It seems pricey to have a smart home, don’t you think? As much as it used to be, the truth is that things have changed.
The days of having to pay thousands of dollars to have a professional installer install everything and then perhaps paying hundreds a month to maintain a subscription service are long gone when it comes to making your house smarter.
You can build your ideal smart home without debt if you put some thought and creativity into your budget. For those looking to add smart home technology to their home without breaking the bank, this guide covers you with detailed instructions and helpful suggestions.
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Prioritize and Plan
Before diving headfirst into a sea of smart gadgets, take a deep breath and prioritize.
Ask yourself:
“What areas of my home would benefit most from automation?”
Is it the constant battle with forgetting to turn off the lights?
The struggle to maintain a comfortable temperature?
Prioritize your needs and create a plan around them. This focused approach will prevent impulse purchases and ensure your budget stretches further.
Decide whether you want subscription services
When choosing a smart home device, it’s important to consider whether you want subscription services. Many brands offer subscriptions for access to their full range of features, but it’s crucial to determine which features are available without a subscription.
Some smart home brands offer subscription-free options, like Eufy Security, Wyze, Meross, Kasa Smart by TP-Link, and Blink. These brands offer a variety of smart plugs, lights, switches, garage door openers, baby monitoring cameras, pet cameras, and switches, making them a great option for those on a budget.
Make a List
You can customize the list to fit your needs, but here’s an example of a smart home device starting kit.
- A hub (the brains of your smart home).
- 3-5 Smart Light Bulbs.
- 3-5 Smart Outlets and Plugs.
- 3-5 Motion Sensors.
- Smart Lock
- Outdoor and Indoor Cameras.
- Smart Thermostat.
- Smart Video Doorbell.
Select Cost-Effective Smart Home Devices
When it comes to smart home products, the market offers an overwhelming selection of options at varying prices and with different features. Here are a few affordable devices to consider:
Start with Smart Hub
Your final expenditure could differ significantly depending on the smart home ecosystem you choose. The three primary ecosystems are Alexa from Amazon, Home from Google, and HomeKit from Apple.
How to Pick the Right Smart Home System?
The pricing range and degree of compatibility offered by each platform varies. Based on PC Magazine’s research, Amazon’s Alexa is the best option for economical homeowners because of its wide selection of compatible products.
Installation:
- Plug in your smart hub.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to set up the device.
- Connect it to your home Wi-Fi network.
Smart Lighting for Ambiance
Smart bulbs are an inexpensive option to upgrade your home’s lighting and create a more relaxing atmosphere. Various inexpensive smart lights are available from Wyze, Philips Hue, and TP-Link. These lamps can be controlled using a smartphone app or voice commands.
Installation:
- Replace your existing bulbs with smart bulbs.
- Download the corresponding app on your smartphone.
- Follow the app’s instructions to connect and configure the bulbs.
Automate Your Home with Smart Plugs
Smart plugs make non-smart equipment smart for cheap. With a smart plug, you can control lights and fans from your phone or voice. Wemo Mini Smart Plug and Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini allow affordable appliance management.
Installation:
- Plug the smart plug into an electrical outlet.
- Connect your device to the smart plug.
- Set up the smart plug using the manufacturer’s app.
Voice Control with a Budget-Friendly Smart Speaker
A nice feature is using your voice to operate your smart home system. If you’re looking for a voice-activated assistant to control various smart devices, consider getting a reasonably priced smart speaker like the Amazon Echo Dot or Google Nest Mini.
Installation:
- Choose a central location for optimal voice command coverage.
- Connect the smart speaker to your home Wi-Fi network for seamless integration.
- Enhance compatibility and control multiple devices using voice commands.
Energy-Saving Smart Thermostats
Invest in a smart thermostat to cut down on your energy bills. Affordable alternatives for remote temperature management, scheduling, and energy optimization are available from brands like Nest and Ecobee.
Installation:
- Turn off the power to your HVAC system.
- Remove the old thermostat and install the smart thermostat following the provided instructions.
- Connect the thermostat to your Wi-Fi network and configure the settings.
DIY Smart Security System
A small smart security system can be built without breaking the bank. For interior monitoring, go with a cheap device like Wyze Cam. For outdoor tracking, get Wyze Outdoor Cam. Functionalities like motion detection, live streaming, and cloud storage are available on these cameras.
Installation:
- Set up the cameras in key areas.
- Link the security cameras to the Wi-Fi network in your house.
- Use the corresponding applications to set up the cameras.
