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.
I arranged to have a salesperson from Zinga come to my house to discuss motorized shades for my patio. They set up a time and confirmed, and Casey from their company came to my home and went over all of the options. He shared the difference between cable and track shades. He did not try to upsell me to something that was more expensive and that was not needed for my project, like other companies that came out had. It was because of his honesty and willingness to earn my business that I elected to use them for my project. Now this review is on Casey only, as I have not had the shades installed. I will share more once the shades have been installed.
Still great service 2.5 years to owning the blinds. Had to reset the blinds after adding decorative window sills and needed guidance. Step by step was sent quickly and we were able to fix on our own. They could have easily made us a service appointment and charged us, but helped us avoid doing so.
Zinga’s Nashville kept me informed on the progress of my order and install date. Misty followed up after installation to find out how things went and if there any problems . She also told me to call back if there any issues. Mindy and the rest of the team get ac5 star rating.
We had a fantastic experience with Zingas for our blinds installation. Steven Hill, our design consultant, was incredibly knowledgeable, helpful, and attentive, he made the selection process easy and enjoyable. The installation team was professional, punctual, and did an excellent job. Everything looks beautiful and works perfectly. From consultation to installation, the process was seamless. Highly recommend Zingas and Steven Hill for quality blinds and outstanding service!
It was very easy to work with Zingas because of my point of contact. Victoria was on top of EVERYTHING like white on rice. She was helpful, friendly and knowledgable.... always giving me updates, always setting things up at my convience, answered all my texts promptly, trouble shooted any issues with speed and accuracy. A company is often only as good as their point of contact. A company can quickly become a nightmare to deal with and cause great frustration trying to reach the correct person for each of the different issues, questions or concerns. With Zinga's I just talked to Victoria, and like magic everything was always handled on her end and I got all the updates. EVERY company should have a Victoria working for them on the front line because all "like" companies basically have the same product offering but whats sets them apart and gets them the word of mouth out ...good or bad, is how the people they hire to represent them treat the customer, and their reachability. If I were the CEO of Zinga's I would make sure that Victoria is shown appreciation for not just doing a job well done but for making Zingas look so good.
Great experience from Adrian's detailed consult to Misty's customer service, keeping us informed on our timeline. Install went smoothly and the plantation shutters look great. Professionalism shown all the way around.
Superior product! Blinds installed in kitchen and living areas. Pleased with the esthetics. Installation services is also five stars. Their customer service as well! Definitely recommend Zinga for any window treatments. Thank you all so much!
Todd and Matt did a great job installing our plantation shutters and our power shades. We are in an older building and they did a great job of adjusting to the not so square construction. They were efficient, knowledgeable and very clean! Misty was a good connection as our customer service rep.
Zinga's installers Phil & Carl did an excellent job getting our blinds perfect in our new home. They were professional, listened and made adjustments to end up with an excellent result. Thanks very much Phil & Carl!
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.
We had an overall great experience with Zinga for the purchase of wood plantation shutters and fabric roller shades. Initially, Johnathan, Sales Manager, came out and spent a lot of time with us showing the differences in the products and types of materials. We chose Zinga over some other company's products because they have a lifetime warranty, excellent quality and selection, and the tilt bar that moves the louvers open and closed is located to the sides so it isn't visible from the street. We also liked the fact that the rollers were hidden behind a built-in valance (unlike our previous roller shades that required purchasing a separate valance and you could still see some of the shades when they were pulled up). After we placed the order, communication with Jenny (inside Sales Manager) was prompt and informative from the beginning to the end of the project. Alex, who is also with Zinga (so no "outside" hired workers) was exceptional in the installation of the products. No damaged shutters or shades (everything was wrapped up very well), and just a super experience for us. Would not hesitate to recommend them for your window needs.
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
We recently had a home consultation with Zinga Blinds and Shades, and the entire process was seamless from start to finish. Scheduling the appointment was incredibly easy, which was a great first impression. Our consultant, Alyssa, arrived right on time and was a pleasure to work with. She was professional, highly attentive, and truly listened to our specific needs for the space. Rather than just showing us samples, she helped us brainstorm the most optimal design ideas. We especially appreciated that she focused on finding options that were both suitable for our home and affordable for our budget. The visit was quick and efficient without feeling rushed. We were so impressed with the service and the products Alyssa presented that we signed up with them on the same day. We are very excited to see the finished product and can’t wait for the installation!
Consultations
You get a consultation in your home, so you can make decisions in the same light and space where you will use the products. We bring sample products and fabrics to you, so you can touch materials, compare colors, and see how they look against your walls and trim. We walk each room with you and talk through what you need most, like privacy, glare control, heat reduction, or a cleaner look. You can review indoor and outdoor options in the same visit. You also get a clear price while we are there with absolutely no pressure to buy. We know the last thing you want when someone comes into your home is pressure to buy.
You do not need to guess sizes or measure on your own. We measure your windows and openings during the consultation, using precise measurements that match the product you choose. Then you get a quote during the same visit. The quote is designed to be clear and easy to compare, so you can see pricing tied to your actual selections and your actual sizes. You can also ask to price multiple options if you want to compare looks or performance. The goal is simple. You leave the appointment knowing what you want, what it costs, and what the next step looks like, with no pressure to decide on the spot.
Yes. You can buy today and pay over time with the Wells Fargo Home Projects credit card, with approved credit. This option is helpful if you want to complete a larger project, split a home into phases, or keep monthly payments predictable. Financing offers can vary, so your local team will walk you through what is available and how it applies to your project. If you decide to use financing, you can apply and get details during the quoting process. You will also know what to expect for account management and billing through Wells Fargo once your purchase is complete.