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Best Budget Smart Home Essentials Under $200

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Internet of things or IoT is a phrase that is synonymous with and defines what is a smart home is about.

Every appliance and device that controls lighting, home security access, entertainment systems, and temperature are all components of a smart home automation system.  With the progress of technology and smart home products, home automation is now more feasible because of the network connectivity of the devices around your home via wi-fi or internet connections.

Through the aid of smartphones, tablets, laptops, or even game consoles, you can now have access and remotely control your internet-connected devices at home even if you are far away from it.  No hassle, and you can do it all with just one tap of your fingertips.

More interestingly, the rise and prominence of virtual or digital assistants such as Alexa by Amazon, Cortana from Microsoft, and Apple’s Siri – which feature the ability to make commands and control a device through your voice – have become mainstream and popular.  

So, what is the apex?  Certainly, the main advantage of having smart automation at home is the convenience of these mechanics that makes it worthy and practical.

Through this post, I will help you to figure out the best budget home essentials under $200 in the market without spending tons of cash from your pocket.  

Wemo Mini Smart Plug 

This may look an ordinary plug.  But this is not just a plug, this is a smart plug.

What makes this Wemo mini plug smarter compared to a traditional plug?  With the aid of this mini mighty plug, you can control any of your appliances at home through your phone.

Do you want to schedule your fan to turn on before you arrive or turn your lights off while you are at work?  The Wemo mini plug can do it all for you.

It also has the capability to pair with any built-in devices at your home if you have Amazon Echo devices, Apple Homepod, or Google Home.  If all connected, Wemo will do the rest of the task through your voice.

Just download the Wemo free app in order to make it work.  You can download the Wemo App on Google Play if you are using an Android device or at the iTunes App Store if you are using Apple gadgets.

I also like its compact and sleek design.   It allows you to stack two Wemo Mini Smart Plugs in the same outlet without cramping or blocking each other.

Please make sure that you must have wi-fi or internet connection at home to function all the stuff on this list, though.

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The Features

  • Compact and sleek design
  • You can set schedules and timers
  • Compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit

The Bad

  • Unreliable app
  • Firmware update issue
  • Unstable connection

Eeufy Boost IQ RoboVac 11S

Have you ever been tried to ask a robot to vacuum the floor of your household? 

If not, now you can!  The RoboVac can perform the task naturally.  

Featurred with BoostIQ Technology, this product will automatically increase its suction power within 1.5 seconds if an extra intensity is needed to get the best clean.  

It is impressive with a runtime which could last up to 100 minutes or less than 2 hours of performance from a single charge. 

What if it runs out of power though, can it still continue its cleaning schedule? Don’t worry! The RoboVac is absolutely hardworking and energetic.  If its power runs low, it senses this and returns to the charging base.  Once it is charged, it will go back to complete the task and ready to whack and twack all over again.  

Stairfalls and bumps need not pose a threat as well.  The RoboVac is smart and perceptive.  It has an infrared sensor which controls to evade obstacles and drop-sensing tech to prevent from a dropdown and falls.   

No doubt, the RoboVac is your slimmest and quietest vacuum cleaner of all.  

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The Features

  • Powerful suction
  • Smooth and quiet
  • With drop-sensing technology
  • Automatically charge when power runs low

The Bad

  • Durability issue
  • Plastics are made of inferior quality

NETGEAR N300 WiFi Range Extender 

If you are experiencing low coverage of your wifi signal, the Netgear WiFi Range Extender can fix this.

It is a fact that the signal strength of your WiFi decreases if you are far from the WiFi router.  It is a very frustrating experience often discovered in certain spots inside the house or at the backyards the dead spots or dead zones which have low signals from the main WiFi source. 

That is usually the case if you are living in a condo unit or in a house that has many compartments.  Then you need a signal booster.  This product provides a smooth solution to your problem.

It features easy setup and improves your WiFi connection up to 300Mbps throughout your home.   The external antennas help this job to improve signal performance.  

It also works and compatible with any brand of WiFi routers. 

The Features

  • Improve WiFi coverage up  to 300Mbps
  • Wall-plug design saves space
  • Universally compatible

The Bad

  • Awkward setup
  • Poor customer support

Ring Wi-Fi Enabled Video Doorbell  

Do you want to make a difference with your traditional doorbell at home? 

No problem! This doorbell is trendsetting and modernized.  It features a unique shape with a built-in video camera which can be controlled through your smartphone.  

What’s more, with this device, you’ll be able to see your visitors, hear from them and speak to them with a two-way talk by means of your phone, tablet, or PC.

You will receive an alert message on your phone if anyone presses the doorbell. 

Since it has a motion-activated sensor, it will still send alerts to your phone if anyone comes to your door and trigger the motion sensor.   

Yes, wires have long been gone.  You can install this doorbell by yourself in just a few minutes without any wire needed.

Its video also features a high definition (HD) with infrared night vision during the dark. 

