7 Smart Home Gadgets Under $50 That Make Sustainable Renting Effortless
Living sustainably as a renter can be tricky, especially when you want to minimize your environmental footprint while also keeping energy costs down. Fortunately, you don’t need to own your home or break the bank to benefit from smart technology. Today’s market is full of budget-friendly smart gadgets that help you save energy, water, and more—all without requiring permanent installation.
Here are seven smart home devices under $50 that can make your rental greener, your life easier, and your bills lighter.
Why Smart Gadgets Are Perfect for Renters
Renters often face unique challenges when trying to live sustainably:
- Lack of permission to make permanent changes
- A need for portable, easy-to-install solutions
- Desire to save money on utility bills
Smart gadgets can solve these problems because most require no drilling and can easily move with you when you relocate. Many also connect to your smartphone for effortless control.
1. Smart Plugs: Control Your Devices From Anywhere
Smart plugs are one of the easiest sustainable upgrades for renters. Plug them into any standard outlet, pair with Wi-Fi, and you can:
- Remotely turn appliances on/off from your phone
- Set schedules to cut standby (phantom) power
- Monitor energy usage for each plugged-in device
By cutting power to devices you’re not using—like lamps, coffee makers, or fans—smart plugs can help you shrink your electric bill by up to 10%.
How to Use Smart Plugs for Maximum Sustainability
- Automate schedules for lighting, fans, and electronics
- Group plugs to turn off all entertainment devices at bedtime
- Monitor “energy hogs” to identify what you could run less often
2. LED Smart Bulbs: Efficient Lighting Made Intelligent
One of the fastest ways to reduce home energy use is to swap out old incandescent bulbs for energy-saving smart LEDs. These affordable bulbs screw into standard sockets and offer:
- Scheduling and remote on/off via smartphone apps
- Dimmable brightness to save even more power
- Color-changing features for ambiance and mood
Renter-Friendly Lighting Tips
- Put bulbs in high-use areas: kitchen, living room, entryway
- Create automatic “away” lighting schedules for security and savings
- Look for bulbs that work with Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit for voice control
Most smart bulbs cost less than $15 apiece and can last for years, delivering continuous savings.
3. Smart Shower Timers: Cut Water Use Without Guesswork
Heating water is often the #2 home energy expense, after heating/cooling. Shorter showers help, but most of us lose track of time. Enter the digital shower timer and water-saving alarm—a renter-friendly gadget that mounts with suction, no tools required.
Features to Look For in Smart Shower Timers
- Customizable timers to set your preferred shower duration
- Progress indicators (like lights or sounds) to keep you on track
- Battery or USB powered with easy, tool-free installation
A smart shower timer encourages everyone in the household to cut shower times, saving gallons of water and reducing the energy used to heat it.
4. Leak Detectors: Prevent Costly and Wasteful Water Damage
Leaks waste thousands of gallons of water and can create expensive damage—an especially big risk for renters. Compact, battery-powered smart leak detectors are your first line of defense, alerting you via phone if they sense water where it shouldn’t be.
How to Use Smart Leak Detectors in a Rental
- Place them under sinks, near washing machines, and by water heaters
- Get instant alerts before leaks become major problems
- Use history tracking to spot recurring issues (potentially alerting your landlord)
Most detectors require no Wi-Fi and use long-lasting batteries. It’s peace of mind for less than a dinner out.
5. Programmable Smart Thermostats (Non-Hardwired)
Traditional smart thermostats usually require wiring, which most renters can’t do. But now, portable smart thermostats are on the market for plug-in electric room heaters, window A/C units, or portable fans.
These renter-friendly devices let you:
- Set heating/cooling schedules for individual rooms
- Control temperature remotely via your phone
- Track power usage and savings over time
Tips for Maximizing Savings With a Smart Portable Thermostat
- Plug your space heater or A/C into the device, then schedule it to run only when you’re home
- Use the thermostat’s geofencing feature to turn off when you leave the apartment
- Pair with smart plugs for full “cluster” automation of your comfort devices
You’ll increase comfort, save on utility bills, and never worry you left the heater running.
6. Smart Power Strips: The Next Step Beyond Individual Plugs
If you have a TV setup, an office desk, or a kitchen counter loaded with devices, a smart power strip is the easiest way to control and automate many items at once.
These strips work like smart plugs, but with multiple individually controlled outlets:
- Turn on/off devices separately or as a group from your phone
- Create schedules to cut all standby power at night or when you’re at work
- Monitor real-time power usage for each plugged-in device
Where to Use Smart Power Strips for Sustainable Renting
- Home office (computer, monitor, printer, chargers)
- Entertainment center
- Kitchen small appliances
By automating your electronics, you’ll reduce vampire energy drain and keep your electric bill in check.
7. Compact Smart Sensors: Automate Comfort and Security
Affordable smart home sensors are now available for renters. These can track motion, temperature, and light levels, then trigger other gadgets to adjust accordingly.
- Motion sensors turn lights on automatically when you enter a room and off when you leave
- Ambient light sensors adjust smart bulbs’ brightness to match daylight (useful if you work from home)
- Temperature sensors warn you if a room gets too hot or cold, helping you waste less heating/cooling
Getting Started With Smart Sensors
- Look for battery-powered or USB models (no wiring needed)
- Pair with smart bulbs and plugs for hands-free automation
- Mount with adhesive for easy, landlord-approved removal
Tips for Choosing the Best Smart Gadgets as a Renter
Before buying any gadget, consider:
- Wi-Fi compatibility: Most renters don’t want proprietary hubs
- Portability: Choose devices you can uninstall and take with you
- App integration: Ensure the gadget works with your current phone ecosystem
- Installation: Prioritize plug-and-play or adhesive-mount models over devices that require wiring
Also, always check that your internet plan offers sufficient bandwidth to support the number of smart devices you plan to install.
Simple Steps to Get Started
- Prioritize biggest savings first. Start with a smart plug or power strip for the room where you use the most electricity (like your media setup or bedroom).
- Add smart bulbs for main lighting fixtures—especially those frequently left on by accident.
- Layer in shower timers and leak detectors to address water usage next.
- Expand with sensors to automate based on your daily routine and household occupancy.