Best Smart Blinds
People are continually looking to make their life easier. And with the emergence of smart devices, people can do just that. Now, even the small chore of opening your blinds takes little to no human intervention.
The Best Smart Blind
AXIS Gear
Overall the AXIS gear performed the best. It was easy to install and integrated with Z-Wave.
Best Budget Option
MySmartBlinds
Considering the lower price I was very surprised with how well they performed overall.
The Best Alexa Integration
SLSY
The best thing about these smart blinds was the integration with Alexa.
The Buyers Guide To Smart Blinds
You have endless options when it comes to finding the best smart blinds; you can even link some of them to Alexa and google assistant.
Choosing the best smart blinds isn’t an easy job; there are so many out there all offering different things. To help you out, here are a few things I look out for when choosing some ultra-smart blinds:
Price
Pick a budget and try and stick to it. It's far to easy to get carried away. Know what you want and how much you're willing to pay for it.
The Connection
Different devices have different requirements when it comes to connection; it's worth checking out it matches your needs.
Schedule
Setting up schedules helps you automate your life without having to think about it. See if your smart blinds support this feature.
Temperature Sensor
Smart blinds can help you conserve energy when it comes to heating and cooling. You can set them to open or close depending on the temperature.
Installation
If you're not very good with DIY tasks, then choosing smart blinds that are easy to install will be beneficial.
Battery Back-up
The charge runs out with your solar-paneled blinds then a back-up battery can come in very beneficial. It's something to think about at least.
Solar Panel
For a more energy-conserving option, a solar panel can perform well. when the blinds aren't in use, the panel is free to start charging
Light Sensor
Wake with the sunrise and go to bed with sunset. The built-in light sensor will open and close depending on the outside light settings
Table of Contents
The Best Smart Blinds
If you’re still struggling to find the right smart blinds, let me guide you further. Here’s a list of some of the top-rated smart blinds.
By following the guide above, I’m sure you’ll be able to find the perfect smart shades for your home:
| AXIS Gear | MySmartBlinds | SLSY | Current Product Corp. | BENEXMART | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MRSP | $248.99 | $159.00 | $106.99 | $84.99 | $61.88 |
| Installation | Easy | Easy | Easy | Easy (Hard pairing) | Easy |
| Solar Powered | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| App | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Battery Back-up | Yes | No | No | No | Yes |
| Connection | Zigbee Bluetooth | Bluetooth | WiFi | FM | Bluetooth |
| Light Sensor | No | No | No | Yes | No |
| Temperature Sensor | No | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Schedule | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Warranty | 1-Year Limited Lifetime | Limited Lifetime | N/A | 1-Year Limited | N/A |
| Buy | Find Best Price | Find Best Price | Find Best Price | Find Best Price | Find Best Price |
#1 – AXIS Gear
The Best Smart Blind
The AXIS gear is powered by Zigbee and Bluetooth, which makes an excellent addition to the list.
The smart shades can be controlled by any Zigbee device, including Amazon Echo. It takes five minutes to install and is compatible with any bead and chain blinds.
Gain control of your smart blinds using your smartphone. By using their app, you can set schedules for your blinds; it works as security or for energy saving.
They use solar-powered technology to power the smart blinds and has a battery back-up just in case.
It might be small, but the device certainly is powerful, it has more than enough capabilities to open your blinds.
Use the touch control manually to control groups or single windows. Syncing is effortless using the app, or the pair buttons.
Key Features
- Zigbee and Bluetooth
- Schedules
- Alexa Eco plus compatible
- Easy to install
- Touch and go opening
- Solar charging
- Group control options
- Can handle heavy blinds
What Other People Say
One person mentioned that although the price was high, it was definitely worth the purchase. They loved the fact you program the blinds to open when you said: “Alexa, Good morning.” But they weren’t a massive fan of the solar panel; it did charge very efficiently.
Another person said when the smart blind arrived, they felt as if they had just unboxed an iPhone. They were equally as impressed with how well it worked, and that it was easy to install. Again there was another complaint with the solar panel; it just wasn’t up to scratch.
Final Verdict
The motorized blinds worked well, and the integration with Zigbee was a definite bonus. The motor worked seamlessly with most protocols but was a little slower with Bluetooth. Being able to control a whole group of smart blinds was definitely a bonus, and could be done at the push of the button.
Overall a great piece of kit to add to your smart home. It worked fantastically, the solar panel let it down a little.
What We Liked
- Zigbee protocol
- Group control
- Schedule set-up
What We Didn’t Like
- Bad solar panels
- Loud
#2 – MySmartBlinds
Turn your 2-2.5″ corded blinds into smart blinds instantly; it only takes a few minutes before it’s up and running.
