Best Smart Home Devices for Renters of 2026
By Ethan Halfhide · Updated
Renting should not stop you from having a smart home. In 2026, the best smart home devices for renters require no drilling, no permanent wiring changes, and leave zero trace when you move out. From retrofit smart locks to wireless cameras and smart plugs, here are the top picks that any landlord will be fine with. For alarms and door sensors, see our guide to security systems for renters.
Best Smart Home Devices for Renters of 2026
TP-Link Kasa
Arlo
August Smart LockHow we ranked renter-friendly devices
- Zero permanent modifications required
- Reversible installation
- No drilling or wiring changes
- Works without existing smart infrastructure
- Easy move-out
Top picks ranked
#1 TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug Mini (KP125M) — $14.99. The fastest way to make any lamp, fan, or appliance smart in a rental. Plug in, connect to Wi-Fi via Matter, and control with Alexa, Google Home, or Apple Home.
#2 Nanoleaf Essentials A19 Smart Bulb — $19.99. The best renter-friendly smart bulb in 2026. Screw into any standard socket, connect via Matter, and control with any voice assistant. See our best smart light bulbs.
#3 Arlo Pro 5S 2K Wireless Security Camera — $249.99. Fully wireless with rechargeable battery and magnetic mount — no drilling or cable runs required. 2K HDR, color night vision, and AI object detection.
#4 August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) — $229.99. The ultimate renter smart lock. Mounts over the interior side of your existing deadbolt — exterior hardware stays untouched. See our best smart locks.
Verdict
Build a renter-friendly smart home in 2026 by starting with TP-Link Kasa plugs ($14.99) and Nanoleaf Matter bulbs ($19.99) — no modifications, take both when you move. Add an Arlo wireless camera for security and an August retrofit lock for smart access. Total setup under $350 with zero landlord impact.
Related Guides
Smart plugs are among the easiest renter upgrades, and smart plugs compared ranks the best of them. If you are keeping costs down as well, see the best budget smart home devices. Want a lock too? The smart lock for renters buying guide favors models that leave the door unchanged.
For a wider view, our best smart home devices guide covers every major category, and where to start with smart home helps you decide what to buy first.
Top renter-friendly picks
- +Cheap and reliable
- +Matter support out of the box
- −2.4 GHz Wi-Fi only
- −Plain industrial design
- +Matter over Thread for best-in-class reliability
- +16 million colors + tunable white
- −Thread requires a Thread Border Router for full benefits
- −Single bulb, starter kit costs more
Arlo
Arlo Pro 5S 2K Wireless Security Camera2K HDR wire-free camera with color night vision and a built-in spotlight.
- +Fully wire-free, rechargeable battery with magnetic quick-mount install
- +2K HDR sensor with built-in color spotlight for true color night vision
- −Cloud recording and AI detection require Arlo Secure subscription ($8+/month)
- −Battery requires periodic recharging, frequency depends on motion activity
August Smart Lock
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen)Retrofit smart lock, installs in 10 minutes, keeps your existing keys.
- +Mounts over existing deadbolt interior, no exterior changes, fully renter-safe
- +Built-in Wi-Fi, no August Connect bridge required
- −Battery life of 3 to 6 months on 4 AAs requires periodic replacement
- −No Matter support, relies on August cloud for all remote access
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Can renters install smart home devices without landlord permission?
Most plug-in devices — smart plugs, bulbs, wireless cameras — require no permission. Retrofit smart locks like August mount over the interior deadbolt without modification. Always check your lease before any installation that touches the unit.
What is the easiest smart home device to install in a rental?
Smart plugs are the easiest — plug into any outlet, connect to Wi-Fi, done in under 2 minutes. TP-Link Kasa KP125M at $14.99 is the best value option with Matter support.
Do smart home devices work in apartments with poor Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi devices need solid 2.4 GHz signal. For thick walls, consider a Wi-Fi extender or a Thread-based device which uses a mesh network for better range. Zigbee devices also self-form a mesh.