Aqara Curtain Driver E1 vs SwitchBot Curtain Rod 2
By Naila Syifa
Updated September 2023
SwitchBot was the first in the smart curtain market to release a retrofit solution that can easily turn a regular curtain into a smart one. This innovation provides the possibility for homeowners to level up their curtains into smart ones without having to replace their existing traditional curtains as a whole.
In 2022, SwitchBot Curtain Rod 2 was released as an upgrade of the original with a better motor and quality. SwitchBot was dominating the retrofit smart curtain market until in the same year, Aqara launched its Curtain Driver E1 with a competitive price and features.
In this review, we will compare Aqara Curtain Driver E1 and SwitchBot Curtain Rod 2 to help you decide which one is the best option for your smart home.
Key Takeaways
Aqara curtain has a longer battery life of 12 months compared to SwitchBot's 8-month battery life. Aqara also supports a maximum load of 12kg, while SwitchBot can only support up to 8kg. However, Aqara curtain needs a Zigbee hub, while SwitchBot doesn't need anything and can work with more types of curtains.
On our list
#1 Price
#2 Curtains Compatibility
#3 Features
Aqara Curtain Driver E1
Affordable retrofit smart curtain solution
✓ Battery up to 12 months
✓ Maximum load 12 kg
✓ App control, scheduling, automations
✓ Requires Zigbee hub 3.0
SwitchBot Curtain Rod 2
Easy-to-install retrofit smart curtain solution
✓ Battery up to 8 months
✓ Maximum load 8 kg
✓ App control, scheduling, automations
✓ Compatible with various curtain types
#1 Price
Aqara Curtain Driver E1
SwitchBot Curtain Rod 2 is priced at $99.99. Aqara Curtain Driver E1 comes in two versions with different prices. The Rod Version costs $99.99 while the Track Version is a bit cheaper at $89.99.
If you have a curtain track, opting for the Track Version of Aqara Curtain Driver E1 can save you some dollars. However, if you have a curtain rod, both SwitchBot and Aqara offer similar prices.
#2 Curtains Compatibility
SwitchBot Curtain Rod 2
Both the Aqara Curtain Driver E1 and the SwitchBot Curtain Rod 2 are designed to work with a wide range of curtains.
The Rod Version of Aqara Curtain Driver E1 requires grommet or ring top curtains with a rod diameter of 25-32 mm. The Track Version is compatible with U-shaped rails that have a bottom slotting width of 8mm or less, as well as I-shaped rails that have a bottom width of 10mm or more. For more detailed compatibility information, check out the Aqara official website.
On the other hand, SwitchBot Curtain Rod 2 is compatible with a broader selection of curtains. It supports four types of curtain styles: grommet, ring top, back tab, and tab top. In addition, unlike Aqara which provides two different versions, SwitchBot Curtain Rod 2 is compatible with both rods and tracks, including U-rails and I-rails. For detailed dimension requirements, check out the SwitchBot official website.
When it comes to curtains' weight compatibility, Aqara takes the lead. Aqara Curtain Driver E1 is able to support curtains weighing up to 12kg. Meanwhile, SwitchBot is limited to a load capacity of up to 8kg. It is recommended to check the weight of your curtains before purchase to ensure compatibility.
#3 Features
Aqara Curtain Driver E1
When making a purchase decision, features are an important consideration. Here we have outlined a comparison of some of the most important features of both Aqara Curtain Driver E1 and SwitchBot Curtain Rod 2.
• App control. Via the Aqara Home app and SwitchBot app, you can control the curtains and configure settings. However, SwitchBot Curtain Rod 2 is connected to the app via Bluetooth with a limited range of 1.2km, which makes it less convenient to control from a distance. To overcome this limitation, you will have to purchase a separate SwitchBot hub and connect it to the smart curtain. This does not differ from Aqara because installing Aqara Curtain Driver E1 also requires having a separate Zigbee 3.0 hub.
• Voice control. Aqara Curtain Driver E1 is compatible with various smart home ecosystems including Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, and IFTTT. However, a Zigbee 3.0 hub is required for this connection. The same thing goes for SwitchBot Curtain Rod 2, which is compatible with all those smart home ecosystems but requires a SwitchBot hub to be purchased separately. This can be a crucial consideration as connections to those smart home ecosystems will enable voice commands to activate the curtain, making it very easy for you to open or close your curtains just with your voice.
• Manual control. SwitchBot Curtain Rod 2 has a Touch & Go feature which makes it possible for you to physically open or close your curtains. By pulling the curtain slightly, the device will sense your movement and automatically pull the curtains for you. A similar feature is also available in Aqara Curtain Driver E1. This feature also means that both products are power-cut friendly, so you can still manually open or close your curtains in case of power cuts or technical issues.
SwitchBot Curtain Rod 2
• Light sensor. Both smart curtains are equipped with a built-in ambient light sensor that can automatically open or close your curtains based on the ambient light level detected in the room. You can configure the settings based on your liking.
• Schedule feature. Aqara Smart Curtain Driver E1 supports automatic curtain control by pre-configured schedules based on sunset/sunrise, local weather, or geofencing. A similar feature is also available in SwitchBot Curtain Rod 2, which allows you to set the opening and closing times of your curtains.
• Slide feature. Both smart curtains have a slide feature that enables you to slide the curtain to your desired position without fully opening or closing it.
• Rechargeable, long-lasting battery. Both smart curtains include a rechargeable battery. However, Aqara's battery can last up to 12 months, a bit longer than SwitchBot's battery which lasts only up to 8 months.
Aqara Curtain Driver E1 vs SwitchBot Curtain Rod 2
Final Thoughts
SwitchBot Curtain Rod 2
Aqara Curtain Driver E1 and SwitchBot Curtain Rod 2 offer similar features at similar prices. However, the SwitchBot model supports a wider range of curtains, while the Aqara model excels in its maximum weight capacity and longer battery life.
Ultimately, the choice between these two options will depend on your specific needs and preferences. You can also take into account the smart home ecosystem that you already have or that you desire to create. If any of your smart home devices are from Aqara, the Aqara Curtain Driver E1 might be a better fit, and vice versa.
If you like to read more about Smart Curtain, check out our other relevant guides here:
Best Smart Curtain Singapore (With Price 2023)
Aqara Smart Curtain Driver E1 Review
SwitchBot Curtain Rod 2.0 Review (With PROS and CONS)
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