It allows you to control the smart blinds using the app and Bluetooth connectivity.
If that ‘s not enough, you can set it up with voice controls by integrating it with Alexa or Google Assistant; to do this, a smart bridge is required (sold separately).
Built into the system is a temperature sensor to help you save money; set the perfect temperature for you and watch your blinds control it for you.
You can decide how out or cold you want your room. Set up daily or schedules by using the on-board memory motor.
It remembers your preferences and schedules to save you the effort.
The smart blinds use a solar-powered charging system to keep everything running smoothly, or can be added to the mains if needed.
If you’re worried about the battery running out, then don’t; the app will let you know when it’s running low.
Key Features
- Simple to install
- Temperature sensor
- Set daily and weekly schedules
- Alexa and Google Home integration (smart bridge required)
- Uses an on-board memory program
- Bluetooth connection required
- Solar charging
- Smartphone control via the app
What Other People Say
One Person said the instructions were fairly clear to read; it took them 45 minutes to install the first smart blind; the rest took around 15 minutes. They also noted that the solar panel seemed to work well at charging the motorized shades.
Another wrote we added purchased the bridge to connect seven windows with Google and Alexa; it works great at completing voice commands. A recurring problem was that it didn’t include a charger for the batteries, which meant you had to rely on the solar panel.
Final Verdict
The device worked well and was easy to install, working your way around the app and setting up schedule worked without a hitch. Luckily the solar panel charging system worked reasonably well; the product doesn’t come with the charging cable.
Another downside was having to purchase a separate hub to integrate the smart shades with Alexa; it would be nice to see it included. Overall it worked well, but if they ironed out the few problems, the smart blinds could be so much better.
What We Liked
- Nice app
- Easy to install
- Solar panel charging
What We Didn’t Like
- Requires a hub for Alexa integration
- No charging cable
#3 – SLSY Smart Blinds
THE BEST AMAZON INTEGRATION
SLSY motorized smart shades are compatible with the smartphone app “TuyaSmart.” Use the app to control your blinds with the remote or your smartphone.
Because the device connects using wireless technology, you can integrate the smart shades with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
Their motorized shades work with any ball or chain blinds and can be easily installed, no matter how much DIY experience you have.
To power the smart blinds, they use a rechargeable battery, which they claim holds the charge for at least three days.
It comes with a 15 channel remote, meaning you can program more than one smart blind on to the remote.
They promise to be 100% worry-free and guarantee you with a 1-year manufacturer warranty. If you worried about having a bulky device, then look no further, the dimensions are 6.3” x 1.8” x 1.65”, which is barely noticeable.
Key Features
- Compatible with TuyaSmart app
- Easy to install
- Compatible with Alexa and Google Home
- Rechargeable battery
- 15 Channel remote control included
- 1-year guarantee
- Control with your smartphone
- Wi-Fi connectivity
What Other People Say
It was praised for being very easy to install; it took a minimal amount of time. The smart shades also integrated with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant to add voice commands. This enabled them to set up scenes with minimal effort.
One person wasn’t too convinced with it being easy to set-up. They found it hard to get going, but once set up; they had no issues. It did exactly what they needed to do when they needed to do it. One person said it would be nice if they could add a solar panel to it.
Final Verdict
For me, the smart blinds worked well, and it was easy to install. The app allowed you to take control of the blinds remotely. If your not one for apps, then the 15 channel remote is more than sufficient. The motorized blinds worked efficiently and smoothly, which was nice to see.
Everything connected to the Wi-Fi easily, but setting up the Alexa and Google Assistant wasn’t as easy, unfortunately. Luckily once it was connected, you had no problems: overall, it’s an excellent design and a top contender for the best smart blinds award.
What We Liked
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- Google Assistant integration
- Nice app
What We Didn’t Like
- Hard to set-up voice controls
- Hard to follow the instructions
#4 – Current Products Corp.
Their white E wand can be sold as a single wand or a pack of three, which includes the remote control; if you purchase the single smart wand then the remote is sold separately.
To control the device, you can use the one-touch button or use the optional remote control.
Integrated into the E wand is the light and temperature sensors, which give you access to three modes: Off, Semi-Automatic, Fully-Automatic.
The changes can be made using the sliding switches located on the front of the wand. It also gives you the ability to group multiple wands for larger rooms.
To avoid the light sensor making any unwanted movements, the smart blinds have a timer built-in; set your own schedule without having to worry about the sun.
The wand is battery powered and works for around a year before it needs replacing. The device is compatible with most chain and ball blinds; may not work with heavy blinds.
