Whether you're renovating your first BTO flat or simply upgrading your cot, integrating smart home technology may seem like an expensive endeavor, but fear not, we've scoured the internet to bring you the 10 best smart home products under $50.
From smart light bulbs that let you change the atmosphere of your living area with just a tap to smart switches that let you live the lazy couch potato life, the products we've picked are not only affordable, but also practical and easy to set up.
Smart Light
TP-Link Multicolor Smart Light Bulb – $15.90
Image credit: MrCrum/Amazon
If Taobao's three-tone lights aren't enough for you, you can opt for TP-Link's affordable multi-color smart bulbs. At just $15.90 per bulb, they're much cheaper than popular alternatives like Philips Hue, and if you plan on buying more than one bulb, they also offer a bundle plan for $25.90 for a set of two.
The bulb supports over 16 million colors and lets you save presets to set the mood of your room with just a tap on your smartphone, or if you have Amazon Alexa or Google Home, you can issue a voice command to turn on the light.
Price: $15.90 on Amazon
Buy the TP-Link Tapo L530E from Amazon.
Govee 5M Long LED Light Strip – $36.99
Image credit: Doug/Amazon
LED light strips may have been considered tacky five years ago, but they've now become a staple accessory in many work-from-home environments and home theaters, lighting up your space with the color of your choice and instantly changing the mood of any room without being overpowering.
Govee LED light strips come in sets of 5 meters and can also be synced with music played from your phone, turning your living room into a lively club when hosting friends for a celebration.
Price: $36.99 on Amazon
Buy Govee LED Strip Lights from Amazon.
Smart Plug
Universal Smart Surge Protector Power Strip – $19.88
Power surges are the biggest enemy of electronic devices. It's best to be extra careful to prevent internal damage to your computers and other equipment. In the worst case scenario, a surge can even cause a fire in your home. This Universal Smart Surge Protector Power Strip is under $20 and features four power points and two USB-A ports, allowing you to charge and power numerous devices without the need for multi-plugs.
Moreover, the power strip also comes with a smart app that allows you to set timers to turn the power on and off at specific times, which also prevents your devices from overcharging.
Price: $19.88 on Amazon
Buy the Universal Smart Surge Protector Power Strip from Amazon.
Meross Smart Socket – 2 for $42.99
Images/Photos Courtesy of Meross
One way to make a “dumb” appliance “smart” is to plug it into a smart socket like the one from Meross. At just $42.99, this may be a more economical option than buying a brand new appliance, especially if the fan or floor lamp is still in good condition.
Meross Smart Sockets work with Siri, Google Home and Alexa so you don't have to worry about compatibility issues, and they also have a small, fire-resistant housing and overload protection so you can rest easy knowing there's less risk of fire.
Price: $29.90 for one, $42.99 for two on Amazon
Buy Meross Smart Sockets from Amazon.
Smart Hub
Switchbot Mini Hub – $45
Image credit: Francesco Aluffi/Amazon
Every smart home needs a brain: a smart hub. At $45, the SwitchBot Mini Hub is almost half the price of the $84 Philips Hue Bridge, and it does almost everything, including controlling your TV, air conditioner, and other smart devices. It's also compatible with Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, and the IFTTT app.
It's a small box so you can place it anywhere, and it can even be wall mounted, saving you counter space for your router.
Price: $45 on Amazon, $49 on Shopee
Buy the SwitchBot Mini Hub from Amazon and Shopee.
BroadLink RM4mini Smart Remote Hub – $23
Another smart hub that works with many devices that require a remote control is the RM4mini Smart Remote Hub from BroadLink. From air conditioners to soundbars, home stereos to fans, you can add any appliance to the BroadLink app and control it from your smartphone. No need to juggle multiple remote controls that can get lost among the couch cushions.
Price: $23 on Shopee, $34.90 on Amazon
Buy the BroadLink RM4 mini Smart Remote Hub from Amazon and Shopee.
Smart Cameras and Motion Sensors
TP-Link Tapo C100 Home Wi-Fi Camera – $21.90
Image credit: Amazon
If you have pets, small kids, or just want to make sure no one gets into your home without your knowledge, a Wi-Fi camera to keep an eye on your home is a must. This TP-Link camera costs just $21.90 and records video in 1080p so you don't have to stare at blurry pixels on a screen. It also has advanced night vision up to 30 feet, so you can keep an eye on your home even after dark.
Its tiny frame also packs in features like motion detection, sound and light alarms, and two-way audio with a microphone and speaker, so you can talk to anyone and anything in your home.
Price: $21.90 on Amazon, $28 on Shopee
Buy TP-Link Tapo C100 from Amazon and Shopee.
TP-Link Tapo T100 Smart Motion Sensor – $25.90
A motion sensor alone cannot make a smart home, but when you combine it with other smart devices like smart lamps and smart switches, your home's IQ can reach 100 overnight. This TP-Link motion sensor can be placed in an inconspicuous place like a hallway or entryway and can trigger actions like turning on lights or notify you if a door that should be closed suddenly opens.
Price: $25.90 on Amazon
Buy the TP-LinK Tapo T100 Motion Sensor from Amazon.
Other Smart Devices
SwitchBot Switch Button Pusher – $38.90
Image credit: SwitchBot
Making your whole home smart can be a tedious task, but a smart button pusher like this one can help. It can be attached to any rocker switch so you can easily turn them on and off from your smartphone. You can also attach it to machines you use every day, like your coffee machine.
Image credit: SwitchBot
Gadgets like this are especially useful for people who don't want to make permanent changes to their home, like renters. But the Button Pusher only works with a few types of switches, so before you rush out to buy one, check out the SwitchBot website to make sure your home is equipped with the right switches.
Price: $38.90
Buy the SwitchBot Switch Button Pusher from Amazon.
TP-Link Tapo T110 Smart Contact Sensor – $27.90
Image courtesy of TP-Link
Smart contact sensors may seem unnecessary to most people, but they are one of those nifty gadgets that improve the quality of life at home. For example, if you install one on your closet door, it will trigger a “lights on” automation when the door is open and turn off the lights when you close the closet.
You can also install it on a window and set it to turn off your air conditioner when the smart contact sensor detects that the window is open.
Price: $27.90 on Amazon
Buy the TP-Link Tapo T110 Smart Contact Sensor from Amazon.
The best smart home devices you can buy under $50
Making your home smart doesn't have to cost a fortune. There are plenty of nifty new gadgets available online that cost under $50, so upgrading your home doesn't have to cost a fortune.
Check out our other smart home articles:
Cover images taken from Amazon and SwitchBot.
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