REMINDER:   This doorbell does not have an indoor chime.  Only the outdoor bell which is built-in in the device will ring.  You may encounter a problem if you will not hear the bell while you are inside your house.  

To fully maximize the functionality of this doorbell, I recommend you to have a Ring Chime.  It can be sold separately and you can install multiple chimes as much as you needed.  You can place it in any part of your house if you wish.  

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The Features

  • Motion-activated alerts
  •  Remote-activated siren
  •  With infrared night vision

The Bad

  • Cloud storage not free
  • No record function without the cloud storage service

Sengled E11-G13 Smart LED Light Bulb

The invention of light bulbs is a part of human history that continues to brighten up our lives into these days. 

Its radiance shines to every corner of our home and cast the shadows of the dark.  

Lately, the introduction of smart LED light bulbs will not only bring light to your family but it will also glee the ambiance of your surroundings.  

With smart light bulbs, you can now easily control the whole lighting system of your house through your phone.  If you wish to seek the accessibility of voice command, you can simply pair it up with your Amazon Echo or any compatible devices. 

I really appreciate that you can create scenes or put your lights on a schedule.  The ability of smart bulbs to fine-tune and customize an atmosphere that suits your liking is an experience that will cool off your senses.  

If you want to try of having a smart bulb at your house, this Sengled Smart LED light bulb is a good way to start.   

Of course, the Philips Hue bulb is a well-known brand that you can trust.  You can also go for it if you are willing to pay for extra cash.  

Sengled is available in soft white, daylight, and multicolor.

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The Features

  •  Flexible set-up
  •  You can create scenes and routine schedules
  •  Works with voice control Alexa, Google Assistant, and SmartThings
  •  Energy efficient

The Bad

  •  Controller hub required to connect with voice assistants
  •  Customer service is subpar
  •  Security vulnerability issue on the hub

PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Dog and Cat Feeder

Neglecting to feed your pet at home when you leave won’t trouble you any more. 

This Smart Feed will take care of its job for you.  It features a customizable meal time that you can set base in your pet’s needs. 

I actually appreciate its programmable feeding time schedule for up to 12 meals. 

Through the app, you can even choose the “Feed Now” option which allows you to feed your pet outside of the normal feeding times providing your pet an extra snack or meal.   

Being smart, this Smart Feed can dispense meals from 1/8 cup to 4 cups to suit your pet’s demand.  Interestingly, the unique “Slow Feed” option will dispense the food slowly over 15 minutes interval to prevent overfeeding your cats and dogs.  

In total, the feeder container can hold up to 24 cups while the bowl can carry up to 5 cups.  

How do you know if this Smart Feed is responsible enough to take care of your pets at home? If you prefer, you will receive alerts and notification to continue monitoring your pets’ feeding.  

If your Wi-Fi signal is not stable and bothers you to lost connection, don’t worry, this Smart Feed will carry out its task even offline and do the feeding time schedule.  

Yes, the Smart Feed is practically safe.  The plastic feeder is free from a harmful chemical substance of BPA (bisphenol A).  The bowl is made from aluminum.  

Now, you can enjoy that mental freedom and peace of mind thinking that your most lovable pets at home won’t be disregarded. 

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I highly recommend using a two-way splitter adapter if you have two pets at home to feed both at the same time.  

 

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The Features

  •  Customizable meal times
  •  Receive alerts to monitor your pets feeding schedule
  •  Program feeding schedule works even without a WiFi connection
  • BPA-free plastic and stainless steel

The Bad

  • Durability issue
  • Terrible customer support
  •  App reliability issue

The Bottom Line

Home automation is still at the early stage of its momentum.

We are excited to see more tech products and domestic tools that will still come up along the lines of smart home automation.

If we think it over, life would not be the same as it was over the past years. 

Technology is a fast-paced industry.  The more we experience interaction with smart home tech and gadgets, the further we nurture ourselves with scientific knowledge.

As we look ahead in the distance, home automation for the benefit of the general public and common people is the crowning achievement of this field of applied science.  

About the author

DEL

Del is an affiliate marketer and has a personal interest in architecture and web design. He loves inspirational quotes and spends his spare time reading and blogging. Good attitude, fairness, and simplicity are characters that matter to him most.  

15 Comments

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  • It is really noteworthy to know about the best budget smart home essentials. 

    I am really fascinated by all these home essentials you reviewed in this article. Obviously, technology is making life easy day by day. 

    The WEMO Mini Smart plug and Ring Wi-Fi Enabled Video Doorbell caught my attention.  They are really interesting. 

    Controlling the switch of your home appliances with your smartphone is an awesome experience and as well getting to see whose at the door is great. Both are affordable and I am making an order for both. 

    Thanks for the information. 

  • Hi Del,

    It’s crazy how internet changes our lives. All of the devices you mentioned would be an absurd idea if internet was not born!

    These are all amazing stuffs. My favorite one is the Ring Wi-Fi Enabled Video Doorbell. I personally think this is a great home security solution. I also love it when it will also send alert message to your phone which means you will never miss any doorbell again!

    I just wish they also offer the cloud storage for free.

