SwitchBot Curtain 3 review

The SwitchBot Curtain 3 lets you control your curtains with HomeKit via Matter integration - as long as you have the required hub. SwitchBot, a company best known for making the Smart Switch Button Pusher, offers a range of smart home devices. And with the Hub 2, it enables Matter support for them. Smart devices that control your curtains are ideal for creating the right atmosphere during a movie night or before going to bed. They also help welcome sunlight when you wake up in the morning. The downside, however, is that they usually require a separate hub to enable smart connectivity, and the Curtain 3 is no stranger to this scenario.

SwitchBot Curtain 3 review — A semi-hidden design

Depending on your curtains, the SwitchBot Curtain 3 can hide behind it, with only the hooks sticking out. At 9.25 x 2.36 x 2.36 inches, it falls on the larger side, while also standing out against tab-top or ring-top curtains. It weighs 1.96 pounds, making it heavy and unsuitable for delicate rods. The Curtain 3 has a special UV coating that protects it against damage from sunlight when placed in front of a window.

SwitchBot Curtain 3 review: Detachable arms before installation

Two detachable hooks connect to the base of the Curtain 3 and can be stretched to fit rods up to 1.5 inches in diameter. When placed on the bar they provide a firm grip, requiring some force to open. There are wear-resistant rollers on top of the hooks. These are built with rubber material to provide longevity while limiting wear and tear.

SwitchBot Curtain 3 review: Hooks visible behind a curtain

The Curtain 3 is compatible with extendable curtain rods with the included connector. However, only one is included, so if you have a double extendable rod you will need to purchase an additional connector. When setting up we tried using the connector, but the Curtain 3 didn't go over it smoothly and got stuck. This led us to install a full length rod, which was an inconvenience. The button on the front starts and stops the device moving when it is in motion and can start the pairing process once everything is set up. Below that is a USB-C port for charging. You can use it for up to eight months on a single charge. If you do not want to disassemble the device for charging, you can purchase a separate solar panel attachment. It plugs directly into the USB-C port, charges continuously, and can be configured in the SwitchBot app.

SwitchBot Curtain 3 review - An easy setup

Unlike other HomeKit devices, where you can choose which app you want to set up the device, the SwitchBot Curtain 3 instructs you to use the native app. Press the front button to start pairing and find the device in the SwitchBot app. Then you calibrate it so it becomes familiar with the length of the rod and where the start and stop positions are. To start the calibration you need to place Curtain 3 on top of the magnets attached to the rod. Once inserted, choose one of two calibration options: manual or automatic.

SwitchBot Curtain 3 review: Calibration settings

Manual calibration allows you to control where the device stops and classifies the curtains as fully open. On the other hand, calibrating ensures that the device automatically recognizes where the end of the rod is located and where the stopping point should be. We initially went for automatic calibration. Everything went smoothly until Curtain 3 stopped stopping at the end of the rod and kept pushing through. This led to everything being dismantled from the wall and collapsing. After reconfiguring everything, we opted for a manual approach. This method allowed us to use the app to signal when the device reached its end position and do the same when it returned to its original point. You can also attach the included bead connectors, which you run across the curtain and connect to each loop. They're supposed to help with the movement of the curtain over the rod, but in our testing we found that the experience was better without them.

SwitchBot Curtain 3 review – App connectivity and usage

Once you have calibrated the SwitchBot Curtain 3, it can be customized and programmed within your chosen app – the Home app or the SwitchBot app. While both apps offer the same core functionalities, they also offer additional features that the other does not offer. Matter setup The Home app is probably the most important app with how you will operate the Curtain 3. However, you must configure the connection through the SwitchBot app before using it exclusively in that app.

SwitchBot Curtain 3 review: Requirement SwitchBot Hub 2

Within this section you will need to create a bridge so that the Curtain 3 can be moved to the Home app. With a bridge you communicate with accessories that cannot communicate directly with HomeKit. Once the bridge is established, you can add the Curtain 3 as a secondary device from the same menu. It is then transferred to the Home app.

Apple's Home app

Like other compatible devices, you can personalize your curtains in multiple ways. You can combine each curtain into one group, customize their name and icon, and launch or add them to your existing automation or shortcut. When you add your curtains to an automation or scene, you can preset what position you want them to be in when they are activated. Controlling your curtains is similar to changing the brightness of a dimmable light bulb. You tap on the curtain and drag your finger to choose the desired position. If your device isn't nearby (or you don't want to open the Home app), Siri can help you control your curtains. It can close or open them completely or lock them into a position via specific percentage points.

SwitchBot's native app

While you can control the curtains within the Home app, you can instantly pause them in their current position within the SwitchBot app. If you want the device to be as quiet as possible, QuietDrift Control operates it at a speed of 27 cm per minute and makes only 25 dB of noise. However, this will drain the battery faster. If you have double-sided curtains and want to operate both, you will need an additional Curtain 3. You can connect and configure them both in the app.

SwitchBot Curtain 3 review — High price for a simple action

The SwitchBot Curtain 3 offers a setup that hides behind your curtains and offers adequate response times with simple controls. But unless you already have the required hub, you won't be able to use it with a voice assistant. Our time with the device has been pleasant and we've had little to no connection issues with it so far. Due to the bridge between the two apps, the response time is not instant, but not too long either. Regardless of performance, the Curtain 3 alone costs $90, comparable to other HomeKit-enabled curtain operators. Although it will cost you an extra $90 for the required Hub 2. If you use SwitchBot products and already own the Hub 2, then the SwitchBot Curtain 3 is a great way to control your curtains. However, if you don't want to pay up to $180 to open and close your curtains, we recommend operating them the old-fashioned way.

Pros

• Easy to install and set up
• Sufficient response time
• Compatible with different post sizes and curtain types

Cons

• High price
• Needs a Hub 2 for HomeKit compatibility
• Only available in one color

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

You can purchase the SwitchBot Curtain 3 from their website for $89.99. It is only available in white. It is also available on Amazon in the same color for the same price.