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

Setting up a greener, smarter home doesn’t have to involve major renovations or sky-high budgets. For renters, the right tech gadgets can improve comfort, reduce energy waste, and lower utility bills—all without violating your lease. We’ve curated the top 10 affordable smart home gadgets (each under $100) to help you create an eco-friendly, efficient living space. Even if you can’t tear up the floors or install solar panels, these renter-friendly devices offer big benefits with little commitment.

Why Invest in Green & Smart Gadgets as a Renter?

• Lower utility bills: Cut energy and water usage without sacrificing comfort.
• Easy installation: Most of these products are plug-and-play or require basic setup—no drilling, rewiring, or landlord approval.
• Portability: Take your gadgets with you when you move to your next rental.
• Immediate impact: Start seeing environmental (and financial) benefits right away.

1. Smart Plugs: Control Your Energy Vampire Devices

Many gadgets drain power even when turned “off,” leading to unnecessary energy costs. Smart plugs are easy-to-install outlets that let you control appliances from your phone or with your voice assistant.

• Schedule lamps, coffee makers, or chargers to turn off automatically.
• Monitor real-time energy use for specific devices.
• Connect to Alexa, Google Home, or Siri for hands-free control.

Renter Tip:

Use smart plugs for hard-to-reach outlets or electronics you often forget to unplug. Some plugs also track usage, highlighting your biggest energy wasters.

2. Smart LED Light Bulbs: Efficient Lighting on Command

Switching to smart LED bulbs is one of the easiest ways to green your rental. They consume up to 80% less energy than incandescent bulbs and offer additional control options.

• Adjust brightness and color temperature to save energy and set the mood.
• Automate lights to turn off when you leave home.
• No rewiring—just screw them in and connect via app or hub.

Renter Tip:

Pair bulbs with motion sensors or build “scenes” (e.g., for bedtime or movie night) to maximize convenience.

3. Smart Thermostats (No Hardwiring): Climate Control for Tenants

Traditional smart thermostats require replacing your wall unit, but new plug-in or portable options are perfect for renters with window units or baseboard heaters.

• Remotely set your AC or heater schedule from your smartphone.
• Detect open windows or doors to prevent wasted heating/cooling.
• Some models use wireless sensors to control standalone units.

Renter Tip:

Look for IR remote smart thermostats that control most window A/Cs without rewiring—no landlord notice needed!

4. Water-Saving Shower Heads: Eco-Friendly and Landlord-Friendly

Swapping your showerhead is simple, inexpensive, and usually reversible. Low-flow smart shower heads cut water use by up to 40% without sacrificing pressure.

• Choose models with timers or lights that alert you to long showers.
• No plumbing experience required—just unscrew and attach the new head.
• Take your efficient showerhead with you to your next place.

Renter Tip:

Keep the original showerhead to re-install before moving out.

5. Leak & Water Sensors: Stop Wasting Water Before It Starts

Undetected leaks can ruin floors, cause mold, and waste hundreds of gallons of water. Wireless leak sensors fit under sinks, near washing machines, or by water heaters to alert you (and your landlord!) of trouble.

• Instant notifications by phone or smart speaker if a leak is detected.
• Battery-operated—no tools or installation needed.
• Many integrate with other smart home systems for automated responses.

Renter Tip:

Choose portable leak sensors with adhesive or magnetic bases, so you won’t damage any surfaces.

6. Smart Power Strips: Advanced Surge Protection and Schedules

While regular power strips only provide basic protection, smart power strips allow you to:

• Schedule groups of appliances to turn off at night.
• Monitor and reduce “phantom” loads from electronics on standby.
• Switch entire entertainment or work setups on or off remotely.

Renter Tip:

Great for shared spaces—roommates can each control their own outlets via the app.

7. Smart Blinds Controllers: Daylight & Temperature Savings

Can’t install new blinds? Motorized blind controllers attach to existing cords/chains and automate opening or closing for better light and temperature management.

• Set schedules based on when you’re home, sunrise/sunset, or room temperature.
• Pair with smart speakers for voice-activated privacy or sun blocking.
• Tool-free, non-permanent installation ideal for any rental window.

Renter Tip:

Automate blinds to block heat during summer afternoons and let in sunlight for warmth in winter.

8. Smart Sensors: Motion, Temperature, and Door/Window Detection

Compact, multi-purpose smart sensors help you boost security and cut wasted energy.

• Trigger lights to turn on/off automatically when you enter/leave a room.
• Monitor temperature and humidity to optimize heating/cooling use.
• Receive alerts if windows/doors are left open, wasting energy.

Renter Tip:

Opt for peel-and-stick or magnet-mount sensors. Move them around your rental or take them with you at move-out.

9. Smart Air Purifiers & Monitors: Breathe Cleaner, Save Energy

Indoor air can be dirtier than outdoor, especially in older buildings. Smart air quality monitors and tiny, energy-efficient purifiers let you track and improve your indoor environment.

• Monitor pollutants, carbon dioxide, VOCs, or humidity via an app.
• Some devices automate fans or purifiers only when needed, saving power.
• Compact, portable, and whisper-quiet—great for bedrooms or offices.

Renter Tip:

Choose a model with filter replacement alerts, so you never waste energy running a clogged filter.

10. Smart WiFi Energy Monitors: Track the Whole Apartment

To really understand where your energy dollars go, try a plug-in whole-home energy monitor or smart meter (compatible with rental apartments).

• Monitor kilowatt usage in real time via an app or web dashboard.
• Get actionable reports to identify energy hogs and wasteful habits.
• No major wiring—just plug into a regular outlet or attach magnetically to the circuit box.

Renter Tip:

For privacy, select models that store your data locally or allow easy account deletion when you move.

Practical Buying and Installation Tips for Renters

• Lease review: Always check your lease for rules about modifications or device installations.
• Go wireless: Whenever possible, choose battery-powered, peel-and-stick, or plug-in designs.
• Keep packaging: You’ll want to re-box delicate or hard-to-find components for your next move.
• App compatibility: To avoid device overload, pick gadgets that integrate with your existing smart home ecosystem (Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, etc.).

Greener Renting Starts with Smart Choices

Adopting even a few of these smart gadgets can slash your utility bills, cut energy waste, and give you valuable insight into your environmental impact. Since installation is quick and removable, these innovative tools are ideal for both short- and long-term