Smart Home Starter Guide: What to Buy First on Any Budget

Technology that makes your life easier shouldn’t be complicated to set up. Here’s our straightforward guide to beginning your smart home journey, no matter your budget.

Why Consider a Smart Home After 50?

If you’ve been hesitant about smart home technology, you’re not alone. Many of us grew up in an era when homes were simply… homes. But today’s smart devices offer specific benefits that are particularly valuable as we age:

• Convenience: Control lights, thermostats, and appliances without getting up
• Safety: Monitor your home while away or check who’s at the door from your couch
• Independence: Voice commands make daily tasks easier if mobility becomes challenging
• Connection: Stay in touch with family through video devices designed for simplicity
• Energy savings: Smart thermostats can reduce utility bills substantially

Starting Small: The $50-100 Budget

You don’t need to spend thousands to begin enjoying smart home benefits. Here’s where to start if your budget is limited:

Smart Speaker: Your Command Center

Recommendation: Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) – $49.99

Why it’s perfect for beginners:

• Simple setup (just plug it in and follow voice prompts)
• Controls other smart devices you’ll add later
• Answers questions, plays music, sets reminders
• No technical expertise required

TIP: Place your first smart speaker in the room where you spend most of your time—typically the living room or kitchen.

Smart Plug: Instant Device Control

Recommendation: Kasa Smart Plug – $14.99

What you can do with it:

• Turn any lamp into a smart lamp
• Control coffee makers, fans, or space heaters
• Set schedules for devices to turn on/off automatically
• Use voice commands like “Alexa, turn off the lamp”

TIP: Start with controlling a bedside lamp so you never need to get up to turn off lights again.

Mid-Range Budget: $100-250

If you can invest a bit more, these additions create a more comprehensive system:

Video Doorbell: Security & Convenience

Recommendation: Ring Video Doorbell (Wired) – $64.99

Benefits you’ll notice immediately:

• See who’s at your door without getting up
• Speak to visitors even when you’re not home
• Get alerts when packages are delivered
• Added security of recorded video

TIP: If doorbell installation seems daunting, the battery-powered version requires no wiring (though you’ll need to recharge it every few months).

Smart Lighting: Beyond Basic Convenience

Recommendation: Philips Hue White Starter Kit (2 bulbs + hub) – $119.99

Why it’s worth the investment:

• Control lights from your phone or by voice
• Set schedules for lights to turn on/off automatically
• Create lighting scenes for different activities
• Never walk into a dark house again

TIP: Start with smart bulbs in your entryway and bedroom for the biggest quality-of-life improvement.

Smart Thermostat: Comfort & Savings

Recommendation: Google Nest Thermostat – $158.9t

Why it’s our top pick for seniors:

• Large, easy-to-read display
• Simple controls with smartphone backup
• Learns your preferences automatically
• Can save up to 15% on heating and cooling bills

TIP: Many utility companies offer rebates that make smart thermostats much more affordable—sometimes even free. Check your provider’s website before purchasing.

Smart Display: Visual Control Center

Recommendation: Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) – $149.99

What makes it worth adding:

• Larger screen for easier viewing
• Makes video calls to family incredibly simple
• Shows camera feeds from doorbell or security cameras
• Displays photos, weather, recipes, and more

TIP: Place this in your kitchen or family room where the screen is most useful for recipes, video calls, and controlling other devices.

Bottom Line

Start with a single smart speaker and expand gradually as you become comfortable. There’s no rush—each addition should make your life easier, not add frustration.

Remember that every device mentioned here is designed with simplicity in mind. If you can use a smartphone, you can set up and use these devices (and if you’re not comfortable with smartphones yet, check out our Smartphone Basics guide first).

Need More Help?

If you’re excited to get started but feeling overwhelmed by setup, download our FREE Smart Home Starter Checklist by clicking the button below.