10 Smart Home Gadgets Under $100 That Make Renting Greener and Smarter

Smart home gadgets aren’t just for homeowners with deep pockets or fancy renovations. With affordable, easy-to-install options, renters can level up their living spaces—improving energy efficiency, slashing utility bills, and living a little greener. If you rent and want to mix sustainability with tech, this guide is for you!

Below, you’ll find the 10 best smart home gadgets for under $100. Each one makes your rental smarter and kinder to the planet, all without making permanent changes.

Why Smart Tech Makes Sense for Renters

No Permanent Installs: Most smart home gadgets are plug-and-play or use temporary mounts, so there’s no landlord headache.
Energy Savings: Many devices monitor or reduce electricity, gas, and water use—good for the planet and your wallet.
Comfort & Convenience: Automate chores, climate, and lighting for a smoother, more enjoyable rental experience.

Top 10 Smart Home Gadgets Under $100 for Green Living

1. Smart Plugs

Smart plugs let you control any plugged-in device remotely via your phone or voice assistant. Forget to turn off an appliance? Shut it down from anywhere. Create schedules to save energy by powering down devices when not in use.

No wiring needed. Just plug into an outlet.
Set schedules. Automate lamps, fans, or coffee makers.
Monitor usage. Some models track energy for each device.

Best for: Lamps, space heaters, TVs, computers, and kitchen gadgets.

2. Smart LED Light Bulbs

Replace a standard light bulb with a smart LED to instantly upgrade your space. These bulbs use up to 80% less energy versus incandescents, and you can dim or change color—great for movie nights, reading, or mood lighting.

Long life span. Generally last 10+ years with regular use.
Simple swap. No tools needed, just screw in.
Remote control. Use your phone or a smart speaker.

Best for: Living rooms, bedrooms, desk lamps, and kitchens.

3. Water Leak Sensors

A water leak sensor is a renter’s insurance policy. Place one in bathrooms, kitchens, or under portable washing machines. If a leak is detected, get a notification before costly (or security deposit-destroying) water damage occurs.

Fast alerts. Get push notifications or text alerts instantly.
No installation. Battery-powered and wireless.
Battery life. Usually lasts a year or more.

Best for: Bathrooms, laundry areas, beneath sinks, or by water heaters.

4. Smart Power Strips

Appliances and electronics continue to draw power even when “off”—a problem known as phantom load. Smart power strips can turn off all connected devices at once or on a schedule, eliminating this energy waste.

Individually controlled outlets. Cut power to one device or all at once.
Energy monitoring. Find out which gadgets use the most electricity.
Voice assistant compatible. Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri.

Best for: Home offices, entertainment centers, or nightstands.

5. Programmable Smart Thermostats for Portable Heaters/AC Units

Many renters can’t swap their apartment’s built-in thermostat. Instead, try a smart plug with built-in temperature control for portable heaters or ACs. These monitors maintain your preferred temperature and automatically turn units on or off.

Adjust room temperature easily. No rewiring required.
Eliminate waste. Never forget to switch off a heater or AC again.
App control. Manage from anywhere on your smartphone.

Best for: Bedrooms, offices, or anywhere you use a portable heater or air conditioner.

6. Smart Window and Door Sensors

Create a greener, safer home with entry sensors that track whether windows or doors are open. Connect them to alarms, lights, or other devices—shutting off heating/cooling if a window is left open.

Easy peel-and-stick install. No tools or hardwiring.
Automate routines. Program smart devices to react.
Receive alerts. Get reminders to close windows when you leave.

Best for: Renters in older buildings or anyone wanting extra security and efficiency.

7. Smart Showerheads

Save water without sacrificing comfort. Smart showerheads track your water use and alert you when it’s time to wrap up. Some even let you set a goal and provide real-time feedback via LEDs or a mobile app.

Various install types. Screw on like a regular showerhead.
Track your water use. See how much you’re using per shower.
Voice or app-controlled. Some models connect to smart home apps.

Best for: Anyone interested in saving water or keeping utility costs down.

8. Indoor Smart Garden Kits

Dreaming of fresh herbs or greens but don’t have a yard? Indoor smart gardens give you farm-to-table produce on a countertop, using efficient LED lighting and automated watering—no green thumb required.

Plug-and-play setup. No tools or drilling.
Low power consumption. Uses efficient LEDs and smart timers.
Eat healthier. Grow your own salad greens, herbs, or mini veggies.

Best for: Window sills, kitchens, or small apartments.

9. Smart IR Blasters/Remotes

A single smart remote (IR blaster) controls all your legacy devices—TVs, fans, window ACs—and can power them down with a tap, voice command, or automations. This reduces energy waste and streamlines your setup.

Works with almost any IR remote device.
Easy setup. Just place it near devices and connect to WiFi.
Automate power cycling. Turn devices off when not at home.

Best for: Apartments with old ACs, TVs, or fans.

10. Smart Home Hubs (on a Budget)

A smart hub pulls together gadgets from different brands, unifying control for your devices. Entry-level hubs—or simply using the Alexa or Google Home app—can allow you to automate routines, like turning off lights and adjusting plugs when you leave.

Centralized control. One app to rule all your gadgets.
Teach routines. Automate for bedtime, mornings, or when you’re out.
Affordable options. Consider Amazon Echo Dot or Google Nest Mini.

Best for: Renters building a wider smart home ecosystem.

Installation Tips: Making Smart Gadgets Renter-Friendly

Avoid drilling. Select peel-and-stick or magnetic devices for windows, doors, and walls.
Stick to plug-in devices. This makes moving out a breeze.
Keep packaging/manuals. Makes it easier to uninstall and reinstall in your next rental.
Use multi-use adhesives. For anything that requires mounting, opt for non-damaging command strips or removable tapes.

Smart, Green Living: Everyday Tips for Renters

Getting the gadgets is only half the battle. Here’s how to maximize eco benefits while boosting your comfort:

Consistently use automations. Schedule lights to turn off during work or school hours.
Monitor your data. Many smart plugs and bulbs track energy use—see what can be improved.
Downsize and unplug. If you rarely use an appliance, keep it unplugged and declutter.