Top Affordable Smart Home Tech for 2023

With the rise of brand competition, advancements in technology, and industry innovation, smart home devices have become increasingly accessible to consumers. Today, even a basic smart speaker can serve as the central hub for all of your smart home needs, making it easier than ever to begin your journey towards a more interconnected home. To help you get started, we've compiled a list of budget-friendly smart home devices that offer both affordability and quality.

We ensure that all our picks work together seamlessly by focusing on devices that are compatible with Amazon's Alexa voice assistant as a minimum benchmark for selection.

The Wyze Cam V3 is a top-notch smart home security camera that offers both indoor and outdoor monitoring capabilities at an affordable price point. Its third iteration boasts impressive durability, as well as the option for cloud or local storage. With motion detection already built-in, the Wyze Cam V3 is an ideal choice for budget-conscious consumers looking for a reliable security solution. Additionally, users can opt for a subscription service that includes AI detection and cloud storage for added peace of mind.

The Wyze Cam V3 is a great option for those seeking to boost their home security without breaking the bank. Since its launch in 2017, Wyze has been a market leader, providing affordable cameras that offer features typically found in more expensive smart home systems.

The Cam V3 boasts a significant upgrade from its predecessor, including exceptional resolution, motion detection support, and impressive night vision capabilities. Its IP65 certification ensures all-weather functionality and durability, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. While lacking battery options may be a drawback for some, the camera's affordability and reliable performance make it a worthwhile investment. Plus, the absence of batteries eliminates the need for concern about their lifespan in the future.

The 5th generation of the Echo Dot smart speaker from Amazon boasts an impressive list of features, including a temperature and motion sensor built into the device. The added accelerometer makes interacting with Alexa even easier, allowing users to change music with just a tap. With a larger 1.73 inch speaker that can be integrated into an EERO mesh network, this is a must-have for any smart home setup. Don't miss out on this affordable and high-quality smart speaker.

The 5th Generation Amazon Echo Dot boasts an impressive array of technology while maintaining the same compact design as its predecessor. Built around the highly-regarded Alexa voice assistant, the Echo Dot offers an exceptional voice control experience that has only improved over time. Even without the clock feature offered by the pricier version, this smart speaker includes a new temperature sensor, motion sensor, and accelerometer for enhanced control and responsiveness. With its accurate voice recognition and easy integration into any room, the Echo Dot is an excellent choice at an affordable price point. The only drawback is the lack of an official battery version, with third-party solutions costing as much as the speaker itself.

The Echo Dot boasts a larger speaker and an array of sensors to provide an even smarter experience. It's not content with just being the centerpiece of your living room, though - it can also extend its reach to other rooms in your home through Amazon's EERO Wi-Fi mesh network. For those seeking an affordable smart speaker with advanced features, the Echo Dot is an essential addition to any budget-friendly smart home. With nearly a decade of expertise from Amazon, it's a reliable option that delivers a refined experience at a fraction of the cost of other smart speakers on the market.

The TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Slim 4-Pack is a great choice for those looking for an affordable smart plug option. Also known as the Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini, this device connects to your Wi-Fi network and can be easily set up using QR codes. You can monitor power usage, schedule events and even control multiple plugs at once with potential integration for voice assistants. And at $40, it's a bargain for anyone looking to automate their home.

The TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Slim 4-Pack provides an affordable option for those seeking easy control of their appliances without the hassle of complicated setup or bulky equipment. Each plug is capable of handling impressive power, with up to 1800W per adapter, and is adaptable to a wide range of Wi-Fi networks, ensuring compatibility. At roughly $10 per plug in a pack of four, this budget option is a steal compared to pricier competitors. Despite the low cost, these plugs offer refined control over your appliances and seamless integration with all major virtual assistants.

The TP-Link Kasa's lack of support for 5GHz bands is a minor concern for future-proofing. However, it's unlikely that 2.4GHz will be eliminated as a basic bandwidth by most router manufacturers. Despite this, the TP-Link Kasa remains an excellent choice for a powerful, user-friendly smart home device.

The Govee Smart Light Bulbs are a versatile lighting option for any gaming room. With a lifespan of up to 50,000 hours and the ability to choose from over 16 million colors, these RGB lights are perfect for everyday use. The Govee Home app offers 54 preset lighting schemes, and the bulbs can also be controlled through voice commands using Google Home or Amazon Alexa. The bulbs feature dimmable brightness options from 0 to 100% and can be connected via Bluetooth and/or WiFi. Plus, with a bundle deal, these smart bulbs cost less than $10 each, making them a great value. The Govee Smart Light Bulbs work without the need for a hub, and come with free phone support from Amazon for up to 90 days to assist with setup. The only drawback is that they do not support Apple's Homekit and the Govee app could use some improvements compared to more expensive competitors like Philips HUE.

