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Are you looking to turn your Airbnb into a smart home on the cheap? Maybe you want to stand from other Airbnb hosts. Maybe you want better reviews or maybe you want better safety for your guest.
Whatever reason that made you click on this post, you’re in luck! In this article, we’ll have the best cheap smart home devices to make your space attractive, comfortable, and safer.
Why Make Your Airbnb a Smart Home?
Most Airbnb owners understand not only your hospitality attracts guests but also the comfortability of the space.
Today, most guests are looking for the basic requirements such as cleanliness, essential amenities, and easy check-in but what would make your space stand-out from most Airbnb host would be implementing smart technology.
We understand installing smart home technology in an Airbnb can be expensive for a business owner.
As most of us know, convivence comes with a price tag. But, how big of a price tag you want to go? What are your goals?
The key to any business is to save more but also make more money. Well, as I mentioned before you are in luck, as the products I will recommend usually stay on the cheaper side.
Here are my top 9 cheapest smart home devices for an Airbnb Home.
Cheap Smart assistant – $50 and Under
Echo Dot & Google Home Mini
When it comes to building a smart home, the smart assistant is one of the few devices that comes to people mind when shopping.
They have been very popular for the last few years and some argue that it’s the reason why the smart home industry has grown tremendously.
If you want to build a smart Airbnb, a smart assistant isn’t necessary but if you want your guest to control their space with voice control, it’s a “must-have” device.
Now, there are two smart assistants that are on top of the food chain, the Amazon Alexa and the Google Home.
Depending on who you ask, some will say Alexa is better because it’s been on the market the longest and it’s far ahead of its competitors when it comes to the skill levels.
Some will say Google Home because it attached to Google powerful search engine and it’s simply smarter. Either way, both are priced very well.
The Echo Dot or Google Home Mini is priced below $50.00 and is powerful as its big brother.
I have both, but if I had to choose one over the other, I will go with the Google Home mini and that’s just my opinion.
Cheap Smart Hub -$70 and Under
Samsung SmartThings Hub 3rd Generation
When you are building a cheap smart Airbnb, you want to make sure the tech is reliable and has great communication between each smart device. To do that you will need a smart hub. One that is cheap but also reliable.
The Samsung SmartThings Hub has everything you need, from Zigbee and Z-Wave protocols to deliver outstanding communication between your smart home devices, also work great with a range of other brands on the market
Not only that, but it also has a range of sensors that covers everything from motion detection to water leaks which is very easy to set-up.
You can probably find a cheaper smart hub but you won’t be happy with the results. The Samsung SmartThings Hub 3rd gen will work just fine for your guest.
Cheap Lighting – $50 and Under
LIFX Smart bulbs
When it comes to saving money, smart lighting is usually the first topic in people minds and here’s why, most smart bulbs are LED which use on average 75% less energy than the conventional incandescent lighting, it will also last 25 times longer.
That alone will keep your energy bill low but smart LEDs don’t come cheap either.
There are several options you can take to stay in the cheap such as using a smart switch which will convert your dumb lights connected to them to make them smart.
The one I would recommend is TP-link Smart Wi-Fi switch which you can find on Amazon.
You can also use a smart plug to convert your dumb lamp into smart lamps. Click here to check out my smart plug recommendations.
But if you want to strictly use smart bulbs, I recommend the LIFX or LIFX mini. It has the same capabilities of a Philips Hue bulb but at a much cheaper price. The best part, no hub needed.
All great options to keep your cost cheap!
Cheap Smart Home Security – $19 – $150
Samsung SmartThings Sensors
You will rarely find a cheap smart home security system with full security service you need but there are a few ways to get around this.
Now, that you have the Samsung SmartThings hub you can add additional compatible sensors to create a smart Airbnb solution that automatically reacts to any unique motions and patterns around your space.
There are no required monthly fees, contracts, or messy installation, just an easy DIY setup that you can do in as little as 15 minutes. You can find the latest price on Amazon.
Blink XT2 Home Security Camara
Security cameras don’t come cheaper but if you decide to go the cheaper route, I can only recommend the Blink XT2 Cameras.
The Blink XT2 Camera can withstand all elements, rain, snow, cold temperatures. It’s also very easy to install and mount. You can have one or multiple cameras set up around Airbnb. Check out the latest price on Amazon.
