Buying guide for Best SwitchBot devices
SwitchBot devices are tools designed to add smart functionality to parts of your home like light switches and stand-alone smart appliances. They’re made so you can automate the control of your home, and they can be used individually or as a system of devices that communicate with one another.
Products like the SwitchBot Bot modify existing appliances and switches, while more traditional smart devices upgrade a range of aspects of your home. The company offers many standard smart devices like locks, security cameras, and hubs. In some cases, the devices work with your existing fixtures so you don’t have to replace them.
If you’re ready to make your home “smarter,” a good buying guide and curated recommendations can help you add SwitchBot devices to your existing appliances and fixtures.
How to buy the best SwitchBot devices
What are SwitchBot devices?
SwitchBot devices are smart home devices that control various aspects of a home. As with any smart home device, the devices you require will depend on your existing appliances and needs.
There are three main product types offered by SwitchBot.
Devices that control your existing switches, appliances, and curtains: The original SwitchBot is a device that can turn switches on and off or press buttons and is controlled remotely through the SwitchBot app or remote.
Stand-alone smart devices: The SwitchBot Curtain, for example, is a tool that opens and closes curtains for you.
Other devices: These include security tools, appliances, hubs, and energy-saving tools.
What do you want to control with a SwitchBot device?
Figure out what tasks you want to control remotely or on a schedule. Also, consider whether you need a network of smart devices that communicate with one another or a few smart devices that work independently. SwitchBot devices can control or replace the following:
- Light switches
- Thermostats
- Locks
- Curtains
- Lighting
- Thermometers
- Security cameras
Do you want to add smart functionality or a smart device?
Smart functionality: Many SwitchBot products simply interact with a part of your home like a switch or button to add smart functionality. These devices can take some finagling to get the most use out of, and they aren’t compatible with all appliances and switches. For example, the Bot can’t operate traditional flip switches, only rocker and button switches. However, because of the straightforward mechanism, there are many possible applications, especially if you get a bit creative.
Stand-alone devices: These SwitchBot devices typically have a sleeker design and require less fiddling to get right. Installation is simple, since most of the products are freestanding or attach to a surface with adhesive pads.
Power
SwitchBot devices are either battery-powered or plug into a 120-volt outlet. Using batteries is more discreet, though it requires replacing the batteries or recharging the built-in battery periodically. How frequently will depend on the product and your usage habits. Devices plugged into an outlet never need to be charged, obviously, but they must be situated near an outlet or other power source.
How to use SwitchBot devices
There are a few ways you can make use of SwitchBot appliances and tools. The simplest is to use them to remotely control parts of your home. If you have a morning routine and don’t want to worry about small tasks, you can set appliances on a daily schedule or even create situational commands through the app.
To control SwitchBot devices when you’re away from home, you need a SwitchBot Hub to communicate with the devices over WiFi, or you won’t be able to use the app to interact with the devices.
The motor in the SwitchBot Curtain device has a weight limit, so it might not be able to move some heavier curtains.
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Types of SwitchBot devices
Though many SwitchBot devices feature the same functionality as other smart home products, several of them have more unusual functions and designs.
Modify existing appliances and fixtures
These products give you control over parts of your home like curtains and locks.
SwitchBot Bot: This simple device is primarily used to control light switches without installing a whole new switch. However, it can also be used to do anything from turning on a coffee machine to shutting off an alarm. Because it attaches to a surface with a strong adhesive, you can use it to press just about any button.
SwitchBot Lock: Rather than entirely replacing a lock, the SwitchBot Lock attaches to the door frame so you can lock and unlock the door remotely. Aside from installation, it functions like a traditional smart lock.
SwitchBot Curtain and Curtain Rod 2: These gadgets rest on top of a curtain rod or connect to a rail system and slide back and forth to open and close your curtains.
SwitchBot controls
The control systems offer a couple of ways to connect to your devices and manage their settings and schedules.
Hubs: Hubs can “talk” to your devices whether you’re home or not, and they can also interact with some other smart devices in your home.
Remote: This is a simple control panel for turning your devices on and off. It’s only compatible with a select few devices, but it can serve as a simple way to send commands.
Tags: These use near-field communication (NFC) to quickly connect your smartphone to SwitchBot devices in your home. Some devices come with Tags.
SwitchBot security devices
From contact sensors to cameras, SwitchBot offers many home security tools. Keypads and cards can lock and unlock a SwitchBot, giving you a few options for easily securing your front door.
SwitchBot appliances and lighting
These everyday items are basic in functionality but can be controlled and scheduled remotely.
Lighting: SwitchBot has a small selection of light bulbs, LED strips, and security lights.
Humidifier: In addition to detecting humidity levels, this humidifier can be programmed to activate in certain conditions and communicate with other relevant devices.
Solar Panel: This is a compact solar-charging panel that connects directly to devices to keep them charged, eliminating the need for either new batteries or a connection to a wall outlet.
Smart Meter: This smart thermometer collects data about the condition of the air in your home and allows you to review the history and trends through the app.
Staff Tip
Each SwitchBot Curtain device is sold individually. You’ll need two for a window with two curtain panels.
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How much do SwitchBot devices cost?
Most SwitchBot devices are relatively inexpensive, particularly when compared to similar models from other brands.
Inexpensive
Accessories and small, simple devices like the Bot and Keypad cost $15 to $30.
Mid-range
Most SwitchBot devices fall in the $30 to $100 range. These include the Mini Hub and Pan/Tilt Cam 2K, as well as other security and control devices. SwitchBot Curtain devices are at the higher end of this range.
Expensive
Combos that bundle multiple devices and controls together cost $100 to $300, depending on the products included.
You can install most SwitchBot devices with simple adhesive pads. They can be attached to any smooth surface.
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Tips
- Make sure the SwitchBot Bot fits your switches. Not every type of button or switch can be pressed or flipped by the Bot.
- Get the right number of Bots for your home. Keep track of which switches and buttons you use the most over the course of a few days so you can order enough Bots for your needs.
- Set schedules for key appliances. By scheduling your Bot to turn on your coffee maker or computer right before you wake up, you can get an early start to your morning.
- Save energy with the Bots. You can set a schedule to turn off certain lights when the sun is up, or you can use a Hub to tell Bots to turn off lights or appliances even if you’re away from home.
FAQ
Q. Do SwitchBot devices make any noise?
A. Some of them do. Curtain devices can be particularly loud. However, if you schedule your curtains to open as a wake-up reminder, this might not be an issue for you.
Q. What wireless communication systems do SwitchBot devices use?
A. Most devices can communicate via NFC, WiFi, or Bluetooth. The Hub uses infrared light to interact with compatible devices nearby.
Q. What are Scenes?
A. Scenes are certain conditions, triggers, and commands that you program in the app to control your devices in specific situations, such as the lights and curtains in a home theater setup.
Q. Can SwitchBot devices be placed outside?
A. Not all of them. Only a few devices like the Outdoor Spotlight Cam and Keypad are designed for outdoor use. Read the product specifications carefully.
