7 Smart Home Gadgets Under $100 That Make Sustainable Living Easy for Renters

Looking to reduce your ecological footprint without complicated installations or high costs? As a renter, you may feel limited in your ability to make eco-friendly upgrades. Fortunately, the world of smart tech now includes affordable gadgets that run under $100—no drilling, rewiring, or landlord approval needed!

In this guide, we’ll dive into seven smart home devices that fit a renter’s budget and lifestyle. These gadgets help you save energy, cut waste, and support a greener life, all while plugging in or sticking on with minimal fuss.

Why Smart Gadgets Are Perfect for Renters

Renters often can’t swap out major appliances or make permanent changes to their space. Smart home gadgets fill the gap by offering:

No hardwiring required: Most devices plug in or attach with adhesives.
Portability: Take your investment with you when you move.
Easy setup: Minimal tools or tech skills needed.
Immediate savings: Start reducing your utility bills and environmental impact right away.

How Smart Home Tech Supports Sustainable Living

Smart tech leverages automation, sensors, and scheduling to help you waste less and conserve more. Here’s how these devices contribute to greener living:

Lower energy bills by reducing unnecessary usage
Minimize water waste through precision and alerts
Optimize lighting and climate control for comfort and efficiency
Track your habits and environmental impact with real-time feedback

Let’s jump into the top picks!

1. Smart Plugs: Automate Away Phantom Power

Many home electronics continue to draw power even when off—a phenomenon called phantom load or “vampire power.” Smart plugs help by cutting off power to idle devices with a tap or a schedule.

How Smart Plugs Make Sustainability Easy

Set timers for lamps, media centers, or gaming consoles
Use voice control (compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, etc.)
View real-time and historical energy usage for plugged-in devices

Most popular smart plugs cost between $10 and $30 each. They’re compact and easily portable. Apps make it possible to turn off energy-wasting devices when you leave home—no more second-guessing!

Tips for Renters

Try a 4-pack bundle to maximize coverage for key appliances
Look for models with energy monitoring to track savings

2. Smart Light Bulbs: Efficient Lighting, Customized

Lighting amounts to about 15% of an average apartment’s energy bill. Smart LEDs make it simple to cut that number:

Set schedules so lights never stay on unnecessarily
Adjust brightness and color to fit your needs (even mimic sunrise/sunset)
Control from your phone or voice assistant

Most smart bulbs last over 10 years, use up to 80% less energy than incandescent, and screw into existing sockets—zero tools or skills needed.

Rental-Friendly Features

No fixture changes—just swap the bulb
Great for bedrooms, living rooms, and reading nooks
Take them with you if you move

3. Smart Thermostats (Lite/Plug-in Models): Climate Control on a Budget

Traditional smart thermostats can require wired installation—a no-go for many renters. But new “plug-and-play” or portable models simply plug into a wall outlet to control space heaters, AC units, or window fans.

Key Ways They Conserve Energy

Set schedules so devices run only when needed
Monitor temperature and adjust automatically
Smartphone controls allow adjustments from anywhere

You’ll find models around $35-$70—a fraction of the cost (and hassle) associated with traditional thermostats.

Skip the Hassle

Choose thermostats with IR or RF blasters to control window units
Use geofencing so your climate control kicks in when you’re close to home

4. Leak Detectors: Prevent Water Waste and Property Damage

Undetected leaks waste water and can cause expensive damage. Smart leak detectors are tiny, battery-powered sensors that alert you instantly via app when they sense water where it shouldn’t be—like under your sink or near the washing machine.

Smart Leak Detector Benefits

Stick under sinks, by water heaters, or in bathrooms—no tools required
Receive instant alerts on your phone
Many models are under $40 each

For the eco-conscious renter, catching leaks early means less wasted water, lower bills, less risk of mold, and good standing with your landlord.

5. Smart Power Strips: Easy Energy Savings for Entertainment Setups

A single smart plug is great, but smart power strips manage several gadgets at once. These strips let you:

Individually control outlets
Assign timers and schedules to different plugs
Monitor energy usage for all connected devices

Use one behind your TV stand, computer desk, or charging station to prevent energy drain when not in use.

Advantages for Rentals

No special wiring—just plug in
Can be relocated easily
Helps avoid overloading old apartment outlets

6. Indoor Smart Herb Gardens: Fresh Greens, No Outdoor Space Required

Want to grow your own herbs or lettuce even if your windowsill is your only garden patch? Indoor smart gardens automate lighting and watering for compact, healthy greens year-round.

Benefits of a Smart Herb Garden

Built-in grow lights so any space works
Some models only need occasional watering
No soil mess—most use pods or hydroponics

While premium models exceed $100, several streamlined versions come in under budget. Growing your own means less packaging, fewer trips to the store, and no pesticides.

Perfect for Renters

Portable and low-maintenance
Fits on a countertop or shelf
Add fresh flavor to your meals year-round

7. Smart Sensors: Smarter Use of Light, Heat, and More

Motion and environmental sensors are simple devices that automate device usage based on real-time activity or conditions. Examples include:

Motion Sensors: Turn lights on/off when someone enters or leaves
Window/Door Sensors: Remind you to close windows when the AC is running
Humidity Sensors: Automatically run exhaust fans or dehumidifiers – great for preventing mold!

Most cost $15–$50, connect wirelessly, and use long-lasting batteries. For greatest impact, use them to control lighting, fans, or plug-in appliances.

Actionable Tips for Renters

Install with adhesive strips, no drilling needed
Perfect for bathrooms, hallways, and closets
Combine with smart plugs or bulbs for automation without hubs

Getting Started: What Every Renter Should Know

Ready to start building your sustainable smart home? Follow these steps for a smooth experience:

Choose plug-and-play or adhesive-backed devices for easy installation and removal.
Prioritize high-traffic areas—living rooms, kitchens, bathrooms—for your first upgrades.
Use companion apps to monitor your usage and automate routines.
Check compatibility—most gadgets work with Alexa, Google Home, or Apple HomeKit, but not always all three.