By Riley Parker, Smart Home Editor
Moving into your first apartment is an exciting milestone, and adding smart home gadgets can make it even more comfortable and convenient. Whether you’re looking to streamline daily tasks, enhance security, or create the perfect ambiance, there are plenty of affordable, renter-friendly devices to transform your space. We’ve curated a list of the best smart home gadgets for 2025, perfect for first-time apartment dwellers. These picks are easy to install, budget-conscious, and designed to work in small spaces without requiring permanent changes.
Essential Smart Home Gadgets for Your Apartment
Here’s our selection of top smart home devices to make your first apartment smarter, more efficient, and uniquely yours.
Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen)
- Price: ~$50 at Amazon
- Why It’s Great: The Echo Dot (5th Gen) is a compact smart speaker that doubles as a hub for your smart home. Powered by Alexa, it lets you control compatible devices, set reminders, play music, or check the weather with voice commands. Its improved audio delivers clear sound for small apartments, and the built-in Eero mesh Wi-Fi extender boosts your network. Easy to set up, it’s perfect for renters who want a versatile smart assistant.
Why Choose It? A budget-friendly hub for music, smart home control, and daily tasks.
Wyze Cam v4
- Price: ~$36 at Amazon
- Why It’s Great: This affordable security camera offers 2.5K video, color night vision, and motion detection, making it ideal for keeping an eye on your apartment. It supports local storage via microSD (up to 512GB) and cloud recording with a subscription. The Wyze app provides real-time alerts, and the camera works with Alexa and Google Assistant. Its compact design sits discreetly on a shelf or mounts easily without drilling.
Why Choose It? Enhances apartment security without breaking the bank.
Govee Smart LED Light Strip (16.4ft)
- Price: ~$25 at Amazon
- Why It’s Great: Govee’s LED light strip adds customizable ambiance to your apartment with vibrant colors and dynamic scenes. Controlled via an app or voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant, it’s easy to adjust brightness or sync lights to music. The adhesive backing makes installation renter-friendly, perfect for accenting shelves, desks, or beds. It’s a fun way to personalize your space without permanent changes.
Why Choose It? Affordable lighting to set the mood for studying, relaxing, or hosting.
Kasa Smart Plug Mini (2-Pack)
- Price: ~$20 at Amazon
- Why It’s Great: These compact smart plugs turn any appliance into a smart device. Plug in a lamp, fan, or coffee maker, and control it via the Kasa app, Alexa, or Google Assistant. Schedule devices to turn on/off automatically or use away mode to simulate occupancy for added security. Their slim design doesn’t block adjacent outlets, making them ideal for small apartments.
Why Choose It? Simple, versatile way to automate everyday appliances.
Philips Hue White Smart Bulb (2-Pack)
- Price: ~$30 at Amazon
- Why It’s Great: These smart bulbs offer adjustable warm-to-cool white light, perfect for creating the right vibe for work or relaxation. Control them via the Philips Hue app, Alexa, or Google Assistant—no hub required with Bluetooth. They fit standard sockets, making them a renter-friendly upgrade for any lamp. Scheduling and dimming features help save energy and enhance comfort.
Why Choose It? Easy-to-install lighting for ambiance and efficiency.
Eufy Smart Scale C1
- Price: ~$30 at Amazon
- Why It’s Great: This smart scale tracks weight, body fat, and other metrics, syncing data to the EufyLife app or platforms like Apple Health and Fitbit. Its sleek design fits neatly in small bathrooms, and it supports up to 16 users, ideal for shared apartments. Easy to set up, it’s a great tool for health-conscious renters starting their wellness journey.
Why Choose It? Affordable health tracking for you and your roommates.
TP-Link Tapo Smart Wi-Fi Temperature and Humidity Sensor
- Price: ~$25 at Amazon
- Why It’s Great: This compact sensor monitors your apartment’s temperature and humidity, sending alerts via the Tapo app if conditions change. It integrates with Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing you to trigger actions like turning on a fan. Its small size and adhesive mount make it perfect for renters who want to maintain a comfortable environment without permanent fixtures.
Why Choose It? Keeps your space cozy and energy-efficient with minimal setup.
Why These Gadgets Are Perfect for Your First Apartment
Our picks are based on extensive research, user feedback, and compatibility with apartment living. Each device is affordable (under $50), easy to install without permanent modifications, and works with popular platforms like Alexa or Google Assistant for seamless integration. These gadgets prioritize functionality, portability, and renter-friendly designs, ensuring you can take them with you when you move. Available from trusted retailers like Amazon, they offer great value for students, young professionals, or anyone setting up their first home.
Final Thoughts
Setting up your first apartment in 2025 is a breeze with these smart home gadgets under $50. From the Amazon Echo Dot for voice-controlled convenience to the Wyze Cam v4 for security and Govee LED strips for ambiance, these devices make your space smarter and more comfortable without straining your budget. Perfect for renters, these gadgets are easy to install and move, letting you focus on enjoying your new home. Ready to upgrade your apartment? Shop these picks at Amazon and start building your smart home today! For more budget tech ideas, check out our guides or follow our social channels for the latest deals.
