10 Smart Home Gadgets Under $100 That Save Renters Energy and Money

If you’re a renter, saving money on your utility bills while living a more eco-friendly lifestyle can feel like a challenge. However, thanks to affordable smart home gadgets, you can reduce your energy consumption without expensive renovations or violating your lease agreement.

Below, we highlight ten renter-friendly, smart home devices under $100 that will start saving you money and energy. Learn what makes each gadget great, how to use it in an apartment or rented home, and get actionable tips for getting the most from your investment.

Why Smart Home Gadgets are Ideal for Renters

Smart home technology isn’t just for homeowners. Renters can enjoy:

Lower energy bills without making permanent changes to the property.
Control and automation of appliances, lighting, and temperature at your fingertips.
Easy, non-invasive installation—almost all of our picks require zero tools or drilling.
Portability—take your gadgets with you when you move.

1. Smart Plugs

Cut Phantom Power and Automate Your Devices

Smart plugs are budget-friendly, versatile, and incredibly easy to use. Plug lamps, fans, coffee makers, or entertainment systems into these Wi-Fi-connected outlets. Then, use a smartphone app or your voice assistant (like Alexa or Google Assistant) to manage your devices from anywhere.

Automatically switch off electronics to eliminate “energy vampires”—devices that consume power even when off.
Set schedules to power appliances only when you need them.
Monitor energy usage with select smart plug models.

Practical tip: Use smart plugs for your TV or gaming setup and schedule them to turn off overnight.

2. Smart Power Strips

Protect Devices and Save Even More

Take the savings of a smart plug and multiply it. Smart power strips offer multiple controllable outlets, letting you automate and monitor whole home office or entertainment zones.

Individually control or group outlets for max flexibility.
Timer functions prevent chargers and accessories from running all night.
Surge protection included on many models to safeguard your devices.

Practical tip: Use a smart power strip for your desktop computer, monitor, and peripherals to turn everything off in one tap or voice command.

3. Smart Light Bulbs

Light Your Home Efficiently and Creatively

Replace standard bulbs with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth-enabled smart bulbs—no new fixtures necessary. Save energy and add ambiance to any room in your rental.

Schedule lights to match your daily routine.
Dim or change color temperature to suit your mood and the time of day.
Remotely turn off lights forgotten when leaving home.
All you need is to screw in the bulb—no wiring or landlord approval required.

Practical tip: Replace the most-used bulbs first, such as in your kitchen or living room, to maximize savings.

4. Smart Thermostats for Renters

Comfort and Savings Without Installation Hassle

While most “full-featured” smart thermostats require wiring, renters can still benefit from “plug-and-play” smart thermostats designed for portable heaters, room A/Cs, or baseboard units.

Control temperature from your phone or via automated schedules.
Smart learning—adapt to your lifestyle for max efficiency.
No need to modify your landlord’s HVAC equipment; ideal for portable devices.

Practical tip: If you use a window A/C or a portable space heater, look for smart thermostats or smart plugs with built-in thermostatic control features.

5. Smart Window Sensors

Cut Heating and Cooling Waste

Window sensors are easy to stick onto any window or doorframe. They notify your phone if a window is left open, which helps prevent heat or A/C loss.

Receive instant alerts if you forgot to close a window before heating or cooling.
Integrate with smart plugs/lights to adjust climate control automatically.
No tools required—most use adhesive strips.

Practical tip: Combine these sensors with a smart plug to power down your A/C if a window is opened for fresh air.

6. Programmable Smart Shower Timers

Trim Hot Water Use and Costs

Overlong showers are a major source of wasted money and energy. Simple smart timers attach to your showerhead and let you set time or temperature limits, even tracking usage via an app.

Monitor and cap shower duration to save both water and heating costs.
Get notifications on your phone, or light/sound alerts in the bathroom.
Some models track individual family members’ shower habits for accountability.

Practical tip: Use for roommate situations to split water bills or reward shorter showers with a lower “cost.”

7. Leak Detectors and Water Sensors

Stop Leaks and Save on Water Bills

Smart leak sensors are essential for renters. You’ll be alerted to hidden leaks under sinks, behind appliances, or in bathrooms before damage and water waste add up.

Place under sinks, near washing machines or toilets—no wiring needed.
App notifications warn you right away if a leak is detected.
Shield yourself from costly repairs and lost deposits by catching leaks early.

Practical tip: Email your landlord promptly if you’re alerted to a leak; this shows responsibility and may speed up repairs.

8. Smart Radiator Valves or Space Heater Controllers

Zone Control in Multi-Unit Rentals

Older apartments with radiator heat often overheat or under-heat. Clip-on smart radiator valves (where permitted) or smart plug heaters let you fine-tune temperature room by room.

Set customizable heat schedules for personal comfort and energy savings.
Integrate with open-window sensors for efficient climate control.
Easy, tool-free installation (check lease rules for radiators).

Practical tip: If radiator valve replacement isn’t allowed, use a smart plug to automate an electric space heater instead.

9. Smart Ceiling or Table Fans

Cool Smarter, Not Harder

Ceiling or portable fans with built-in smart controls, or those plugged into smart plugs, help circulate air efficiently (and let you avoid running the A/C as often).

Set schedules so fans only run during the hottest part of the day or night.
Control remotely to turn off if you forget, even after leaving home.
Some models adjust speed automatically based on room temperature.

Practical tip: Use smart fans to draw in cool air at night, then shut off as you sleep for big A/C savings.

10. Smart Blinds Controllers

Passive Energy Savings with a Touch

Instead of replacing your blinds, attach a smart blind controller to existing cords or wands. These clever gadgets open or close blinds based on time, temperature, or sunlight levels.

Block heat gain by closing blinds automatically during peak sunlight.
Open up blinds for natural heat in colder months.
No drilling or hardware swap—controllers fit most standard blinds.

Practical tip: South- and west-facing windows see