7 Smart Home Gadgets Under $100 That Make Eco-Friendly Living Easy for Renters

Eco-friendly living isn’t just for homeowners. Thanks to affordable, user-friendly smart home gadgets, renters can now embrace sustainable habits and reduce utility bills without the need for permanent installations or landlord approval. Whether you’re renting an apartment, townhouse, or single-family home, these devices allow you to make a real difference—without sacrificing flexibility or your damage deposit!

Below are seven smart home gadgets under $100 that make upgrading your rental for efficiency, savings, and green living easier than ever.

1. Smart Plugs: Control Energy Use Anywhere

Smart plugs bring instant intelligence to your electronics. Just plug them into any outlet, connect via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, and enjoy remote control and scheduling from your phone or voice assistant.

Why Smart Plugs Are Great for Renters

• No installation required: Just plug and play.
• Compatible with most devices, from lamps to coffee makers.
• Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and sometimes Apple HomeKit.

Eco-Friendly Benefits

• Eliminates phantom loads (standby power): Automatically turns off appliances when not in use.
• Creates custom schedules so devices run only when needed.
• Monitors energy usage, helping you spot wasteful habits and devices.

Actionable Tips

• Use smart plugs on entertainment systems to power down everything at night.
• Automate space heaters and fans to reduce wasted energy.
• Set a schedule for air purifiers and chargers to operate only during necessary hours.

2. LED Smart Bulbs: Energy-Efficient Lighting on Demand

LED smart bulbs fit any standard fixture—no rewiring necessary. They offer app and voice control, dimming, and scheduling features for ultimate convenience and savings.

Why Smart Bulbs Work for Renters

• Easy to swap out and take when you move.
• No hubs or bridges needed with Wi-Fi models.
• No permission needed from your landlord.

Eco-Friendly Benefits

• 80% less energy use vs. incandescent bulbs.
• Can automate lighting based on your routine, preventing unnecessary usage.
• Bulbs last up to 25,000 hours, reducing waste.

Actionable Tips

• Set lights to turn off when you leave for work or travel.
• Utilize “eco” or “night light” modes to further save energy.
• Group bulbs by room for one-tap control over entire zones.

3. Smart Power Strips: Streamlined Appliance Management

Smart power strips take plug-based automation further. They allow individual control of multiple outlets, perfect for clusters of devices such as home office setups or entertainment centers.

Why Smart Power Strips Suit Renters

• Portable and requires no installation.
• Protects devices with surge protection (a plus in older apartments).
• Consolidates cords and reduces clutter.

Eco-Friendly Benefits

• Automatically cuts power to unused devices.
• Keeps “energy vampires” like chargers and speakers from wasting electricity.
• Track and analyze device usage habits via companion apps.

Actionable Tips

• Power down gaming consoles, printers, and routers overnight.
• Use the “master outlet” feature: when you turn off your TV, accessories shut down too.

4. Low-Flow Smart Shower Heads: Save Water, Money, and Energy

Upgrading your shower head is a renter-friendly, reversible swap that can significantly lower your water use. Low-flow smart shower heads add Bluetooth meters, timers, and fun reminders so you can track your conservation progress.

Why Renters Love Low-Flow Smart Shower Heads

• Installs in minutes—just unscrew the old and twist on the new (don’t forget to keep the old to reinstall later).
• No damage to plumbing or permanent changes required.
• Take it with you when moving out.

Eco-Friendly Benefits

• Typically reduces water use by up to 50%.
• Reminds you to take shorter showers.
• Lower water usage = lower energy use to heat water.

Actionable Tips

• Use shower timers or gamified apps to challenge yourself and roommates to quicker showers.
• Monitor your average water usage and set progressive goals.

5. Programmable Smart Thermostats (Plug-In Models): Efficient Room Heating and Cooling

Standard smart thermostats require hardwiring—not ideal for renters. But several plug-in thermostats work with portable ACs, space heaters, or fans, offering similar energy-saving features with no installation headaches.

Why They Work Well for Renters

• Just plug the device into the thermostat and the thermostat into the wall.
• App, voice, and scheduling controls included.
• Easy to relocate between rooms or take to your next rental.

Eco-Friendly Benefits

• Reduces unnecessary heating/cooling usage.
• Follows your daily routines or detects when you’re away.
• Helps manage energy-intensive appliances, slashing utility bills.

Actionable Tips

• Use geofencing to turn devices off automatically when you leave home.
• Schedule heating or cooling to start only before you return from work.
• Monitor room temperatures and experiment with eco modes.

6. Smart Leak Detectors: Prevent Water Waste & Damage

Water waste and leaks are costly, environmentally damaging, and a headache for both renters and landlords. Smart leak detectors are battery-operated, Wi-Fi-enabled sensors that alert you instantly via smartphone if a leak is detected.

Why These Are Perfect for Renters

• No installation or tools required—just place near sinks, toilets, or laundry machines.
• Non-invasive, with no Wi-Fi wiring or drilling needed.
• Compact and easy to move.

Eco-Friendly Benefits

• Prevent serious leaks from running unnoticed.
• Reduces water consumption and potential mold growth.
• Notifies you of issues even when you’re out.

Actionable Tips

• Place detectors under the kitchen sink, next to washing machines, and around water heaters.
• Immediately notify your landlord if a leak is found.

7. Indoor Air Quality Monitors: Create a Healthier, Greener Home

Many renters struggle with old HVAC systems or poor insulation, which can lead to stuffy air or excess energy use. Smart air quality monitors track levels of VOCs, CO2, humidity, and particulate matter, giving you actionable feedback to improve your living space.

Why They’re Renter-Friendly

• No installation; most are portable and chargeable via USB.
• Makes it easier to lobby for upgrades or inform property managers about issues.
• Take it with you to your next rental.

Eco and Health Benefits

• Identify sources of pollution—helping you eliminate toxic cleaning products or unnecessary air fresheners.
• Optimize ventilation to reduce reliance on HVAC and improve energy efficiency.
• Helps you maintain a healthy indoor environment—even in older buildings.

Actionable Tips

• If CO2 gets high, open windows or turn on a fan instead of cranking up the AC.
• Use data trends to time when indoor plants or air purifiers are most