1. Introduction: Why Smart Homes Aren’t Just for New Homes
Turn your old home into a smart home — yes, it’s not only possible, but easier and more affordable than ever. You don’t need to tear down walls, run new wiring, or hire expensive contractors. Thanks to modern technology, smart home upgrades are now accessible to just about anyone — even if you live in a decades-old house with creaky floors and vintage fixtures.
Gone are the days when smart homes were a luxury for new builds or tech-savvy homeowners with deep pockets. Today, budget smart home devices under $100 can help you automate lighting, boost security, and even save energy — all without breaking the bank.
In fact, some of the most useful smart home devices under $100 are plug-and-play, meaning you can install them in minutes, no tools or rewiring needed. This makes them ideal for renters, older properties, or anyone looking to modernize their space without a complete overhaul.
Whether you’re a homeowner wondering how to make an old home smart, or a beginner looking for your first smart home setup, this guide will show you how affordable smart home upgrades can completely change the way you live — and bring your vintage home into the 21st century.
2. Benefits of Smart Home Tech for Older Homes
If you live in an older home, you might think modern smart tech isn’t for you — but that couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, smart tech for old houses offers some of the biggest benefits, especially when it comes to comfort, energy efficiency, and home safety.
One major perk of affordable smart home upgrades is energy savings. Smart plugs, thermostats, and bulbs help you monitor and reduce electricity usage, which can be a game-changer in homes with older wiring or inefficient systems. You’ll not only lower your utility bills but also reduce unnecessary power consumption — all for under $100.
Another big win is convenience. With voice-controlled assistants and app-based automation, you can control lights, fans, or even appliances without touching a switch — perfect if your home has hard-to-reach fixtures or outdated controls.
Security is also easier to upgrade. Installing budget smart home devices like cameras or door sensors can help protect your home without the cost of a full security system.
Ultimately, smart devices give older homes a modern edge without compromising their character — making it easier than ever to enjoy the benefits of a smart home setup for beginners on a tight budget.
3. Key Considerations Before Upgrading
Before you start shopping for smart home devices under $100, take a few moments to assess your home’s setup. Older homes often come with unique quirks — and preparing for those can save you a lot of frustration down the road. Here’s what to keep in mind:
3.1 Check Your Wi-Fi Coverage
Most budget smart home devices rely on a stable Wi-Fi connection. If your router is outdated or your signal is weak in certain rooms, consider investing in a Wi-Fi extender before installing your gadgets. Smart plugs, bulbs, and cameras all need reliable connectivity to function properly — and spotty signals are one of the most common reasons devices fail to sync.
3.2 Power Supply & Outlet Availability
Older homes often lack a sufficient number of outlets, or may have outdated wiring. Make sure your outlets are grounded and can handle the power load. If not, use a surge protector or look for low-wattage smart tech for old houses that won’t overload your circuits.
3.3 Device Compatibility
Many affordable smart home upgrades are designed to work with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Before purchasing, double-check whether your chosen device is compatible with your existing voice assistant or smart home ecosystem.
3.4 App Ecosystem
Stick to devices that use a single app or ecosystem when possible. For a beginner-friendly experience, it’s easier to manage your smart home setup if your devices play nicely together — especially when you’re just learning how to make an old home smart.
4. 10 Affordable Smart Devices Under $100 to Upgrade Your Home
Ready to start building your smart home setup on a budget? Good news — there are plenty of reliable smart home devices under $100 that work great even in older homes. Here are 10 devices that give you the biggest bang for your buck:
A. Smart Plugs and Outlets
Smart plugs are one of the easiest and most affordable smart home upgrades. Just plug them into a wall socket, connect them to your Wi-Fi, and you can control almost any device — like a lamp or coffee maker — from your phone or smart speaker.
They’re especially handy in old homes where outlets might be in hard-to-reach spots. Many models allow scheduling, remote control, and energy monitoring.
Popular picks under $100: TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug, Amazon Smart Plug, and Gosund Mini Plug.
These budget smart home devices are great for beginners and require no rewiring — just plug and play.
B. Smart Light Bulbs
Lighting is one of the easiest ways to make an old home smart. Smart bulbs let you control brightness, color, and power using your smartphone or voice.
Older homes with traditional fixtures can still benefit, as these bulbs screw into standard sockets. Just swap out your old bulbs — no electrician needed.
