I’ve tried a couple of those cheap motion sensors—honestly, they’re hit or miss. Some work fine for basic stuff like hallway lights, but I’ve had a few false triggers that drove me nuts. If you’re okay with a little trial and error, they can be handy, but don’t expect perfection. Sometimes the “set it and forget it” promise is a bit optimistic...
I've installed a fair share of those budget sensors for clients, and honestly, they're a mixed bag. For spots like closets or laundry rooms, they're usually fine—if you don't mind the odd misfire. But for main areas where reliability matters, I've found it's worth spending a bit more. The cheap ones can end up being more hassle than they're worth if you have to keep fiddling with them. Sometimes you get lucky, though... depends on the brand and your patience.
SMART HOME ON A TIGHT BUDGET—IS IT DOABLE?
Yeah, I totally get what you mean about the budget sensors. I’ve been running a couple in my hallway and kitchen, and here’s what’s worked for me: First, I always check if there’s a firmware update—sometimes that actually fixes those random misfires. Second, I set up a secondary automation as a backup (like a manual override with a button or voice assistant), just in case the sensor flakes out. For high-traffic spots, I agree, it’s worth paying a bit more, but if you’re willing to tinker, you can squeeze some value out of the cheap ones. Just gotta be ready for a little troubleshooting now and then.
SMART HOME ON A TIGHT BUDGET—IS IT DOABLE?
That’s a solid approach, honestly. I’ve found that even the cheaper sensors can be surprisingly reliable with a bit of patience and some tweaks. Firmware updates are underrated—sometimes they really do the trick. I’d just add, if you’re trying to keep things green and efficient, even the budget gear can help cut down on wasted energy. Sure, you might have to swap out a dud now and then, but the savings (both money and energy) can add up over time. Not perfect, but definitely doable if you’re willing to experiment.
