7 Smart Home Gadgets Under $100 That Make Eco-Friendly Renting Easy

Eco-friendly living isn’t just for homeowners. As a renter, you can make a huge impact on your carbon footprint and save money on utilities with a few clever upgrades. Thanks to budget-friendly smart home gadgets, turning your apartment or rental home into a greener space is easier than ever — and you don’t need your landlord’s permission to get started.

In this guide, we’ll highlight seven affordable and renter-friendly smart home gadgets under $100 that help you live sustainably while enjoying extra comfort and convenience. We’ll also provide setup tips and actionable advice so you can start making changes right away.

Why Consider Smart Home Gadgets as a Renter?

Smart home technology used to be expensive and complicated to install, often requiring permanent wiring or landlord approval. Today, you’ll find many devices that are:

• Wireless and portable – No drilling or wall modification needed.
• Easy to install – Most work right out of the box with minimal setup.
• Energy efficient – Lower bills and minimize wasted resources.
• Controllable by smartphone – Convenient monitoring and management, even when you’re away.

With these benefits in mind, let’s explore the best options for renters who want to make eco-friendly living easy and affordable.

1. Smart Plugs: Instantly Save Energy

Best for: Automating lamps, electronics, and small appliances; eliminating standby power waste.

Old electronics and appliances often draw power even when switched off, racking up “phantom loads” that quietly inflate bills. A smart plug fixes this problem by letting you schedule, monitor, and control devices from your phone or voice assistant.

How it works

• Plug your device into the smart plug.
• Connect the plug to your Wi-Fi and use its app to control it remotely.
• Set schedules to turn devices off when not in use (e.g., TVs, fans, chargers).
• Monitor energy consumption with models that track usage.

Top Benefits for Renters

• No wiring required: Simply plug and play.
• Move it with you: Perfect for short-term or long-term rentals.
• Immediate savings: Cut down on energy waste effortlessly.

2. Smart LED Bulbs: Light Smarter, Live Greener

Best for: Easily upgrading apartment lighting for energy savings and ambiance.

Switching to LEDs already reduces electricity use, but going smart takes it a step further. Smart bulbs screw into any standard fixture, so you can control brightness, color, and schedules — and automate energy savings every day.

How it works

• Replace standard bulbs with smart LEDs.
• Connect to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth using the bulb’s app.
• Program lights to turn off when you leave or dim in the evening to use less energy.
• Use voice commands with Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit.

Top Benefits for Renters

• Easy install: No tools required, just swap out bulbs.
• Customizable scenes: Enhance mood and save power with pre-set routines.
• Works anywhere: Take bulbs with you to your next place.

3. Smart Power Strips: Eliminate Phantom Energy Waste

Best for: Managing multiple devices at once, like home office setups or entertainment centers.

A standard power strip can help you unplug gadgets, but a smart strip takes it to a new level. These strips allow you to control each outlet individually or as a group, often with energy monitoring features included.

How it works

• Plug devices (laptop, TV, game console, etc.) into the smart strip.
• Use the app or voice assistant to turn off specific outlets remotely.
• Schedule devices to turn off automatically when not in use.
• Track energy consumption for each outlet and optimize usage.

Top Benefits for Renters

• Manage multiple devices easily – Great for desks and entertainment centers.
• Zero-permanent change – Just unplug and take it when you move.
• You’re in full control – Perfect for shared or multi-person rentals.

4. Smart Thermostats (No Wiring Required Models)

Best for: Keeping comfortable while optimizing energy use in apartments with window ACs or space heaters.

While traditional smart thermostats might require hardwiring, smart temperature controllers designed for portable ACs or plug-in heaters are renter-safe and easy to use. These gadgets work with the remote control signal of your device, automating your climate control without touching the HVAC system.

How it works

• Place the smart IR controller in view of your AC or heater.
• Connect to Wi-Fi and link to your smartphone app.
• Set schedules, temperature thresholds, or use geofencing to turn on/off when you arrive or leave.
• Integrate with Alexa or Google Assistant for voice control.

Top Benefits for Renters

• No permanent installation – No need to modify walls or wiring.
• Energy savings – Only run heating or cooling when needed.
• Works with most IR remote-controlled ACs and heaters – Versatile for different rentals.

5. Smart Water Leak Sensors: Prevent Waste and Costly Damage

Best for: Catching leaks early to prevent water waste and property damage.

Leaks are a renter’s nightmare — not only do they waste water, but they can also lead to expensive repairs (and landlord disputes). Smart water leak sensors monitor risky spots like under sinks, washing machines, or near your water heater, sending instant alerts to your phone when moisture is detected.

How it works

• Place sensors in leak-prone areas (no tools or wiring needed).
• Connect to Wi-Fi and receive push notifications for leaks or temperature spikes.
• Quickly shut off water or submit a maintenance request to prevent major issues.

Top Benefits for Renters

• Portable and battery-powered – No complicated install, easy to take with you.
• Gives peace of mind – Protects your deposit and prevents water waste.
• May qualify for renter’s insurance discounts – Check with your provider.

6. Smart Shower Timers: Curb Water Usage Efficiently

Best for: Tracking and reducing time spent in the shower without plumbing changes.

Showers account for a big chunk of residential water use. Cutting shower times is one of the quickest ways to save — and a smart shower timer makes it easy. These devices can be mounted or suctioned onto your shower wall and track duration, some even gamifying the habit for extra motivation.

How it works

• Attach the timer to your shower wall or glass (no hardware required).
• Set a personal or household goal for maximum shower length.
• Receive real-time progress or audible alerts as you approach the time limit.
• Some models sync to your phone for water usage reports and scheduling.

Top Benefits for Renters

• No installation needed – Simple, non-permanent upgrades.
• Immediate water (and energy) savings – Lower both utility bills at once.
• Fun for households – Encourage roommates or kids for group savings.

7. Smart Blinds Controllers: Control the Sun, Optimize Comfort

Best for