Still using 4 of the original switchbot curtain all on rod/grommet curtains for years with no issues. Nice video explaining the upgrades and new features.
Yup I’d prefer sticking with Zigbee and aqara but the pole is just 3 mm too thick. Really annoying. Haven’t bought either yet and am in limbo. I’ll need to get a Bluetooth proxy working with home assistant before choosing the switchbot, I think.
When both companies had their deals during prime days i could not decide on which of these two i wanted. Now im glad i waited. I like what Switchbot has to offer.
I just bought the Switchbot curtain 2 at the prime day. I'm really satisfied, but if I had known that there would be a new model a few weeks later, I would have waited. :D.
You need to update your competition page. It's not twitter anymore, It's just X now :P Seriously though, great comparison between the Switchbot and Aqara offerings. I think Switchbot are really starting to pull ahead a bit now.
Great video! Thanks. Now that Switchbot curtain 3 supports matter. I should be able to connect it to Aqara M2 hub? (which supposedly have gotten Matter support via firmware now)
Ok so that’s a detail that doesn’t quite work yet. Think of it like this. The app has to support the device type coming into it. Right now Aqara and SwitchBot support sharing their hub OUT of their app (with their devices in it). But they do not support products from other makers coming in to their app
@@AutomateYourLife Oh, okey. Damn. Not sure I understand you fully but.. I am about to throw myself in to the "smart home world". Starting with smart curtains is the plan. And then I've seen several sensors from Aqara that looks interesting. But it's a lot to learn and understand with smart homes.. I had decided to go full Aqara, but then the news of the new Switchbot 3 came and the improvements make me want to buy that. Much bc of how strong it is. I want to make my living room fully dark for the TV. And would like 1 long curtain to go from one side of the room to the other blocking the many windows. But then I read yesterday on Switchbot that it only supports a track of up to 3 meters (10 feet)!? Any longer and they suggest more bots. My living room is 6.5 meters (21 feet) and I only want the curtains to go from one side to the other. Why wouldn't the bots go for how long you'd like? As long as the weight isnt a problem. I have emailed Switchbot asking. Waiting for reply. Sry for much text. But in short. Since I want other Aqara sensors. Should I buy them and Aqara Hub plus their curtain driver (All in Aqara). Or perhaps run Switchbots without hub? But then you loose some functionality right?
Good video. All of my devices are connected to Google ecosystem. I’m planning to buy the switchbot one but still not sure if I can manage it with or without a hub. Thanks!
Great video! I’d like to use the switchbot with a double curtain rod (sheer curtains behind blockout). Does anyone know if it’ll work/ what clearance is needed between them?
Many thanks for the test…I got a question regarding their limit diameter size on the Switchbot … It specifies 40 mm diameter :do you think that’s the ultimate limit or it could fit (not ideal I know )on a 50’mm dm ? Does the system gives a certain flexibility ? Thanks for the help
I wouldn't try it at 50 mm. It'll expand over it, but I believe the spring loading will be pushing down far too hard on your curtain rod and probably scratch it.
Another excellent comparison and update. If I remove Google, Amazon, Microsoft & Apple software from all my devices for privacy, will any of these home automation systems work? I suppose I can keep a Windows/Google based server behind a firewall on its own network, but I am curious how deleting Google from my life/tech will affect my future projects. Thank you in advance
It would be pretty hard to remove them entirely, because you need an operating system on a phone or computer. But home assistant can get you out of most of that. I’ve looked at the data Samsung keeps too on their ST app, it’s nothing crazy
@@AutomateYourLife Naomi Brockwell and some other YT presenters have solutions for removing G from cells and PCs etc. There are other software packages that can apparently replace them. I'm going to start with my other cell as a trial and then maybe a cheap laptop if it goes well. The more I learn about security, the more I want to remove myself from the internet, lol.
How well does the solar panel work? I have the original SwitchBot and Solar and it’s never worked for me due to the light sensor thinking there’s not enough light (even against the window) but it seems this version might be better so might upgrade
Great video Brian! I'm currently looking at how to automate vertical blinds, it has two cords, one metal beads to tilt and a nylon cord for retracting. Can you suggest a device that would work with a nylon cord? (I might need two devices for the tilt and retract).
