10 Smart Home Gadgets Under $100 That Make Eco-Friendly Renting Easy

Eco-friendly living isn’t just a luxury for homeowners anymore. As a renter, you can easily transform your space into a sustainable haven without breaking the bank or running afoul of your lease agreement. Thanks to the evolution of smart home gadgets, boosting your apartment’s efficiency and reducing your carbon footprint has never been more accessible—or affordable.

Below, we’ll explore ten impressive smart home gadgets—each under $100—that help renters live greener, save on utility bills, and enjoy a tech-savvy lifestyle. These devices are plug-and-play, require zero permanent installation, and are perfect for anyone looking to make an eco-friendly impact in their rental.

Why Smart Gadgets Matter for Renters

Renters often encounter unique challenges: restrictions on renovations, limitations to infrastructure upgrades, and the need to leave everything as they found it. Smart gadgets solve these problems by:

• Easy installation: Most plug right in or connect via Wi-Fi—no tools or wiring required.
• Portability: Take them with you when you move.
• Cost savings: Lower utility bills by managing power and resource use intelligently.
• Instant feedback: Many gadgets offer real-time data on energy, water, or air quality usage.

With these benefits in mind, let’s dive into gadgets that help the eco-conscious renter live smarter and greener.

1. Smart Plugs: Cut Standby Power Easily

How They Work

Smart plugs fit between your wall outlet and any device or appliance. Using a mobile app or voice assistant, you can schedule, monitor, or remotely switch off power—eliminating “vampire” energy drain from idle electronics.

Why Renters Love Them

• Set schedules for lamps, coffee makers, or fans.
• Monitor energy use in real-time.
• No installation—just plug in and connect to Wi-Fi.

Eco Benefits

• Reduces energy use by up to 10% by eliminating standby power.
• Prevents leaving devices running when you’re not home.

Top Pick: TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Lite

2. Smart LED Bulbs: Efficient, Customizable Lighting

Why Switch?

LED bulbs already use about 75% less energy than incandescent. Add “smart” functionality—scheduling, dimming, color shifting—and you get smarter lighting and even more savings.

Benefits for Renters

• No wiring—just screw them into existing sockets.
• Connect to your phone or smart speaker for voice control.
• Set routines for wake-up or sleep.

Eco Benefits

• Significantly lower energy consumption.
• Longer lifespan means less frequent replacements.

Top Pick: Philips Hue White A19 Smart Bulb

3. Smart Power Strips: Manage Multiple Devices

Features

Smart power strips take smart plug functionality to the next level. They control multiple devices at once, letting you cut power to your workstation, home entertainment system, or kitchen gadgets with one tap.

Renter Advantages

• Multiple independently controllable outlets.
• App and voice assistant integration.
• Monitor real-time and historical energy use.

Eco Benefits

• Eliminates wasted energy from groups of unused devices.
• Ideal for “clusters” of tech—TV, computer, gaming consoles.

Top Pick: Teckin Smart Power Strip

4. Smart Thermostats (for Portable and Window Units)

The Renters’ Solution

While renters can’t typically replace central thermostats, new smart controllers attach directly to portable heaters, ACs, or window units. With Wi-Fi connectivity, you’ll automate climate control for superior comfort and energy savings.

Benefits

• Control temperature from your phone.
• Set detailed schedules to avoid heating/cooling empty rooms.
• Some models offer usage tracking and suggestions.

Savings & Sustainability

• Prevents overuse by running only when needed.
• Lowers energy bills, reduces your carbon footprint.

Top Pick: Sensibo Sky Smart Air Conditioner Controller

5. Smart Leak Detectors: Stop Water Waste Instantly

How It Helps Renters

Smart sensors with Wi-Fi immediately alert you to leaks under sinks, behind washers, or around water heaters—saving you from both water waste and expensive damage (which can jeopardize your deposit).

Benefits

• Simple battery-powered devices—no installation needed.
• Get phone alerts the second a leak is detected.
• Some models also detect freezing temperatures (preventing burst pipes).

Eco Benefits

• Limits water waste from unnoticed drips or leaks.
• Prevents water damage and mold growth.

Top Pick: Govee WiFi Water Sensor

6. Smart Shower Heads: Lower Water Usage Without Sacrifice

Easy Upgrade

A smart shower head tracks water temperature and flow in real time. Most models display usage data directly, encouraging shorter, more efficient showers.

Benefits for Renters

• Screw-on installation—revert anytime.
• Monitor gallons used per shower session.
• Set daily, weekly targets for water conservation.

Eco Benefits

• Use up to 30% less water per shower.
• Reduces energy needed to heat water.

Top Pick: Hydrao Smart Shower Head

7. Smart Window Sensors: Optimize Ventilation and Air Quality

Enhance Fresh Air

Window sensors track temperature, humidity, and open/close status. Link to compatible fans or AC controllers for automatic ventilation, reducing the need for mechanical cooling when outdoor conditions are right.

Benefits for Renters

• Peel-and-stick design—completely reversible.
• Data sent to your phone for real-time air quality control.
• Automate fans or purifiers based on window status.

Eco Benefits

• Natural cooling means less AC use.
• Prevents mold from excessive humidity.

Top Pick: Eve Window Sensor

8. Smart Air Quality Monitors: Breathe Clean, Efficiently

Monitor What Matters

These monitors give instant readings on particulate matter, VOCs, CO2, temperature, and humidity. Adjust your window, fan, or air purifier use only when needed, avoiding constant operation.

Benefits for Renters

• No installation—place anywhere in the home.
• Push notifications if air quality dips.
• Many integrate with smart home hubs.

Eco Benefits

• Minimize unnecessary air purifier use.
• Improve comfort and health, prevent window condensation and mold.

Top Pick: Amazon Smart Air Quality Monitor

9. Smart Blinds Controllers: Maximize Natural Light

Harness Daylight the Smart Way

Smart blind controllers automate raising or lowering window shades based on time of day or sunlight. This can reduce your reliance on artificial lighting and maintain comfortable indoor temperatures.

Renter Advantages

• Easy, non-permanent installation—attach directly to cords or chains.
• Voice and app control.