Totally get what you're saying about Wi-Fi extenders being a headache sometimes. I've had mixed luck myself—one time I bought a cheap extender thinking I'd solved all my problems, and it ended up dropping the connection more often than my original setup. Talk about frustrating...
But repositioning the router isn't always an option either, especially if you're renting or your place has weird layouts (like mine). I've found that sometimes just upgrading to a slightly better router—even if it's not top-of-the-line—can make a noticeable difference. I snagged one on sale last year, nothing fancy, but it definitely improved coverage in those tricky corners of my house.
Also, speaking of budget smart home setups, have you guys tried any Zigbee or Z-Wave stuff? I know Wi-Fi devices are usually cheaper upfront, but I've noticed Zigbee bulbs and sensors can be pretty affordable too, especially if you catch them on sale. Plus, they don't bog down your Wi-Fi network as much. I started with a cheap Zigbee hub and a couple of bulbs, and honestly, it's been way more reliable than some of the Wi-Fi gadgets I've tried.
I guess the key is figuring out where to splurge a little and where to save. Like cameras—I learned the hard way that going too cheap there usually ends badly (grainy footage, constant disconnects...ugh). But for things like smart plugs or bulbs, budget-friendly options can actually be pretty decent.
Curious if anyone else has had luck mixing budget gear with slightly pricier stuff? Seems like there's gotta be a sweet spot somewhere between "cheap junk" and "wallet-draining luxury," right?
Yeah, totally relate to the extender woes—been there myself. Zigbee bulbs were a nice surprise though, cheap and reliable. Ever tried mixing in refurbished gear? Sometimes that's my sweet spot between budget and quality...
Refurbished gear's been a lifesaver for me too, especially with cameras and door sensors. Sometimes takes a little patience to set up though... Ever had trouble getting refurbished hubs or controllers to pair smoothly?
I've had mostly good luck with refurbished hubs, but yeah, pairing can sometimes be a headache. One hub I got took forever to recognize my devices—had to reset it twice before it finally played nice. Still, considering the savings, it's worth the occasional hassle. I've found sticking to reputable brands helps cut down on these headaches... cheaper off-brands tend to give me more grief in the long run.
I've actually had better luck skipping hubs altogether. If you're really tight on cash, you can build a pretty decent smart setup just using Wi-Fi devices and apps. Sure, you lose some convenience of centralized control, but pairing headaches vanish completely. I started with a couple of cheap Wi-Fi plugs and bulbs, set them up directly through their apps, and never looked back. Might not be as slick as a full hub-based system, but it's reliable, budget-friendly, and honestly... fewer resets means fewer headaches.
