N/A Chronograph readings being accurate

No experience with cheap crono but really if you want to know how well your projectile is performing you need velocities at both ends

I've seen a number of side by side tests that indicate that the cheap chronograph are accurate. The only reason to put one down range is if you are trying to figure out the BC of your pellet / gun combo. the cheap ones are more difficult to use in that there is no connection to an APP. So if you want to keep a shot string you'll need to write it down. No min max or SD.
The radar units are easier to setup and the new doppler radar can give down range info but cost $$$.
Muzzle velocity is used for tuning, setup and trouble shooting.

Cheap?
Expensive?
They all work the same.
A timer based on a Chinese made clock like your watch.
The results will be the same.

I now use a cheap China one $23 if i remember . same reading as my Caldwell , much easier to set up , keeps 10 shot strings
.

Same experience here, I compared my cheap muzzle-mounted chrono against my Competition Electronics ProChrono and they agreed within 3%. Closer if accounting for the fact they aren’t the same distance from the muzzle.

Best thing about the cheap chrono is it requires no external lighting (has built-in IR) and NEVER misses a reading.

Some additional comments here that may be helpful

The cheapish one I've had for 8 years has always been within a couple fps of more expensive (some really expensive) ones. Close enough for me!

I had a more expensive chronograph until I shot it one too many times trying to get a reading. I now use two inexpensive chronographs and prefer them. They do not give the same velocity but it is within a few fps and close enough for me. They have a more limited window for where the shot needs to be to get a reading. So setting one downrange would be more challenging. On the other hand, accidentially shooting one is less painful, I think, if it only cost $25. The shot window is well within my expected accuracy so it should be possible. I am just after muzzle velocity mainly for tuning purposes and they work great for that. No external lighting needed. I write down the readings but mine do record a string it is just seems challenging to retreive.

I’ve got the barrel end ones and a Shooting Chrony knockoff along with my old Shooting Chrony.
The Chinese ones are superior to the Shooting Chrony in that they’re less finicky with lighting.
For the less than $20 price I have no desire for $500 ones. I just read here that Athlon may be
coming out with a Garmin type thats hundreds less. If so I will get it.