The Govee Smart Light Bulbs are an essential addition to any smart home, providing stylish and easy-to-use lighting that won't break the bank. With support for both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, these A19-shaped bulbs are a no-brainer for those looking to enhance their aesthetic with smart lighting. Whether you're a first-timer or an already smart homeowner, these lights offer some of the best value for the price.

At the current sale price, the 4-pack is an unbeatable deal, costing roughly half of what a single unit would. This is an offer that shouldn't be missed, especially considering the capabilities of these smart lights. The Govee Home App provides excellent control, allowing you to schedule different colors for different times of the day, group bulbs together, or handle each individually. They even offer music-based lighting, using your smartphone's mic to capture sound for a truly immersive experience.

The Amazon Eero Mesh WiFi System offers a great budget-friendly option for a smart Wi-Fi router. While it may not be the fastest router available, it makes up for it with frequent software updates and the convenience of being able to control it through Alexa and Apple's HomeKit. The newest Echo Dots can even be used as compatible extensions of the router's mesh network.

The Amazon Eero Mesh Wi-Fi router provides exceptional value for its price with impressive coverage range and compatibility with various network devices. It boasts a modular mesh design that allows for seamless expansion with additional routers, including the more expensive Eero Pro units. Additionally, its setup experience is one of the best in the market, featuring an auto-sensing Ethernet port that makes installation and configuration a breeze. However, its internet speeds are slightly slower compared to its competitors, and some software controls require a premium subscription. One of its unique features is the ability to use existing smart Echo Dot speakers as part of its mesh network, extending the range without additional cost or space.

The Eero boasts a robust 700MHz quad-core CPU with 512 MB of Ram, making it a reliable choice. Although there are faster routers available at similar price points, the Eero makes up for it by seamlessly integrating with Alexa for easy router control. With voice commands, you can manage bandwidth, internet policies, and device access, all with an Alexa-enabled device. For those requiring more power, the Amazon Eero Pro 6E Mesh Wi-Fi router is an option to consider, with Tri-Band connectivity, Wi-Fi 6 support, and faster internet transmission speeds, providing an enhanced internet experience.

The Amazon Fire TV 50" 4-Series 4K TV is a budget-friendly option that offers impressive features. With a high-resolution display that supports 4K Ultra HD, HDR 10, HLG, and Dolby Digital Plus, this TV delivers stunning picture quality. Plus, with access to popular apps and streaming services, including Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+, you'll have a vast catalog of movies and TV shows to choose from. The TV also includes 3 HDMI inputs, making it easy to connect cable, satellite, and video game consoles, among other devices. With HDMI eARC, you can even attach more powerful audio equipment to enhance the sound. And best of all, Alexa is built right into the TV, so you can control it with your voice.

The Amazon Fire TV 50' 4-Series 4K TV offers exceptional value for its price point, combined with seamless Alexa integration that is a trademark of the latest Fire and Echo devices. With a range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth, and multiple HDMI ports, this entry-level TV is an excellent option for those seeking versatile connectivity. However, it is worth noting that the VA panel may not provide the same quality of viewing angles and color reproduction as higher-end IPS panels. Despite this, the Amazon Fire TV 50' 4-Series 4K TV remains a popular choice for those looking for a reliable, feature-rich TV at an affordable price, currently available for $280 on Amazon.

The VA panel used in the TV is a result of Amazon's effort to offer a more affordable option, albeit at the expense of brightness, color reproduction, and viewing angles, which some of its competitors excel in. The question is, are you willing to accept these compromises for the unbeatable price?

Although it may not be the top-of-the-line TV within the $500 range, the Amazon Fire TV doesn't claim to be one either. It caters to individuals seeking a satisfactory smart TV experience without breaking the bank. Given its price, we can't fault the TV's tradeoffs and are delighted to deem it as the best budget smart TV.

FAQ:

Q: What does a smart home setup cost?

Assembling a smart home doesn't have to break the bank. It's entirely up to you how much you want to invest in this technology. What's great about setting up a smart home is that it can be done gradually, piece by piece. You could start with something as simple as an Echo Dot or smart bulbs and slowly add more devices until your home is fully automated.

Q: What are the most popular smart home devices?

A: The most popular smart home devices would be smart speakers followed by smart lighting, both of which are excellent beginning points for creating a smart home over time.