UNDER $2,000
Smart Homes on a budget!
With a $2,000 budget, your smart home possibilities expand significantly. You can enhance your space with devices that not only add comfort and entertainment to your lifestyle but also bring peace of mind, help you save money, and create a more connected, convenient living environment. Here’s a well-rounded selection of devices to create a powerful smart home ecosystem while staying within your budget.
Echo Show 15
$280
The Echo Show 15 offers a large display and becomes the hub of your smart home. Mounted on a wall or placed on a counter, it provides easy access to voice controls, visual updates, and multimedia.
KEY BENEFITS:
▶ Smart Home Control & Family Hub: The 15.6-inch screen can display a customizable home dashboard, including calendars, shopping lists, weather, smart camera feeds, and more. It makes managing your day and your smart devices effortless.
▶ Entertainment & Visual Assistance: Whether you're streaming shows, making video calls, or using it as a digital photo frame, the Echo Show 15’s large display offers excellent versatility.
▶ Alternative Consideration: Skip the Echo Show 10 unless you specifically want a swiveling display that can follow you around the room. It adds a neat "wow factor," but for most users, the larger screen size of the Show 15 is more useful.
For additional rooms, like bedrooms or offices, smaller devices like the Echo Dot are perfect. The Echo Dot with Clock adds a convenient digital display for quick time and temperature checks.
KEY BENEFITS:
▶ Room-by-Room Voice Control: Using multiple Echo devices allows you to control your smart home from anywhere. Plus, these Dots work as speakers and intercoms for multi-room audio or "Drop In" announcements.
▶ Compact & Affordable: The Echo Dot is cost-effective, allowing you to expand Alexa throughout your home without breaking the budget.
Ecobee Smart Thermostat with Smart Sensor
$250
An energy-efficient thermostat is a great way to save on utility bills, and the Ecobee Smart Thermostat with Smart Sensor remains a top pick for home climate control.
KEY BENEFITS:
▶ Comfort Throughout the Home: The Smart Sensor detects occupancy and adjusts the temperature based on where you are, making sure your most-used rooms are always comfortable.
▶ Voice Control & Smart Scheduling: Built-in Alexa, scheduling capabilities, and learning algorithms adapt to your habits and ensure maximum energy savings.
Roborock Q8 Max+ Robot Vacuum
$820
A high-quality robot vacuum can take a significant load off your daily chores. The Roborock Q8 Max+ comes with advanced navigation and a self-emptying base, making it a set-and-forget solution for floor cleaning.
KEY BENEFITS:
▶ Efficient LiDAR Navigation: The LiDAR-based navigation allows the vacuum to create accurate maps of your home and clean in methodical, efficient patterns. Multi-floor mapping and zone cleaning allow tailored vacuuming schedules for specific rooms.
▶ Self-Emptying Convenience: The self-emptying base means you don’t have to worry about frequent maintenance—just set it up, and it’ll clean autonomously for weeks.
▶ Smart Home Integration: Control the vacuum via the Roborock app or through voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant for easy scheduling and customization.
Savings Tip: Keep an eye out for sales around Prime Days, Black Friday, or holiday deals to possibly secure a lower price on this or comparable models.
Reolink NVR PoE Camera System
$420
For reliable security, a PoE (Power over Ethernet) camera system is highly recommended, and Reolink provides an excellent value for hardwired camera setups.
KEY BENEFITS:
▶ Local Storage & Better Security: Storing footage locally on a Network Video Recorder (NVR) provides more privacy and control compared to cloud-based options. No subscription fees make it a cost-effective solution over time.
▶ High-Quality Video & 24/7 Recording: Reolink’s PoE cameras provide crisp video quality and are weatherproof for outdoor use. You can monitor live feeds and recordings anytime from your smartphone.
▶ Alternative: If hardwiring isn’t an option, Reolink offers Wi-Fi camera models. Eufy is also a reliable alternative for wireless setups, offering local storage without cloud fees.
Ring Wired Doorbell Plus
$160
The Ring Wired Doorbell Plus is a top pick for monitoring your front door. If you already have existing doorbell wiring, this option provides reliable video surveillance and two-way communication.
KEY BENEFITS:
▶ Real-Time Alerts & Clear Video: Get alerts when someone approaches your door, and use the two-way talk feature to communicate. It integrates well with the Echo Show to display camera feeds instantly.
▶ Subscription Consideration: If you’re already subscribed to Ring Protect for cloud storage, the 1080p resolution provides clear enough footage for most users, even though higher-resolution options exist.
Schlage Encode Smart Lock
$300
Adding smart access to your home with the Schlage Encode Smart Lock brings security and convenience. The Encode integrates seamlessly with the Ring ecosystem and offers quick access via codes, the app, or voice control.
KEY BENEFITS:
▶ Apple Key Support: For iPhone users, the Encode Plus version includes Apple Key support for even faster access using your phone or Apple Watch.
▶ Reliable & Aesthetic: The lock is easy to install, has great battery life, and an appealing design that fits well with most home styles.
Lutron Caseta Bridge & Switches
$110
For smart lighting, the Lutron Caseta lineup provides reliable performance and easy expandability. Start with the Caseta Bridge and add Claro style switches and Diva Dimmers room by room to replace your existing wall switches.
KEY BENEFITS:
▶ Zoning & Control Options: Control your lighting through the Lutron app, voice assistants, or even physical remotes. The switches are quick to respond and work flawlessly with other smart home ecosystems.
▶ No Wi-Fi Congestion: Caseta uses a Clear Connect radio frequency, meaning you won’t overload your Wi-Fi network as you add more devices.
▶ Customizable Lighting Scenes: Set up scenes for different moods, like "Movie Night" or "Bedtime," and schedule lighting to fit your routines.
The Budget Breakdown:
▶ Echo Show 15 – $280
▶ Echo Dot / Dot with Clock – $50-$80
▶ Ecobee Smart Thermostat with Sensor – $250
▶ Roborock Q8 Max+ Robot Vacuum – $820
▶ Reolink NVR PoE Camera System – $420
▶ Ring Wired Doorbell Plus – $160
▶ Schlage Encode Smart Lock – $300
▶ Lutron Caseta Bridge & Switches – ~$175-$185 (1 Bridge + 1-2 Switches)
TOTAL: $1,955 - $2,020 (depending on Echo and switch selection)
Expansion Tips & Resources
While this setup offers a robust and functional smart home, you can always expand as needed by adding more Lutron switches, additional cameras, or voice assistants to more rooms. Be sure to keep an eye on sales, bundle deals, and discount events to get the best value for your purchases.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
▶ How to Build Out Your Smart Home (nar.realtor)
▶ Smart Home Tech: What to Upgrade and When (nar.realtor)
This balanced smart home plan leverages each device’s strengths and integrates seamlessly to provide security, comfort, and automation while staying within your $2,000 budget.