August Smart Lock – Keyless Home Entry with Your Smartphone
The smart lock is one of the perfect devices that was created for renters and Airbnb owners, it’s a game-changer. Investing in a smart lock would make your life much easier and a convent for you and your guest.
Despite the fact that some may think smart locks can be hacked.
The August Smart Lock Keyless Home Entry with Your Smartphone is the one you want to look for under $100, It’s cheap and reliable.
It allows you or guest secure keyless entry, lock and unlock your door, control keyless access and keep track of who comes and goes, and all from your phone.
The Security features will help ensure that your guests feel safe and also keep the property secure for an extended period of time. It also works with your existing single-cylinder deadbolt. You can find the latest price on Amazon.
Cheap Smart Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm – $50 and Under
First Alert 2 in 1 Z-Wave Smoke Detector & Carbon Monoxide Alarm
After you have your security sensors or camera home. The next thing I would invest in is a smart smoke and CO2 detector.
Not only for the safety of your guest but all Airbnb rentals are required to have a functional smoke and CO2 detector
The First Alert in 1 Z Wave Smoke Detector & Carbon Monoxide Alarm is compatible with most smart home hub, such as the SmartThings.
This smoke and Carbon Monoxide detector help reduce false alarms caused by cooking or shower steam and send mobile alerts if the alarm goes off, so you are aware whether you’re at home or away.
This cheap smoke and carbon monoxide alarm perform very well for the price. It definitely beats spending what they want for a Nest Protect if you are trying to stay on budget. You can find the latest price on Amazon.
Cheap Smart Home Thermostats – $75.00 and Under
The Honeywell Home Wi-Fi 7 Day Programmable Thermostat
Instead of spending a fortune on a smart home thermostat, look for one on the lower end. There are tons of smart thermostats on the market, and It may not have all the gems as the higher end products but will ensure that your guests are comfortable.
The Honeywell Home Wi-Fi 7 Day Programmable Thermostat has all the features you will need for your Airbnb.
It works with Alexa, Google Assistant which gives your guest the functionality of a smart speaker right in the thermostat. Also, compatible with Samsung SmartThings, IFTTT, Bonomi, Wink, and Stringy.
The Wi-Fi thermostats allow for remote access via smart-phone, iPad and Android operating systems which gives you more control right from the app.
Now you can set locking limits to prevent your guest from raising or lowering the temperature setting to something extreme, which will also save you money. You can find the latest price on Amazon.
Cheap Entertainment – $50 and Under
Amazon Fire TV
Every hotel comes with some type of entertainment system and its usually a smart TV. Good smart TV for your Airbnb doesn’t come cheap.
But if you are looking for the most inexpensive way to add in smart entertainment in a couple of TVs, I think I will be able to help.
The best solution for this is adding a streaming device, they are easy to set up and they work with most televisions.
There are a few cheap stream devices I can recommend but it also depends on the type of smart ecosystem you are creating for your guest.
Who do you favor more, Amazon, Google or Apple? But that an entirely different topic. I also wrote an article titled, Best Smart Streaming Devices: The Ultimate Buyers Guide. I would check that out as well if you want to learn more on smart streaming devices.
Adding a smart streaming device can add a layer of complexity for a guest who’s unfamiliar with your setup but keep in mind, you are looking for the cheapest solution.
The Amazon Fire TV stick, Google Chromecast, or a Roku stick are all under $50 and It definitely beats spending $500 or more on smart tv.
You can even add a couple of subscription such as HBO GO, Netflix, Hulu and Disney Plus which will be cheaper than adding a cable subscription. If you don’t want to pay for any subscriptions, your guest can easily login themselves.
Final Note
If you are an Airbnb owner then you should consider investing in some smart home devices, even if it’s just some smart bulbs around the space.
As an Airbnb operator, you want to go beyond the basics and provide your guest with an exceptional experience they will never forget.
Don’t forget to check out our recommended gadgets for the best tech for your buck.
For more useful tips and tricks with Home automation, please continue to check out AutomateYourCrib.com.
Please e-mail me (rodney@automateyourcrib.com) your opinion, comment or if you have any ideas for a future post you would like to read, drop me a line or two as I appreciate my audience. Thank you again for reading this post.
Until next time, Happy Reading!!
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It's great to see that you have come across my website. I hope you explore it thoroughly. The website caters to regular consumers who have an interest in home automation. I am based in the Tri-state area and enjoy the latest smart tech along with my wonderful wife and three energetic boys.
