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FINALLY Some Real Competition For Smart Curtains!
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- Опубліковано 1 сер 2024
- Aqara have just released their brand new E1 Curtain Driver which is a retrofit device designed specifically to work with your existing set up. It is also a completely wireless solution to automated curtain control by using ZigBee 3.0! In todays video, we take a look at how they work, how well they work & how they compare to SwitchBots Curtain Rod 2!
Aqara E1 Curtain Driver:
Rod Version Amazon UK: amzn.to/3aymMNW
Track Version Amazon UK: amzn.to/3P0o1nN
Rod Version Amazon International: amzn.to/3bTti1S
Track Version Amazon International: amzn.to/3yUE6Wv
SwitchBot Curtain Rod 2:
Amazon UK: amzn.to/3uEf9MN
Amazon International: amzn.to/3O2ovbQ
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Some of the links above are affiliate links, where I earn a small commission if you click on the link and purchase an item. You are not obligated to do so, but it does help fund these videos in hopes of bringing value to you!
Glad to see another option here finally. I tried the switchbots but between the unreliability of Bluetooth and them drifting over time and leaving a gap, I eventually stopped using them altogether.
Yes, finally smart Zigbee curtains! Though I do find them a bit too big. I'd prefer half the battery-life, making it smaller and then adding solar panels so I don't have to manually charge them.
I know, wanted a ZigBee solution for ages! Since they will be hidden behind the curtains and you won't see them, I don't see the width as too big an issue personally
@@EverythingSmartHome I think your presentation of the unit in front of the curtain will confuse some people who aren't familiar with these devices. The E1 does look big in the video.
@@dmiller9786if one gets confused and doesn't realize they can put the things behind the curtains... I doubt they'd be able to set them up and shouldn't buy them anyways.
I like the Aqara stuff and would prefer these over the Switchbot ones because of the ZigBee connectivity.
However, like other folks have said it gets very expensive when you have to buy two for every window.
It would be good if both companies did deals on twin-packs of them to make them more affordable.
Switchbot has discounts on 2 and 4 packs
This review is a thing of beauty! ❤
Brilliant video Sir. Thank you.
As always simple yet powerful :)
I saw the Aqara rod version on Amazon a bit earlier during Prime Day, added it to my cart but decided to see if any reviews, found this video and by the time I finished watching and went back, the rod version is unavailable. It shows only the track version. It seems the E1 driver seems to be the same for track and rod with the difference being how they connect to the rod / track. Oh well, would have been nice to get a couple for some of our hard to reach / floor to ceiling curtains and also test them out for our family's furnishing (including curtains) business as that is one of the most requested features by many customers.
The only thing i mis for the agara is sunpanels. Switchbot have it and i love them. Always a full battery
love to see some more competition in this space, also you answered my questions, about tug and go 1 thing, do you think it would work alright with telescopic curtain rods?
Thanks Lewis. I enjoyed this video.
Thanks man 🙌 appreciate it
I wonder if you use clear rubber tape along the bottom of the curtain pole where the roller meets the pole, would it add extra traction.
Just bought the SwitchBot Curtain Rod 2. Dammit. :D Wanted Zigbee all along to better integrate them in Home Assistant. Guess I have to get the Aqara ones now too. Thank you. :D Great video covering basically every aspect I was wondering about. :)
Haha, both are great products I'm sure you won't be disappointed!
I have a better solution for the problem of the curtans struggling at the end of the close operation - I use a lubricant called Houdini on my curtain rods. It's a lubricant made for locks - it dries fast and clear and with no residue. You can't tell that it has even been applied. I spray a little onto a paper towel and then rub it on the rod ; ). It lasts a long time - I only had to do it once so far in 2 years. I am using the switchbot curtain bots. The problem for me was the grommets on the curtains were binding up as the curtain near the end of the close causing a visible strain on the bot. After I applied the lubricant - no more problem. Smooth operation every time. Houdini does have an orange citrus scent but it goes away after a couple of days. It's a far better solution than the plastic stip and clips.
Thanks, I'll take a look!
I also use graphite (not as a spray though, just dry graphite). It's a bit messy applying it, but works wonders.
I know they're quite expensive, but I'd love to see you test one of the track-based systems that uses a motor to drive a belt in the track to open/close the curtains directly.
They're not that expensive. I paid ~120 pounds. I would have to buy two of the switch bots to do the same as I want the curtains parting in the middle.
@@GlennPierce which one did you buy?
