Smart Home for Under $1000

Todays blog post will focus around putting together a smart home that I feel fits great under various scenarios. We’ll be focused on a setup that provides the most versatility and features for the money, an Apple HomeKit friendly setup, the most universal/simple setup, and lastly, the cheapest possible setup (while still being reliable!). All the setups below are based around a few key foundational factors:

  • You have a home network already in place

  • The prices are pre tax/shipping

  • You’re doing your own labor, or plan to account for the extra cost of labor (if needed).

These setups are honestly just a general baseline and not a hard and fast rule as how to approach your budget, so if there are more (or less) of a particular item you’d like to have or maybe even different items all together feel free to throw it in the mix! As a disclaimer, any Amazon specific links are affiliate links but don’t affect the pricing that you see in any way and just provide a small compensation for my effort in sharing these items with you. If I know an item will likely be cheaper outside of Amazon I’ll list it’s better alternative link for those items but I definitely encourage you to shop around regardless to be sure. Now with all of that out of the way lets get to the setups!

 

The Most Versatile Smart Home Setup

If you're looking for the best bang for your buck, this setup offers a highly flexible and capable smart home system that covers all the essential bases. While it requires a bit of legwork to set up, the effort pays off in a rock-solid, feature-rich home automation system that can be tailored to your needs.

Components:

Total Cost: ~$1000

Why This Setup?

This configuration is designed for users who want a comprehensive smart home system without breaking the bank. The combination of Zooz switches and sensors with the Hubitat hub provides excellent automation flexibility and local control, ensuring your critical system components remain functional even if the internet goes down. As a Bonus, this system would work with Apple, Google, Or Alexa with the skills app integration found in Hubitat. So you get robust Automation features and an easy way to utilize devices within other systems for your preferred UI access on your mobile devices.

The Kwikset Connect 620 offers a reliable smart lock solution, while the Meross Garage Door Opener and Reolink WiFi Doorbell round out your home’s security and entry monitoring. The Ecobee Lite Thermostat integrates seamlessly with the system, providing efficient climate control.

Voice control is handled by the Echo Pop smart speakers, offering multi-room audio and Alexa integration, while the Kasa smart plugs give you control over any additional appliances or devices.

The Bottom Line:

This setup is perfect for those who are willing to invest some time into setting up their smart home. It’s a system that’s robust, adaptable, and offers great value for the investment.

 

The Apple HomeKit-Friendly Smart Home Setup

If you're deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem and want a smart home setup that seamlessly integrates with Apple Home, this configuration is tailored for you. It’s designed to leverage Apple Home’s powerful automation capabilities while providing a smooth, cohesive experience.

Components:

Total Cost: ~$997

Why This Setup?

This setup is built around compatibility with Apple HomeKit, ensuring all components work flawlessly within the Apple ecosystem. While the TP-Link Kasa switches may not offer the advanced functionality seen in more customizable options like Zooz, they are reliable and work great for typical lighting automations. The Yale Assure Lock 2 offers secure and convenient smart locking, perfectly complementing the overall setup.

The Meross Garage Door Opener and Aqara G4 Doorbell add essential security and entry monitoring, both fully integrated with HomeKit. The Ecobee Lite Thermostat is a versatile choice for climate control, offering compatibility with Apple Home and other smart home platforms.

The Apple TV 4K serves as the central hub, enabling HomeKit automation and remote access, while the HomePod Mini adds voice control with Siri and high-quality audio for any room. The TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug 4-Pack completes the setup, giving you control over various appliances.

The Bottom Line:

For those who prefer the Apple ecosystem, this setup offers a cohesive, efficient, and highly automated smart home experience. It’s a perfect balance of function and integration, making the most out of Apple Home’s capabilities.

 

The Most Universal/Simple Smart Home Setup

For those who want a smart home system that’s easy to set up, flexible, and not tied to a specific ecosystem, this configuration offers an excellent starting point. It’s a platform-agnostic baseline that can be tailored to any smart home platform in the future, providing a solid foundation for further expansion.

Components:

Total Cost: ~$985

Why This Setup?

This setup is designed to be a universally compatible smart home solution that can easily integrate with any of the big three smart home platforms (Google, Apple, Amazon) as well as more advanced systems like Hubitat, SmartThings, and Home Assistant. The Yale Assure Smart Lock and other components offer broad compatibility, making it easy to switch or expand platforms as needed.

While this setup may lack the robust automation and routine creation capabilities found in more specialized systems, Alexa serves as a stand-in hub and voice assistant, allowing you to execute most key tasks through simple voice commands or basic routines. The Echo Speakers with Zigbee built-in add additional compatibility with Zigbee devices, further expanding your options.

The Bottom Line:

This configuration is perfect for users who want a smart home system that’s flexible and future-proof. It provides a great platform-agnostic foundation that you can build upon, allowing you to adapt and expand your system over time with minimal limitations.

The Cheapest Overall Smart Home Setup

If you're looking for a budget-friendly smart home system that maximizes on device count while not skimping on reliability, this setup focuses on the most affordable yet dependable options. While you may sacrifice some advanced features, this configuration ensures a solid and effective smart home experience.

Components:

Total Cost: ~$966

Why This Setup?

This setup is all about delivering essential smart home functionality at the lowest possible cost. The TP-Link Kasa switches and dimmer provide reliable lighting control, while the Eufy C220 Door Lock offers secure access management.

The Meross Garage Door Opener and Reolink WiFi Doorbell ensure you have coverage for entry monitoring, and the Google Nest Thermostat manages climate control effectively. The Third Reality sensors (motion, contact, and water leak) add essential monitoring capabilities to your setup.

The Echo Speaker handles voice control and acts as a basic hub, integrating with other devices for streamlined operation. The TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug allows you to control additional appliances.

The Roborock Q7 Robot Vacuum rounds out the setup, offering automated cleaning at a great price. If the Roborock isn’t available in that price range , the Eufy L60 Robot Vacuum serves as a solid alternative.

The Bottom Line:

This configuration prioritizes cost-effectiveness while still providing a reliable and functional smart home experience. It’s perfect for those who want to keep expenses low without sacrificing essential features.

Closing Thoughts

Building a smart home on a budget doesn’t mean you have to compromise on quality or functionality. Each of these setups offers a unique approach to creating a connected and efficient home, whether you’re looking for versatility, Apple HomeKit compatibility, universal simplicity, or the best overall value. By choosing the right components for your needs and preferences, you can enjoy a smart home experience that’s tailored to your lifestyle and budget. Remember, the key to a successful smart home is not just the devices you choose, but how they integrate and work together to make your daily life easier and more convenient. No matter which scenario you opt for, you’re well on your way to creating a smarter, more connected home.

Dave LokeyComment