Honestly, it’s gonna be pretty tough! I remember a company named soma did something for these but it didn’t do both halves. The nylons cord is especially difficult soooo I do t have anything I can suggest sadly. Except replacement
Hello mate!Can you tell me please,what do I have to combine from switchbot in order to turn on/off my AC unit when someone is leaving the Room and the Aircon is on ..?Cheers!
@@AutomateYourLife it's pretty simple, I guess. First of all ,I'm from Europe (Romania)..So my air-conditioning system it's a Mitsubishi one,and at the moment it has a WiFi controller (one that allows me to control it "smart")but it doesn't have this option ,when is left ON and everyone is leaving the apartment, doesn't turn OFF my Aircon. So I question is ,can I use /work with switchbot or if you know other options to make it truly smart my Aircon system?. Hopefully I made myself understood.Cheers mate!
Everyday we get closer to the day setting up smart home will cost less time than it saves. On a serious note, the camera on the Aqara hub will not add anything for me as if I get it, it will probably sit with its face turned towards the wall. So, the gesture and facial recognition functionality is useless for me.
It can be slower to respond. I'm not sure that matters overall, but a 50% failure rate tells me something weird is going on. They are bulletproof in my network....
If only those companies would get these products in other colours than white…. I don’t want a huge white ugly thing visible alongside my blue curtains or brown horizontal blinds.
@@AutomateYourLife I like turtles too! Lol, but seriously, I’m really happy with switchbot and the user integration with hubitat. I also found out that hub2 can be used as a tv remote. This is great because , well, it is, but also because my tv remote stinks, and it’s a lot better, and I can just tell Alexa to turn on the tv and it works!
I’m disabled, can’t reach the curtains fitted behind the couch and other furniture 🤷♀️ I agree, it wouldn’t be the first thing I’d race out and spend money on, but for someone like me the automation of curtains, lights, A/C etc to “open up” the home in the morning is invaluable. No hate, just sharing 😊
Still using 4 of the original switchbot curtain all on rod/grommet curtains for years with no issues. Nice video explaining the upgrades and new features.
Nice! Glad to hear it's still working well!
Knowing switchbot has a wider curtain rod diameter tolerance than aquara is EXACTLY why i still watch you !❤❤😅
Yessir! Details matter!
Yup I’d prefer sticking with Zigbee and aqara but the pole is just 3 mm too thick. Really annoying. Haven’t bought either yet and am in limbo. I’ll need to get a Bluetooth proxy working with home assistant before choosing the switchbot, I think.
Brian, outstanding comparison review and just what i was looking for, last night! Could not find the rail details on the Switchbot website. Excellent.
Thanks so much! I put together as much as I could there. Details are scarce
I have been going back and forth between these two brands. I think I'm convinced now to go with Switchbot. Thanks for the review.
Enjoy! You can go with both in a smart home, but yeah I love Curtain 3!
When both companies had their deals during prime days i could not decide on which of these two i wanted. Now im glad i waited. I like what Switchbot has to offer.
You knew something!
Nice job, Brian. I'm glad to have a product category category I have no use for, but enjoy watching anyway.
Well thanks for still watching sir! I’m going to come up with a few ideas for these outside of curtains I think. Little motors should be useful
Love the in depth review. Feeling much better about the switchbot.
Enjoy Brandon!
I just bought the Switchbot curtain 2 at the prime day. I'm really satisfied, but if I had known that there would be a new model a few weeks later, I would have waited. :D.
And if I had known, I woulda told ya!
Honestly, still a great product and you’ll have those solar automations for a while before us
You need to update your competition page. It's not twitter anymore, It's just X now :P
Seriously though, great comparison between the Switchbot and Aqara offerings. I think Switchbot are really starting to pull ahead a bit now.
Lol it might be time for a new service! You keep finding these issues!
Can they connect to Alexa directly without any hub?
Great video! Thanks. Now that Switchbot curtain 3 supports matter. I should be able to connect it to Aqara M2 hub? (which supposedly have gotten Matter support via firmware now)
Ok so that’s a detail that doesn’t quite work yet. Think of it like this.
The app has to support the device type coming into it. Right now Aqara and SwitchBot support sharing their hub OUT of their app (with their devices in it).
