Sharing your living space with roommates can be an enriching experience. From late-night chats to shared responsibilities, living with others brings plenty of opportunities for connection.
However, it can also present challenges, especially when it comes to keeping your privacy, managing chores, and making sure everyone’s comfortable. Luckily, technology offers a whole host of smart home gadgets that can help make living with others smoother and even so much more fun.
Here are some of the best smart home gadgets to improve life with roommates.
1. Smart Locks for Peace of Mind
Security is so important when living with roommates. Smart locks like the August Home Smart Lock or Schlage Encode give each roommate their unique digital key, eliminating the need for physical keys that can easily be lost or duplicated.
You can even create temporary access codes for guests or maintenance workers. These locks also integrate with smart home systems, which means you can check whether the door is locked remotely. No more worrying about whether someone forgot to lock up!
2. Voice-Activated Assistants for Shared Spaces
Voice-activated assistants like Amazon Echo (Alexa) or Google Nest Hub can be game-changers for shared living spaces. These devices can:
- Set shared reminders for chores.
- Create shopping lists that everyone can access.
- Play music or podcasts that suit the vibe of your communal areas.
3. Smart Thermostats for Comfort and Energy Savings
Roommate disagreements often center on the thermostat. Some like it warm, while others prefer a cool breeze. A smart thermostat like the Nest Thermostat or Ecobee can help find a happy medium.
These devices let you set schedules, monitor energy usage, and control the temperature remotely via an app. Plus, with features like room-specific temperature sensors, everyone can stay comfortable without unnecessary energy waste.
Bonus: Lower energy bills benefit everyone, making this a smart investment for both comfort and cost savings.
4. Smart Plugs and Power Strips
Shared living spaces often mean a tangle of cords and devices. Smart plugs and power strips, like those from TP-Link or Belkin, allow you to control individual outlets via an app or voice assistant.
These are perfect for:
- Setting timers for shared appliances like coffee makers or space heaters.
- Prevent energy waste by turning off devices that are not in use.
- Avoiding disputes about leaving appliances on.
Smart plugs can help create an organized, energy-efficient environment for everyone.
5. Wi-Fi Mesh Systems for Easy Connectivity
Having a strong, reliable internet connection is so important for any shared home. Wi-Fi dead zones can lead to frustrations, especially if one roommate works from home while another streams their favorite shows.
Investing in a Wi-Fi mesh system like Eero or Google Nest Wi-Fi ensures fast and consistent connectivity throughout the house. These systems distribute the signal evenly, so everyone gets their fair share of bandwidth — no more buffering during Zoom calls or gaming sessions.
6. Smart Lights for a Personalized Atmosphere
Lighting can dramatically change the mood of a room, and smart lights like Philips Hue or LIFX let each roommate customize their space. From warm, cozy tones for relaxation to bright, focused lighting for studying, smart bulbs cater to everyone’s preferences.
You can even:
- Sync lights with music for a party.
- Schedule lights to turn on/off automatically.
- Create color-coded signals for privacy (e.g., a red light means “do not disturb”).
Roommate Tip: Use smart lights to set timers or visual cues for shared responsibilities, like taking out the trash.
7. Smart Speakers for Multi-Room Audio
If you and your roommates love music, consider investing in smart speakers like Sonos or JBL. These devices create a multi-room audio system, which lets each person enjoy their favorite tunes without interference.
Whether it’s a shared playlist in the living room or personalized music in bedrooms, smart speakers ensure everyone gets their soundtracks while respecting each other’s tastes.
8. Robot Vacuums for Easy Cleaning
Cleaning is one of the biggest pain points when it comes to living with roommates. A robot vacuum like iRobot Roomba or Roborock can take over this chore, keeping floors spotless with minimal effort.
These devices are particularly useful for:
- Managing pet hair.
- Cleaning high-traffic areas.
- Ensuring shared spaces remain tidy.
Look for models that map your home, allowing you to schedule cleanings for specific rooms or zones.
9. Smart Fridges for Organized Food Storage
Sharing a fridge can be a chaotic experience. Smart fridges from brands like Samsung or LG help maintain order with features such as:
- Inventory tracking to avoid duplicate purchases.
- Digital whiteboards for notes and reminders.
- Separate compartments with customizable temperatures for different food types.
A smart fridge ensures everyone knows what’s theirs, reducing food waste and preventing unnecessary arguments.
10. Shared Task Apps for Better Coordination
While not a gadget per se, pairing your smart devices with apps like Todoist or Cozi can revolutionize how you manage shared tasks. These apps sync with your smart assistants and devices, making tracking and delegating chores, grocery lists, and bills easy.
Top Tip: Keep everyone accountable by setting up reminders and deadlines for shared responsibilities.
11. Smart Curtains or Blinds for Convenient Privacy
Privacy is crucial when living with roommates. Smart curtains or blinds, like those from Lutron or IKEA, allow you to control window coverings via an app or voice command. Whether you’re looking to block out light during movie night or add a layer of privacy, these gadgets are both practical and stylish.
12. Shared Expense Trackers
Disagreements about bills and expenses are a common source of tension among roommates. Apps like Splitwise can sync with your smart devices, helping you:
- Divide expenses fairly.
- Track who owes what.
- Send reminders for payments.
Combine this with voice assistants for easy voice-activated updates to shared expenses.
13. Smart Air Purifiers to Keep Places Clean
Air purifiers like those from Dyson or Levoit ensure that everyone breathes clean, allergen-free air. Many models feature app controls and integration with voice assistants, making it easy to monitor air quality and adjust settings.
This gadget is especially helpful if you have pets, live in an area with poor air quality, or simply want a fresher living environment.
Wrapping It Up
Living with roommates doesn’t have to be a hassle. With the right smart home gadgets, you can make roommate living a joy. From smart locks for security to robot vacuums for effortless cleaning, these devices solve common challenges while making your daily lives a bit more convenient.
And if you’re still looking for the perfect living situation, check out SpareRoom for amazing room rental options in cities like Los Angeles, NYC, Boston, and more. With SpareRoom’s user-friendly platform, finding your ideal roommate and shared space is easier than ever.