I Automated My Bedroom for Under $100 — Here’s What Worked
I love a good smart home setup — but not the price tags.
So I gave myself a challenge: create a fully voice-controlled, sensor-driven bedroom for under $100. No fluff, just the essentials that actually make life better.
Here’s what I picked — and how well it worked.
🛋️ 1. TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug Mini ($17)
Used for: Lamp + fan control
Why it worked:
Voice control with Alexa + automation via schedule.
Turns my lamp on at sunset and fan off after 2 AM.
⭐ Rating: 9/10 — reliable, compact, and worth every penny.
🕯️ 2. Govee Smart LED Light Strip ($18)
Used for: Under-bed mood lighting
Why it worked:
Great app control, music sync, and programmable scenes.
Helps me wind down with a “sunset” effect.
⭐ Rating: 8.5/10 — not just vibes, helps with circadian rhythm too.
🎤 3. Echo Dot 5th Gen (on sale: $29)
Used for: Voice control hub
Why it worked:
Central controller for everything — lights, plugs, alarms.
Also works as a white noise machine.
⭐ Rating: 10/10 — the heart of the system.
👣 4. SwitchBot Motion Sensor ($15)
Used for: Auto lights when I enter the room
Why it worked:
Mounted near the door. Triggers my lights when I enter after sunset.
⭐ Rating: 7/10 — slight delay, but great for “hands-free” entry.
🔄 Optional: Wyze Bulb Color ($13)
Used for: Bedside reading lamp
Why it worked:
Dimmable, color-tunable, app + voice control
(If you already have a lamp, swap bulb instead of using a plug.)
⭐ Rating: 8/10 — great for mood shifts and bedtime reading.
🧠 Emma’s Tips:
- Combine sensors with routines (like “Good Night” voice command).
- Use sunrise/sunset triggers to adjust lighting based on daylight.
- Echo Dot sales make smart home automation even more accessible.
🧠 Emma’s Final Take:
For under $100, I now walk into a room that lights up automatically, plays ambient sounds, and knows when to turn off the fan.
It’s not a “smart home” — it’s a thoughtful home.
