📅 July 2025
If you’re like me, you want your home to feel a little smarter without spending a fortune. These are five gadgets I use and would recommend to anyone. They cut down on energy waste, take care of the boring little tasks, and honestly just make life easier. Best part? They quietly pay for themselves before you even realize it.
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I didn’t always think this way. A few years ago, I got tired of little things around the house draining time, money, and attention. So I started looking into tech that could earn their keep and these five made the cut. They helped lower my energy bill, saved me from dumb daily annoyances, and made my home feel more put-together without much effort. If you’re after simple upgrades that actually do something, this is a great place to start.
Let the gadgets do the boring stuff so you can do literally anything else.
1. TP-Link Kasa Smart Light Bulbs
Check price and read reviews on Amazon
Set schedules so your lights turn off automatically, helping you save electricity and create the perfect lighting for any time of day. Schedule a “vacation mode” so your home looks occupied while you’re away. I choose Kasa smart bulbs because they are reliable, easy to control, and integrate seamlessly with other Kasa devices. Plus, they’re backed by TP-Link’s trusted reputation, a brand well-known for its reliable networking technology.
2. TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug Mini
Shop the plug I use to automate everything
If you’re already using Kasa products, this plug fits right in. They’re smaller and more compact versions of their already popular smart plug. Turn traditional electronics into smart devices with ease. Control devices remotely, set routines, and track energy usage right from the app. This smart plug also integrates wonderfully with Apple HomeKit and is compatible with Alexa and Google Home. It’s a must-have for cutting down on wasted power and automating your routine.
3. Ecobee Smart Thermostat
See why this smart thermostat is worth it
I had this installed just in time for Summer and it’s definitely one of my most satisfying purchases. It does everything a thermostat is supposed to do, and then some, with smart features and an easy-to-use app that makes staying comfortable effortless.
Change the temperature from your phone without pausing Netflix. Come home from vacation with the desired temperature already set. Add optional temperature sensors to each room down the road for maximum comfort. Coming from a Google Nest, I’d recommend Ecobee any day.
4. Eufy Robot Vacuum
Why I think it’s worth the price. See for yourself.
Eufy has earned its spot as a top performer among robot vacuums and absolutely changed the game for me. It navigates my home on a customizable schedule, handling dust, crumbs, and pet hair (Mochi couldn’t care less). When the canister fills, it returns to its dock, empties itself, and resumes cleaning until the job is done. Whether you’re out running errands or away on vacation, you’ll come back to clean floors every time. Honestly, my Dyson’s been on permanent vacation since this thing showed up.
5. Wyze Cam v4 Smart Security Camera
See why I still recommend Wyze after 5 years
The v4 is the latest in Wyze’s most popular camera line. I’ve used Wyze since 2019 and stuck with them for the reliability, simplicity, and value. It’s an easy pick for anyone wanting simple, smart home security. Wyze has such a large array of products, there’s always something for someone, and that’s why it’s my pick for smart home security.
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