Have you ever heard an argument break out in your home over who would close the blinds? Bickering over who gets out of bed to close the shades, or who gets off the couch to adjust the blinds for better movie viewing is not out of the norm. Many families would say it’s a common occurrence, but not in homes outfitted with a smart hub.
What Is a Smart Hub and Why Do Homeowners Love Them?
Adding a smart home hub to motorized blinds allows you to connect your window coverings to your smart home devices, such as Alexa or Google Home. Consequently, one Smart Home Hub system allows control of multiple blinds and, in many cases, your entire home.
A smart hub’s role is to provide one method of control for multiple smart devices in your home. The control method depends on different factors. Firstly, the blinds or shades you install. Secondly, which smart hub for home automation the window blinds or window shades are compatible with. And thirdly, whether or not you already use voice control devices in your home you would like to incorporate. In short, installing a smart hub allows you to indulge in hands-free control of your motorized blinds and shades, take advantage of voice control options, and consider programming options to manage light and heat control differently at different times.
Is a Smart Hub a Good Idea for Your Home?
To put it simply, connecting your motorized blinds to a smart hub means you no longer have to worry about who sat down last or who has to get up earlier in the morning. Connecting your most frequently (or out of reach) blinds and shades to a smart hub allows you to open or close motorized window treatments via an app on your smartphone or speaking out loud. (For example, “Alexa, close the living room blinds.”)
However, once you’ve decided that your home (and family) will benefit from the addition of a smart hub, you still need to figure out which one is best. While all smart hubs are designed to fill the same general role (as is the case with most technology) the details are vital. Consider the compatibility with products, your current in home devices, motors already in use on previously installed window shades or window blinds, and, of course, the cost.
Which Smart Hub Should You Install for Hands-Free Window Shade Control?
Read about four different highly recommended smart hubs available through Blinds Chalet below.
Connector Hub
Designer: Luna Grey Interiors. Motorized Kukui Soft Jute Woven Shades are compatible with Connector Hub.
The Connector Hub is compatible with four popular products at Blinds Chalet, (including two of our most popular bamboo shades):
- Tavarua Woven Wood Shades
- Kukui Soft Jute Woven Shades
- Premium Light Filtering Roller Shade
- Premium Blackout Roller Shade
One of the pros of the Connector Hub is that it is compatible with some of the most on-trend window treatment options currently available, but it does require a strong WiFi connection. Therefore, it’s a good idea to consider your home’s WiFi connection and provider capabilities before adding a smart hub to your home.
Voice Control Compatibility: Amazon Echo/Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit
Mobile App: Connector+
Price: $189.53*
HomeMate Hub
The HomeMate smart hub is compatible with ten different window shades:
- Solid Print Roman Shades
- Floral/Pattern Roman Shades
- Striped Roman Shades
- Retro Vinyl Blackout Roller Shades
- Elite Light Filtering Roller Shades
- Elite Blackout Roller Shades
- Sunlera Sun Screen Shades(1%, 3%, 5%, 10% & 14%)
- Light Filtering Zebra Shades
- Room Darkening Zebra Shades
- Noble Sheer Shades
Compared to the Connector Hub, the HomeMate smart hub offers a significantly more comprehensive range of choices. The number of compatible shades jumps from four to ten. The HomeMate smart hub also requires a strong WiFi connection, subsequently it’s good to check with your Internet provider to verify that your WiFi connection will be appropriate.
Voice Control Compatibility: Amazon Echo/Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit
Mobile App: HomeMate
Price: $123.19*
Neo Smart Hub
Custom Logo/Graphic Roller Shades are a favorite with businesses.
The Neo Smart smart hub is compatible with six different Blinds Chalet window coverings, mainly roller shades with one double cell light filtering shade. Specifically, the Neo Smart will provide smart control for:
- Deluxe 3/8″ Double Cell Light Filtering Shades
- Designer Light Filtering Roller Shades
- Woven Wood Roller Shades
- Designer Room Darkening Roller Shades
- Custom Logo / Graphic Roller Shades
- Silverscreen Solar Roller Shades
- Deluxe ⅜” Blackout Double Cell Shades
Notably, this is the only smart hub compatible with a double cell style shade. The double cell style shade is designed to minimize temperature transfer through windows, so homeowners hoping to lower their utility costs with energy-efficient shades may find the Neo Smart advantageous. Additionally, the Neo Smart is available at a lower price point. As is the case with all the smart hubs reviewed so far, the Neo Smart needs a reasonably strong WiFi connection. Therefore, we recommend you verify your network is robust enough to handle the addition of a smart hub before ordering.
Voice Control Compatibility: Amazon Echo/Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit
Mobile App: Neo Smart Blinds
Price: $189.53*
OTTO Hub
Motorized Modern Solar Screen Shades are compatible with OTTO smart hub.
The OTTO smart hub is compatible with some of our most popular roller shades. For instance blackout shades, and solar screen shades. If you are considering the OTTO, you will have your choice of five different compatible window shades:
- Modern Woven Roller Shades
- Modern Light Filtering Roller Shades
- Modern Blackout Roller Shades
- Modern Solar Screen Shades
- Modern Woven Solar Screen Shades
Above all, the OTTO offers a decent selection of both stylish and functional window shades with offering top-notch light control and design versatility. Like the other smart hubs reviewed today, OTTO smart hub also requires a strong WiFi connection. If your service provider advises against installing a smart hub, you may need to consider other Internet providers in your area. On the other hand, you could start by installing motorized window shades controlled by remote.
Voice Control Compatibility: Amazon Echo/Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit
Mobile App: OTTO Home Control
Price: $189.53*
*Pricing may vary depending on current promotions and sales.
As a general rule, we recommend ordering at least one remote along with your blinds or shades purchase. Even if you are going to connect them to a smart hub for home automation, having a remote is helpful for configuration purposes. Another general rule for smart hubs is to install one smart hub per house level. For example, if you have a 2-story home, we recommend installing one smart hub for the ground floor, and a second smart hub for the 2nd floor.
If you are interested in adding a smart hub to your home, you’re in the right place! Enjoy the benefits of hands free or voice activated control of your window blinds or window shades. Start by checking out the smart hub compatible motorized window shades listed here. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, get in touch! One of the experienced window treatment design professionals at Blinds Chalet can help you find the right combination of function, compatibility, and style for the windows in your home.
