10 Smart Home Gadgets Under $100 That Make Renting Greener and Cheaper

Are you a renter looking to lower your utility bills, conserve energy, and live more sustainably without making permanent changes to your space? The latest generation of affordable smart home gadgets makes it possible! With simple setups and app-enabled controls, you can make your rental greener and cheaper—often for less than $100 per device.

Below, we’ll introduce 10 budget-friendly smart home gadgets ideal for renters, explain how each one saves money and energy, and provide pro tips to maximize your impact. Each recommendation keeps practicality, portability, and ease of installation in mind.

Why Smart Gadgets Are Perfect for Renters

• No wiring required: Most smart gadgets use Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, with plug-and-play installation.
• Portable: Take these devices when you move—no need to leave valuable upgrades behind.
• Landlord-friendly: No drilling, rewiring, or permanent modifications necessary.
• Affordable: Each device costs less than $100 and can noticeably reduce bills.

1. Smart Plugs: Instantly Cut Phantom Power Usage

Phantom (standby) energy use accounts for up to 10% of household electricity bills. Smart plugs help by letting you easily control lamps, fans, chargers, or coffee makers from your phone or through voice assistants.

How Smart Plugs Make Renting Greener:

• Schedule devices to turn off when you’re out or asleep.
• Monitor real-time and historical energy use in the companion app.
• Group multiple devices for one-tap shutoff.

Rental perk: Smart plugs require no installation—just plug them in and connect via Wi-Fi.

Pro Tip:

Look for smart plugs that work with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Set automated routines like “Away Mode” to save energy when no one’s home.

2. LED Smart Light Bulbs: Brighter Efficiency, Greater Control

Switching to LED bulbs instantly lowers lighting costs, but “smart” LEDs do far more. Control color and brightness remotely, set efficient schedules, and ensure no light is ever left on.

Eco-Friendly Features for Renters:

• Use scenes or timers so lights are only on when needed.
• Dim bulbs to save more energy (dimming uses less wattage).
• Change bulb colors for mood without buying extra lamps.

Rental perk: Swap out old bulbs and take smart LEDs with you when you move.

Pro Tip:

Use “location awareness” in your bulb’s app to turn lights on as you arrive and off as you leave, boosting security and efficiency.

3. Smart Thermostat (Plug-in Models): Climate Control Without Wiring

Most renters can’t replace old thermostats, but portable, plug-in smart thermostats that control space heaters or window ACs are a game changer. Just plug in your appliance, set up Wi-Fi, and boom—remote control and energy savings start immediately.

How Plug-in Smart Thermostats Help:

• Set and automate temperature schedules by room and device.
• Control heating/cooling from your phone to avoid running appliances when you’re not home.
• Monitor room temperature for optimal comfort and efficiency.

Rental perk: No tools or landlord approval needed for most smart plugs or plug-in thermostats!

Pro Tip:

Look for models with energy reports. Review your heating and cooling habits in-app to find more ways to save.

4. Water Leak Sensors: Prevent Waste and Water Damage

Leaks not only waste water—they can also cause costly damage and mold. Smart water leak sensors alert you instantly if they detect moisture around sinks, appliances, or bathrooms.

Benefits for Green Renting:

• Get instant notifications for quick action, preventing excessive water loss.
• Pair with smart plugs to cut power to appliances in case of leaks.
• Reduce the risk of mold, which is unhealthy and expensive to remediate (and could threaten your security deposit).

Rental perk: Most water leak detectors are battery-operated and require no installation. Leave no trace when you move out.

Pro Tip:

Place a sensor under each sink and behind washing machines or dishwashers. Check batteries every 6-12 months.

5. Smart Power Strips: Green Up Gadgets and Entertainment Centers

TVs, game consoles, and streaming boxes draw power even when “off.” Smart power strips let you control or schedule groups of devices, targeting the worst phantom loads.

Key Uses:

• Turn off entire setups overnight or on workdays.
• Use app insights to identify exactly which devices are drawing the most power.
• Automate device charging and shutdowns for maximum savings.

Rental perk: Plug-in design means you just bring your smart strip to your next home.

Pro Tip:

Choose models with individually controlled outlets for ultimate flexibility.

6. Wi-Fi Radiator Valves: Smarter Heating, No Renovation

Have old-fashioned hot water radiators? Smart radiator valves replace the manual knobs and give you precise temperature control by room—no matter what heating system your landlord uses.

Eco Advantages for Renters:

• Heat only the rooms you use, when you use them.
• Schedule heating around your actual routine, not an entire building’s.
• App insights help you optimize comfort at the lowest energy usage.

Rental perk: Installation is tool-free and totally reversible (often just unscrewing the old knob).

Pro Tip:

Check valve compatibility before buying. Most install in 1 minute—no plumber needed.

7. Smart Shower Timers: Save Water, Energy, and Money

Long showers can waste gallons of water and add to your heating bill. Smart shower timers gently remind you (or your roommates) to save water, with personalized targets and app notifications.

Make Renting Greener:

• Visual/audible signals make it easy for everyone to cut back.
• Many models sync with smartphones for tracking daily/weekly usage.
• Compact size means they’re easy to install and move (no drilling).

Rental perk: No plumbing changes. Just stick to the wall or hang from the showerhead.

Pro Tip:

Some timers estimate savings in real time—track your progress for extra motivation.

8. Smart Window Shades or Curtain Controllers: Automated Sun Power

Keep your apartment cool in summer and warm in winter by automating blinds. Smart curtain controllers attach to existing rods and let you schedule shade openings/closings for natural temperature control.

Green Benefits:

• Block direct sun at midday to cut AC use, or let in winter light for free heat.
• App or voice control means you can adjust shades remotely, boosting security while away.
• No need for expensive blackout liners or window upgrades.

Rental perk: Snap-on motorized gadgets won’t damage your blinds or window frames.

Pro Tip:

Choose solar-powered models to further boost eco-efficiency.

9. Smart Motion Sensors: Lights and Devices That Only Run When Needed

Tired of roommates leaving lights or fans on? Motion sensors pair with smart plugs or bulbs to automatically shut off devices in empty rooms.

Sustainable Savings:

• Turn off hallway or bathroom lights after inactivity.
• Trigger dehumidifiers or fans only when someone enters the room.
• Battery operation