There are plenty of ways to improve your home with tech that goes beyond a smart speaker. I’ve found some of my favorite inexpensive and geeky gadgets to add a touch of flair to your home, apartment or dorm room. All these budget friendly finds are under $100 and I’ve personally tested and vetted all these items to make sure they are worth your hard-earned cash.
Ninja
There’s nothing better than waffles for breakfast on the weekend. The new Ninja Belgian waffle maker ensures you’ll never have to deal with leaking batter from a traditional waffle press ever again thanks to its upright design. Pour in the mixture at the spout at the top of the machine and wait a few minutes until your waffle cooks to your desired shade. Once done, flip open the door and your 1-inch thick waffle is ready to eat.
SwitchBot
This little box will push all the buttons and switches you have around the home, making them smart in an instant. Turn on a light switch on schedule, start your coffee maker right before you get out of bed, or turn your computer on from the other side of the room. The best part is that no wiring is required, just stick the Bot on your light switch or next to the outlet you want to activate, then control it from an app or with your voice using Alexa, Siri or the Google Assistant.
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Cololight
These RGB lights are fully modular so you can snap in and out as many different hexagonal units as you want. Use them to decorate your home office space, mount on a wall or even hook up to your gaming setup. There are 70 different lighting effects to choose from in the app or you can also customize the light patterns depending on how you configure the hexagons. The Cololights are also compatible with the Razer Synapse 3 system so you can sync with keyboards and Chroma devices. The initial package comes with seven lights and a base controller unit.
Lego
Who doesn’t love a good Lego set? This orchid never wilts and never needs watering. Made up of 608 pieces, you can happily whittle away an afternoon making this flower arrangement. If orchids aren’t your thing, there are also other flowers and bouquets you can make to add a touch of whimsy to your home decor.
BlissLights
Turn your bedroom or living room into a planetarium with this projector. Throw it against a wall or ceiling in a dim room and space comes to life. It also has a green laser for stars and three brightness levels. All the light patterns are customizable so you can make the nebula look exactly how you want.
Sees it
This air purifier might look like a Mac Pro but it refreshes the air five times an hour in a 215 square foot room. There’s a HEPA filter and Levoit claims it removes up to 99.97% of dust, smoke, mold and pollen. Why this purifier compared to the dozens of other options out there? It offers near-silent operation on the lowest setting and its sleek design means it will fit in with almost any decor (or become decor all on its own).
