The Five Best Home Automation Gadgets Under $100

From robotic vacuums to motion-sensing lights, there are a million ways the little tasks of everyday life have already been automated. But some of us want to take the next step to push the boundaries of technological convenience a little bit further. Choosing the right tech to make your life easier is always difficult, and there are more gadgets out there now than ever before. We’ve put together the list below to help you find the gadgets that are best for your home, and your wallet.

 

1. Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Light Switch HS200

First on our list is the Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Light Switch HS200. This easy-to-install gadget could be just what you desire to manage your lights, ceiling fans, and other home fixtures. The switch can be voice-controlled through Amazon Alexa pairing, or with the Kasa control app. It connects to your home Wi-Fi network to manage your home fixtures remotely from your smartphone.

For instance, you can turn on your living room lights in just a few minutes before getting home. This gadget is fully customizable. simply schedule it according to your preferences and it will do the rest. You can set your security lights to turn on when it gets dark and off when the sun rises.

 

Price $29 – https://www.amazon.com/Smart-Wi-Fi-Light-Switch-TP-Link/dp/B01EZV35QU

 

2. Amazon Echo 2nd Generation – Smart Speaker with Alexa

All you have to do is ask. Perhaps the most famous of home automation devices, Amazon’s Echo speaker line has tens of thousands of skills that come in handy all the time. Want to play music hands–free? Make calls, or send and receive messages? Amazon Echo has your back. You can decide to play diverse music across your Echo devices in your house.

 

You can play, say, metal in the gym, R&B in the bedroom, and maybe some soft rock or instrumental in the study. Despite being called a smart speaker, the Echo does more than music. What else can you achieve with the Echo? Quite a number of things; direct your lights, thermostats, smart outlets, even door locks, however you please.

 

Price $99 – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XCM9LJ4

 

3. Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance A19 Smart LED Bulb

Philips Hue LED bulb is one of the most useful smart lighting solutions to have in your home. With a Hue Hub installed, you can control your lighting with your voice, through your smartphone, tablet, motion sensors (when you enter or leave a room), and Hue wireless dimmer switches. Choose from a wide range of colors and shades of white to enhance your lighting experience. No Wi-Fi network needed here.

 

One bulb can transmit a signal to other bulbs. You can also add up to fifty light points on a single Hue Hub. You need to add an Echo device to control lights with your voice. For an even better experience, combine with the Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Light Switch for multiple connected devices.

 

Price $49 – https://www.amazon.com/Philips-Hue-Equivalent-Compatible-California/dp/B07DPWJW58

 

4. Ring Wi-Fi enabled Video Doorbell

Answer the door from anywhere. Monitor your home from your smartphone, PC, and tablet. The Ring Video doorbell has a wide-angle lens that captures HD videos of your front door. It also has built-in motion sensors that send alerts to you whenever it detects any movements.

 

Apart from sending you alerts, you can also speak and hear from your visitors. Thanks to the built-in microphone and speakers. Although the ability to save, review and share your Ring Videos is a premium feature with an extra cost, there is a free 30-day trial available.

 

Price $99 – https://www.amazon.com/Ring-Wi-Fi-Enabled-Doorbell-Nickel/dp/B00N2ZDXW2

 

5. WeMo Mini Smart Plug

WeMo Mini Smart Plug works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Homekit. This gadget uses your Wi-Fi network connection to provide wireless control of your appliances. Download the free WeMo App and wirelessly manage your devices via your phone or tablet.

 

Using the WeMo App, you can deftly manage schedules and never get anxious while away from home by taking advantage of the Smart Plug’s “Away Mode”. This feature turns plugged-in lights on and off randomly, to give the illusion of someone at home.

 

Price $25 – https://www.amazon.com/Smart-Enabled-Google-Assistant-HomeKit/dp/B01NBI0A6R

 

Bottom line

In addition to making your life easier, and more fun, automating your home functions with smart gadgets saves you time. If you outfit your home with gadgets from this list, you can save money too!

 

Author Bio:

Gregory Miller is a writer with DO Supply (https://www.dosupply.com) who covers Robotics, Artificial Intelligence and Automation. When not writing, he enjoys hiking, rock climbing and opining about the virtues of coffee.