Affordable Smart Doorbell for Enhanced Security
Save money without sacrificing home security by installing a smart doorbell. Doorbell cams from companies like Ring and Eufy let you watch videos in real-time, talk back and forth, and feel when someone moves.
Installation:
- Refer to the manual for installing the doorbell.
- Link the doorbell to the Wi-Fi in your home.
- Use the accompanying app to set up the doorbell.
Smart Locks for Secure, Keyless Entry
Invest in a reasonably priced smart lock to bolster your home security system. For example, smart locks from August and Wyze are simple to set up and provide you peace of mind when you don’t have a key.
Installation:
- Remove the existing lock by following the manufacturer’s directions.
- After you’ve followed the instructions, you can attach the new smart lock.
- You can access and control it remotely using the software that comes with it.
Motion Sensors for Enhanced Automation
Add motion sensors to take your smart home automation and security to the next level. You can get reasonably priced motion sensors from Wyze and Xiaomi that detect movement and trigger actions.
Setting up:
- Place sensors where you’d like them to pick up motion.
- Add them to your preexisting smart home network.
- Set up for motion detection by setting up actions like turning on lights or triggering notifications.
Explore deals, but avoid bundles
This may seem simple advice, but keeping an eye out for sales may save you a ton of money when building your smart home. For instance, we have Amazon wish lists for all the smart home gadgets we can’t live without.
This makes watching for sales on holidays, Black Friday, Prime Day, and Cyber Monday simple. But remember to pay attention to the deals that make sense.
In the long term, purchasing a home security system package that includes all the necessary components and a few cameras that need a monthly subscription may not be cost-effective. Be selective while shopping for bundles, and be sure to include just the things you will utilize.
| Area | DIY Upgrade | Cost Estimate |
| Lighting | Smart bulb kit for existing fixtures | $10-$20 per bulb |
| Ceiling Fan | DIY smart fan kit | $30-$50 |
| Thermostat | Programmable thermostat | $50-$100 |
| Security | DIY window and door sensors | $15-$25 per sensor |
| Plugs & Outlets | Smart plugs to automate existing appliances | $10-$20 per plug |
| Tech Repurposing | Raspberry Pi projects for old devices | Varies depending on project |
| Voice Control | Budget-friendly smart speaker | $30-$50 |
| Apps & Automation | IFTTT applets for basic routines | Free with optional premium features |
Beyond the Basics
As technology evolves, the possibilities for budget-friendly smart homes expand. Keep an eye on emerging trends like open-source smart home platforms, DIY mesh networks, and voice-activated routines that can automate mundane tasks like grocery ordering or laundry scheduling.
Keep an open mind, try new things, and welcome the dynamic nature of affordable smart home innovation.
Tips for building a budget-friendly smart home
- Research and Compare: Compare prices and features before purchasing.
- Start Small: Begin with key devices to control costs.
- Consider Refurbished Devices: Save money with certified refurbished devices.
- DIY Installation: Choose easy-to-install devices to avoid extra costs.
- Take Advantage of Sales: Monitor sales and promotions for discounts.
- Utilize Voice Assistants: Use budget-friendly smart speakers for voice control.
- DIY Automation: Experiment with creating custom automation.
- Use Free Apps: Utilize free companion apps for basic functionality.
FAQs
What is the projected growth trend for Smart Homes?
From 2023 to 2028, the ‘Smart Homes by Segment’ global indicator for the smart home market was projected to rise steadily, reaching 424.5 million users (+117.69 percent). In 2028, the indicator is predicted to reach 785.16 million users, marking a new peak, following the ninth consecutive year of increase, Statista.
I have home security. Do I need smart home tech?
Smart homes have many advantages. However, it differs from less high-tech homes. Home security systems include some linked features but prioritize security above convenience. Home automation benefits go beyond security.
Are smart homes secure?
This question comes up frequently. Yes, but to ensure your safety, you must do something about it. Smart home accounts should have complex passwords (use (MFA) if available) and only share with trusted users. Certain apps monitor your activities, but they anonymize the data so it cannot be linked to you.
Conclusion
- Building your dream smart home on a budget is a journey, not a destination. Enjoy the discovery process, embrace the challenge of finding creative solutions, and celebrate every step you take towards automating your home without emptying your wallet.
- With a little planning, some DIY magic, and a dash of community spirit, you can transform your humble abode into a haven of smart convenience and futuristic fun, all while staying firmly within your budget.
- So, roll up your sleeves, unleash your inner tech wizard, and start building your dream smart home, one affordable upgrade at a time!