Key Features
- Light Sensor
- Temperature sensor
- Wireless
- White color
- Battery-powered
- Remote opening
- Group multiple wands
- Optional remote control (sold separately)
What Other People Say
People were happy that the smart blinds worked in an efficient manner, but they were disappointed you couldn’t add voice commands with Amazon Alexa or google home. To open the windows, they used light sensors, which worked fantastically.
Another customer had purchased four of the wands to fit them in the living room. All of the wands worked perfectly together. The problem was it was tough to program the device, as so many reviews seemed keen to mention. Once programmed, there were no issues.
Final Verdict
Overall it’s a very nice smart blind; it performed very well . The light sensors opened the blinds without fail, and the one touch button saved some time. Setting a timer for your blinds to open was a nice touch, especially if you don’t want to get up with the sun every morning.
Another great feature was the ability to sync multiple wands together, but it was complected programming them, maybe some better instructions would have made it easier.
In the end it feels lacking in any real home automation technology; if you could integrate it with Alexa the device would be so much better.
What We Liked
- Pair multiple blinds
- Performed well
- Light Sensor
What We Didn’t Like
- Programming was hard
- Lacked a home automation feeling
#5 – BENEXMART
Benexmart claims to be the easiest way to automate your existing blinds; it takes around five minutes to install the smart device.
To make life easier, the smart blinds are compatible with any ball and chain system.
The smart blinds can be powered using solar panels, or by plugging it directly into the mains.
Control your blinds remotely using your smartphone. The smart blinds come with there own app, which connects via Bluetooth connection.
To open the blinds manually, use the touch strip for seamless motorized actions. You can even set-up a timer.
You can make the blinds work for you; set-up daily or weekly schedules based on your daily routine. Customize your preferences and utility savings on the app by turning on the energy saver mode. The simple installation of the smart blinds makes this one of the go-to options.
Key Features
- Compatible with all ball and chain blinds
- Set-up schedules
- Open with one-touch
- Free to use smartphone app
- Uses Bluetooth
- Solar Charging
- Easy to install
- Lithium battery
What Other People Say
For most people, the smart blinds worked excellently, but the app was “Complete garbage.” Another person was having trouble with solar panels; it didn’t charge despite it being in direct sunlight.
They also mentioned the motor was strong enough, but the app required you to repair the device regularly.
One customer brought four of the smart blinds. Again they said the motor was great, more than strong enough for their blinds. The problem was the lousy app; because you need to be connected to the app, the timer didn’t work without your Bluetooth.
Final Verdict
In the end, it was a nice try, but it doesn’t really live up to any standards. One positive of the smart device is the motor worked great, more than capable of opening heavier blinds. It was also effortless to install; it took a couple of minutes before being up and ready.
It had an app, which was a nice touch, but that’s what really let this device down. You consistently had to repair the device before you could use any of the functions. Although the solar panel was supposed to keep you smart blinds charged, it didn’t have any effect.
What We Liked
- Great motor
- Bluetooth capability
- One-touch opening
What We Didn’t Like
- Timer settings were hit and miss
- Bad app
- Solar cell was not effective
But This Is The Best Smart Blind
The AXIS Gear stole the show; it felt like a real smart device due to the Zigbee integration. Connecting the smart blinds to Alexa was simple and functioned excellently.
In fact, setting up the whole device was smooth and took very little time.
Like all the devices, the solar panel tends to let them down; it just doesn’t charge the device the way you’d expect.
Overall, it’s a lovely piece of kit; it looks fantastic and performs its job without faults. I would suggest keeping charging it via the mains; otherwise, you’ll be going through a lot of batteries.
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Frequently Asked Questions
This is the past where I get to answer all the burning questions you might have about finding the best smart blinds. Here are a few questions I think you might find valuable:
They can range from brand to brand, and what features it provides. For a bog-standard smart blind you could be looking at $60. Or if you’re looking for something a little fancier, it could be upwards of $500.
They’re just like your regular blinds, but they need little human assistance to open. They by using a small motor to turn and open your blinds when need. The motorized blinds can be used remotely from your smartphone or at the touch of a button.
Smart blinds allow you to make schedules based on your daily routines, or you can use them as a security feature. Nothing says someone’s home like opening and closing blinds.
Over time the gear that’s used to open your blind will slowly start to wear away. Unfortunately, this is down to general wear and tear. But depending on the make and model, it could last anywhere between 3 and 10 years.
Yes, A lot of blinds allow you to motorizes them. It’s actually one of the most popular ways of adding smart blinds. Beaded chains seem to be the easiest and more popular to convert. The process is surprisingly simple: you don’t have to be a DIY expert to do it yourself.