SwitchBot Curtain Rod 2 Review (Pros and Cons)
By Naila Syifa
Updated September 2023
A smart home will not be complete without a smart curtain that you can control very effortlessly with your voice or smartphone. If you're looking for a smart curtain solution for your home, you might have heard about the SwitchBot Curtain Rod 2.0.
SwitchBot Curtain Rod 2.0 is one of the most popular smart curtain solutions in the market, owing to its affordable price of only $99.99 and its very easy installation process. It has also been hailed as the World’s First Retrofit Smart Curtain Solution, allowing you to magically turn your traditional curtain into a smart one.
However, before you jump in and purchase the SwitchBot Curtain Rod 2.0, it's important to weigh the pros and cons to determine if it's the right fit for your needs.
SwitchBot Curtain Rod 2.0
Affordable retrofit smart curtain
✓ Battery up to 8 months
✓ Maximum load 8 kg
✓ App control, scheduling, automations
✓ Compatible with various curtain types
#1 What's in the Box
SwitchBot Curtain Rod 2.0
The SwitchBot Curtain Rod 2.0 comes with the following items in the package:
• The main body that contains a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that can last up to 8 months
• A pair of hook
• Type-C cable for recharging
• Beads fixer and clips for installation in certain types of curtain
#2 Design
SwitchBot Curtain Rod 2.0
Pros
SwitchBot Curtain Rod 2.0 is made of a high-quality ABS material with an anti-UV coating on the surface. With a dimension of only 3.94 x 1.97 x 1.18 inches, it is palm-sized but powerful enough to push a maximum load of 8kg.
The design is both modern and compact, earning it multiple awards for its innovative style. It is also wireless, so no need to worry about unsightly cords or wires running along your curtain.
Cons
SwitchBot Curtain Rod 2.0 comes with no overlapping design. If you have a pair of curtain that closes in the center, SwitchBot Curtain Rod 2.0 may not be able to fully shut them, which could result in a gap in the middle where light can pass through. This isn't the case with other smart curtain solutions such as Quoya Smart Electric Curtain Track AT5810 or Graywind Motorized Curtains which have overlapping designs.
#3 Features
SwitchBot Curtain Rod 2.0
Pros
The SwitchBot Curtain Rod 2.0 is packed with features that make it a great addition to any smart home. As an upgrade of its predecessor, the SwitchBot Curtain Rod 2.0 can make curtains slide more smoothly.
It has a built-in light sensor that can detect the ambient light level in the room, allowing it to automatically open and close the curtains based on your preferred settings. It also has a timer feature that allows you to set the opening and closing times of your curtains. If you want the curtains to partially open, there is a slide feature in the app.
If you want to physically open/close the curtains yourself, the Touch & Go feature also makes it possible. This feature allows you to simply tug the curtain slightly, and the device will detect your movement and automatically complete the opening or closing process for you.
SwitchBot Curtain Rod 2.0 also includes a one-year warranty. That means, if you encounter any issues or defects with the device within a year of purchase, you can contact customer service for a replacement or repair.
SwitchBot Curtain Rod 2.0
Cons
SwitchBot Curtain Rod 2.0 is connected to your app via Bluetooth with a maximum range of 1.2km. If you're outside of this range, you will not be able to control the device using the mobile app. To be able to control remotely from a greater distance, you will have to connect the device to a SwitchBot hub which is sold separately.
Having a SwitchBot hub will also be useful as it allows the SwitchBot Curtain Rod 2.0 to be connected to Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple Homekit, or IFTT. This way, you will be able to use voice commands to open or close your curtains. However, without a SwitchBot hub, using voice commands is not possible. This can be a major drawback for people who don't have a SwitchBot hub because an additional cost will have to be made to utilize the voice commands feature.
Another additional device that you will have to buy separately for complete utilization of the features is a SwitchBot Remote. This remote control does not come in the package, so you can't use it to open/close the curtains. Purchasing SwitchBot Remote separately means bearing another cost. However, if you don't feel the need to use remote control, this won't be an issue for you.
Other than all the drawbacks stated above, SwitchBot Curtain Rod 2.0 also makes a whining sound when it operates. However, you can switch from Performance to Silent in the settings. This will make the device operate at a lower noise level but also a slower pace.
#4 Installation
SwitchBot Curtain Rod 2.0
Pros
The installation process of SwitchBot Curtain Rod 2.0 is easy, straightforward, and can be done in just a few minutes without the need for additional tools such as screws, nuts, or bolts. The SwitchBot app will also guide you step by step through the installation process.
SwitchBot Curtain Rod 2.0 is compatible with a huge range of curtains from rods, U-rails, to I-rails. However, you need to pay attention to the dimension requirements and make sure that your curtain rods/tracks meet them.
SwitchBot Curtain Rod 2.0 is also compatible with various curtain styles: grommet, ring top, back tab, tab top. You will just have to follow the installation guide for these different types of curtain styles.
Cons
If you have a pair of curtains, you will need to purchase and install two devices of SwitchBot Curtain Rod 2.0. This can make the overall cost of the installation much higher.
In addition, rod pocket curtain style and square rods are not supported.
Final Thoughts
SwitchBot Curtain Rod 2.0
SwitchBot Curtain Rod 2.0 has the advantages of an easy setup, affordable price, and various features that can turn your traditional curtain into a smart one. However, it also bears some limitations such as the design without overlap and the need to purchase additional devices to fully utilize the features.
Before purchasing, it is important to consider the pros and cons, as well as the limitations of this device. Ultimately, the decision to buy this device should be based on your own preferences and needs.
If you like to read more about Smart Curtain, check out our other relevant guides here:
Best Smart Curtain Singapore (With Price 2023)
SwitchBot Curtain Rod 2 vs 1
Aqara Smart Curtain Driver E1 Review
Aqara Curtain Driver E1 vs SwitchBot Curtain Rod 2
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