I got
SwitchBot IP65 Indoor Outdoor Hygrometer and Thermometer Hygrometer 2 Pack. I got a hub mini for free for a review. They are more accurate than the sonoff sensors I had. @@ru2225
This sounds great for my lounge where I want individual control of left and right curtain as well as dual control but I still think zemismart wins it for me if I just want curtains to open and close, slightly more complicated set up but £115 vs £200 is worth the swearing when you realise you have put the track in the wrong way. Saying that in my lounge it would be worth it as I would be saving £30 odds. Will definitely be looking out for them so I can smartyfi my lounge curtains :)
Absolutely - if you have something that works for you then that's great! 🙌
Ps, you can get £20 off each unit today if that helps to narrow the gap 😅
Dont know if somebody already mentioned that, but its on sale for primeday at the moment :)
Great video, thanks. So in order to use either of these with Google Home, I would REQUIRE buying their hubs? At this point needing a hub is a hard sell for me.
Nice, although I use a u-track system with gliders instead of wheels. Perhaps I just order a pair and try if it still works.
Have you tried with U-rail?
Just got these setup using ZHA. The integration is working fairly well but the status sometimes gets stuck on “opening” or “closing” instead of saying “open” or “closed”. Also using the home assistant homekit integration the directions are reversed (open is closed) but the cover open close commands work in the correct direction on Home Assistant. Any ideas?
Is there any way to motorize shades that have existing pull cords (not tension loops, just hanging cords)?
Got the Switchbot curtain 2 today. Prime day plus a discount code and I paid under £50 a unit.
I know right, very good deal!
You mention you have a workaround for the battery reading in ZHA - could you please share?
What system would you recommend for roller shutter belts?
Looks like a solid single piece rod is used in this video but most rods are 3 piece adjustable. I would assume it is necessary to have a single piece rod for optimal functioning.
You can read my mind. I'm just now looking at smart shades vs standard blackout curtains and something like these.
Hope it helped!
How do both of these fair with telescopic poles with heavy curtains?
Hi bro. How do you change open/close direction in home assistant and how do you set the limit of open and close ? I do not see any setting in the zha integration. Now my motor keeps pushing even when the curtain is fully closed and the interface shows open instead of close
Good informative video. I personally am still looking for a good solution to open an close my windows automatically. Maybe you could do a video about that.
That would be cool! I've never looked into it personally!
Like a traditional sliding window? You would need a good motor to move it.
Would the switch bot solar panel work on the Aqara unit? Since they’re both USB C connections?
But it's sooo big :P
Seriously though, it looks like a good alternative. The things I don't like is you have to make sure you order the exact right one, they don't give additional adaptors in the pack for the price charging and they struggle with telescopic rods. What I love though is the buttons on the front, the security on the curtain rod of the device and the USB C charging. Just wish they could make it a little more discreet.
I don't personally see the issue with the size since they will be invisible behind the curtains anyways - that's just me though
Dude, Switchbot needs to get on it with making Zigbee version of their curtain units! Nice review!
Absolutely, I would love to see them move to zigbee! Thanks man
They recently said they would NOT be moving to Zigbee or Z-Wave due to the added cost of a controller. However they are investigating Matter/Thread but have not committed yet.
Does Home Assistant indicate whether the Aqara is opened or closed and what percentage of opened or closed the curtain is?
I don't think your pull request has been merged yet... I'm having lots of trouble getting this to work right with HA
Thanks for the video, whats the max curtain weight can the aqara handle
They say 12kg I think it is from memory
I bought two of these, considered that they would be worth the extra money due to the improved solidness. But unfortunately, I am unable to pair them with my Conbee II / Phoscon set-up, which is hooked up to my Home Assistant. It seems the only way to pair them would be to use the Aqara hub and/or app, and I really don't want to install yet another hub and am not sure whether I trust their app. Unfortunately a bummer from my side.
Good to know that there is some alternative. Actually occasional lag of switchbots can be annoying, especially when closing and opening them manually (I use esp32 as driver). How would you compare Aqara with 1 generation of switchbot? I was thinking about upgrading, because it loses rod position over the time and curtains are not getting to full close.
I didn't personally have that problem with the originals but the Aqara is good so far!
I have the same exact problem as above. Lag time is the killer. I have them connected through smartthings and they can be a headache at time. Even when I program the auto open and close in they app I get a 1 out 10 failure rate. I have to go back and voice command close a curtain a lot. It's all run through Bluetooth and even with the hub close by I can't stand the 10-15 sec lag. I'm looking forward to the rod version being available in America as the track is the only one available.
Does it understand if you open and close manually?
The SwitchBot's solar panels are really nice. I haven't had to recharge them ever since.
