Quality affordable smart devices are hard to come by. A quality 4K smart television will range anywhere from USD$1000 to $3000 dollars. If that didn’t make a big enough dent on your pocket, consider the price of a fully functional smart fridge is around USD$3000 to $6000! Thanks to the internet of things, there has been a steady rise in the number of smart home devices. Whether it’s bolstering your home security, simply purchasing cheap home automation or feeding your pet, there is an abundance of cool home gadgets that are not only affordable but functional as well. For the price-wary reader, not to worry, we will discuss the top five smart home solutions under USD$50.
Elgato Eve Energy
Smart power switches are one of the biggest emerging cheap home automation trends. The smart device plugs into your wall socket and monitors or controls power consumed by your appliances or gadgets. It works alongside a mobile phone application that allows the user to remotely turn on or off specific appliances plugged into the Elgato Eve Energy device. The device connects to other home kit devices via Bluetooth; as opposed to WiFi. To reap the full benefits of power switch automation, the user requires purchasing accompanying compatible accessories.
The Pros
- The device makes tracking power consumption possible. The mobile application offers separate views for total and current power usage. Current power usage is probably the most useful feature, providing hourly, daily, weekly, and monthly consumption graphs.
- For small and medium-sized houses, the device’s Bluetooth connectivity allows fast response to commands and linking to other home kits
- Setting up the device is easy and does not require specialized skills.
The Cons
- The Bluetooth connectivity factor is only suitable for small or medium-sized houses. Additionally, most houses now have WIFI (the preferred choice for connection)
- The device is designed for indoor use only. It is neither waterproof nor resistant to the elements.
[amazon box=”B01M3PK5WH, B01NBI0A6R, B0178IC734, B0713SKWQ1″ grid=”4″]
