How to Set Up a Smart Home on a Budget: Essential Devices Under $50

Many people think smart home technology is expensive, but you don’t need to spend thousands to upgrade your home. With the right choices, you can set up a functional smart home for under $50 per device. Here are the best budget-friendly smart home devices to get you started.

1. Smart Plugs ($10-$25) 🔌

Best Pick: TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug | Amazon Smart Plug | Wyze Plug

• Turns regular devices into smart ones.

• Schedule and control appliances remotely via a mobile app.

• Works with Alexa and Google Assistant.

2. Smart Light Bulbs ($15-$30) 💡

Best Pick: Philips Wiz | Sengled Smart Bulb | Wyze Bulb

• Adjust brightness and color via smartphone or voice assistant.

• Set schedules for automatic on/off.

• Energy-efficient LED technology.

3. Smart Motion Sensors ($20-$40) 🚨

Best Pick: Aqara Motion Sensor | Wyze Sense | Sonoff PIR3

• Detects movement and triggers lights or security alarms.

• Works with Alexa, Google Home, and smart hubs.

4. Smart Doorbells (Under $50 Options) 🚪

Best Pick: Wyze Video Doorbell | Blink Video Doorbell

• Provides basic video and motion detection.

• Sends alerts to your phone when someone is at your door.

5. Smart Security Cameras ($30-$50) 📷

Best Pick: Wyze Cam v3 | Blink Mini | TP-Link Tapo C200

• 1080p video quality with night vision.

• Motion detection alerts sent to your phone.

• Works indoors or outdoors (depending on the model).

6. Budget-Friendly Smart Hub Alternatives ($30-$50) 📡

Best Pick: Amazon Echo Dot | Google Nest Mini | Aqara Hub E1

• Controls multiple smart devices through one voice assistant.

• Works as a speaker for music and smart commands.

7. Smart Thermostat Alternatives (Under $50 Solutions) 🌡️

Best Pick: SwitchBot Smart Thermometer | Wyze Smart Temperature Sensor

• Basic climate monitoring with app notifications.

• Requires manual adjustment but still helps save energy.

8. Smart Light Switches ($20-$50) 🔘

Best Pick: TP-Link Kasa Smart Switch | Lutron Caseta Dimmer

• Replaces traditional light switches for app or voice control.

• No need to change your existing bulbs.

9. Budget-Friendly Smart Speakers ($25-$50) 🎤

Best Pick: Amazon Echo Dot (Alexa) | Google Nest Mini

• Voice control for smart home devices.

• Can set alarms, play music, and answer questions.

10. Smart TV Sticks & Streaming Devices ($30-$50) 📺

Best Pick: Amazon Fire TV Stick | Roku Express | Chromecast

• Turn any TV into a smart TV with streaming capabilities.

• Works with voice assistants for hands-free control.

Conclusion

Setting up a smart home on a budget is easier than ever! These affordable devices (under $50) allow you to automate lights, control appliances, and enhance security without breaking the bank.

👉 Want to save even more money? Check out our second guide for DIY tips and cost-saving tricks!