As nights get longer I want to know who is at the door and whether a window is open, without drilling into a rental wall. These cameras, doorbells, sensors and plugs mostly stick on, plug in or run on battery. (Note: This list contains affiliate link...
I like this battery-powered doorbell for renters who want a no-wiring option. It runs on AA batteries and gives a clear head-to-toe view. Choose it if you want a basic doorbell that works with the Blink ecosystem.
Blink Video Doorbell
I recommend this as an easy indoor camera for a hallway, entry or shelf. It plugs in, has a small body and can also run outdoors with the right adapter. Pick it up if you want a low-cost starter camera.
Blink Mini 2 HD Home Security & Pet Camera
This is my pick for a wire-free outdoor camera that mounts without a power cable. The batteries are designed to last a long time between swaps. Buy it if you need to watch a porch, gate or patio.
Blink Outdoor 4
I suggest this for people who already use Ring and want a simple battery doorbell. It mounts with screws or a no-drill bracket for renters. Choose it if you want a familiar app and straightforward setup.
Battery Doorbell 2K
I like this for renters who want a small plug-in camera with a privacy shutter. It sits on a shelf or mounts on a wall with an included bracket. Pick it up if you want an indoor camera from a well known security brand.
Indoor Cam (2nd Gen)
I suggest this for watching a door or window with Ring Alarm. It sticks on with adhesive and sends an alert to the app when the door opens. Choose it if you already have or plan to add a Ring Alarm base station.
Ring Alarm Contact Sensor - 2nd Gen
I recommend this as a budget indoor and outdoor camera with color night vision. It is small, plugs in and works with a microSD card. Pick it up if you want solid basics without spending much.
Wyze Cam v3 | Indoor/Outdoor, Wired Security Cam
I like this as a compact, budget camera that works indoors or outdoors with the right power setup. It records color video and supports microSD storage. Pick it up if you want another low-cost Wyze camera for a second spot.
Wyze Cam OG | 120° FOV Plug-in Security Cam
This is my pick for people who want a small, affordable camera with clear video. It sits on a shelf and supports local card storage. Buy it if you want to avoid a monthly fee for basic recording.
2K QHD Indoor/Outdoor Security Camera, Tapo C120
I suggest this for pet and baby room checking because it swivels from the app. Local storage on a microSD card is supported. Choose it if you want a low-cost indoor camera with motion tracking.
TP-Link Tapo C210 Pan/Tilt Home Security Wi-Fi Camera
I like this as a very basic camera for a first smart home setup. It has night vision and a simple app. Pick it up if you need a cheap extra camera for a second room.
Tapo C100 | Home Security Wi-Fi Camera | TP-Link Pakistan
I recommend this for people who want a battery doorbell with a sharp 2K picture and no wiring. It pairs with the Tapo H200 hub, which also handles local storage. Choose it if you are happy to plug in a small hub near your router.
Tapo D230S1 | Tapo Video Doorbell Camera Kit
This is my pick for an indoor camera with local storage and a simple setup. It has a pan and tilt head and a clear picture. Buy it if you want to avoid cloud fees.
eufy Security Indoor Cam C120
I like this for people who want an outdoor solar-powered camera with wide coverage. It stores video locally. Pick it if you want less battery swapping and can spend more than on budget cameras.
eufy Security SoloCam S340, 3K Dual-Lens Solar
I suggest this for a dual-camera doorbell that also views packages on the ground. It stores video locally and can run on battery. Choose it if you want a premium doorbell and are willing to pay a little more.
Video Doorbell E340 (Battery Powered)
I use plugs like this for lamps and seasonal lights. It works with Alexa and Google and needs only a Wi-Fi network. Buy it if you want a reliable smart plug from a well known brand.
Kasa Smart Plug Ultra Mini 15A EP10 Wi-Fi
I recommend this for people who want a small plug that works with Apple Home as well. It fits next to other outlets without blocking the next socket. Pick it up if you use HomeKit in your setup.
Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini
I like this for people who already use Alexa and want a no-hub plug. Setup takes only a few taps in the app. Choose it if you want a simple start to a smart home.
Buy amazon smart plug for alexa Online at Best Price
I suggest this for monitoring a door or window with a small sensor. It sticks on with adhesive, which is helpful for renters. Buy it if you also use a SwitchBot hub for alerts.
SwitchBot Contact Sensor for Home Security
This is my pick for people who want a tiny sensor for HomeKit, Alexa or Google. It mounts with adhesive on any door or window. Choose it if you already have an Aqara hub.
Aqara Door and Window Sensor
I like this for catching leaks under a sink, water heater or washing machine. It sends alerts to your phone and has a loud alarm. Buy it if you want early warning in rooms that are easy to forget.
Goveelife Smart Water Leak Detector with Wifi Gateway
I recommend this for travel and for renters who want an extra layer without wiring. The wedge goes under a door and sounds an alarm when pushed. Pick it up if you want a cheap backup to smart devices.
SABRE 120 dB Wedge Door Stop Security Alarm
I like this as a small speaker for controlling plugs and lights by voice. It is compact, fits a bedroom shelf and runs Alexa. Choose it if you want smart controls without a big speaker.
Amazon Echo Pop Smart Speaker with Alexa
I suggest this for homes that use Google Assistant to run lights and plugs. The fabric speaker is small and can mount on a wall. Buy it if your phone and calendar already live in Google.
Google Nest Mini (2nd gen) - google home mini speaker
I suggest this for a porch or garage where there is no outlet. It runs on a rechargeable battery and has a built-in spotlight. Choose it if you want a wire-free outdoor camera from a budget-friendly brand.