UNDER $500
Smart Homes on a budget!
When upgrading to a smart home on a limited budget, it can be tempting to go for the cheapest products you find on sale. But a word of caution: cheap doesn’t always mean cheerful. Going for the lowest-priced items without considering quality can lead to frustration over time. Some low-cost smart home products might be unreliable, cheaply made, or worse—require hidden subscriptions or additional fees to unlock their full functionality.
That’s why I’ve carefully rounded up the best smart home devices for under $500 that not only add value to your property but also save you time, money, and stress. By picking quality over just affordability, you can start building your smart home the right way.
Ecobee3 Lite Smart Thermostat
$150
A smart thermostat is one of the smartest investments in your home, saving you on energy bills while enhancing comfort. While the Nest is often the go-to choice, the Ecobee3 Lite Smart Thermostat is a solid alternative. It’s feature-rich, reliable, and, for most users, the "Lite" version provides everything you need to control your home's climate.
KEY BENEFITS
▶ Easy Installation & Compatibility: The Ecobee3 Lite works with most HVAC systems, and its setup is typically straightforward, even for beginners. Check if your current programmable thermostat has Wi-Fi connectivity or requires a C-wire adapter (an easy fix for non-Wi-Fi setups).
▶ App & Voice Control: Control the temperature from anywhere using the Ecobee app or through popular voice assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri.
▶ Energy Savings & Comfort: Smart scheduling and eco-mode help save on energy bills without sacrificing comfort. The thermostat learns your routine and can adjust the temperature accordingly.
Eufy C210 Smart Lock
$100
A smart lock enhances both the security and convenience of your home. The Eufy C210 Smart Lock is an excellent choice, offering seamless Wi-Fi connectivity and a secure keypad for easy access.
KEY BENEFITS
▶ Easy Remote Access: Lock or unlock your door from anywhere via the Eufy app. This is particularly handy for letting in guests, service personnel, or checking your property remotely.
▶ No Subscription Needed: Unlike many smart locks that require a hub or module, the C210 is standalone, saving you from additional costs or hidden fees.
▶ Battery Life & Security: The lock boasts a long battery life and reliable security features, such as fingerprint detection and automatic locking, so you never have to worry about leaving your door unsecured.
Eufy S330 Video Doorbell
$200
Video doorbells add an essential layer of security to your front door, and the Eufy S330 packs excellent features into an affordable package.
KEY BENEFITS
▶ Two Cameras for Better Security: The S330 has a unique design with a second downward-facing camera that offers package detection, a must-have for those who receive deliveries frequently.
▶ Local Storage & AI Detection: This video doorbell doesn't require any monthly subscriptions, as video footage is saved locally. Basic AI detection notifies you of people, packages, and movement, giving you real-time alerts through the app.
▶ Easy Installation & Customization: Eufy's doorbells are easy to install, with customizable alert zones, night vision, and two-way audio to communicate with visitors directly from your smartphone.
Echo Show 5
$90
The Echo Show 5 is a versatile and affordable smart display that not only functions as a voice assistant but also as a control hub for your entire smart home.
KEY BENEFITS
▶ Smart Home Control & Voice Assistant: Use Alexa to control your thermostat, lock, and doorbell camera all from one device. You can also make video calls, view security camera feeds, check the weather, and even play music or videos.
▶ Compact & Multifunctional: With a 5.5-inch screen, it fits neatly on a nightstand or kitchen counter. The display can show visual alerts from your other smart devices and be personalized with clock faces, family photos, or news headlines.
▶ Affordable Yet Capable: At around $90, the Echo Show 5 provides excellent value for adding smart home control, voice commands, and entertainment in a single device.