Best Smart Home Devices for Renters (No Drilling Required)
You want a smart home but your landlord definitely doesn't want you rewiring anything. Good news: you can build a seriously impressive smart setup without touching a single wire or drilling a single hole. Everything here is plug-and-play, battery-powered, or adhesive-mounted. The trick for renters is focusing on devices that don't require permanent installation. Smart plugs just plug into existing outlets. Smart bulbs screw into existing fixtures. Cameras stick on with adhesive or sit on a shelf. You can take the whole system with you when you move — and trust us, you'll want to. We've kept this list to affordable, beginner-friendly gear that works together without needing a degree in networking. Start with a smart speaker and a couple plugs, then build from there as you figure out what automations actually make your life easier.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | Key Pros | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) Smart Speaker | Smart-Speaker | Very affordable smart speaker | Buy on Amazon |
| TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug (4-Pack) | Smart-Plug | 4 plugs for under $30 | Buy on Amazon |
| TP-Link Tapo Smart Light Bulb (4-Pack, Multicolor) | Smart-Bulb | No hub required | Buy on Amazon |
| Wyze Cam v3 Indoor/Outdoor Security Camera | Camera | Incredibly affordable | Buy on Amazon |
| Amazon Smart Plug | Smart-Plug | Extremely affordable | Buy on Amazon |
| SwitchBot Smart Indoor/Outdoor Thermometer | Thermometer | Swiss-made accuracy | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Look at Each Product
Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) Smart Speaker
Compact smart speaker with Alexa voice assistant. Improved audio with clearer vocals and deeper bass. Control smart home devices, play music, get news, set timers. Built-in temperature sensor and eero mesh Wi-Fi support.
- Very affordable smart speaker
- Improved sound quality
- Built-in temperature sensor
- Massive Alexa skill ecosystem
- Privacy concerns with always-on microphone
- Bass limited by small size
TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug (4-Pack)
Wi-Fi smart plugs that work with Alexa, Google Home, and SmartThings. Control devices remotely from the Kasa app. Set schedules and timers. No hub required. Compact design does not block second outlet. Energy monitoring tracks power consumption.
- 4 plugs for under $30
- No hub required
- Energy monitoring
- Compact design
- 2.4GHz Wi-Fi only
- No matter/Thread support
TP-Link Tapo Smart Light Bulb (4-Pack, Multicolor)
Budget-friendly color smart bulbs that work with Alexa and Google Home without requiring a hub. Sixteen million colors and tunable white from warm to daylight. Group control, schedules, and away mode through the Tapo app.
- No hub required
- 16 million colors
- Four bulbs for under $30
- Alexa and Google compatible
- 2.4GHz Wi-Fi only
- Dimming not as smooth as Hue
Wyze Cam v3 Indoor/Outdoor Security Camera
Budget 1080p security camera with color night vision using a Starlight sensor. IP65 weather resistant for indoor or outdoor use. Two-way audio, motion detection zones, and free cloud storage for 12-second events.
- Incredibly affordable
- Color night vision
- Indoor and outdoor rated
- Free 12-second event clips
- Full-length recording requires subscription
- Occasional connectivity drops
Amazon Smart Plug
Simple Wi-Fi smart plug that brings Alexa voice control to any standard outlet appliance. Schedule lamps, fans, and small appliances or control them remotely via the Alexa app. Compact design does not block the second outlet.
- Extremely affordable
- Simple Alexa setup
- Compact design
- Scheduling and routines
- Alexa ecosystem only
- No energy monitoring
SwitchBot Smart Indoor/Outdoor Thermometer
Compact Bluetooth temperature and humidity sensor with a clear LCD screen and free data logging via the SwitchBot app. Swiss-made sensor provides accurate readings. Stores 68 days of data locally.
- Swiss-made accuracy
- Free app with data logging
- Compact and discreet
- Very affordable
- Bluetooth range limited
- Hub needed for remote access
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install a smart thermostat in a rental?
It depends on your lease and HVAC system. Some smart thermostats like the Google Nest are pretty easy to swap in and you can reinstall the old one when you leave. But always ask your landlord first. A safer bet for renters is smart plugs on space heaters or window AC units — same convenience, zero landlord drama.
What's the cheapest way to start with smart home?
An Echo Dot and a 4-pack of Kasa smart plugs. Total cost is under $50, and you can control lamps, fans, and small appliances with your voice. It's surprisingly satisfying to say "Alexa, turn off the lights" from bed. That's the gateway drug right there.
Do smart home devices slow down my Wi-Fi?
Each device uses a tiny amount of bandwidth. A few plugs and bulbs won't make a dent. But if you go all-in with 30+ Wi-Fi devices, your router might struggle — especially cheap apartment-provided routers. That's when Zigbee-based systems like Hue start making more sense because they use their own wireless protocol.
Will I lose my security deposit installing smart devices?
Not with the devices on this list. Smart plugs, bulbs, and adhesive-mounted cameras don't modify anything. Just swap back the original bulbs and peel off any adhesive mounts when you move out. Avoid anything that requires replacing light switches or door locks without landlord permission.