite straight forward, but if you are not comfortable with playing with electricity, you should contact a professional. Working with main power is dangerous, can harm you and be fatal, you have been warned.
Also, the Smart Switch works with both Google and Alexa waiting for your command.
Another nice feature is that they have a soft LED backlight that allows you to easily find your switch at night.
Additionally, the integration with IFTT is a nice addition. It allows you to control numerous device at the same time that do not connect to the same app.
Smart In-Wall outlet
These smart devices replaces the in-wall hard wired outlet that you currently have. A smart in-wall outlet will operate the same way as a smart plug but you can’t really move them. As such, instead of using your existing outlet and plugging in a smart plug, you make the whole outlet smart!
As with the smart switch, it might not be possible to install these if you are renting. However, if you can, they are actually quite straight forward to install. You need to cut the power, match the wire to your new smart outlet and voilà!
But remember that you are playing with main power and that it can be dangerous or deadly. If you don’t feel comfortable, reach out to a professional.
Also, a single outlet might not be that expensive, but these smart devices are addictive. If you plan on updating the whole house, the expense will add up.
As such, be sure to plan in advance to make sure that you are simply not over extending yourself and jeopardizing your budget.
If you can’t install those smart devices, your only solution is to keep with smart plugs.
TP Link Kasa Smart Power Outlet
This smart power outlet is part of TP link Kasa series of good quality and budget friendly smart devices. The Kasa app is user friendly and the hardware is quality made.
This smart power outlet does not require a hub, is also compatible with your favorite voice assistant and IFTTT. Additionally, the app can control the power outlet from anywhere in the world. As such, you can use the away mode to your advantage.
Like other Kasa product, and most of the item on this list, the smart power outlet comes with a lot of usable features such as routine and schedule. It is also possible to integrate all of your Kasa smart devices in the same routines and schedule.
Teckin Smart Power Outlet
This smart power outlet not only gives you the control over the 2 sockets individually but also the USB port. Additionally, it doesn’t require a hub and it is compatible with both Alexa and Google which allows you to close your light without going out of bed.
The hardware is solidly built and easy to install to replace your existing socket.
Additionally, the you can use the associated app to control them and to set schedules and routine.
Also, it can be added to the SmartLife app that allows you to control several devices from different company.
However, you are better to buy several of them at once, when you start using them, you will want your complete house to be under you control.
Smart Thermostat
Consider the smart thermostat to be the heart of your home automation system. It’s one of the first piece of home automation that users buy. And for a good reason, it controls the environment you live in. And, controlling the temperature is a good way to save an handful of money.
Honeywell Lyric T5 Smart Thermostat
This smart thermostat might not have all the additional goodies that the higher end competitor like the Ecobee4 and the Nest Learning thermostat offers, but it does get the job of controlling your temperature done.
Not only does it comes with an app to view and control the temperature, but it also compatible with Alexa and Apple Homekit for voice control.
Even if there are cheaper smart thermostat on the market, the Lyric T5 is one of the most affordable one that is actually worth it’s price.
Also, design wise, the Lyric T5 has a sleek and modern look with a simple, responsive and clean touch screen.
Additionally, it will send you notification for filter change and for extreme temperature alert, just in case something goes terribly wrong and you need to head home to save the day.
All in all, it’s a well-rounded thermostat and a great addition to your smart home ecosystem.
That being said, I recommend, to look at higher end thermostat like the Ecobee4 and the Nest Learning thermostat. Even if they are above “buget” they are simply packed with awesome features and are totally worth their price.
The Final Words
Budget does not mean better. Keep that in mind.
Everyone wants to get a good deal and save money. However, it doesn’t mean that these budget items are up to par quality and feature wise, to higher end models.
As usual, due your due diligence, like any investment, you need to research the product before buying it. As such, look for additional testing, look at Amazon for customer reviews.
There is so much information out there on all product, don’t buy a smart device without doing research. However, you are a lucky one today! I did all the required research and even testing, for product on that page.
If I’ve missed anything, or you want to share some thoughts on any budget smart device, please do so!
Don’t forget, keep the dream alive!
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