Smart home gadgets doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, with the right picks you can create a home full of affordable smart home gadgets and budget smart home devices that feel anything but cheap. These 10 top-rated gadgets (all under $50 on Amazon) cover lighting, security, automation, and more – perfect for US and Europe shoppers who want cheap smart home devices that deliver big benefits. Read on to see our selections of lights, plugs, speakers, cameras and more that will upgrade your life with voice control, schedules, and remote access. Here is the list of our best smart home gadgets!
1. Wyze Smart Plug – Transform Any Outlet into a Smart Control Point
The Wyze Smart Plug is an ultra-affordable smart outlet that turns any lamp or appliance into a connected device. It’s tiny enough not to block the other socket and works seamlessly with Alexa or Google Assistant for voice control and smartphone app control. According to PCWorld, “Wyze’s entry-level smart plug… it’ll cost you less than $13 per unit” according to pcworld.com – incredible value for reliable performance.
- Voice & app control: Works with Alexa/Google for hands-free on/off and scheduling (set timers or routines).
- Scheduling & security: Set schedules or use “Away Mode” to randomly turn devices on/off for added home security.
- Space-saving design: Ultra-compact plug won’t block the second outlet. Ideal for lamps, fans, coffee makers, and more.
- Unbeatable price: At roughly $25 for a two-pack, PCWorld notes it’s “a great bargain” for smart plugs.
Wyze Smart Plug
- Works with Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control.
- Compact design that doesn’t block other outlets.
- Set schedules and timers for any plugged-in device.
- Extremely affordable and easy to set up.
2. Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) – Voice-Activated Smart Speaker
The Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) is a compact smart speaker packed with features. Just say “Alexa” to play music, set timers or alarms, check the weather, and control all your compatible smart devices. It’s a quick way to add voice control to any room. The latest Echo Dot has improved audio and even a temperature sensor, yet it usually sells for around $30 – making it an ideal budget smart home gadget.
- Voice control center: Ask Alexa to play songs, answer questions, or control lights and plugs.
- Smart home hub: Easily tie together your gadgets (lights, plugs, switches) into a unified system.
- Compact design: Small footprint fits neatly on a desk or shelf. Improved speaker delivers clear sound.
- Affordable & versatile: Often on sale around $30, it provides voice assistant smarts on a budget.
Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen)
- Acts as a voice control hub for your smart home.
- Improved speaker quality and built-in temperature sensor.
- Controls music, lights, timers, and more hands-free.
- Frequently available for under $50 during sales.
3. Govee Smart LED Light Strip – Colorful Ambient Lighting
Transform any room with a Govee Smart LED Light Strip. These color-changing strips let you pick from 16 million hues, sync lights to your music or alarms, and set schedules – all from the free Govee app. Peel-and-stick it under cabinets, behind TVs, or along walls to add vibrant accent lighting. The vivid colors and music-sync features make it a fun addition to bedrooms, gaming setups or living rooms. At usually at $25, it’s a very cheap smart home device that delivers high-end lighting effects.
- 16 million colors: Choose any color or scene to set the mood (party mode, movie night, etc.).
- App & voice control: Adjust brightness and color via smartphone, or ask Alexa/Google to change the lights.
- Music sync: Built-in microphone syncs lights to the beat of your music for immersive effect.
- Easy install: Flexible strip with adhesive backing – simply cut to length and stick wherever you like.
Govee Smart LED Light Strip
- 16 million colors and music sync feature.
- Controlled by app or voice (Alexa/Google).
- Easy to install with adhesive backing.
- Adds vibrant ambient lighting for any room.
4. Wyze Color Bulb – Dimmable Smart LED Bulb
Give your home a smart lighting upgrade with a Wyze Color Bulb. This Wi-Fi-enabled LED bulb replaces any regular bulb and lets you adjust brightness and color from the Wyze app or voice assistant. Choose from millions of colors or tune the white light from warm to cool. You can set schedules, create scenes (like wake-up or movie modes), and even enable a “vacation mode” to randomly toggle it when you’re away. Each bulb is energy-efficient (≈10W for a 75W equivalent) and groups easily so you can control multiple bulbs at once. The Wyze Bulb works with Alexa and Google Home for voice dimming and color changes.
