5 Hassle-Free and Hub-less Smart Home Products under $50 to Get You Started
The costs of adopting Smart home technology can add up. But if you’re considering taking your first steps towards a smarter home it doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag, and it can even save you money in the long run.
With so many devices out there it can be hard to pick out those that are hassle-free, meaning they could make your home smart without the need for a smart system (Wi-Fi is enough, no hub required!), but could just as easily work with a smart system if you have one.
So if you’re on the lookout for some totally affordable and pretty straightforward smart home devices to get you started, here are a few, all currently under $50.
1. Amazon Echo Dot & Google Home Mini $49
The recent release of more affordable product offerings from tech giants like Amazon and Google has lowered the barrier for those looking to build a smart set-up on a budget, while still providing intuitive and hassle-free solutions. Their offerings now include mini versions of their original smart speakers that spare none of their original function.
The only difference is in the speakers’ range, as they do carry smaller speakers than the larger sized originals. Both devices use voice control to play music, control other compatible smart home devices, and can make calls or send messages to most numbers in US, Mexico, and Canada for free.
Requires:
- Wi-Fi Connection
- Alexa App for Amazon Echo Dot
- Google Home App for Google Home
Compatible with:
- WeMo, Philips Hue, Sony, Samsung SmartThings, Nest, TP-Link, IFTTT and more.
2. Belkin Wemo Mini Smart Plug $34.99
The Mini Smart Plug is a great product to bring old appliances or light fixtures into the new world. It gives any powered device some basic smarts by connecting the plug to your Wi-Fi. If you hurry there’s currently an offer on the Belkin website for $5 off this price.
The plug enables remote control of the connected appliance without needing a subcription or hub. It connects straight to your Wi-Fi and is controlled through the free Wemo app. It also supports scheduling to be active according to your preferences.
Requires:
- Wi-Fi Connection
- Wemo App
Compatible with:
- Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Nest, IFTTT
3. Leeo Smart Alert Smoke/CO $49.99
The Leeo Smart Alert monitors smoke, CO, and water sensors for their sound alarms and alerts you with notifications on your phone or an automated phone call if the notification isn’t dismissed. It will also make a call to a close contact if you don’t respond to the notification.
The Smart Alert also has an adjustable nightlight that can be set to match the mood lighting in the home. Its compatibility with other smart home ecosystems is limited to IFTTT where it can be a part of mood functions and connected ecosystems.
Requires:
- Wi-Fi Connection
- Wall outlet
- Leeo App
Compatible with:
- IFTTT
4. TP-Link LB130 Smart Wi-Fi LED Bulb with Color Changing Hue $44.99
The Smart Wi-Fi LED Bulb connects to your Wi-Fi so that you can manage your lighting remotely using the free Kasa app. It can change color and brightness, mimic natural light patterns, support voice control through Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa, and reduce energy use without sparing quality or brightness.
Requires:
- Wi-Fi Connection
- Kasa App
Compatible with:
- Amazon Alexa
- Google Assistant
- IFTTT (beta)
5. EZVIZ Mini O Indoor Wi-Fi Network Surveillance Camera $39.99
The EZVIZ Mini Surveillance Camera uses Wi-Fi to connect to your computer and smartphone to deliver 720p video footage. It has a built-in microphone and speaker to enable 2-way communication, infrared night vision, wide range, and has adujstable storage with support for a variety of memory cards.
This product is not battery operated so it does need to be plugged in to power, but it doesn’t need a hub to operate and can communicate with Amazon Alexa and is IFTTT compatible.
This is a great camera for those who want just the basics. But if your budget allows for a more expensive camera and you prefer compatibility with smart home systems to protect your investment, you should check out our story from several months ago.
Requires:
- Wi-Fi Connection
- Access to wall outlet
- EZVIZ App
Compatible with:
- Amazon Alexa
- IFTTT
Got a favorite hassle-free smart product you don’t see listed here? Leave your product recommendations in the comments below and hey, while you’re at it why not check out the bottom of our publication page for a raffle to win an Amazon Echo!
