Your first apartment after graduation probably isn’t your forever home, but you can make it something you’re proud of with gadgets that meet your expectations. You can automate your lights, keep an eye on your pets, and clean your floors more efficiently with relatively affordable devices that won’t eat up too much of your paycheck. We’ve tried a lot of smart home technology over the years and here’s what we recommend for beginners and those on a tight budget.
You can think of Echo Show 5 as the command center of your automated home. Amazon amended their smallest screen in 2023 to be a little faster and a little more serious than its predecessor, and it’s still a good smart display for a compact space. It displays images from your connected cameras and grants voice control over your smart plugs and other devices. Plus, it will stream your music or podcasts, tell you the weather, and even stream your favorite show (just note that the Netflix app is not it supported).
Connected light bulbs might be the easiest way to turn your analog home into a “smart” home. Just one smart light can ensure you never enter a dark apartment again. You can set schedules for your daily routines or make it seem like you’re home when you’re not. Being able to turn off devices with just your voice or through an app can save you from getting out of bed when you’re ready to crash. Our senior business editor, Valentina Palladino, tested a number of bulbs for our guide and think that TP-Link Kasa smart bulbs offer you the best value for money. Setup will be easy, even for those new to smart devices, thanks to Kasa’s clean and simple app. It’s worth noting that voice control is only available with Alexa or Google Assistant; Siri is unfortunately incompatible.
Roku 4K Streaming Stick turns any display with an HDMI port into a smart TV for under $50. Our Business Editor, Nicole Lee, Loves Roku’s simple interface and the fact that it supports universal search so you can find out which service a given show is streaming on. Unlike some streaming sticks, Roku works with all major voice assistants: Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa. You can even control your TV by saying “Hey Roku” to the included remote or through the Roku app. The same app turns your phone into a second remote control and also allows private listening through your headphones. The 4K dongle is designed for high-resolution displays, but if you don’t have a 4K TV and want to save more money, Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite is our favorite budget option.
An indoor security camera can allow you to check on your pets while you’re away, or simply provide reassurance when you’re away for the weekend. The update Flashing Mini 2 The camera now contains a spotlight, offers better night vision and is designed for indoor and outdoor use. As a result, the price has increased by $10, but it remains one of the most affordable smart security cameras on the market. Flash…