Yep agree they are really good, wish they were included in the box, that would be killer
Question: what's the size of your rod?is it bigger than 32mm? and where can I buy a rod the big lol.
I want to love them, but every curtain in my house (bar the one at the door) would require me to buy them in pairs, and I really can't justify nearly £180 per window 😭
Here's hoping this helps to bring the price down considerably
Some people have hard to reach curtains. Some people want automatic curtains to prevent sun damage. But I agree in most uses it tough to justify the cost. I looked at putting switchbot in my bedroom, but there was no benefit. I like manually closing the curtains at night.
@@dmiller9786 don't get me wrong, I like them and want them but not at that price 😭
Hopefully they come down in price 🤞
Great video, thank you! I just have one question, what about the solar panel? I really like the switchbot solution to attach it to the unit. It that possible with the aqara? Thanks!
Thanks! There is no "official" Aqara solar panel but if you follow me on twitter I'll try to post an update there if charging the Aqara with the SwitchBot solar panel works 😅
@@EverythingSmartHome 😂 I will appreciate it! I'm following you already. Thanks a lot!
Yeah finally homekit
Always good to see more support! 😄
Now if aquara would make smart wand for the tilt of the blinds it would be perfect.
Sunsawand have them. But not for europe market
Awesome video as usual, thank you. When I try to add both left and right curtains to a Curtain set I pick the left and right curtain and click create but get an error "Device Group Not Support". Anyone any ideas (tried the normal stuff like closing the app completely etc)?
Hmm I didn't experience that problem, is there any firmware updates for it?
@@EverythingSmartHome Thanks Lewis. No, there's no firmware update. I'll have to contact Aqara and see what they say. It's integrated into Home Assistant and Google Home without issue anyway so it isn't a big deal, but as that functionality exists within the Aqara App it should definitely work for those folks who don't use HA/Google etc.
Hi. I have one question regarding Aqara ecosystem. Considering that I run HA with ZHA and zzh! CC2652R stick for zigbee support would you still consider adding Aqara hub? For now I actually have none of the A products, but I do own a few Xiaomi devices (e.g. Xiaomi H&T sensor). I might be wrong but think they do work on Aqara platform? And if recommended, then what model for EU user?
Most of my devices are Philips Hue (lights, remotes and motion sensors) and mixture of zigbee and wi-fi thermostats, heaters, sensors (smoke, door, T&H), relays for garage gates.
I have tons of aqara switches, door sensors and motion sensors and havent had any problem using them with my conbee. Dont see reason for the hub. zigbee is nice since I can just buy any product I want and it most likely just works without any brand specific hub.
Did you try to see how the Aqara handled going from one size of a curtain rod to another? For people with longer curtain rods without the bracket in the middle.
I don't unfortunately have one of those to test with so no but supposedly the new suspension mechanism on the SwitchBot 2 helps with that - not sure how the Aqara would perform sorry
Heard the the Aqara has a problem with the ridge caused by the extension joint in a llong run curtain rod. The updated Switchbot does not. Might be an issue of dynamic tension adjustment versus a one time adjustment on the Aqara
Which way round do these sit? I.e. can you have them on the back (window side) of curtains so you can’t see the unit and it can sense light outside?
Light sensor would face towards the window for best results
What hub do you have it? I'm guessing all zigbee need to be connected to a hub?
Does anybody know if it is possible to open-close the curtains manualy with this devices mounted??? I have members of family who will just want to do it manualy and not have access to the app(older folks)
How does it go over the transition in the sliding rod?
The Switchbot probably does a better job of that
I know the switchbot handles the extendable rods well when they have that step in them. Does the Aqara bot handle the step in extendable rods well too?
I'm not sure sorry this isn't something I can test as I don't have one
According to the product page on Amazon, extendable rods/poles are not supported :-(
Diameters of between 25 to 32mm supported on a uniform thickness rod/pole
I have the Aqara blind motor and it works great but keeps dropping off my zigbee2MQTT network. Nothing else drops off! I hope this curtain motor doesn’t suffer from this.
Have you tried updating the firmware? I have the blind too through ZHA and it's always perfect for me personally!
@@EverythingSmartHome I will have a look! Thanks for the suggestion, I didn’t know it was an option to update the firmware
i wish there was an optional product for adding solar charging which is a big + for the Switchbot...... but... i will take zigbee over bluetooth any day!
Wonder if the SwitchBot solar panels work on the Aqara 🤔
Love it besides the noise, but given I got a tonne of curtains and I'd like at least 10 to be automated it makes little sense.
Do you know if Aqara will work with heavier curtains? My switchbot will not work for me because my curtains are a bit heavier so they extent to a point where there is too much resistance for the switchbot to move the curtains. I tried their grommet kit which didnt help too.
