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4 smart home devices under $700 to spend your stimulus check on

There are so many cool smart home devices on the market today that it can be hard to save money and not splurge on a device that will make your life easier with its very existence. Now that you’ve got that stimulus check burning a hole in your pocket, perhaps it’s time to treat yourself and finally buy that must-have item for your home.

These are the best smart home devices on the market (according to us) if you want to use part of your check on yourself.

Arlo Ultra

The Arlo Ultra is the outdoor camera for 2021. It’s the only camera that streams and records video in true 4K, or Ultra High Definition (UHD), so you can see detail that you’ve never been able to before. It also has automatic zooming, motion tracking, color night vision, one-click 911 connectivity, and a true 180-degree field of view. Whether you’re looking at wildlife, using it as security, or want to see exactly what was just delivered while you’re out and about, this is the camera for you. It’s on Amazon for $499, but there are more expensive options if you need more than one camera.

Anova Precision Cooker

Indulging in a smart camera and thermometers is nice, but what if you had a device that promises to deliver a perfectly cooked steak every time? Never over or undercook your food again with this precision cooker sous vide. It circulates water “at the exact temperature required for perfectly cooked meals, no matter what’s on your menu.” You can also use the Anova app to access tons of free recipes and monitor your meat, vegetables, and eggs from anywhere via your smartphone. Prices vary on Amazon from $189-348, depending on the model.

Moen smart water shutoff

The Flo by Moen lets you turn your water on and off remotely, so you can turn off the water in your home to protect it from water damage. The MicroLeak technology “proactively monitors the security of the home’s entire water system (including behind walls and in foundations) to identify leaks as small as a drop per minute.” The app has a dashboard to monitor water consumption daily if you want to be more of a conservationist. Depending on size, they range in price from $400-700.

toilet bidet

Smart toilet bidet

Posterior washing, anyone? This bidet by Euroto is perfect for cleaning all your bits at one time. It has different settings if you’re washing your backside or a feminine wash setting for a gentler clean. It also allows different users to save personal settings, so you know exactly what to expect when you sit down. The hybrid warming system allows the water to be continuously warm at your desired temperature—a true indulgence indeed—for just $400.

Sure, none of the products above are necessary, but splurges aren’t supposed to be. Smart home devices are meant to make our lives easier, more comfortable, and are better for the planet, often saving water and electricity. They also allow you to send commands and make adjustments via an app, so you can do them from anywhere, making your life that much easier. We think these are best-in-class, which is something you deserve.

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Julie Scagell
I am a freelance writer based in Minneapolis, MN. My passions include my dogs, talking about my dogs, and taking pictures of…
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