Top 10 Smart Home Gadgets I Install for Homeowners & Airbnb Hosts in 2026

This is hands-down the #1 smart lock I install for Airbnb and VRBO hosts. The Schlage Encode Plus offers built-in WiFi (no hub needed), works with Apple Home Keys, Alexa, and Google Assistant, and lets you create up to 100 access codes. For rental properties, this is essential—you can generate temporary codes for each guest automatically through Airbnb integration.

Ring revolutionized home security, and the latest wired model is fantastic. 1080p HD video, motion detection, two-way talk, and it works with existing doorbell wiring. For Airbnb hosts, this means you can see when guests arrive, when cleaners show up, and monitor package deliveries. The hardwired version never needs charging.

Philips Hue is the gold standard for smart lighting. The starter kit comes with 3-4 bulbs and a hub. What makes Hue special is reliability—it uses Zigbee (not WiFi), so it won't slow down your network. You can set schedules, create scenes, control with voice, and sync lights with music or movies. For rental properties, automated lighting makes homes feel occupied when empty.

These tiny smart plugs are my secret weapon for making "dumb" devices smart. Coffee makers, lamps, fans, space heaters—anything with a mechanical on/off switch becomes voice-controlled and schedulable. At $25 for a 4-pack, they're incredibly affordable. For Airbnb hosts, I plug lamps into these to create automatic welcome lighting when guests arrive.

The Nest Thermostat learns your schedule and adjusts automatically to save energy. For homeowners, it typically pays for itself in 1-2 years through energy savings. For Airbnb hosts, remote temperature control means you can turn off heat/AC when properties are vacant and pre-cool or pre-heat before guest arrival. The 4th generation model is gorgeous and intuitive.

The Echo Dot is the most affordable smart speaker with Alexa, and the 5th gen sounds surprisingly good. The built-in clock display is perfect for bedside tables. For $60, you get voice control for all your smart home devices, music streaming, timers, weather, and more. I recommend one for every major room, especially in rental properties where guests appreciate voice-controlled conveniences.

Wyze offers incredible value—a 2K security camera for under $40. While it's not as polished as Ring or Nest cameras, it's perfect for interior monitoring or covered outdoor areas. Many Airbnb hosts use these to monitor common areas (with proper guest disclosure). The v3 Pro has color night vision, which is wild at this price point.

The August Smart Lock is unique because it installs on the INSIDE of your door, keeping your existing exterior hardware and keys. This is perfect for renters or condo owners with HOA restrictions on exterior door changes. You get keyless entry, remote access, and auto-unlock when your phone approaches—all without changing your door's outside appearance.

The ecobee SmartThermostat is Nest's main competitor and, in my opinion, superior for larger homes. The killer feature is room sensors (included)—they monitor temperature in multiple rooms and average them for better comfort. Built-in Alexa means it's also a smart speaker. For homes with hot/cold rooms, ecobee solves temperature inequality better than any other thermostat.

LED strip lights aren't just for gaming setups—they're hugely popular in Airbnb properties for ambiance. Govee makes the best value smart LED strips. They're WiFi-controlled, change colors, sync with music, and create stunning effects. I install these under kitchen cabinets, behind TVs, under beds, and along cove ceilings. Guests love the customizable mood lighting.