It's one of those things that unfortunately is very difficult to say since there is a lot of variables - I would say get them and try it, if they don't work then just return them!
Those look pretty cool. Little big for my taste though. Quick question. Could you not put the device on the back side of the curtains between the 1st and 2nd pleat to not be so noticeable. Just looking at it, I don't know why you couldn't. You may be able to shed some light on that since you tested them.
That's how you'd place them normally, but that would make the visuals in the review a bit boring. This way you can see how it works but once you put them on your own curtains they'll be invisible.
Yep that's right, just so you can see what's happening, usually they are invisible!
@@EverythingSmartHome Well that makes sense now LOL. Wasn't thinking of howe we see the how it works part. Thanks for clarifying.
@@ScottAlexander68 And you also would flip them around so that the light sensor is able to look outside instead of into the room/curtain...
What are peoples preference for the zigbee dongle to start with? That's first on my list before this great bit of kit
ConBee stick
I think the Sonoff ZigBee Stick is very hard to beat for the price at the moment
@@EverythingSmartHome Ah, that one didn't exist yet when I bought my ConBee II. Although it looks like it's just a CC2531 with a nice housing and external antenna, the bare usb board would be even cheaper, just have to flash firmware yourself.
I want to test it on Hubitat. Does this thing need custom device drivers on HA?
It doesn't for curtain control but does for battery life, hope that helps
I have been trying to find the writen version of this on your site but I cant seem to find it. Is there a URL that is direct to this article?
It's in the back catalogue to do, will hopefully be up soon
do they work with wooden curtain rods?
Any idea if this will work on a curved curtain track?
Ah says in the Amazon description it does!
Can you put the unit behind the curtains so it's not so obvious
What is up with them closing not fully? Is that something you set up this way? Or is that what I should expect?
It's because I've got them on the outside for the purpose of the video, usually they would be on the inside of the first pleat and would close perfectly
Still no support for the rods we have where the opening is towards the wall, like a “C” rod maybe. It’s the only kind my wife has ever bought. Maybe something that drives the cord instead?
I'm not familiar with those rods myself!
What if you want one that does the full length? For instance, with a 6' sliding glass door where you would want the full curtain to push over to one side to leave the doorway unobstructed? The support hook in the center would get in the way of both of these designs unfortunately :/
Hmm how does a curtain pass through the support hook?
@@EverythingSmartHome there are "C Hooks" you can buy that allow the curtain to basically glide over the support hook as if it weren't there. They're pretty cool.
@@ericd4mation can you tell me more? i would need some of them for my curtains but i dont find any of them, do you have a link?
Any updates on when the battery percentage and invert function will be in ZHA? I have 4 of these and don't see those attributes on any of them :(
It's out of my hands unfortunately, I put in the PR ages ago and hasn't yet been merged
Just checking if it still hasn't been merged... I just got one and I'm not seeing anything, but wanted to make sure I didn't miss anything by chance.
I am curious how these compare to Zemismart's ZM85EL-2Z which also are ZigBee and cheaper ($76) and come with a remote and a solar panel.
I have some of those, they are OK - I don't personally like them as much as either of these
@@EverythingSmartHome And what is the advantage of this Aqara over Zemismart?
Seems to be a huge design flaw not being compatible with extension rods. This is basically the majority of rods in homes over a longer run such a simple bay window. SwitchBot made the same mistake but corrected themselves with version 2
It would be interesting to test it and see how it got on
How do you make a group of them in Home-Assistant with ZHA? Is it a ZigBee group?
Just go to settings, devices and services, helpers, groups.
Or a ZigBee group will do it too I think
Any recommendations for blind controls?
What kinda blind?
When your request finally goes though on ZHA, will I need to delete and re-add the device to use your updated code?
No it should pick it up automatically
@@EverythingSmartHome Sweet. Thanks for the recommendation on this device. Exactly what I have been looking for.
The ZIGBEE!! I love switchbot... but I'm sorry the curtain response time is garbage
Is there a easy manual how to add this to Z2M with manual setup? The manual is not that clear for me :-)
Press the join button on Z2M, press and hold the button on the driver for 5 seconds till it beeps, that's it :)
@@EverythingSmartHome That is ok, but I mean set start/end point manually :-)
My only issue with switchbots is their size, I'ved had to use long wood pieces as spacers to get the rails off the wall enough to fit the switchbots on, which means a couple of hours of work per window (get the wood, cut it to length, paint it, pre-drill all the holes, mount it to the wall, mount the rail to the wood then finally add the curtains and switchbots).
