You need these affordable Internet of Things gadgets

Ah, the Internet of Things. There's no way you haven't heard this term before. And it's quite possible you don't know exactly what it means. That's because it has such a broad definition. Never fear, fellow tech enthusiast. We're here to teach you all about the IoT and give you some examples of IoT gadgets you'll either want—or already have.

Blue-Colored Nest Mini on a Wall

In 2018, it was estimated that there were about 10 billion Internet of Things gadgets in use. By 2026, that number is expected to rise to 64 billion. But what are Internet of Things devices? It has such a broad definition that it’s hard for some people to pin it down. Simply put, IoT devices are devices that use sensors to collect and transmit information from one device to another—devices that connect to the internet.

If you have any smart appliances or devices, you have IoT gadgets in your house. That Echo Dot with Alexa? Your voice-activated faucet that connects to Google Assistant? Even this toilet. Those are IoT gadgets.

The thing is, we rely more and more on these devices, and they’ve made our lives so much easier. Sure, not everyone needs an $875 water faucet or a $699 vacuum robot, so we’ve rounded up some of the IoT devices you need that won’t put a hole in that nice leather wallet.

Apple HomePod Smart Adaptable Speaker adjusts depending on its location

Enjoy music at home even more with the Apple HomePod Smart Adaptable Speaker. This Siri-powered home music system measures seven inches tall and uses seven beam-forming tweeters for better music control. There’s also a huge bass woofer in the middle to enhance the quality of music. Plus, this smart speaker has multiroom functionality and stereo mode. Additionally, you can easily operate it with the “Hey, Siri” command. You can even use it to control other smart home devices. 

Belkin Devialet Soundform Elite Hi-Fi Smart Speaker features a built-in wireless charger

The Belkin Devialet Soundform Elite Hi-Fi Smart Speaker is more than a way to play music. In fact, there’s an integrated wireless charger on top of it. And it’s not just any wireless charger. It’s one that can fast charge your iPhone at 7.5 watts, Samsung phone at nine watts, and Google device at 10 watts. Plus, this wireless charging speaker responds to Google Assistant voice commands, so it’s easy to play, pause, and more from wherever you’re at. Furthermore, you can use this speaker to get your answers to random questions and schedule tasks with Google.

Brilliant Smart Dimmer Integrated Light Switch gives your regular bulbs extra smarts

With the Brilliant Smart Dimmer Integrated Light Switch, you can make your standard bulbs more intelligent. This smart switch integrates regular bulbs into your whole smart home system. And if you already have smart bulbs, you can integrate those as well. It’s not just about lights, of course, as this switch can control fans, music volume, and other Brilliant Scenes.

onTracks GuideWatch Solo Affordable GPS Watch shows you the way without looking at your phone

If you’ve been looking for a better way to get directions while you’re jogging or riding your bike, you have it now. The onTracks GuideWatch Solo Affordable GPS Watch tells you where to go without the hassle of getting your phone out. This GPS watch pairs with an app on your phone, and you can even draw out predetermined tracks. The onTracks GuideWatch features a heart rate sensor, notification alerts, and an SOS mode. Furthermore, it has a waterproof rating of IPX7, and the battery will last for five days.

Teckin Outdoor Smart Plug takes your smart home outside

Bring your smart home outside with the Teckin Outdoor Smart Plug. By connecting to your Wi-Fi network, this device makes it easy to control whatever appliance you plug in via the Smart Life app. Compatible with voice assistants such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, the Outdoor Smart Plug lets you control devices with your speech. Offering two AC outlets, its waterproof button cap design protects modules from debris and dirt when not in use. 

ecobee SmartThermostat with Voice Control Intelligent Thermostat saves on your energy bills

The ecobee SmartThermostat with Voice Control Intelligent Thermostat responds to a variety of voice assistants. This is convenient because whether you use Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa, this home thermostat will listen. An intelligent addition to your smart home, it doesn’t detect only temperature. In fact, the SmartThermostat can tell how many people are in a room, and it will adjust its settings accordingly.

Nest Mini Smart Speaker is built with a wall mount

The new Nest Mini Smart Speaker has the same iconic design it’s known for. But, otherwise, it’s updated. In fact, it now has a wall mount. That might not sound like much, but it lets you put this smart speaker anywhere. Plus, its eco-friendly fabric cover is composed of 100% recycled plastic bottles. Furthermore, this smart speaker has a third microphone, so it can hear you even better. Stop repeating yourself, especially because it has a dedicated machine-learning chip that’ll remember your most frequently used commands.

Kangaroo Motion + Entry Sensor Home Security Device alerts you when someone enters your house

All you need is a smartphone and Wi-Fi to get the Kangaroo Motion + Entry Sensor Home Security Device up and running. Simply set it up by a point of entry to your home, and you’ll be notified whenever someone comes in. Or, if you’re just curious how often your kids visit the pantry, you can set up this Kangaroo sensor there. You’ll instantly receive a notification through the Kangaroo app, so, wherever you are, your smartphone will tell you what’s going on at home.

Minut Smart Home Alarm does it all

Thanks to the Minut Smart Home Alarm, you can stop buying a bunch of different smart home gadgets because one will do. This all-in-one gadget is actually a motion detector, temperature and humidity monitor, mold analyzer, and alarm recognizer. It does all this and more without the use of any intrusive cameras. With its passive infrared sensor, this all-in-one smart alarm tracks movement to let you know how many motion events occur. It’s your one-stop app to know if any of your home alarms—like CO, smoke, or radon—are going off.

Sengled Smart Hub Intelligent Controller manages your home efficiently

Controlling your Sengled smart home devices will be super easy with the Sengled Smart Hub Intelligent Controller. This hub comes with a corresponding mobile app that works on Android and iOS. It’s perfect for controlling your devices easily on the go. Additionally, you can pair the hub with Amazon Alexa and use voice commands for controlling as and when required.

Can you imagine living without Internet of Things gadgets? We can’t. Life is about eight million times better with them. You probably have IoT devices in your house that you didn’t even realize are classified as such. Which ones do you have, and do you love them? Let us know!