Looking to make your house feel futuristic without emptying your wallet? Good news, 2025 is the year when smart home gadgets under $100 are more capable, stylish, and beginner-friendly than ever. Whether you’re setting up Alexa-compatible devices, experimenting with smart plugs and bulbs, or searching for cheap smart home tech to automate daily routines, you’ve got plenty of affordable options. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best gadgets for smart home setups under $100, complete with ideas, pros and cons, and trending picks from Amazon and TikTok.
Why Affordable Smart Home Gadgets Are Worth It
For years, home automation felt like a luxury. But in 2025, smart home devices for beginners will be easier to install and cheaper to maintain. Most products now support Alexa, Google Home, or Apple HomeKit, and many even work with Matter, the universal smart home standard. So, if you’ve been hesitating to start your smart home journey, now’s the perfect time. Let’s dive into the top 10 smart home gadgets under $100 that can make your daily life smarter, safer, and more fun.
Smart Plugs: The Foundation of Easy Automation
Smart plugs are the entry-level heroes of any easy smart home setup. Plug one into your wall outlet, connect it to Wi-Fi, and suddenly you can control lamps, coffee makers, or fans from your phone or voice assistant.
Popular Picks:
- TP-Link Kasa Mini Smart Plug EP10
- Amazon Smart Plug (Alexa-compatible)
- Meross Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini
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Pros |
Cons |
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Extremely affordable ($10–$25 each) |
Depends on Wi-Fi reliability |
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Simple app control and scheduling |
Some cheaper models lack energy monitoring |
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Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and SmartThings |
Pro Tip: Use smart plugs in your bedroom to automate lamps or heaters with voice commands.
Smart Light Bulbs – Colorful Control on a Budget
If you want instant ambiance, smart bulbs and LED strips are your best bet. A few taps or voice commands can change brightness, color, or mood.
Top Options:
- Philips Hue White & Color Ambiance Bluetooth Bulb
- Govee Smart RGBIC LED Strip Lights
- Wyze Color Smart Bulb
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Pros |
Cons |
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Millions of color options |
Mixing brands can lead to multiple apps |
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Voice and app control |
Some cheap bulbs lack “true white” color temperature |
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Easy to install, no wiring needed |
Great for: cozy bedrooms, movie nights, or festive decor. Perfect smart light bulbs for Google Home and Alexa setups alike.
Smart Speakers and Displays – Your Home Assistant
You can now get compact Alexa-compatible devices or Google Nest smart displays under $100. These serve as your home’s control hub — play music, check the weather, and manage all your other gadgets hands-free.
Examples:
- Amazon Echo Pop / Echo Show 5
- Google Nest Mini (2nd Gen)
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Pros |
Cons |
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Acts as a smart home hub |
Requires constant power connection |
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Great sound for the price |
Privacy-conscious users may disable mics |
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Hands-free convenience |
Voice Idea: Say “Alexa, good morning” to turn on lights, read the news, and start your coffee maker simultaneously.
Smart Sensors – Motion, Door & Window Triggers
Smart sensors are tiny devices that make automation truly hands-free. For example, when you open the door, the lights can turn on automatically.
Budget Favorites: Aqara Door & Window Sensor, Sonoff Motion Sensor
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Pros |
Cons |
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Great for home automation ideas |
Often battery-powered (requires replacement) |
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Boosts security and energy savings |
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Works with Alexa Routines or Google Home Automations |
Automation Idea: Turn hallway lights on when motion is detected between 11 pm – 6 am.
Smart Security Cameras – Peace of Mind Under $100
Budget smart cameras have come a long way. You can now get HD or even 2K video, night vision, and mobile alerts for less than $100.
Top Models: Wyze Cam v3, Blink Mini, TP-Link Tapo C110
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Pros |
Cons |
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Crisp image quality |
Wi-Fi bandwidth dependency |
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Works indoors or outdoors |
Some require monthly subscriptions |
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Optional cloud storage or local SD |
Smart Idea: Integrate your camera with smart lights — when motion is detected outside, your porch lights flash to alert you.
Smart Light Switches – Whole-Room Control
Instead of swapping individual bulbs, install a smart switch to control entire light circuits.
Affordable Options:
- TP-Link Kasa Smart Dimmer HS220
- Treatlife Smart Switch Single-Pole
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Pros |
Cons |
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Controls multiple lights at once |
Requires basic wiring knowledge |
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Works with voice assistants |
Some need a neutral wire |
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Adds a sleek, modern look |
Tip: Ideal for smart home lighting systems or when you want to control ceiling fixtures with Alexa or Google Home.
Smart Thermostats – Comfort Meets Savings
Even budget thermostats can help regulate your home’s temperature automatically.