These look as wide if not wider so presumably they'd have the same issue, I wish someone would come out with a 'flat' version, where the wheels are at the back and all the bulk is at the front to avoid that mess
I'm not sure how there would be an issue for space? Usually the rail (at least in the UK) are out from the wall as is and there is plenty of room for these to fit in. Unless I am misunderstanding what you mean (definitely possible!)
@@EverythingSmartHome Not sure how 'real' people mount their rails, but I've swapped out the rods for rails here and they're just not that deep. I've had to add a 4cm spacing piece of wood between each of them to fit the switchbots, which are pretty deep. I'm sure it's easier with rods since they're so far away from the wall, but that's also letting so much light in, it was driving me nuts
How did you manage to get it to connect to Zigbee2MQTT? Does not seem to be connecting for me.
Are you on the latest update? It was updated around a week ago to include support
@@EverythingSmartHome Yeap, silly me! Was still on 1.18 managed to update to 1.26 and all it's showing up
Thanks!
Thanks for the video. However, entirely way too expensive when having to buy 2 for each curtain setup in your home.
Does it work on
i want to buy the eu version but the code is not working :(
I am not having any success with setting limits manually. Any pointers?
Same at the moment - did you ever manage to figure it out?
@@EddArmitage no they are sitting in a box. I now have an aqara hub but have yet to pull them out.
does it work with a bay window
Depends on how the rods are laid out, sorry I don't have one to test with
I assume like the switch bot. It Won't work with extendable curtin rods.
The new SwitchBot supposedly can handle flexible rods now with the new suspension mechanism, they've also made the wheel larger which is meant to help also.
Unfortunately I haven't and can't test this at the moment but that's what I've heard!
@@EverythingSmartHome thanks
The uk code isn’t working on Amazon for track version atm 😔
It was the first day of launch only unfortunately and then discounted for Prime day (same price as the launch day)
@@EverythingSmartHome oh perhaps you can remove this then? Also I note now the track version only supports types not commonly sold in the UK again
Very nice but why do they just copy switchbot? For the UK, Rods are the most popular followed by Swish, I & u tracks are so hard to find in the UK almost unheard of, Limiting the usefulness. Wish these companies would add to work on Swish curtain track, the best track for blackout bedroom curtains.
Still expensive. Come on Aqara!!!
This thumbnail looks like it was generated by Dall-e 😂
I'm trying to use the promo code in the description but it isn't working, has it expired?
Yes only valid on the first day unfortunately :(
@@EverythingSmartHome Aww, too bad, thanks anyway, £99 is a bit steep when you almost always need two. £99 for the pair would be a lot more reasonable!
Does the 20% off code not work in the United States? Amazon is telling me it isn’t valid.
It was only valid yesterday, it's the same price with the discount as it is on prime day today. You cant use the code and apply it with the prime day deals (unfortunately:( )
@@EverythingSmartHome Ok. Thank you.
Thank you for spelling out Alexa instead of just saying it!
Why don't you install them behind the curtain?
I do, but that doesn't make for a very interesting shot 😅 also it would be difficult for the viewer to tell which was the Aqara and which was the SwitchBot without being able to see them.
But I do when not filming 😂
Finally, ziggbee conectifity..
🙌
For any other curtain other then a Rod use the C2 drivers from Aqara, they are absolutely Amazing and can pull up to 60kg easy. ( they say 80kg, but i feel they are not functioning properly at this weight) Also works on Zigbee and with HA.
In my mind, there's one thing that still makes the Switchbot superior: it has an option for solar power. Because charging your freaking curtains via cable is really dumb.
I don't think you would run a cable up to them, I think you'd unhook them and put them on charge and then hook them back up 😜 having said that, the solar panel might work with the Aqara, I haven't looked or tested it
you know those are just solars that connect to type c right ? so would probably also work for the other
The solar panel charger would charging dozens of times for the battery, it would largely reduce the battery's lifetime.
Is it just me or does it feel like some 3dprinting as esphome should be able to diy these for less than 200$ for 2 units per window
Hurry up and take my money!
Switchbot has a solar version. That is a big deal for some.
It's not a solar version, it's an add-on you can buy -but yes they do
Did you install them in front of the curtains for the purpose of this video? Can they be installed behind the curtain so you don't see a big ugly white box?
Yes it was just for the video 😅
2007 me : but can it run crysis ?
😂
C track curtains still getting no love
I love my smart home stuff but £200 per set of curtains, no thanks i think i will open & close them manually.
That's totally fair!
tbh these are cool but it kinda sucks that you have to see them.