The Best Inexpensive Smart Home Devices That Are Actually Worth Buying
Creating a smart home doesn’t have to break the bank. With the right budget-friendly devices, you can enjoy reliable automation, added security, and better convenience — without sacrificing quality. In this guide, we’ll walk through the best low-cost smart home devices that deliver impressive value and functionality.These aren’t just the cheapest options — they’re the best inexpensive devices that are genuinely worth your money.
Smart Light Bulbs
Smart bulbs are the foundation of many smart homes, and thankfully, there are affordable options that don’t feel cheap.
Best Overall:
Kasa Smart Bulb – Bright at 1,000 lumens with decent color quality and wide compatibility. It's not Matter-certified, but works with most systems.
Buy on Amazon
Best Matter-Compatible Bulb:
Linkind Matter Bulbs – These come in two versions:
- 800 lumens: Buy on Amazon
- 1600 lumens: Buy on Amazon
The white light is crisp, the CRI is over 90, and connectivity is stable—unlike some other budget Matter bulbs.
Smart Light Strips
Not all budget light strips are tacky or dim. These two balance quality and price well.
Best for Warm & Cool White Light:
WiZ Light Strip – At $33, it's bright, integrates well, and looks great next to higher-end Philips Hue lights.
Buy on Amazon
Best for Bright RGB Colors:
Aqara T1 Light Strip – Costs $45 and supports Zigbee. Brighter colors, but dimmer whites. Works best when connected via an Aqara hub.
Buy on Amazon
Smart Video Doorbells
Top Budget Pick:
Reolink Wi-Fi Doorbell – At around $110, it records 24/7 to SD card or NVR, has great HDR video, and no subscription fees.
Buy on Amazon
Runner-Up:
Eufy E340 – No fees, decent performance, and around $150. Still a solid pick if you're not using a Reolink setup.
Buy on Amazon
Smart Door Locks
Most Compatible:
Eufy E31 – Lightweight with fingerprint reader, Matter support, and rechargeable battery. App setup is required.
Buy on Amazon
Most Reliable:
Aqara U100 – Heavier, supports Apple Home Key, and fingerprint detection works even with sweaty hands.
Buy on Amazon
Smart Light Switches
Best Budget Option:
Kasa Dimmer and On/Off Switches – Cost around $20, easy to install, and Matter-compatible.
Dimmer Switch on Amazon
On/Off Switch on Amazon
Indoor Security Cameras
Best Value:
Tapo C120 – For $25, it records 24/7 to SD card, supports alerts like baby crying, and integrates with Home Assistant.
Buy on Amazon
Outdoor Security Cameras
Best for 24/7 Coverage:
Reolink RLC-810A – Wired, 4K resolution, $80, no fees, and flawless integration with Home Assistant.
Buy on Amazon
Avoid battery-powered models if Home Assistant integration is important, as they often don’t support it.
Motion Sensors
Top Picks:
- Aqara Motion Sensor – Small and sleek, uses coin batteries.
Buy on Amazon - Third Reality Motion Sensor – Larger but uses AAA batteries, which are more convenient and cost-effective.
Buy on Amazon
Millimeter Wave (Presence) Sensors
These sensors detect presence even when there's no movement — perfect for desks or bedrooms.
For Google/Amazon Users:
Treatlife mmWave Sensor – Basic, reliable, and affordable at $30.
Buy on Amazon
For Home Assistant Users:
- Aqara FP1E – Uses Zigbee, easy to integrate, and includes a mounting stand.
Buy on Amazon - Apollo MSR-2 – Plugs into a wall, uses ESPHome, very responsive.
Contact Sensors
Recommended:
- Third Reality – Uses AAA batteries and has a strong signal.
Buy on Amazon - Aqara – Compact and sleek, but uses coin cell batteries and sometimes disconnects.
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Water Leak Sensors
Most Affordable:
IKEA BADRING – Only $10, uses Zigbee, and includes a siren.
Best Features:
Third Reality Leak Sensor – More detection options and a louder alarm.
Buy on Amazon
Smart Buttons
For General Use:
Third Reality Smart Button – Detects single, double, and long presses. Works with most systems.
Buy on Amazon
For Lighting Control:
Philips Hue Smart Switch – More intuitive for lights, with multiple scene options and a magnetic wall mount.
Buy on Amazon
Vibration Sensors
Top Choice:
Third Reality Vibration Sensor – Adjustable sensitivity, AAA battery-powered, and very responsive.
Buy on Amazon
Budget Option:
Aqara Vibration Sensor – Smaller and cheaper, but uses coin cells and has fewer features.
Buy on Amazon
Smart Outlets with Energy Monitoring
Best for Matter Users:
Kasa Smart Outlet – Affordable Wi-Fi outlet, but Matter limits power monitoring functionality.
Buy on Amazon
Zigbee Alternatives with Better Features:
- IKEA Outlet –
- Third Reality Outlet – Buy on Amazon
Smart Garage Door Openers
Top Pick:
Meross Garage Opener – Starts at $30 for the standard model, or $50 for HomeKit support.
Both are reliable and can be integrated into Home Assistant. No batteries needed for the sensor.
Smart Thermostats
Budget Option:
Honeywell X2S – Matter-certified and only $100.
Buy on Amazon
Best Value Overall:
Ecobee Essential – At $130, it works with Ecobee sensors and has excellent reliability, even without the motion sensor built in.
Buy on Amazon
Air Quality Monitors
For CO2 Monitoring:
Apollo MSR-2 with CO2 Sensor – Great for stuffy rooms and supports automations.
For VOC and Particle Detection:
IKEA VINDSTYRKA – Measures PM2.5 and VOC, ideal for kitchens or 3D printer areas.
Bonus: Recommended Batteries
If you’re using devices that support AAA batteries, grab a pack of rechargeable AAA batteries. They’re budget-friendly in the long run and much easier to manage than coin cell batteries.
[Buy on Amazon](Amazon.com. Spend less. Smile more.)
Want to automate your home for less? Start with these devices — they’re proven to be dependable, well-priced, and easy to integrate into your smart ecosystem. Whether you're a Home Assistant pro or just getting started, these picks will give you the most value without compromise.