Examples: Amazon Smart Thermostat, Wyze Thermostat
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Pros |
Cons |
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Learns your schedule |
May require professional installation |
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Saves on energy bills |
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Voice control integration |
Automation Idea: Lower the temperature when you leave the house, and warm it up before you return — all automatically.
Smart Cleaning Devices – Robots That Work for You
Who doesn’t love coming home to clean floors? Mini robot vacuums now start under $100.
Popular Choices: iLife V3s Pro, Eufy RoboVac 11S Lite
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Pros |
Cons |
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Great time-saver |
Limited battery life in cheap models |
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Works on most floor types |
No mapping features in entry-level units |
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Some can be voice-controlled |
Bonus: Pair it with a smart plug to schedule daily cleaning when you’re away.
Smart Office Gadgets – Work Smarter from Home
Your office deserves automation, too! Try these smart office gadgets under $100 to improve focus and comfort.
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Ideas |
Pros |
Cons |
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Smart Desk Lamp with Voice Control |
Boosts productivity |
Some need multiple apps for setup |
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Smart Plug for PC or Monitor Power Saving |
Reduces energy waste |
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Ambient LED Backlight for Monitors |
Adds style to workspace |
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Smart Diffuser or Air Purifier |
Improves air quality & focus |
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Example: Say, “Hey Google, start work” to turn on your lamp, PC plug, and diffuser simultaneously.
Viral TikTok & Amazon Smart Gadgets – Fun & Affordable
Every year, some cool smart home gadgets go viral for blending practicality with fun.
2025 Viral Hits:
- SwitchBot Bot – Turns any physical button smart
- Govee Music Sync Light Strip – Lights dance to your playlist
- Amazon Echo Glow – Color-changing nightlight for kids
- Smart Aromatherapy Diffuser – Controlled via app or Alexa
Why They Trend:
- Eye-catching visuals for TikTok
- Under $100 price tag
- Easy setup, instant gratification
Perfect for renters or content creators who love viral TikTok gadgets that make their home look and feel smart.
Home Automation Ideas for Beginners
Now let’s connect the dots — how can you combine these gadgets for a smart home into a cohesive system?
- Morning Routine: Smart plug starts coffee maker + smart bulb gradually brightens.
- Leaving Home: Voice command “Bye Home” turns off all lights and plugs.
- Movie Mode: Smart light controller dims lights to warm white + TV backlight turns blue.
- Security Scene: When the door sensor opens after dark, the camera and porch light activate.
- Work Mode: Smart office lamp on, music starts via Alexa, diffuser turns on.
These small automations transform cheap smart home tech into something truly convenient and personal.
Smart Home Trends for 2025
According to industry forecasts, 2025 is shaping up as the year of accessible, interconnected automation.
Key Trends:
- Matter Protocol Adoption – Unified compatibility across brands.
- AI Routines – Devices learn your habits and suggest automation.
- Sustainability Focus – Energy-efficient gadgets dominate sales.
- Smart Lighting Evolution – More responsive smart home light switches and controllers.
- Hybrid Spaces – Growth of smart office gadgets and mixed-use automation.
- Viral Influence – “Gadget viral” products on TikTok shaping consumer trends.
In short: smarter, greener, and more connected — even for budget users.
Final Thoughts on Smart Home Gadgets Under $100
The best smart home gadgets under $100 prove that you don’t need deep pockets to live smartly. Start with essentials a few smart plugs and bulbs, maybe a sensor or speaker, and gradually expand. Every small upgrade adds comfort, efficiency, and a touch of tech magic to daily life. Remember, gadgets for a smart home are only as useful as how you set them up. Keep experimenting, stay consistent, and enjoy the little “wow” moments that come from a truly connected home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the best smart home gadgets under $100 in 2025?
Some of the best smart home gadgets under $100 this year include smart plugs, RGB smart bulbs, Wi-Fi security cameras, smart speakers, and LED light strips. These are affordable, easy to install, and compatible with Alexa and Google Home.
2. Can I set up a smart home on a small budget?
Absolutely! With today’s cheap smart home tech, you can automate lighting, security, and appliances for under $100 per device. Start small with smart plugs or bulbs and expand as you go.
3. Do smart home gadgets work without Wi-Fi?
Most smart home devices for beginners require Wi-Fi for app control and automation. However, some use Bluetooth or Zigbee hubs for local control.
4. Are Alexa-compatible devices worth it?
Yes! Alexa-compatible devices make automation easier by letting you control your lights, plugs, and appliances with simple voice commands.
5. What are some cool smart home gadgets trending on TikTok?
Viral TikTok gadgets include smart LED strips, mini projectors, touch-sensitive lamps, and Wi-Fi smart plugs that sync with music or ambient light modes — fun and functional!