Why Are Smart Products at Action So Cheap?
Why is the smart LED light at Coolblue more expensive than the one at Action?Why is the smart weight scale at MediaMarkt sometimes 4 or even 5 times more expensive than the version sold under the LSC Smart Connect label?
Sure, part of the difference comes from branding, margins and marketing.
But there is also something else playing a role:
security, software quality, hardware reliability and long-term support.
But lower pricing often means compromises somewhere in the product chain.
The Rise of Ultra-Cheap Smart Devices
Action smart products, often sold under the LSC Smart Connect brand, became extremely popular because they offer smart-home functionality for surprisingly low prices.
You can buy smart plugs, LED lights, cameras, motion sensors and even smart scales for a fraction of the price charged by premium brands.
For many people, this makes smart-home technology finally accessible.
But low-cost internet-of-things devices — also called IoT devices — can come with risks that are less visible than the product itself.
Internally, however, there can be major differences in component quality, firmware security, electrical protection and software support.
1. Cybersecurity and Privacy Risks
One of the biggest concerns with low-cost smart devices is cybersecurity.
Many cheaper IoT products are developed with a stronger focus on affordability than long-term digital security.
This can result in:
• Weak encryption
• Poor authentication systems
• Default passwords
• Insecure cloud connections
• Limited firmware protection
If vulnerabilities exist, hackers may potentially gain access to devices like smart cameras, smart plugs or connected sensors.
A compromised device can also become an entry point into the rest of a home network.
Independent security researchers have repeatedly demonstrated how quickly poorly secured IoT devices can be accessed remotely.
That does not automatically mean every Action smart device is unsafe — but it does mean users should treat cheap smart hardware more cautiously.
2. Electrical and Physical Safety Concerns
Smart devices are not only software products.
They are also electrical devices connected directly to power outlets, batteries or charging systems.
This introduces another layer of risk:
electrical safety.
Lower-cost electronics sometimes suffer from:
• Poor soldering quality
• Weak insulation
• Missing thermal protection
• Inferior internal components
• Noncompliant plugs or adapters
In worst-case scenarios, these problems can lead to overheating, short circuits or even fire hazards.
This becomes especially important with products like:
• Smart plugs
• Smart chargers
• Smart lighting systems
• Battery-powered smart devices
3. Firmware and Software Support
Premium smart-home brands usually maintain long-term firmware support and regular security updates.
Budget ecosystems often provide updates for a shorter period — or stop entirely after a product line is discontinued.
That creates a major problem:
unpatched vulnerabilities.
When unsupported devices remain connected to the internet, newly discovered security flaws can remain permanently open.
Software glitches can also cause unexpected behaviour:
• Smart lights randomly disconnecting
• Devices failing to respond
• Sensors malfunctioning
• Apps crashing or losing sync
4. Quality Control Differences
Stores like Action operate on massive volume and aggressive pricing.
That business model works because products are produced at extremely low manufacturing costs.
Premium brands usually invest more into:
• Hardware testing
• Certification processes
• Software development
• Customer support
• Long-term ecosystem maintenance
That does not guarantee premium products are flawless.
But stricter quality control often reduces the likelihood of defective units or hidden manufacturing faults.
How to Reduce the Risks
If you use low-cost smart devices, there are still several ways to improve safety significantly.
• Always install the latest firmware updates
• Change default passwords immediately
• Use strong unique passwords
• Place IoT devices on a separate guest network
• Disconnect unused devices from the internet
• Monitor recall notices and safety alerts
Final Thoughts
Action smart products became popular because they make smart-home technology affordable for almost everyone.
And for many users, these products work perfectly fine.
But ultra-cheap connected electronics always raise an important question:
Where exactly were the costs reduced?
Sometimes the answer is harmless.
Sometimes it involves compromises in software support, security, hardware quality or long-term durability.
But “smart” should also mean secure, reliable and safe.
Think Before Connecting Everything
Smart homes are convenient, but every connected device also becomes part of your digital security.
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