But they do not support products from other makers coming in to their app
@@AutomateYourLife Oh, okey. Damn. Not sure I understand you fully but.. I am about to throw myself in to the "smart home world". Starting with smart curtains is the plan. And then I've seen several sensors from Aqara that looks interesting. But it's a lot to learn and understand with smart homes..
I had decided to go full Aqara, but then the news of the new Switchbot 3 came and the improvements make me want to buy that. Much bc of how strong it is. I want to make my living room fully dark for the TV. And would like 1 long curtain to go from one side of the room to the other blocking the many windows. But then I read yesterday on Switchbot that it only supports a track of up to 3 meters (10 feet)!? Any longer and they suggest more bots. My living room is 6.5 meters (21 feet) and I only want the curtains to go from one side to the other. Why wouldn't the bots go for how long you'd like? As long as the weight isnt a problem. I have emailed Switchbot asking. Waiting for reply.
Sry for much text. But in short. Since I want other Aqara sensors. Should I buy them and Aqara Hub plus their curtain driver (All in Aqara). Or perhaps run Switchbots without hub? But then you loose some functionality right?
I’ve said it before & I’ll say it again, Switchbot engineer their products better than any other smart home device makers
Looking at this one, they’re taking a giant leap!
I love these comparison videos. Keep up the good work, Brian!
Thank you so much Big Bear!
Good video. All of my devices are connected to Google ecosystem. I’m planning to buy the switchbot one but still not sure if I can manage it with or without a hub. Thanks!
You can't do much without the hub! Just Bluetooth based app control
The quiet feature on the new model is a home run!
Grand slam!
As of 2024 is the switchbot working with smartthings? And do I need their hub for that?
Yep, and Yep. I find delays with the SwitchBot gear moving sometimes, but it works.
Awesome comparison!
Hey thanks T with B! Too kind sir!
Great video! I’d like to use the switchbot with a double curtain rod (sheer curtains behind blockout). Does anyone know if it’ll work/ what clearance is needed between them?
Those arms will stick out about an inch. Maybe a little less, but not much. Do a purchase and return if it's not looking nice...
Many thanks for the test…I got a question regarding their limit diameter size on the Switchbot …
It specifies 40 mm diameter :do you think that’s the ultimate limit or it could fit (not ideal I know )on a 50’mm dm ?
Does the system gives a certain flexibility ?
Thanks for the help
I wouldn't try it at 50 mm. It'll expand over it, but I believe the spring loading will be pushing down far too hard on your curtain rod and probably scratch it.
Hummm…thanks ….brass is a serious material though…will check it out .
Thanks for the answer .
Will the SwitchBot Curtain3 work with their HubMini unit? Or will I require an upgrade to the Hub2
Hub Mini works just fine!
Another excellent comparison and update. If I remove Google, Amazon, Microsoft & Apple software from all my devices for privacy, will any of these home automation systems work? I suppose I can keep a Windows/Google based server behind a firewall on its own network, but I am curious how deleting Google from my life/tech will affect my future projects. Thank you in advance
It would be pretty hard to remove them entirely, because you need an operating system on a phone or computer.
But home assistant can get you out of most of that.
I’ve looked at the data Samsung keeps too on their ST app, it’s nothing crazy
@@AutomateYourLife
Naomi Brockwell and some other YT presenters have solutions for removing G from cells and PCs etc. There are other software packages that can apparently replace them. I'm going to start with my other cell as a trial and then maybe a cheap laptop if it goes well. The more I learn about security, the more I want to remove myself from the internet, lol.
Good luck!👍
Will the zigbee models pair to the smartthings hub ? That would be an automatic win for me !
Good question.
They pair, but you can't use them. Yet. Someone needs to make an Edge Driver for it specifically.
Hello, have you tested the funcionality with new Homey Pro 2023? Thanks!
Not yet! Coming soon :)
How many come in a box? I feel that you have to buy 2 which will cost
$200
1 per box
@@AutomateYourLife thank you for clarifying this 🙏🏼
How well does the solar panel work? I have the original SwitchBot and Solar and it’s never worked for me due to the light sensor thinking there’s not enough light (even against the window) but it seems this version might be better so might upgrade
I can’t guarantee you anything but I don’t have any direct sunlight and it’s staying charged so far
@@AutomateYourLife that helps as this window is in direct sunlight so sounds like it’s been improved! Thank you!
