Your first apartment after graduation probably won't be your forever home, but with the help of gadgets that cater to your needs, you can make it something you'll be proud of. Relatively affordable devices allow you to automate your lighting, keep an eye on your pets, and clean your floors more efficiently without draining too much of your paycheck. We've tried many smart home technologies over the years, and here's what we recommend for beginners or those on a tight budget.
Amazon
You can think of the Echo Show 5 as your automated home command center. Amazon tweaked its smallest display in 2023 to make it a little faster and a little bassier than its predecessor, but it's still a smart display suitable for compact spaces. You can view footage from connected cameras and control your smart plugs and other devices with your voice. It can also play music and podcasts, tell you the weather, and stream your favorite shows (note that the Netflix app is not supported).
$65 on Amazon
TP-Link / Casa
Connected light bulbs may be the easiest way to transform your analog home into a “smart” home. With one smart light, you'll never have to enter a dark apartment again. You can schedule your daily routine and make it look like you're home even when you're not there. You can turn it off with just your voice or through the app, so you don't have to get out of bed when you're about to fall. Our senior commerce editor, Valentina Palladino, tested several light bulbs for her guide and thinks TP-Link's Kasa smart light bulbs offer the best value. Thanks to Kasa's clean and simple app, installation is easy, even for first-time users of smart devices. Please note that voice control is only available with Alexa or Google Assistant. Unfortunately Siri is not compatible.
$27 on Amazon
Roku
Roku's Streaming Stick 4K turns any screen with an HDMI port into a smart TV for less than $50. Our Commerce Writer Nicole Lee likes Roku's easy-to-understand interface and support for universal search, which lets you see which services are playing a particular show. Unlike some streaming sticks, Roku works with all major voice assistants: Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa. You can also control your TV by saying “Hey Roku” to the included remote control or the Roku app. The same app turns your phone into her second remote control and also allows for private listening through headphones. 4K dongles are made for high-resolution screens, but if you don't have a 4K TV and want to save more money, Amazon's Fire TV Stick Lite is a favorite budget option.
$39 on Amazon
blink
Indoor security cameras can keep an eye on your pet when you're away or give you peace of mind when you're away for the weekend. The updated Blink Mini 2 camera adds a spotlight, provides better night vision, and is rated for both indoor and outdoor use. As a result, the price has increased by $10, but it still ranks as one of the most affordable smart security cameras on the market. Since Blink is an Amazon brand, the camera can easily sync with your Echo Show display, but you can also send the video feed to your phone or Fire TV. Built-in microphone and speaker allow you to hear and speak to anyone in the room, perfect for confusing your cat or surprising your guests.
$30 at Lowes
Levoit
Whether it's traffic exhaust in the city, pollen in the suburbs, or smoke from the ubiquitous wildfires, it's not always ideal to open your apartment window to get some fresh air. Air purifiers can help keep indoor air healthier when you're stuck at home. We love this space-saving unit from Levoit. The Core 300S Smart Air Purifier is an app-compatible gadget that can automatically adjust fan speed depending on the amount of particulate matter detected in the air. I found it to be nearly silent on low settings and not too distracting on high settings. Plus, it's relatively affordable, with replacement filters costing only around $35.
$150 on Amazon
casa smart
I found the most tacky yet wonderful lamp in the lobby of my first apartment and still treasure it to this day. However, the rotary switch is extremely difficult to turn. Since then, when I plugged Kasa's her EP25 smart into her one of hers, it lights up automatically just before sunset, and when I say goodnight to Alexa (or ask her to turn off the “ugly lamp”) ) will disappear. Many smart plugs out there are compatible with this, but we found the EP25 to be easy to connect, work reliably, and compatible with all four major smart home platforms, which is why we chose it in our guide. Top performance.
$36 on Amazon
govie
While no one chooses Christmas lights as decorations, strip lights are a slightly classier way to add flair to a space. You can use them to illuminate your bookshelf, set the mood for your streaming setup, or transform your bedroom into a color-coordinated haven. Govee makes a variety of smart LED strips, but senior commerce editor Valentina recommends her M1 RGBIC in her guide. She was impressed by the brightness of the light and the wide range of hues available. Different segments can be controlled individually, and the app has an “effects lab” that offers pre-programmed lighting presets, including sunsets, starry skies, and movie-themed color palettes.
$100 on Amazon
Photo courtesy of Valentina Palladino/Engadget
Engadget's Valentina Palladino tested more than a dozen robot vacuums and recommends iRobot's Roomba 694 for people who want to keep their floors clean without spending a lot of money (or time). The company's companion app is simple, perhaps the 694's biggest selling point, and guides you through installation and programming. This vacuum cleaner is suitable for hard floors and carpets and runs for about 45 minutes on a single charge. This is plenty of time for most small apartments. You'll have to help it when it gets stuck on a cable and empty the trash can when it's full, but other than that it's a pretty hassle-free way to clean your floors.
$180 at Wayfair
Photo credit: Nathan Ingraham/Engadget
Sonos Roam is both a smart speaker and a portable speaker that packs plenty of practicality into a $180 package. It's not the cheapest, but it's relatively low for Sonos, a brand known for high-quality audio. Roam plays your favorite music services and delivers clear highs and impressive bass for its size. It has Alexa built-in and also has access to Google Assistant, so you can use the speaker to order compatible smart home devices. When it's time to relax, you can have Roam play just about any song you can think of.
$179 at Sonos
TP link
Thick walls, odd layouts, and other factors can cause unstable home WiFi reception. If you are experiencing dead zones in your apartment, a WiFi extender may be helpful. TP-Link's AC1200 RE315 is a budget favorite. It covers 1,500 square feet and delivers speeds of up to 1,200Mbps. It's fast enough for streaming and working from home. It also has a built-in Ethernet port for even more reliable connections to important technology like TVs and game consoles.
$23 on Amazon
instant pot
Cooking for yourself is one of the biggest adjustments you'll make as an adult. That was certainly the case for me too. Fortunately, with large quantities of beans and rice, most humans can survive much longer than we think. The Instant Pot Duo cooks beans without soaking them, creating fluffy rice. Add a jar of salsa and you have a pretty balanced meal. Of course, you can also cook something more elaborate. Searching for Instant His Pot recipes will give you a lifetime's worth of ideas. Although our guide to kitchenware recommends the larger version, this 3-quart model is more affordable and a good size for one or two people.
$80 on Amazon
Source link