Motorized Shades vs Manual Shades: Which Is Worth the Extra Cost?
January 21, 2026
Get sun when you want it, shade when you need it. Zinga's Okahoma City designs and installs custom retractable awnings for patios, decks, and balconies.
When it comes to decking out our homes or businesses, we’re all about maximizing comfort, utility, and style. That’s why we believe our retractable awnings, with their incredible standard features, are the perfect addition to any building. Designed with your needs in mind, these awnings offer a blend of functionality and aesthetics you won’t find anywhere else.
At Zinga’s, we understand the importance of versatility and convenience. That’s why our retractable awnings come with numerous standard features you’ll love. Right off the bat, they’re motorized, making it super easy to retract or extend them based on your needs. Plus, they feature integrated LED lights, ensuring your outdoor spaces are well-lit even after sunset. But that’s not all.
We’re committed to offering you the best. Our awnings come in over 30 fabric options, allowing you to choose the one that best complements your decor. We know every space is unique, and we believe in providing solutions that cater to your individual needs. With our retractable awnings, you’re not just getting a product, you’re investing in a solution that enhances your lifestyle.
We’ve all been there on a sweltering summer day, the sun’s intense blaze making the outdoor patio unbearable. Well, that’s where retractable awnings come into play. They’re our private cloud on a sunny day, our shield from the scorching sun. As we extend them out, they instantly transform our outdoor space into a comfortable haven, allowing us to enjoy the warmth of the day without the risk of harmful UV rays.
Retractable awnings aren’t just practical, they’re also an aesthetic addition to our homes. As they unfurl, they add a pop of color to our outdoor spaces, in hues ranging from the soft blush of a summer sunset to the deep blues of a tranquil ocean. It’s not just shade they provide, but a splash of style as well. They’re adjustable too, so we can control how much sun we let in. Want to bask in a bit of gentle morning sunlight? We can partially retract the awning. Need full protection from the harsh midday sun? We extend it all the way.
But the beauty of retractable awnings is more than just their versatility. They’re durable, designed to withstand the elements. Whether it’s a searing summer day or a cool, breezy afternoon, our awnings stand strong. Rain or shine, they’re our reliable companions for outdoor relaxation. So, next time the sun’s rays seem uninviting, don’t let it keep us indoors. With our retractable awnings, we’ve got the perfect solution for sun protection outdoors.
At Zinga’s, we’ve been offering custom window treatments, including retractable awnings, for 25 years now. We’re based in Okahoma City, and we know a thing or two about weather and how to use it to your advantage. We believe that retractable awnings are more than just a style statement; they’re a practical addition to any home. They’re not just about giving your home a facelift; they have a significant role in energy efficiency and comfort.
Retractable awnings provide shade when you need it and sunlight when you want it. They’re a fantastic way to control the temperature in your home without using extra energy. Here are three reasons why we think they’re a must-have:
So, if you’re considering custom window treatments, don’t overlook the significant benefits of retractable awnings. They’re a practical, stylish, and energy-efficient addition that we’re confident you’ll love.
Explore our shading systems, designed to bring comfort, protection and style to your windows, patios & outdoor living areas.
Schedule ConsultationWe bring sample products & fabrics directly to your home so you can see and feel the products in your home.
We take precise measurements of all your windows and provide you a no pressure quote at the time of your consultation.
Installation completed by Zinga's employee who are experts in their craft. Free yourself of the stress of installing.
We ordered four motorized shades for our sliding glass doors. It is great having them open and close on schedule via the app. Zingas had to come out a second time to make adjustments. The home office worked with me and the field crew (Todd, Rob) to ensure my concerns were met. Todd and Rob were both courteous and professional during the installation and adjustments.
I will come back and update post issue resolution. Overall I would tell you to look elsewhere for your blinds. It has been a frustrating experience. The sales person was completely unrealistic with timeframe to get installed and the worst part was he sold me an automation solution that is not technically possible with product installed. I was very clear about what I wanted and now have blinds that cannot be automated. Two blinds arrived in wrong configuration and one was broken from factory. The partner they use to build blinds clearly had QC issues. Time will tell how they hold up. To be fair the installation team was great. I’d give them a 5 star as they were efficient, courteous and clean up as they went. Post sale service has also been responsive thus far to resolve product issues. This is third new build since 2020 I have installed new blinds in and sadly easily worst experience of them. As promised I want to be fair and update my review. The install and post sale resolution team have been very good. Install was done well and post sale follow up on issues has been very good. I’d give them both 5 stars separately. I do think front end sales still needs work to support the rest of team to manage expectations correctly. I will post final update once final resolution has been completed.
Phil and Todd did an excellent job with my shade installation. They arrived on time, were professional throughout the entire visit, and treated my home with care and respect. They were courteous, efficient, and clearly knew what they were doing. I really appreciated how smooth and stress-free the process was. I would absolutely recommend them to other customers looking for reliable and respectful installers.
Zingas did an excellent job for my lanai, already loving the new space this time of year in Florida. Misty was very professional and kept me informed throughout the process.
