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

Renting doesn’t mean you have to compromise on sustainability or smart tech. With modern, affordable gadgets, you can make your rental both eco-friendly and high-tech—with zero renovations and minimal fuss. Here are 10 tried-and-true smart home devices under $100 that can help you save energy, reduce waste, and enjoy a convenient, greener living space.

1. Smart Plugs for Energy Savings

Smart plugs are among the easiest ways to monitor and manage the energy usage of your electronics. They plug directly into outlets and let you control connected devices from your phone—no rewiring or installation necessary.

How They Help Renters Go Green

Automate schedules: Program lamps, fans, and appliances to run only when needed.
Energy tracking: Many models provide real-time energy usage reports, helping you identify and eliminate energy vampires.
No permanent changes: Just plug in and go. Move them to your next place with ease.

Pro Tip

Look for smart plugs compatible with voice assistants (like Alexa or Google Assistant) for hands-free control and optimal convenience.

2. LED Smart Bulbs for Efficient Lighting

Switching to LED smart bulbs is a must for renters aiming to lower utility bills and environmental impact. These bulbs last for years, use up to 80% less energy, and allow complete control over brightness, color, and routines—all from your smartphone.

Green Benefits

Energy efficiency: Reduce electricity consumption with dimmable, programmable lighting.
Custom schedules: Ensure lights are on only when you need them, automatically turning off when you leave home.
Easy upgrade: Swap out existing bulbs—no tools or landlord approval required.

3. Smart Power Strips

Traditional power strips protect devices against surges, but smart power strips take it a step further by intelligently cutting power to idle electronics.

Why They’re Smart for Renters

Eliminate standby power waste: Idle devices (like TVs and chargers) continue to drain power even when off. Smart strips shut them off automatically.
Manage multiple devices: Control entire workstations with a single tap.
Portable and flexible: Move them from room to room (or rental to rental) without hassle.

4. Low-Flow Smart Shower Heads

Saving water is simpler than you think. Smart shower heads monitor your usage, provide real-time feedback, and even tell you when it’s time to finish up. Many models install without tools and are easy to remove when your lease is up.

Eco Highlights

Track water usage: LED displays or app notifications help you measure and cut down shower time.
No permanent modification: Standard fittings mean no plumber needed, and your landlord will never know it was there.
Save money: Use less water and reduce your gas or electric bill (if you pay utilities).

5. Smart Leak Sensors

Leaks can cause major issues in rentals, especially if you’re not home to report them. Smart leak sensors sit discreetly under sinks, behind washers, or near water heaters to warn you (and sometimes your landlord) the moment a leak starts.

Why Renters Need Them

Immediate alerts: Get phone notifications before water damage spirals out of control.
Easy setup, no wiring: Battery-powered devices with peel-and-stick installation.
Protect your deposit: Quick action on leaks could mean big deposit savings.

6. Smart Thermostats (For Portable Heaters & ACs)

You may not be able to replace your apartment’s central thermostat, but you can still take control of your climate. Smart thermostats for portable heaters and ACs plug into the outlet, making any basic device smart and helping you minimize wasted energy.

Key Advantages

Set schedules: Heat or cool your room only when you’re home or asleep.
Remote control: Adjust your portable AC or heater from anywhere via app.
Rental-friendly: Take it with you when you move—no heavy installation!

How to Use

Plug your appliance into the smart thermostat plug (commonly under $50), then use your phone to set target temperatures and schedules. Ideal for window AC units and space heaters.

7. Smart Window Sensors

Securing your home while also cutting energy waste is easy with smart window sensors. These compact devices alert you if a window is open when it shouldn’t be, helping you keep the AC (and cash) inside.

Green & Smart Benefits

Reduce energy loss: Receive alerts if a window is left open while HVAC is running.
Simple installation: Peel-and-stick design means no damage to your apartment.
Works for doors too: Monitor entryways for added security and efficiency.

8. Smart Compost Bins

Composting in a rental can be tricky, especially if outdoor space is limited. Smart kitchen composters fit under your counter and use sensors to optimize decomposition, reduce odors, and even remind you to empty the bin.

Why Renters Should Try One

Odor control: Built-in carbon filtration keeps smells contained—a must for apartments.
Track waste: Use connected apps to log how much food waste you’re diverting from landfills.
Compact and portable: Move it with you from place to place.

9. Smart Blinds Controllers

Managing natural light is one of the most effective ways to save on heating and cooling. Smart blind controllers attach to your standard blinds or shades, letting you schedule them to open and close automatically using your phone or voice assistant.

How This Boosts Green Living

Passive heating/cooling: Let in sun for warmth in winter; block it in summer to keep cool.
No drilling required: Look for models that mount with adhesive—no holes, no lost deposit.
Wake up naturally: Schedule blinds to open at sunrise instead of using alarms or extra lights.

10. Smart Recycling Assistants

Mistakes in sorting recyclables are common in rentals, especially multi-unit buildings. Smart recycling assistants are simple counter-top devices that scan items (using barcodes or image recognition), then advise you on how to dispose of them locally.

Rental-Specific Advantages

Personalized tips: Apps often have local recycling programs built in.
Reduce contamination: Helps prevent well-intentioned errors that send recyclables to landfill.
Compact design: Small and totally portable for future moves.

Maximizing Impact: Combining Gadgets for Better Green Living

Using several of these devices together can multiply your benefits:

Pair smart plugs/power strips with smart bulbs to shut down energy use at bedtime.
Window sensors and smart thermostats keep climate control efficient, only operating when doors and windows are closed.
Recycling and composting together can massively reduce your overall carbon footprint from waste.

Practical Tips for Renters

Always check your lease before installing any device that may disturb the property (drilling, major fixtures).
Opt for battery-powered or plug-and-play gadgets to avoid wiring or permanent changes.
Keep the original packaging for easy moves or in case you need to uninstall before moving out.