REVIEW – I asked to review SwitchBot’s roller shades in early 2025, but somehow, FedEx damaged the package. It took a while to straighten out, but I was very excited to receive one! My wife and I redecorated our bedroom and wanted shades worthy of Gadgeteer status. I’m pleased to report that my enthusiasm wasn’t disappointed!
⬇︎ Jump to summary (pros/cons)
Price: From $199.99
Where to buy: SwitchBot, Amazon
What is it?
The SwitchBot Roller Shade is a motorized, rechargeable, user-customizable width window shade that is controllable through a smartphone app.
What’s included?
- Roller shade motor headrail assembly
- Fabric shade
- Bottom bar assembly
- Bottom bar plastic band (used to secure the bottom bar assembly)
- Shade cutter
- Push button controller
- Controller excess cable wrap
- Spindle cap
- Small screw pack
- Expansion (wall anchor) screw pack
- Bracket positioning cards (2)
- Mounting brackets (2)
- Screwdriver
- Stapler and staples
- Bubble level
- Fabric tape (to secure fabric shade during cutting)
- Installation manuals
Tech specs
- Material: Aluminum alloy, ABS plastic, polyester fabric
- Dimensions:
- Small size: 82*72*580 to 800mm (3.2*2.8*22.8 to 31.5 in.)
- Medium size: 82*72*800 to 1100mm (3.2*2.8*31.5 to 43.3 in.)
- Large size: 82*72*1100 to 1400mm (3.2*2.8*43.3 to 55.1 in.)
- Extra-large size 82*72*1400 to 1850mm (3.2*2.8*55.1 to 72.8 in.)
- Power supply: 5V, 1A, Type C adapter, 2600mAh lithium battery
- Battery life: 8 months (typical), unlimited with solar panel and adequate sunlight
- Maximum load: 4 kg. (9 lbs.)
- Operating temperature: 0 to 40°C (32 to 104°F)
- Operating humidity: 10 to 95% relative
- Connectivity: Bluetooth low energy
Design and features
SwitchBot’s Curtain 3 and Blind Closing robots have been serving active duty in my home, and I’ve loved them since installation day. Every day, at sunrise and sunset, they let the light in and keep the dark out. SwitchBot released its Roller Shade in early 2025, and I’ve been looking forward to installing it to keep my days brighter.
The box is long and slender and packs a respectable heft. I’m not surprised FedEx had some challenges with it.
Thankfully, this one made it to my porch in one piece. Packaging is good and should be able to withstand all but the most extreme shipping abuse. 🙂
All the parts needed for installation were in the box, even a screwdriver. You’ll still need some basic tools: a drill and bits, a pencil, scissors, measuring tape, hammer, and a ladder. Before jumping into the installation, do yourself a favor and read all the instructions. The process is relatively complex and much can go wrong (the worst I can think of is cutting the fabric shade too much), so please know what you’re doing before embarking on this journey. The manual states assembly will take 30 to 40 minutes and two people. It took my wife and me about an hour.
As is typical for SwitchBot, the instructions are clear and easy to follow. There’s also a QR code in the manual that leads to an online video that addresses all the “am I doing this right” questions.
The motor assembly is aluminum, feels strong, and looks great!
Securing the wall brackets is essential. The roller installs on the wall surface or inside the window frame. SwitchBot cleverly uses disposable cardboard positioning cards and a bubble level taped to the bottom bar to ensure the brackets are level and correctly positioned.
The headrail assembly and bottom bar expand smoothly to match the width of the window.
The most challenging part of the assembly is cutting the shade fabric. Be sure to measure carefully, then check again (and add a few more “agains” if you’re anything like me :-)). SwitchBot provides the cutting assembly that does an exceptional job while the motor slowly turns the fabric.
The shade needs to be added to the app to access the cutting function. The pairing button and status LED are on the motor end.
The blade is very sharp. Please be careful.
During the cutting process, the blade also scores the plastic spindle part that must be removed to make it the correct width, too. The spindle pulls out from the fabric core to make it easier to snap this part off.
To keep the bottom bar in place, a plastic strip gets stapled and trimmed to size, then folded inside the bar to keep the fabric from detaching.
With everything assembled, the headrail assembly clips onto the spring-loaded wall brackets.
A port for the remote control and USB charging port are on the bottom.
The remote has up and down buttons that automatically raise or lower the shade after calibration. There is a USB-C port on the bottom to make charging easier.
I would have liked to reduce the distance between the headrail and the wall to eliminate the light gaps between the shade and the window frame. I’m afraid my OCD will get the better of me, and I’ll engineer something later. 🙂
SwitchBot’s app makes it easy to control the Roller Shade.
“QuietDrift” slows the shade’s movement for less motor noise. Pretty cool!
“Delay” enables motion after a specified period.
“Schedules” sets timers for autonomous operation.
There are plenty of settings to tweak the Roller Shade to your heart’s delight.
SwitchBot is also expanding its third-party integration services. Voice commands like, “Alexa, open the bedroom shade,” and “Alexa, close the bedroom shade to 50%” work perfectly. Ooh, cool!
The SwitchBot roller shades work like a champ!
Final thoughts
SwitchBot continues to amaze me with its expanding array of home automation gadgets. Their Roller Shade is no exception, and it packs smooth operation, user-customizable width, and good value for the money. I plan to add four more to the “underdressed” windows so all of my shades, drapes, and blinds are SwitchBot-controlled. Fabulous Job, and thank you, SwitchBot!
What I like about the SwitchBot Roller Shade
- Excellent instructions and videos for assembly
- Smooth, quiet operation
- Ample power for even the hungriest gadgetry!
- The retractable cords are fabulous for clutter-free charging!
- Bright and friendly display
What needs to be improved?
- Smaller gaps between the shade and roller assembly would block more light.
Price: From $199.99
Where to buy: SwitchBot, Amazon
Source: SwitchBot provided a free sample for this review, but did not provide input, guidance, or editing before publication.
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$19.98 (as of August 30, 2025 09:27 GMT -04:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