Features to look for: dimming options, timers, and compatibility with Alexa or Google Assistant.
Affordable smart bulbs: Wyze Bulb, Sengled Smart LED, and Philips Wiz.
Whether you want a cozy vibe or automatic lighting at sunset, smart light bulbs under $100 are a simple and powerful upgrade.
C. Smart Speakers (Voice Assistants)
Smart speakers like the Amazon Echo Dot or Google Nest Mini act as the central command center for your smart home.
They let you control devices with simple voice commands — no app navigation required. In older homes, this is especially useful where light switches or thermostats may not be conveniently placed.
These speakers can also play music, read news, set timers, and answer questions.
Most models are under $50 and offer huge value as a starting point for your smart home setup for beginners.
If you’re serious about turning your old home into a smart home, start here.
D. Smart Thermostats (Basic Models)
Worried that smart thermostats are expensive? Some budget-friendly models come in under $100 — and they can help you save big on energy bills.
Even if your old home has an older HVAC system, many affordable smart home upgrades are compatible. Just make sure to check compatibility with your wiring.
Smart thermostats let you set schedules, control temperature remotely, and track usage — great for improving efficiency in older, drafty homes.
Top budget options: Amazon Smart Thermostat, Wyze Thermostat.
These are perfect for homeowners who want comfort and cost savings from their smart tech for old houses.
E. Smart Security Cameras
If you want better home security without hiring a pro, smart cameras are a great solution. You can monitor live feeds from your phone, get motion alerts, and even talk to visitors — all for less than $100.
Battery-powered options are ideal for older homes where drilling might be tricky. Some even work indoors or outdoors.
Great picks under $100: Blink Mini, Wyze Cam v3, and Eufy Indoor Cam.
Affordable and easy to install, these smart home devices under $100 can give you peace of mind — whether you’re at work or on vacation.
F. Smart Door/Window Sensors
Smart sensors let you know if a window or door is opened — a fantastic security feature for older homes with creaky frames or fragile locks.
They’re great for monitoring kids, keeping an eye on entry points, or getting alerts if something’s left ajar.
Installation is simple: stick the sensor on, connect to Wi-Fi, and link to your smartphone app.
Budget-friendly brands: Aqara, Ring Alarm Contact Sensor, and YoLink.
If you want budget smart home devices that improve safety without changing your home’s structure, sensors are a smart place to start.
G. Smart Doorbells (Budget Options)
You don’t need to spend hundreds to get a video doorbell. Affordable models under $100 let you see, hear, and talk to visitors — right from your phone.
Many are battery-powered or USB-rechargeable, which is ideal for smart tech for old houses that lack modern doorbell wiring.
Top picks: Wyze Video Doorbell, Blink Video Doorbell, and RemoBell S.
They’re not just for convenience — they help deter porch pirates, monitor deliveries, and enhance security without a monthly fee.
Smart doorbells offer a lot of value for older homes that lack a traditional security system.
H. Smart IR Remote Controllers
Do you have older devices like a traditional TV, AC unit, or fan that uses an infrared (IR) remote? A smart IR controller turns those into smart devices — no replacement needed.
These small, affordable gadgets connect to your Wi-Fi and let you control legacy electronics from your phone or voice assistant.
Perfect for making smart home upgrades under $100 without tossing your old gear.
Great choices: BroadLink RM4 Mini, SwitchBot Hub Mini.
This is one of the most underrated smart home devices under $100 — especially if you want to modernize without replacing everything.
I. Leak Detectors or Water Sensors
Older plumbing can mean higher risk for leaks. Smart water sensors alert you instantly when moisture is detected — helping you prevent water damage early.
Stick one near your washing machine, sink, or basement. These compact, budget smart home devices can save you thousands in repairs.
Popular under-$100 picks: Govee Water Leak Detector, YoLink Water Sensor.
Add one or two to your setup for added peace of mind — especially in older homes with aging pipes.
J. Smart Home Hubs (Basic or DIY Options)
If you’re adding multiple devices, a smart home hub can help unify everything under one app or assistant.
Some budget hubs also double as IR controllers, scene managers, or automation tools — especially useful if your devices are from different brands.
Budget-friendly hubs: Aqara Hub, SwitchBot Hub 2, BroadLink RM4 Pro.
They’re perfect for smart home setups for beginners who want to simplify control — no tech degree required.
