Introduction
Have you ever dreamt of having a smart home but thought it was too expensive? Well, think again! Creating a smart home on a budget is now easier than ever. In the past, transforming your home into a smart oasis required a hefty investment and professional help. However, times have changed, and there are countless affordable smart devices on the market today. With a little planning and creativity, you can make your home smarter without breaking the bank. Let’s explore how you can turn your home into a smart haven without burning a hole in your pocket.
How to Make a Smart Home on a Budget
Gone are the days when you had to spend thousands of dollars to make your home smarter. The market is flooded with smart products that cater to all budgets. You no longer need to hire professionals or pay for subscription services to enjoy the benefits of a smart home. The key is to have a clear vision of what you want for your smart home and find products that fit your budget.
Here are a few smart home brands that offer subscription-free options or don’t require a subscription at all:
- Eufy Security: Perfect for smart locks, indoor and outdoor cameras, motion sensors, and video doorbells.
- Wyze: Known for its affordable indoor and outdoor cameras, smart plugs, lights, switches, and thermostats. While some Wyze products offer a subscription service, many devices can be used without one, albeit with limited options.
- Meross: Offers a great variety of smart plugs, lights, switches, and even a garage door opener.
- Kasa Smart by TP-Link: Known for its smart plugs and lights, Kasa Smart also offers baby monitoring cameras, pet cameras, indoor and outdoor cameras, and switches.
- Blink: An excellent budget-friendly option with cameras that are comparable in price to Wyze cams. Blink also offers affordable video doorbells and a wide range of indoor and outdoor cameras.
By exploring these brands, you can find smart devices that meet your needs and fit your budget.
What I Got for My Smart Home on a Budget
When my family moved into our new home earlier this year, we had a tight budget. Despite the constraints, we were determined to create a smart home that catered to our needs. Here’s a list of the smart devices we chose to make our home smarter without breaking the bank:
HomePod mini
To maintain consistency within our ecosystem, we opted for a HomePod mini. Since my husband is an Apple enthusiast, it made sense for us to leverage the benefits of HomeKit. Apple’s commitment to data privacy and security was also a significant factor in our decision. The HomePod mini serves as the central hub for all our smart devices, allowing us to control them effortlessly through Apple’s Home app. Plus, it doubles as a high-quality speaker.
Video Doorbell
Security was a top priority for us, and we wanted the convenience of a video doorbell without a monthly subscription fee. We chose the Eufy wireless doorbell, which doesn’t require any wiring, making installation hassle-free. The Eufy bundle also included the Eufy Homebase, which serves as the foundation of our home security system.
Smart Lock
We wanted to upgrade our front door with a smart lock to enhance security and eliminate the need for keys. After thorough research, we opted for the Yale Assure Lock SL with a HomeKit module. This keyless smart lock can be unlocked with a code or through our phones. It sends push notifications whenever it’s locked or unlocked, and we can easily manage access for family members and guests through the Yale app.
Security System
For an added layer of security, we decided to invest in a motion sensor-based security system. After comparing various options, we chose the Eufy Security system. This system doesn’t require any monthly fees or subscriptions, ensuring that our smart home remains budget-friendly. We strategically placed motion sensors in key areas of our home to enhance safety and provide peace of mind.
Cameras
To further bolster our home security, we installed cameras both inside and outside our house. We opted for the affordable and versatile Wyze cams. These cameras detect motion and send push notifications to our smartphones. While we don’t pay for a subscription service, Wyze offers a subscription option for recording unlimited full motion and advanced filtering features.
Smart Garage Opener
Since our new home required a new garage door and opener, we decided to invest in a smart garage door opener. We chose the Chamberlain opener, which allows us to control the garage door through the myQ app. Although myQ is not compatible with HomeKit, we integrated it with Homebridge to control it through Apple’s Home app. This smart garage opener has been a game-changer, as it enables us to check if the door is open and control it from anywhere.
Honorable Mentions
In our quest to stay within budget, we made a few compromises. We didn’t install a smart lock on the door leading from the kitchen to the garage; instead, we opted for a Hugolog door lock, which provides keyless convenience. Additionally, we explored the Blink cameras as an affordable alternative to Wyze cams. While they offer similar features, we found the Wyze cams to be more reliable in our experience.
FAQs
Q: Is creating a smart home on a budget difficult?
A: Creating a smart home on a budget is easier than you might think. With the wide range of affordable smart devices available today, you can find products that fit your budget and fulfill your needs.
Q: Can I create a smart home without professional help?
A: Absolutely! Most smart devices are designed for easy installation and setup. You can follow the manufacturer’s instructions or watch online tutorials to set up your smart devices without professional assistance.
Q: Do I need a subscription for all smart devices?
A: No, not all smart devices require a subscription. Many brands offer subscription-free options, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of a smart home without additional costs. However, some devices may offer optional subscriptions that provide advanced features and functionalities.
Conclusion
Creating a smart home on a budget is now within reach for everyone. By carefully selecting affordable smart devices and leveraging their features, you can transform your home into a more convenient and secure space. Whether you’re starting from scratch or upgrading your current setup, the key is to plan, research, and choose smart devices that align with your needs and budget. With a little creativity and resourcefulness, you can enjoy the wonders of a smart home without breaking the bank.