Sometimes, you really have to live with them to realize that the smart home devices we usually think are “not worth the money” are actually incredibly convenient. A few years ago, I thought smart homes were just a gimmick, merely spending a bit more for remote controls. However, recently, many of my friends have installed new gadgets, and looking back, these little things really do enhance happiness. Especially for families with elderly members or children, they provide a lot of peace of mind. In my opinion, if you can afford it, don’t skimp; here are 8 smart home devices that don’t cost much—just a few hundred to a couple of thousand—but are genuinely practical and can enhance your quality of life.
01 Curtain Companion
To be honest, when I first renovated, I didn’t see the point of electric curtains; I thought pulling them by hand wasn’t much trouble. It wasn’t until a friend installed a curtain companion that I realized how great it is. It’s incredibly smooth and, importantly, very quiet, so it doesn’t disturb your sleep at night. What I envy the most is that it can automatically adjust based on light; it opens during the day and closes at night. The only minor drawback is that it needs to be charged occasionally, but it lasts quite a while on a single charge—perfect for lazy people.
02 Smart Window Switch
If you have many windows at home, especially on higher floors, you’ve definitely encountered the hassle of forgetting to close them when it rains. I used to install screens to prevent rain, but strong winds still let water in. Later, a friend recommended a smart window switch, which turned out to be very practical. If you forget to close the windows when you go out, you can just pull out your phone and close them remotely. Even better, it can automatically sense rain and close the windows by itself. It can also connect to a smart speaker, so you can just shout to open or close them. In the morning, it can automatically open a crack to let fresh air in. Installation isn’t complicated; it can be added after moving in, and I regret not getting it sooner.
03 Water Leak Sensor
In places like the kitchen and bathroom, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Recently, my water purifier leaked, and thanks to the water leak sensor I installed, it alerted me in the middle of the night, preventing a flood. This little device isn’t expensive—just a few dozen yuan—and can be placed in areas prone to leaks. It sounds an alarm as soon as it detects water. It’s especially essential for homes where no one is usually around or for elderly people who might not notice. Sometimes it seems unnecessary, but when an incident occurs, it can save you thousands in repair costs and prevent damage to your belongings.
04 Gas Leak Alarm
Speaking of safety, I believe every kitchen should have a gas leak alarm. I have friends who have forgotten to turn off the stove while cooking, and thankfully, the alarm went off immediately, preventing a disaster. This device is small, easy to install, and just needs to be plugged in to work. It doesn’t take up much space, but it can truly save lives in critical moments. It’s especially important for homes with elderly members or children; you can’t afford to skimp on this. Some models even offer remote alerts, so you can receive notifications while you’re out, providing peace of mind.
05 Smart Timer Plug
Sometimes, when charging my phone or watch, I worry about forgetting to unplug it, fearing it might damage the battery over time. The same goes for charging my electric bike; overcharging isn’t safe either. Now, I use a smart timer plug at home, which I can set from my phone to cut off power at a specific time. It’s especially suitable for forgetful people like me; I plug it in at night, and it automatically cuts off power in the morning, so I don’t have to worry about anything. It’s easy to operate, and even elderly family members can use it without pressure. For just a few dozen yuan, it solves a major safety concern.
06 Finger Robot
When I first heard about this finger robot, I thought it was a bit strange, but after seeing it in action, I realized it’s a must-have for lazy people. For devices that can’t be replaced with smart ones, like old elevators or access control systems, installing a small robot can help you press buttons. With a tap on the mobile app, it can remotely press the button to open the door, so you don’t have to run back and forth when friends visit or when food delivery arrives. You can even install one on the toilet to automatically flush when you leave, taking care of all the little details in life. It may seem insignificant, but it’s incredibly handy to use.
07 Smart Switch
Can’t replace all the lights in an old house with smart ones? No problem, a smart switch can solve half the problem. Today’s smart switches can be voice-activated and can sense when people come and go. For example, when you come home at night, the lights turn on automatically, and when you leave, they turn off after a while. You can also install them in the bathroom, where the light and ventilation turn on automatically when you enter. The installation cost is low, but the experience is greatly enhanced. For families with elderly members or children, there’s no need to worry about finding the switch in the dark.
08 Smart Door Lock
Lastly, I have to mention the smart door lock. Regardless of your economic situation, I recommend installing one. Fingerprint, password, card—whatever is most convenient, so elderly family members and children don’t have to carry keys, making it much easier to enter and exit. Not to mention that some locks can even display the time and weather, so you can check everything at a glance before heading out without even needing to pull out your phone. In my opinion, this investment is worth it; it significantly enhances both security and convenience.
Sometimes you’ll find that these smart home devices may not seem to change much when purchased individually, but over time, the little details in your home become much more considerate. They save effort, provide peace of mind, and are not expensive. If you’re renovating or looking to improve your life, it’s worth considering equipping a few of these devices to save a lot of trouble. If you’re still using old methods, why not give them a try? You might find that once you use them, you won’t want to go back.