Can’t say enough of how professional the crew was that installed our blinds. The sales team and the installation team made this whole process effortless. Love the quality of the blinds would recommend this company highly.
Had a great experience with Adrian. He was prompt, on time, efficient, and came prepared to answer our questions and concerns, tailoring the products to our needs. Would highly recommend across the Tampa Bay area.
Zinga's is a total class act from start to finish. The entire process was smooth, professional, and well-organized. Amber C and the warranty team were responsive, knowledgeable, and genuinely helpful - not rushed, not dismissive, just solid customer service done right. The cordless option is fantastic, the install was clean, and everything works exactly as promised. You can tell this company cares about doing things correctly and standing behind their work. Highly recommend Zinga's if you want quality products, clear communication, and a team that actually follows through. Wendy M.
Outstanding experience with Zinga and sales representative **Garrett** Dotson. From start to finish, the entire process of selecting window treatments for our home in Beachwalk by Manasota Key was thorough, professional, and genuinely customer-focused. Garrett came to our house, carefully reviewed every window, and made thoughtful recommendations tailored to each room’s size, location, and purpose. He walked us through a wide variety of roller shade materials, clearly explaining how each option would look and perform in different lighting conditions. His advice on motorized shades for added convenience was especially helpful, and he presented it as a smart upgrade rather than a pushy upsell. Pricing was competitive and reasonable, and Garrett took the time to explain all aspects of the warranty so there were no surprises. He also suggested promotional financing options that made the overall project more manageable for our budget. Throughout the entire appointment, he was patient, friendly, and extremely helpful, answering all of our questions in detail. Garrett also clearly explained the advantages of Zinga’s products and service over the competition, which gave us a lot of confidence in our decision. Thanks to his expertise and professionalism, we felt fully informed and very comfortable moving forward. Highly recommend Zinga and especially Garrett Dotson for anyone looking for high-quality window treatments and a top-tier in-home consultation experience. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I am writing to share my appreciation for the excellent work done by your installation team, specifically, Phil, Todd, and Rob. Although, the amount of time that it took from the initial order, to install, seemed a bit excessive (3.5 months), I am very pleased with the blinds installation and the professional service provided. The team was efficient, detail-oriented, and ensured everything was perfect before finishing the job. Thank you for the great experience and for the high-quality work. Troy
Great job and faster. Our back yard look great. Thank you Happy 😊 family
Adrian came out to show me options for my back sliders. He was extremely professional, and knowledgeable. I really appreciate his expertise and very excited to get my new shades for the back sliders! Thank you to Adrian & Zingas!
Adrian came over and went through the process and what all is entailed with their products. He knew everything about his craft and could answer any question. An expert at navigation what is best for the customer and helped us come to the best option for our needs. We had his competitors out to give us quotes and they were inferior products, knowledge and pricing. I would highly recommend them to friends and family.
Tyler and Peyton just completed the installation of our automated shades. They both were professional and efficient at their job. They arrived on time, did a great job with the installation, cleaned up after they were finished, and ensured we understood how to use and maintain the shades. Excellent customer service. Highly recommend Zingas!
Highly recommend this awning and company!! We have been in the awning business for 40 plus years and know quality… Zinga’s product is over the top and better than we expected. Great experience from beginning to end: Kiersten, in the office, Adam, sales contact, and Drew and Tyler, installation..all professional and knowledgeable of the product they represent. Thank you for an amazing awning and experience! Todd & Rachel Lengle
My installer Andrew was wonderful. Couldn’t believe how fast he got everything done. Polite and knowledgeable I certainly recommend this company Zinga’s for your window treatments EXCELLENT
I worked with Zingas for our new build. They measured the blinds before the house was finished We knew we’d be in the house a few weeks before our order came in so they installed temporary blinds in the meantime! We had a sunroom that needed insulation from too much heat or cold and a master that needed room darkening. Their suggestions were perfect and I appreciated their advice. Tracy was my contact.
Our Zingas window blind installer, Chris Harrod, did a terrific job. He was professional, efficient, and caring. We felt we were in capable hands from the outset. Chris made sure everything was to our satisfaction before, during and after the installation. We are a repeat Zingas customer, and will continue to be in the future!
We love our new shades! Absolutely beautiful, and the black out shades really are black out. Casey and Jessica were great to work with, very communicative. And the shades were ready before originally estimated! Dylan and Jonathan did a fantastic job on the install. Very efficient and tidy, they got those shades up so fast. Highly recommend Zinga’s.
I have a small patio that faces east and gets full sun from sunrise to about 1:00 pm. It made it hard to enjoy my morning coffee and inspirational reading on the patio. The retractable screen has been a God send. It looks good and works as intended. It’s given me my patio back. The sales team, Casey and Jessica, were professional and kept me informed on the progress of my order. It was reassuring working with them.
I just wanted to say how many pleased I have been with the purchase and installation of our Storm Screens from Zinga’s. From the initial consultation, measurements and excellent installation by Justin, Drew, and Payton, they work flawlessly and look great too! Thanks Zinga’s for a great experience.