Technology can make life a lot simpler, but as anyone who has ever fumbled with an overly complicated remote control or paid big bucks for someone to set up a home security system knows, it can also introduce plenty of complications.

Not so with some of the newest so-called “smart home” technologies. These gadgets are a snap to set up, and more affordable than ever. For the most part, they seamlessly sync to the smart phone that you’re already carrying around. And because they all have built-in Wi-Fi, they can easily be controlled with your phone or a smart speaker.

The five smart home upgrades below offer plenty of practical benefits, from the ability to set your lights to turn on before you arrive home, to being able to listen to the weather forecast or change the TV station without having to pick up a remote. Best of all, nothing here costs more than $100.


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|March 31, 2019