(Getty images/izusek)
Smart home gadgets promise convenience, but not all of them live up to the hype. Some drain your wallet with endless subscription fees, while others pose security or reliability risks. This article is for general informational purposes only — always do your own due diligence before purchasing smart tech.
Smart Devices with Subscription Services
(Getty images/EyeWolf)
Now here’s the interesting part: the convenience of voice assistants, connected doorbells, and fitness trackers often comes with hidden costs. Many smart devices with subscription services keep critical features locked behind a monthly plan. Without it, you’re left with little more than a basic device.
In my experience, this feels like buying a car and then being asked to rent the steering wheel separately. Not only does it add up financially, but it can also make you dependent on services that may shut down anytime.
Smart Devices Requiring Internet Connectivity
(Google)
On the flip side, a device that only works when your Wi-Fi is stable is asking for trouble. Think about it — if your router crashes during a storm, you might lose access to your smart lock or home security feed.
While some gadgets have limited offline modes, many smart devices requiring internet connectivity simply stop working. That’s a serious drawback, especially when you rely on them for safety or daily use.
Egg Minder Egg Tracker
(istock/sh22)
This one became infamous for good reason. The Egg Minder egg tracker, designed to monitor the freshness of your eggs via an app, turned out to be both glitchy and impractical. Users often reported false alerts, and the app itself sometimes failed to sync.
Honestly, opening your fridge and checking eggs by sight is faster and far more reliable. It’s a great example of technology trying to solve a problem that never really existed.
Security Devices Without Two-Factor Authentication
(istock/ATHVisions)
That said, no list of risky gadgets would be complete without security devices that skip basic protections. Any camera, lock, or alarm system that doesn’t support two-factor authentication is a red flag.
Hackers often target these devices, and without an extra verification step, your accounts become easy prey. For something as sensitive as home security, the lack of 2FA is simply unacceptable.
AcuRite Weather Station
(AcuRite)
Finally, let’s talk about the AcuRite Weather Station. While the brand is popular, older models have been criticized for inaccurate readings and poor app performance. Imagine planning your weekend picnic based on a forecast that’s off by several degrees — frustrating, right?
In my case, a friend’s station once reported “clear skies” while rain poured outside. That kind of mismatch makes it surprisingly impractical for people who rely on precise local data.
Smart tech can be amazing, but not every gadget earns a place in your home. Avoid products tied to ongoing subscriptions, devices that fail without internet, gimmicky trackers like the Egg Minder, weak security systems, and unreliable weather stations.
FAQs
1. Why are smart devices with subscription services risky?
Because many features stop working without a paid plan, making the device less useful and more expensive long-term.
2. What’s wrong with smart devices requiring internet connectivity?
They often stop working if Wi-Fi goes down, leaving you stranded when you need them most.
3. Why is the Egg Minder egg tracker considered a bad buy?
It’s glitchy, unreliable, and solves a “problem” that never really needed technology.
4. How important is two-factor authentication for security devices?
Essential. Without it, your smart cameras or locks are vulnerable to hacking.
5. Are AcuRite Weather Stations reliable?
Some models work fine, but many users report inaccurate readings and app issues, making them less dependable.