- Color & brightness: Pick from 16M colors and full dimming range for any ambience (relax, focus, etc.).
- App & voice control: Turn lights on/off, dim, or change color from your phone; or use Alexa/Google voice commands.
- Custom schedules: Automate lights with routines (e.g. turn on at sunset, or “sunrise” wake-up).
- Vacation mode: Random on/off flicker simulates occupancy when you’re out of town.
Wyze Color Bulb
- Fully customizable colors and dimming options.
- Voice and app control with no hub needed.
- Create schedules, scenes, and automation routines.
- Energy-efficient and highly affordable.
5. TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Light Switch – Retrofit Your Existing Lights
Don’t want to replace your bulbs? The TP-Link Kasa Smart Light Switch is an easy way to make your wired lights “smart”. Replace your existing wall switch with this Wi-Fi switch (no hub needed) and you can control that lighting circuit via the Kasa app or Alexa/Google voice commands. It supports on/off, scheduling, and grouping. Setup is surprisingly simple – the switch fits a standard box (requiring a neutral wire) and installs like a normal switch. At under $20, it’s a truly affordable smart home gadget to automate overhead lights or fixtures.
- Easy installation: Swaps into your wall box in place of a standard switch (instruction video guides you).
- Remote & voice control: Turn lights on/off by app or voice (works with Alexa, Google Assistant).
- Schedule & timer: Program lights to come on/off at set times (or use away schedules for security).
- Group scenes: In the app, group multiple Kasa switches to control several lights together.
TP-Link Kasa Smart Light Switch
- Converts traditional lights into smart lights.
- Works with Alexa and Google for voice commands.
- Create schedules and timers via app.
- Reliable performance without needing a separate hub.
6. Blink Mini Indoor Camera – Compact Security Cam
The Blink Mini is a tiny 1080p indoor camera that watches your home for under $35. It records HD video, sends motion-triggered alerts to your phone, and lets you view live or recorded video anytime. There’s even two-way talk, so you can speak through the camera’s built-in speaker/mic. Plug it into power and connect to Wi-Fi; Blink has optional cloud or local storage. For basic monitoring (motion alerts + live view), there is no monthly fee. This little camera is a smart home gadget that gives big peace of mind at a very low price.
- 1080p HD: Clear video for identifying visitors, pets, or potential issues on demand.
- Motion detection: Instant push alerts on your phone whenever motion is detected in view.
- Two-way audio: Built-in mic/speaker let you talk to someone on camera (say hello to visitors or scold the pet!).
- Easy setup: Small plug-in design and no hub required; Alexa compatibility for voice viewing on Echo Show, etc.
Blink Mini Indoor Camera
- Streams and records in 1080p HD video.
- Motion detection with instant phone alerts.
- Two-way audio for live communication.
- No monthly fee for basic use with live view.
7. TP-Link Kasa Smart Power Strip (HS300) – Multi-Outlets & USB
Another smart tech under 50 dollars is the TP-Link Kasa HS300 is a 6-outlet smart power strip with surge protection and 3 USB charging ports. Think of it as a hub for your gadgets. Each of the six outlets can be controlled individually via the Kasa app, so you can automate multiple devices from one unit. For example, schedule your desk lamp, fan, and monitor to switch on in the morning. It even tracks energy usage and protects against power spikes. All this for under $50 makes it a real bargain. As the Kasa product page describes, you can “control six outlets from anywhere” and the strip includes USB ports to end fighting over chargers.
- 6 smart outlets: Turn each plug on/off with the app or voice (Alexa/Google).
- USB charging ports: 3 USB ports provide extra charging for phones/tablets.
- Surge protection: ETL-listed protection guards your devices from spikes and surges.
- Programmable schedules: Set up timers or scenes (e.g. power down holiday lights every night).
TP-Link Kasa Smart Power Strip (HS300)
- Six individually controlled smart outlets.
- Includes three built-in USB charging ports.
