[sircastor]

With most anything, it is cheaper to build something yourself. This is, of course, not just the lights, but also the controller, the tree they plug into, and the (undoubtedly) dozens or hundreds of hours of work that goes into building a product.

From narrow cost-base, yes, other lights are cheaper than these lights - but you’re not just buying lights.

So you can buy the lights and build it yourself, and spend your time writing code and debugging, or you can spend a bit more and buy a finished product.

[Markoff]

> and the (undoubtedly) dozens or hundreds of hours of work that goes into building a product.

Because other products just appear from thin air.

> So you can buy the lights and build it yourself, and spend your time writing code and debugging, or you can spend a bit more and buy a finished product.

Or you can buy half finished product advertised on HN for even more. I think I'd rather go with first two cheaper options (Aliexpress or Twinkly) than something in between which is the most expensive.