The Budget-Friendly Garage Gadget That Homeowners Are Loving

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If you're wondering how to make your house a smart home, one space to not overlook is the garage. A range of new products is making the space more high-tech than ever, focusing on the remote management of garage doors through Wi-Fi. And what's more, connectivity and convenience don't have to translate into high prices. One such gadget, the Chamberlain Smart Garage Control, currently available on Amazon for $29.98, is both budget-friendly and earning stellar reviews from purchasers across the internet. The Amazon listing has over 100,000 reviews, giving the product an average 4.3 out of 5 stars.

The Chamberlain Smart Garage Control might be one of the best hacks for your garage, automating the doors and allowing homeowners and renters the ability to manage opening and closing from afar. The manufacturer promises to end worries about whether or not the doors are closed and to allow ease of opening for friends and family while you're away from home. One recent review raved about this latter feature, commenting, "We went camping this past weekend and forgot a few things. I asked my brother in law to stop by and grab the stuff we forgot. I was able to open the garage for him to get in from the campsite 100 miles away. It's so convenient."

What's more, installing the Chamberlain Smart Garage Control allows for the setting of open and close schedules, as well as an innovative collaboration with Amazon allowing for delivery security.

The Chamberlain Smart Garage Control is managed by an app called myQ, and this feature earns both raves — and pans — from purchasers. Some note that the app interface is straightforward and user-friendly. On the other hand, the app is clearly buggy for some. "I've reset it, reinstalled the app, deleted and re-added the device — more times than I've opened the actual garage door," wrote a recent purchaser.

A strong Wi-Fi connection is necessary to run the device. Chamberlain notes that the router needs to be within 50 feet, which — for a number of reasons — might be difficult for a homeowner to arrange without the additional purchase of an extender. Again, feedback here is a mixed bag. Some Chamberlain enthusiasts say the Wi-Fi connection works like a charm. One user noted, "It found my Wi-Fi instantly and worked first try." Others left comments hinting at problems, such as, "It has a mind of its own constantly disconnecting from my Wi-Fi and not retaining [the] Wi-Fi password."

Whether or not you decide to make the Chamberlain Smart Garage Control part of your smart home, it's worth familiarizing yourself with the pros and cons of this budget-friendly garage device. It is, after all, almost fall, which happens to be the best time to upgrade smart home technology.