Top 7 Smart Home Devices Under $100 That Boost Energy Efficiency for Renters

Renters face unique challenges when trying to go green and reduce their utility bills. Unlike homeowners, renters are often restricted from making major upgrades to their property—so installing solar panels or new windows is usually off the table. However, there’s no need to worry! Today’s smart home devices can supercharge your apartment’s energy efficiency without a single hole drilled or wiring change made.

Best of all: Many excellent smart devices are now available for less than $100, making them accessible to nearly every renter.

In this guide, we spotlight seven smart home gadgets under $100 that are simple to install, easy to use, and will quickly pay for themselves in energy savings.

Why Smart Home Tech Matters for Renters

Traditional energy upgrades often aren’t feasible for rental properties—especially if you’re only staying a year or two. With smart-home tech, however, you just plug in, connect to WiFi, and start saving energy instantly.

No permanent installation: Perfect for renters—take them with you when you move!
App-based control: Manage your devices from your phone, wherever you are.
Track & reduce energy use: Gain insights that help you shrink your carbon footprint and lower bills.

1. Smart Plugs — Control Devices the Smarter Way

Oftentimes, our electronics and appliances continue to use electricity even when not in use (also known as “phantom” or “vampire” energy drain). Smart plugs let you tackle this problem head-on.

How Smart Plugs Help

Automate on/off schedules for lamps, fans, and media devices.
Remote shutoff via app—even after leaving home.
Monitor real-time energy use for each connected appliance.

Easy to Install & Move

Plug them into any standard outlet.
No tools or wiring needed.
Works with most voice assistants, like Alexa and Google Assistant.

Top pick under $100: Kasa Smart Plug (often available for under $25 per plug in multi-packs).

2. Smart Light Bulbs — Instant Energy Upgrades

Lighting accounts for about 15% of the average apartment’s energy use. Swapping out standard bulbs for LED smart bulbs is an easy first step.

Key Features

Dimmable and color temperature control for each room.
Set automated schedules to turn off lights when you’re away.
Control with your phone or voice (great if you forget to flip the switch before bed).

Why Smart Bulbs are Renter-Friendly

Simply screw into your existing fixtures.
Take them with you when you move.
Upgrade only the most-used rooms, or the whole apartment as your budget allows.

Top pick under $100: Philips Hue White & Color Ambiance bulbs (pick up a starter kit or individual bulbs).

3. Smart Power Strips — Stop Standby Waste

Many TVs, speakers, chargers, and gaming consoles continue drawing power even when turned off. A smart power strip lets you cut power to these devices entirely, reducing “phantom loads.”

Benefits of Smart Power Strips

Rock-solid for entertainment centers and office setups.
Control multiple devices at once via app or voice assistant.
Set up “away” schedules to eliminate waste while you’re out.

Choosing a Smart Power Strip

Look for models with individual outlet control and surge protection.
Popular brands include Kasa, TP-Link, and Amazon Basics.

Top pick under $100: Kasa Smart Power Strip (usually under $40).

4. Smart Thermostats for Portable Electric Heaters and ACs

While renters often can’t replace their apartment’s thermostat, some smart thermostats work with plug-in heaters and portable air conditioners, giving you the next-best thing to a full upgrade.

Smart Thermostatic Plugs and Controllers:

Control the temperature of any room-specific device with your phone.
Set daily heating/cooling schedules for peak efficiency.
Turn off the devices automatically when you’re away.

Great For:

Rooms with window AC units or space heaters.
Climate-conscious renters in older buildings without central HVAC upgrades.

Top pick under $100: Wyze Smart Plug with built-in thermostat.

5. Smart Room Sensors & Monitors — Optimize Every Room

Humidity, temperature, and even air quality can impact how much energy you need to keep your space comfortable. Smart sensors monitor environmental conditions and help you make fast, informed adjustments.

How Smart Sensors Save Energy

Monitor and identify rooms that overheat or lose heat quickly—so you can close doors or adjust fans.
Detect high humidity (which can feel “sticky” and prompt unnecessary cooling).
Track improvements over time using the app.

Easy Does It

Battery-powered models need no outlet and are completely portable.
Pair easily with smart climate devices (like plugs or climate-controlling fans).

Top pick under $100: Govee WiFi Room Thermometer/Hygrometer.

6. Smart Blinds Controllers — Automated Natural Comfort

Did you know that much of the heat gain or loss in an apartment happens through the windows? Keeping blinds shut during summer afternoons, or cracked open to let in sun during winter, makes a big difference. But remembering to do it every day is another matter.

How Smart Blinds Controllers Help

Automate curtain/blind routines for maximum energy efficiency.
Open/close on a schedule or with sunrise/sunset triggers.
Removes need to get up and adjust curtains (ideal for hard-to-reach windows).

Designed for Renters

Many models clamp or attach without any screws or permanent fixtures.
Battery or solar powered options mean no complex installation.

Top pick under $100: SwitchBot Curtain Rod 2.

7. Smart Leak Detectors — Prevent Water Waste Instantly

Even a small leak can waste gallons of water and spike your bill. For renters in older buildings, under-sink leaks or appliance drips are an unfortunate reality. Smart leak detectors instantly alert you (via app and alarm) when they detect water in problem-prone areas.

Benefits for Renters

Battery-powered, no installation required.
Place under sinks, by washing machines, or near AC units and water heaters.
Prevent water waste as well as costly property damage (which landlords appreciate!).

Top pick under $100: Govee WiFi Water Sensor.

Actionable Tips: How to Start Saving as a Renter

Ready to get started? Here’s a practical plan for making your apartment “smarter” and more energy efficient — today.

Start small: Choose a single device (like a smart plug or bulb) for your biggest energy user.
Build a routine in your smart home app. Set up schedules for lights, heaters, or AC units based on your daily patterns.
Watch your utility bills: Track before-and-after data using the devices’ built-in monitoring—and keep a log of your monthly savings.
Share devices with roommates: Many smart gadgets let you add multiple