All Reviews
Honest reviews of budget smart home gear. Every pick under $100, most under $30. Updated as new budget options launch.
Best Smart Plugs Under $10 (2026)
The five 4-packs that actually outlast their warranty — and the two we'd skip.
Best Smart Bulbs Under $10 Each (2026)
Govee and Sengled lead the pack. No hub required, Alexa and Google ready out of the box — and they actually last.
TP-Link Kasa EP10 Smart Plug Review (2026)
Fifteen dollars, no hub, works flawlessly with Alexa and Google. The best starter plug for anyone building their first smart home.
Best Motion Sensors Under $20 (2026)
The SONOFF SNZB-03 and Aqara motion sensors turn your lights on when you walk in and off when you leave. Renter-friendly, no wiring needed.
Wyze Cam v4 Review: Best Budget Security Camera (2026)
Full 2K video, colour night vision, two-way audio — for $35. We ran it for three months. Here's what held up and what to watch out for.
Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) Review: Best Smart Home Hub Under $50
Thirty dollars for a hub that controls your entire home. Better sound than the last gen, improved Alexa response, and it works with everything.
Govee LED Strip Lights Review: Instant Ambiance for $25 (2026)
Behind the TV, under the cabinet, behind the bed frame — these transform any room for $25. Works with Alexa, no hub, installs in ten minutes.
Wyze Video Doorbell Pro Review: See Who's There for Under $100
1080p HD, motion zones, two-way talk, and a phone alert the second someone walks up. No monthly fee for basic features. Hardwired but easy to install.
Wyze Thermostat Review: Smart Temperature for $60 (2026)
The only sub-$100 thermostat worth installing. Easy setup, works with most HVAC systems, and the schedule feature pays for itself in the first month.
eufy RoboVac 11S Review: Budget Robot Vacuum That Actually Works
Slim enough to get under the couch, quiet enough to run at night, and $80 when it's on sale. Not perfect — but for the price, nothing comes close.
The $150 Smart Home Starter Kit (2026)
Everything you need for a real smart home — hub, plugs, bulbs, camera, sensor — for the price of one premium hub.
The $100 Renter Starter Kit: Smart Home Without Drilling a Hole
Everything plug-in, everything removable. Echo Dot, two smart plugs, a bulb, and a camera. Your landlord never has to know.