- Surge protection for sensitive electronics.
- Tracks energy use and supports voice control.
8. Philips Hue Motion Sensor – Smart Motion Detection
Bring hands-free lighting to your home with the Philips Hue Motion Sensor. This battery-powered Zigbee sensor (which works with a Hue Bridge or some hub-enabled Echo devices) detects motion and ambient light to trigger your lights. For example, walk into a dark hallway and your Hue lights can automatically turn on – and then switch off after you leave. You can adjust sensitivity and timeouts, and even set different behaviors for day and night. Adding a motion sensor adds convenience and security: it’s one more budget smart home gadget that triggers lights to turn on when you enter a room, adding convenience and security. The Hue Motion Sensor costs about $40 and works with Alexa, Google, or Apple HomeKit (via bridge), making it a versatile, low-power upgrade.
- Auto on/off: Lights come on as you enter and turn off after set minutes of inactivity.
- Day/night modes: Configure it to only activate in the dark (saves power during daytime).
- Adjustable sensitivity: Use the Philips Hue app to fine-tune how quickly it reacts.
- Portable placement: Its tiny size and adhesive mount let you stick it anywhere (walls, ceilings, etc.).
Philips Hue Motion Sensor
- Automates lighting based on motion and light levels.
- Easy to place anywhere with adhesive or screws.
- Customizable day/night settings and timeouts.
- Works with Hue, Alexa, Google, and Apple HomeKit.
9. Meross Smart Garage Door Opener (MSG100HK) – Voice & App Control
Upgrade your garage with the Meross Smart Garage Door Opener kit. This add-on gadget (no monthly fee) works with most existing garage openers and connects via Wi-Fi. You can open/close your door from anywhere using the Meross app, see status notifications, and even schedule auto-close times. It integrates with Alexa, Google Assistant, HomeKit, and SmartThings so you can simply say “Alexa, open the garage.” Reviewers praise its simplicity and compatibility – Reviewed.com calls the Meross unit “affordable and wildly compatible” across ecosystems. For about $40, it’s a smart upgrade that adds voice control and alerts to an otherwise dumb garage door.
- Full ecosystem support: Works with Alexa, Google Home, Siri (HomeKit) and SmartThings for voice or app control.
- Extensive compatibility: Meross lists it as compatible with over 1,600 opener models, so it fits most homes.
- Alerts & automation: Receive notifications if the door is left open and set automations (like closing at night).
- No subscription: All features (including cloud alerts and remote access) work without any extra fees.
Meross Smart Garage Door Opener
- Remote open/close via app from anywhere.
- Compatible with Alexa, Google, HomeKit, and SmartThings.
- Sends open/close alerts and allows scheduling.
- Easy setup and no subscription required.
10. BroadLink RM4 Pro – Universal Smart Remote
The BroadLink RM4 Pro is a universal IR/RF remote control hub that “makes old devices smart” by learning their remote signals. It connects to your Wi-Fi and lets you operate TVs, air conditioners, fans, and even some garage devices via an app or voice assistant. For example, after teaching it your TV’s remote code, you could say “Alexa, turn on the TV” to power up a non-smart TV. It also handles RF signals (e.g. some garage doors or curtains). All this versatility comes in at under $50. By using the RM4 Pro, you can consolidate multiple remotes into one smart home system – a budget-friendly hack to control legacy devices via Alexa/Google or the BroadLink app.
- IR & RF support: Learn commands from infrared remotes (TV, cable box, etc.) and RF remotes (some garage doors, fans).
- Voice integration: Works with Alexa and Google Assistant so you can control non-smart devices by voice.
- Automation & IFTTT: Set schedules or use IFTTT for custom automations (e.g. turn on AC when you’re near home).
- Compact & low-cost: Small plug-in device that brings universal control without expensive hubs or subscriptions.
BroadLink RM4 Pro Universal Remote
- Controls TVs, ACs, fans, and more via app or voice.
- Supports both IR and RF devices.
- Works with Alexa, Google, and IFTTT automations.
- Great for upgrading “dumb” electronics affordably.