    Cheers,

    Marissa

  • Dear Del,

    May I not congratulate you on your persistence in creating this informative and helpful post. Any man who devotes that much time must of necessity make discoveries of great value to others.

    I got helpful insights from your post and amazed at the technology development. I will have to go back to it a few times just to grasp all of that information. You have definitely done your research and I was not expecting so much information, to tell the truth.

    The good and bad you shared on each product is very helpful in making my purchase decision.

    I am interested with Ring Wi-Fi Enabled Video Doorbell and as you recommended with a Ring Chime. The benefits are amazing and in the part of the world where I live video doorbell is a must.

    You have given me plenty to think about here. This post is so thorough it opened my eyes to all sorts of information I wasn’t aware of!

    Much Success!

    Paul

    • Hello Paul. 

      We greatly appreciate your commendation and kind words.  

      It really boosts our energy to continue providing helpful information about technology and consumer electronic stuff.  We will keep on tracking every mechanics that are worthwhile and beneficial. 

      Wishing you all the best in your life.

  • I know we have entered the technology phase of our lives and it is amazing all the new products that are being created. 

    Your post is excellent in proving some great devices! 

    I have been curious about the robo vacuums and I really want one. I am somewhat hesitant to get one if the product is built poorly. You say there is a durability issue. How long do these things last? 

    I also love the idea of having a smart feed pet feeder. It would certainly save me some time every day. 

    Honestly, all of your products shown are things I would be interested in getting! Now I just have to decide if I REALLY need them all! Thanks for sharing this great information!

    • Thanks for posting your query.  

      Robo vacuum reviews at Amazon complained about the poor quality built of the product.  

      On a case to case basis, it may last for a week or months depending on how you take care of your stuff.  It is solely the responsibility of every owner to watch over and protect its personal property. 

      Hope we help you somehow.

  • What great devices you have on reviews!

    It’s amazing what technology is providing to enhance life and shrift off bucks and making life simple to handle. First was the plugins which are good even on a busy day. And also the Robovac, that can clean up even the absence of anybody. 

    All the devices are very good and we can’t afford to be behind the technology, I think we all need to grow along as technology takes over the world.

  • I haven’t exactly jumped on the smart appliance bandwagon just yet, although many concepts do appeal to me. It’s just a luxury that I don’t really have the money to spend on right now. But I’m glad I happened upon your article of budget items. Some of these things on your list are useful enough that I think I could allocate some money towards purchasing them.

    I especially love the smart lightbulbs. I think that would be the first smart item I would want to buy. The fact that you can turn lights on while you’re not at home to make it seem like you’re there if you’re worried about break-ins, or if you’re too tired to get up and flip a switch, is just awesome. The multicolored option is a bonus! I would love to be able to change the colors of lights in my bedroom or living room depending on my mood. 

    Do the bulbs last quite a while? I would hate it if I was constantly having to buy replacements.

    • Thanks, Mariah for sharing your thoughts. 

      I could not guarantee the durability of Sengled bulbs.  If you want something more credibility, it’s better to pick Philips Hue bulbs.  You won’t be a loser for additional bucks. 

  • These are great smart household appliances. 

    One of the reasons why we call them smart is because they make life easier and a bit more interesting. 

    As technology advances daily, almost everything we know about home appliances is getting smart. I also have a smart bulb that I enjoy so much as it has made my life easier. 

    I don’t have to get up to switch it on or get up to dim the light.  I can do all these on my bed without having to leave the bed. We all just have to live smart and join in the trend as technology advances. 

    Getting one or two of these products will definitely make our life a whole lot easier.

  • Hello Del,

    IoT (Internet of Things) has disrupted the gadgetry industry. 

    It has ushered in a new phase of brilliant designs and intelligent ‘things’ connected to each other in order to gather useful information(the Big data). A special example is the virtual or digital assistant as you said here.

    These appliances have only made life better and your review article has listed some new and interesting ones in the market. I’m sure there are more and I’ll be checking back for more of this. 

    I love this article, it is very expository.

    Cheers.

    • Hi Sam. 

      We’re glad to hear from you.  We hope to see you again in our upcoming reviews. 

      Thank you.  Have a great day!

  • Thanks for writing this article on best budget smart home essential under $200. 

    I really appreciate for taking your time to select all this must have cheap items at home.

    All these home essentials you select are really important at home. It is a must have. But out of all these items, my attention seems to be on Wemo Mini Smart Plug.

    I like every part of this smart plug with all it features it has to offer. 

  • Hello. 

    I am looking to buy some new appliances for my home and I am searching for devices within my budget. I appreciate this article as I feel some of the appliances listed here can be of great help to me. 

    I think I will purchase the Eeufy Boost IQ RoboVac 11S first.

    Kudos to the author

    • Thank you for your interest.

      It is really our pleasure to review products that worth every penny.  I provide “The Features” and “The Bad” of every stuff listed in this post.  

      Please make sure to consider the cons.  

      We always tried our best to be candid and straightforward.