You don’t need to own your home to enjoy a cutting-edge smart living experience. In 2025, renters have an abundance of truly renter-friendly smart home devices—from plug-and-play smart lighting and voice assistants to wireless security and battery-powered locks. Below, we round up the top 7 smart home gadgets that are perfect for apartments and rental homes: no drilling, no wiring, and no risk to your security deposit. Each pick is available on Amazon, so you can upgrade your rental in just minutes. Let’s dive in!
Philips Hue White & Color Ambiance Starter Kit
The Philips Hue Starter Kit remains the gold standard for renter-friendly smart lighting. With easy screw-in bulbs, full color control, and seamless voice integration via Alexa, Google, or Siri, this kit transforms any lamp into an experience you can tailor to your mood. Easily expand up to 50 bulbs on one hub—perfect for renters who want ambiance without permanent wiring.
- Easy screw-in installation (no wiring required)
- 16 million colors & adjustable white tones
- Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit
- Requires Hue Bridge hub (additional cost)
- Pricey compared to basic smart bulbs
TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug HS103 (2-Pack)
A compact, budget-friendly smart outlet that plugs into any existing socket—no hub required. Schedule lamps, fans, and small appliances to turn on/off automatically via the Kasa app or voice control.
- Dead-simple installation—plug into outlet, connect to Wi-Fi
- Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT
- Scheduling & timers to save energy
- Only On/Off functionality (no dimming)
- No built-in energy usage monitoring (on this model)
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen)
Installs on the inside of your existing deadbolt—no external changes. Unlock your door with your phone, share virtual keys with guests, and take it with you when you move.
- No drilling or new keys needed
- Auto-unlock/lock based on your phone’s location
- Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and HomeKit
- Requires 4 AA batteries (replaced every 3–6 months)
- Bulky interior unit
Google Nest Thermostat (2025 Model)
Learns your schedule, adjusts temperatures to save energy, and can be easily swapped back when you move. Control it from anywhere via the Google Home app or voice assistant.
- Energy savings with learning algorithms
- Voice control via Google Assistant or Alexa
- Sleek, modern design that fits in any rental
- Requires basic wiring swap (turn off breaker first)
- Needs stable Wi-Fi to leverage full features
Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen)
A compact voice assistant that plugs in anywhere. Use Alexa to control all your smart devices, play music, set timers, and more—no extra hub required.
- Instant setup—plug into outlet, link to Alexa app
- Works with thousands of smart home devices
- Improved speaker quality (5th Gen) for music/podcasts
- Requires constant power & Wi-Fi
- Privacy considerations (Alexa always listening for wake word)
Ring Stick Up Cam Battery (3rd Gen)
A fully wireless 1080p HD security camera you can place anywhere indoors or outdoors. No drilling—simply mount with adhesive or rest on a shelf. Motion-activated alerts keep you safe in a rental.
- 100% battery powered—no wires needed
- 1080p HD video with night vision
- Two-way talk to communicate with visitors
- Requires Ring Protect subscription to save recordings
- Battery must be recharged every 2–3 months
Ring Alarm 5-Piece Security Kit (2nd Gen)
A DIY wireless alarm system with peel-and-stick sensors—no drilling. Includes a base station, keypad, one door/window sensor, and one motion sensor. Perfect for renters who want added security without permanent changes.
- No-tools-required installation (adhesive sensors)
- Expandable—add more sensors or range extenders
- Self-monitor for free or opt into $20/month professional monitoring
- Keypad ideally needs an outlet nearby (batteries run out eventually)
- Siren is loud (104 dB)—could disturb neighbors if false alarm
Final Thoughts
These seven renter-friendly smart home devices make it easy to enjoy a modern, connected living experience without risking your security deposit. From smart bulbs and plugs to locks, cameras, and a full DIY security system, you can pick and choose the upgrades that suit your needs and budget.
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