Great video Brian!
I'm currently looking at how to automate vertical blinds, it has two cords, one metal beads to tilt and a nylon cord for retracting.
Can you suggest a device that would work with a nylon cord? (I might need two devices for the tilt and retract).
Honestly, it’s gonna be pretty tough! I remember a company named soma did something for these but it didn’t do both halves. The nylons cord is especially difficult soooo I do t have anything I can suggest sadly.
Except replacement
@@AutomateYourLife Cheers, I've seen some cheap Tuya devices that shows potentially a pull cord plastic cog.
Hello mate!Can you tell me please,what do I have to combine from switchbot in order to turn on/off my AC unit when someone is leaving the Room and the Aircon is on ..?Cheers!
Pretty tough to explain this in a comment. I'd need to understand a lot more.
@@AutomateYourLife it's pretty simple, I guess. First of all ,I'm from Europe (Romania)..So my air-conditioning system it's a Mitsubishi one,and at the moment it has a WiFi controller (one that allows me to control it "smart")but it doesn't have this option ,when is left ON and everyone is leaving the apartment, doesn't turn OFF my Aircon. So I question is ,can I use /work with switchbot or if you know other options to make it truly smart my Aircon system?.
Hopefully I made myself understood.Cheers mate!
Is there a horizontal blind version that works with cords, not rods?
I remember a company called soma made one. You had to replace the cord though
When will the switchbots come out in black?
Unfortunately, I don't know that one!
Everyday we get closer to the day setting up smart home will cost less time than it saves. On a serious note, the camera on the Aqara hub will not add anything for me as if I get it, it will probably sit with its face turned towards the wall. So, the gesture and facial recognition functionality is useless for me.
And that’s fair! I think for a lot of people it will be that way, but probably just as many will happily use that feature.
Is switchbot compactible with Smart Life app?
Nope
I've found the Switchbot curtain 3 only works 50% of the time and often when it does work is much slower than Aqara devices.
It can be slower to respond. I'm not sure that matters overall, but a 50% failure rate tells me something weird is going on. They are bulletproof in my network....
It sounds like maybe it's a cloud issue...maybe have a chat with them?
This is really informative, I just bought a Switchbot. And you're adorable.
I'm flattered, thanks :)
Do I need a hub for switchbot curtain 3?
Both of these you'll need a hub for. You can run Switchbot without, but you only get control with the app then
Does the new solar panel work with older models?
It won’t fit…sorry!
Very detailed in a good way.
😃👌👍
Home assistant?
Entered the giveaway, best of luck everyone!
And to you!
@@AutomateYourLife thanks! Keep up the great work!
Get some esp32 running espbome whit bluetooth proxy 👍
Sounds complicated
Thank you sir.
Thank you sir!
If only those companies would get these products in other colours than white…. I don’t want a huge white ugly thing visible alongside my blue curtains or brown horizontal blinds.
Yeah they should do skins or something hey Maxime? Maybe they will read this!
@@AutomateYourLifeat LEAST they should have a black version
I like switchbot
I like it too! 👌👍
@@AutomateYourLife I like turtles too! Lol, but seriously, I’m really happy with switchbot and the user integration with hubitat. I also found out that hub2 can be used as a tv remote. This is great because , well, it is, but also because my tv remote stinks, and it’s a lot better, and I can just tell Alexa to turn on the tv and it works!
Wish they made a black version
Still not thread support?! What a disappointment. I dont want to fuss with a wanky hub.
Still Bluetooth!
😂 who wants to pay 200$ to open one pair of curtains?? It may be good technology but they need to get the price down.
About 100 people per month from this video alone
Some people have money, you should try get some
@@Ld_ashley I have some. I just choose not to waste it in that way.
I’m disabled, can’t reach the curtains fitted behind the couch and other furniture 🤷♀️
I agree, it wouldn’t be the first thing I’d race out and spend money on, but for someone like me the automation of curtains, lights, A/C etc to “open up” the home in the morning is invaluable. No hate, just sharing 😊