Skip to main content

Upgrade to a smart home for under $100 with these 3 essentials

I’ve been covering the smart home arena exclusively for over a year now, and in that time, I’ve realized it doesn’t require a hefty investment to upgrade your existing home to a smart one. In fact, you can create an essential smart home for under $100. The smart home is more accessible than you think — and that’s wonderful news for everyone!

One key component

Before I get into some of the recommendations for the essential smart home, you need to know about the most fundamental thing you’ll need to control it. And it’s something you already own and that’s very likely in your pocket right now.

It’s your smartphone, the one gadget to rule your smart home. That’s because it’s required to set everything up, in addition to controlling it later on. While your smartphone may influence what smart home platform you’ll want to invest in, it doesn’t matter if it’s an iPhone or Android — mainly because companies develop mobile apps for both platforms. You can also access the digital voice assistant on your phone to operate the smart home.

The essentials

While some of us may be seduced by the more exotic gadgets for the smart home, like Kohler’s Alexa-powered showerhead or any one of Samsung’s connected refrigerators, you’ll want to focus on the essentials. There are three main categories to focus on here, which are listed below.

Smart speaker

Without question, the first thing you should look into buying is a smart speaker — preferably the inexpensive variety meant to act as your digital voice assistant in the home. The Google Home Mini and Amazon Echo Dot (3rd Gen), both coincidentally priced at $30, will get the job done by acting as your butler of sorts while you’re at home. Sure, there’s the convenience of whipping out your smartphone to give commands, but it’s easier just telling your smart speaker.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

While there are newer and better smart speakers for other applications, such as the Amazon Echo Studio or Sonos One, you’ll be spending substantially more for achieving the same basic functions as these entry-level smart speakers.

Smart lighting

Next up on the essential list is investing in a smart light bulb. There’s an assortment to choose from, especially if you’re eyeing one of the fancier color-changing bulbs out there. If you’re looking to get the most bang for the buck, look at daylight bulbs because they’re cheaper — plus, you can find bundles that have significant discounts. Take the Wyze Bulb, which can be set to a specific color temperature. Even better, a four-pack of the Wyze Bulb costs $30.!

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Now, if you’re intrigued more by a color-changing smart LED light bulb, then check out Xiaomi’s Yeelight Smart LED Bulb. What’s also notable is that it doesn’t require a hub — so it directly connects to your home’s Wi-Fi network. If this color-changing bulb is more suitable to your taste, you’ll have to dish out $30 for it.

Smart security camera

In order to complete the essential smart home, you’ll need something to watch over it. That’s where a smart security camera comes in handy. Through the mobile apps, you’ll be able to receive notifications whenever motion is detected, record video, and have two-way conversations. Even some of today’s inexpensive security cameras offer a ton of features to help protect your home.

WyzeCam hands-on review table
Daven Mathies/Digital Trends

The Wyze Cam continues to be an outstanding option, mostly because it’s priced at just $20. For the price, you’re getting a camera that records footage at 1080p, as well as night vision, two-way audio, compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant, and local storage. Another great option is the Reolink E1 Pro, which has everything the Wyze Cam does, but adds in pan-and-tilt functions for complete 360-degree coverage. You’ll pay more at $50, but it definitely gives you more versatility.

Bundle your way to deals

As I’ve detailed above, you can get started on a smart home for under $100. Expanding it can be done relatively quickly as well. Once you continue to build out your smart home, it’s honestly really tough to stop because of the conveniences that open up. You can reduce the impact to your wallet by frequently scoping out bundle deals.

Amazon is known to constantly do this. The Amazon Echo Show 5 with a smart plug costs $80, and its smart display lets you stream live video from your home security camera to it. With some of these bundle deals, it turns out you get something for free. Ring’s Spotlight Cam is priced at $200 on its own, but Amazon’s bundle deal throws in the Amazon Echo Show 5 for free! Deals like this make it easy for anyone to invest in a comprehensive smart home.

Want more news, reviews, guides, and features from Digital Trends? Follow us on Apple NewsGoogle News, and Flipboard.

More on building the smart home

Editors' Recommendations

John Velasco
John is the Smart Home editor at Digital Trends covering all of the latest tech in this emerging market. From uncovering some…
I checked out Govee’s new AI smart lights and now I want them everywhere
The Govee AI Sync Box Kit 2 with a gaming monitor on display at CES 2024.

The Govee AI Sync Box Kit 2 and a gaming monitor is on display at CES 2024. Derek Malcolm / Digital Trends

Smart lights have been around for years, but with AI being the overarching theme of CES 2024, it’s no surprise that Hong Kong-based smart light maker Govee has developed some enhanced AI technology to improve some of its most popular products -- the AI Sync Box Kit 2 and Rope Light 2. I stopped by its CES booth myself to check it all out, and now I want to put them all over my house.

Read more
This 4-in-1 washing machine combo from Eureka cleans almost everything in your home
The Eureka Wash Bot installed in a laundry room.

Eureka isn’t a household name like Roborock or iRobot, but that didn’t stop the smart home company from showing off one of the most unique products of CES 2024. The Eureka Dual Washing Bot is an upcoming washing machine that doubles as a dryer, features a built-in robot vacuum and mop, and boasts a sleek design that rivals the best washers available today.

In other words, this 4-in-1 washing machine can clean and dry your clothes while simultaneously vacuuming and mopping your floors. That makes it one of the most versatile smart home gadgets on display in Las Vegas.

Read more
Samsung Ballie is a rolling smart home hub with a built-in projector
Samsung Ballie being chased by a dog.

Samsung first revealed Ballie -- its rolling smart home hub -- at CES 2020. Now, at CES 2024, the adorable robot is making a triumphant return, this time sporting a new built-in projector. Samsung didn't have a physical Ballie roving around at CES, but the team showed off a home bot demonstration video, revealing how the robot has evolved over the years.

If you're unfamiliar with Ballie, think of it as a roving smart home hub, capable of taking orders from you and syncing with the rest of your smart home. Along with dishing out commands to your connected gadgets, it can serve as a patrolling security guard, giving you a live stream of your home while at work or on vacation.

Read more