There’s no way of getting around it. Cool tech can get expensive real quick. iPhones and Pixels sadly don’t just grow on trees we can pluck for free. This was the initial idea we had when we came up with a list of awesome gadgets or services that will save you money while still rocking some cool tech.
Some of the tech gadgets still cost some money, but if you choose to invest in them, you will see a return on investment real quick. I divided the categories into separate segments to differentiate the types of gadgets you can buy and save some cash on. At the end of each breakdown, there’s a comprehensive breakdown of each product mentioned in the list in case you’re interested in the product.
Home
The future of controlling the temperature in the house looked so cool with product from companies like Nest or Ecobee. Unfortunately, both of their products can run up over $200. There are other alternatives, including one from Homeywell that comes in at a much cheaper price point and can be used to save $131 to $145 annually. Another way you can save some money is with landlines. In case you still use a landline, there are much more flexible and cost effective alternatives now with VOIP, or voice over IP. Companies like Ooma and Magic Jack have products that deliver more functionality than regular landlines and can help you save some money.
LED lightbulbs is a great way to maximize the energy that is spent on lights. Products like Hue and Lifx are the flashy color-changing bulbs that cost upwards of $70 a set, but there are much cheaper LED bulbs from companies like Cree, EcoSmart and Phillips that will save you money while proving better lightning. Upgrading your outlets is also another great way to conserve energy and money. Instead of disconnecting products to save energy, you can set up a “smart” plug that can be turned off from your phone. The TP-Link Smart Plug is a great option and just costs just $30. WeMo and Orvibo are a few other alternatives you can check out.
- Homeywell Smart Thermostat
- Nest
- Ecobee3 Thermostat
- Ooma Telo Free
- Magic Jack
- Cree LED Bulbs
- EcoSmart LED Bulbs
- Phillips LED Bulbs
- TP-Link Smart Plug
- Orvibo Smart Socket
- WeMo Mini Smart Plug
Smartphones
One of the easiest ways to save some money is by buying an “budget phone.” Luckily, budget phones like the OnePlus 3T are jam packed with the latest specs and can be picked up for under $500. And the OnePlus 3T still boast a beautiful aluminum unibody that feels super premium. Apple and Samsung’s flagship phones cost anywhere from $700 to over $1,000. You’re stuck paying these expensive phones in payment plans that essentially act as contracts. They can run as long as two years or more and if you try to get out early, you get stuck paying the full amount of what the phone is worth, minus the amount you’ve already paid. The Honor 8, Moto G4 and iPhone SE are few other phones that can be found for pretty great prices.
TV
The cable industry is pretty messed up, which is why many have begun cutting the chord. Services like DirectTV Now and SlingTV offer plans that range from $25 to $35. You can get more channels, but those plans runs higher and the point is to save money. There’s also the usual streaming suspects like Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime that offer hours and hours of great original content. You can also buy an antenna to watch free HD channels without the need of cable or streaming service. These antennas can be bought for as cheap as $20 on Amazon.
- SlingTV
- DirecTV Now
- Netflix
- Hulu
- Amazon Prime
- 1Byonne Amplified HDTV Antenna
Internet
One of the worst ways internet providers try to gouge its customers is by leasing modems or routers. They usually run from $6 to $10 more on your bill. Do the math and that’ll cost you from $82 to $120 annually. That’s just one year. Many people don’t realize the extra charge for a few years and by then they’ve paid over $200 to rent a modem. You can find a cheap modem for as cheap as $60 brand new, but if you’re willing to go bargain shopping, used ones can be bought on Amazon for $30. On top of that, most internet providers usually only have modems that support 2.4GHz frequency WiFi only and don’t have the more powerful 5GHz WiFi. The latter is best for small spaces or apartment buildings due to its stronger frequency. You sacrifice some range, but unless you’re living in a 3,000 square foot home, it probably won’t matter too much.