Read about The Best Smart Devices for Tech-Shy Beginners
5. Real-Life Use Cases: How People Upgraded Their Old Homes
One of the most encouraging things about smart technology is how easily it can blend into any space — even homes built decades ago. Let’s look at how real people turned their aging homes into smarter, more comfortable living spaces using budget smart home devices under $100.
Case 1: Helping Grandma Automate Her Daily Routine
Linda wanted to make her 78-year-old mother’s home safer and more convenient. Without touching a single wire, she installed smart plugs to automate lamps, a smart speaker to set reminders, and leak sensors under the kitchen sink. These affordable smart home upgrades helped her mom feel independent while keeping the family connected and informed.
Case 2: Young Parents Modernize Their Starter Home
Jason and Mia live in a 1950s house with no fancy wiring. For under $300, they upgraded it using smart home devices under $100: a video doorbell for safety, smart light bulbs in the nursery, and a voice assistant for hands-free control while juggling their toddler. “It’s like our old house finally caught up to 2025,” they said.
Case 3: DIY Enthusiast Revives a Fixer-Upper
Carlos bought a fixer-upper on a budget. With just a few smart sensors, a hub, and some light automation, he turned the place into a cozy, tech-savvy home. His favorite? A smart thermostat that cut his energy bill by 20% in the first month.
These stories prove you don’t need a brand-new house to enjoy modern convenience — just a little smart tech for old houses.
6. Tips for a Seamless Smart Home Experience
Upgrading an older home with smart tech doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are a few simple tips to make your smart home setup for beginners smooth, stress-free, and satisfying:
- Start small: Choose one or two budget smart home devices to get comfortable. Smart plugs and speakers are perfect entry points.
- Test your Wi-Fi: Make sure your signal reaches all corners of your home. Use extenders if needed — especially in older buildings with thick walls.
- Stick to one ecosystem: Try to buy devices that work with the same app or assistant (e.g., all Alexa-compatible). It keeps control simple.
- Schedule automation: Automate lights, plugs, or thermostats around your daily routine for effortless comfort and energy savings.
- Keep everything updated: Enable auto-updates so your smart tech stays secure and runs smoothly.
With just a little planning, you can confidently learn how to make an old home smart — one smart device at a time.
7. Final Thoughts: Start Small, Scale Smart
You don’t need a brand-new house or a big budget to enjoy the benefits of smart living. With a little planning and the right smart home devices under $100, you can bring modern comfort, security, and efficiency to even the oldest spaces.
The key is to start small — a plug here, a bulb there — and scale smart as your needs grow. Every upgrade makes your home just a bit more intelligent.
So if you’ve been wondering how to make an old home smart, now’s the perfect time to begin. Affordable, beginner-friendly tech is already within reach.
Also check out our guide to 7 Useful Gadgets Under $30 You Can Actually Use Daily
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I really make my old home smart without rewiring anything?
Yes! Many smart home devices under $100 are designed to work without any hardwiring. Products like smart plugs, bulbs, and sensors simply plug into existing outlets or stick onto surfaces. They’re perfect for older homes where rewiring might be difficult or expensive.
2. What are the best smart home devices for beginners on a budget?
If you’re new to smart homes, start with these budget smart home devices:
- Smart plugs (for basic automation)
- Smart speakers (for voice control)
- Smart light bulbs (for easy lighting upgrades)
These offer a simple, affordable way to begin your smart home setup for beginners.
3. Is smart tech safe to use in older houses?
Absolutely — as long as your home’s wiring and outlets are in decent condition. Most smart tech for old houses operates on low voltage and is energy efficient. However, it’s wise to check outlet grounding and use surge protectors where necessary.
4. Do smart home devices increase electricity bills?
No — they often reduce your bills. Devices like smart thermostats, plugs, and lights help optimize usage by turning off when not needed. Many homeowners report noticeable savings within the first few months of using affordable smart home upgrades.
5. What if I don’t have Alexa or Google Assistant?
Many smart home devices under $100 come with their own mobile apps, so you don’t need a voice assistant to use them. However, having one like Alexa or Google Nest can make voice control and automation even easier over time.
6. Can I build a smart home system slowly over time?
Yes! In fact, it’s the best approach — start small and scale smart. Begin with a few essential devices and add more as needed. This lets you stay within budget and customize your smart home to fit your lifestyle.
