Looking for stylish yet practical window coverings? Our in-depth guide highlights the best Smart shades, blinds and curtains available today. We compare options, provide expert advice, and help you find the perfect window treatment to enhance both the look and comfort of your home.
What was once a luxury reserved for the elite—like Smart shades and automatic curtains—is now accessible to homeowners with a variety of budgets. These cutting-edge window treatments are easier than ever to install, allowing you to take control from measuring to setup. We’ve spent hours testing and comparing smart shades and retrofit options to help you upgrade your windows.
While automated shades might seem like a splurge, they offer real benefits. Imagine waking up to softly filtered sunlight, enjoying enhanced privacy, and effortlessly managing your home’s temperature. Of course, like any new tech, there can be challenges. To make the most of your investment, we’ll provide tips to help you avoid common issues and enjoy a smooth experience.
Best Overall
SmartWings Motorized Roller Shades
The best smart shade
This choice excels in every aspect—durable construction, dependable hardware, extensive compatibility, whisper-quiet motors, and easy-to-use automation features.
Runner-Up
Yoolax Motorized Cellular Shades
A shade with solar charging
This Bluetooth-enabled smart shade comes with a small solar strip, so you never have to recharge the batteries yourself.
Best Retrofit for Roller Blinds
Eve MotionBlinds Upgrade Kit
This option is the best in every way—sturdy, with reliable hardware, a wide range of compatibility, ultra-quiet motors, and straightforward automations.
Best Budget Smart Blinds
Chicology Cordless Roller Shades
These affordable, standard-size shades offer easy app control, and they integrate with all of the major smart-home platforms.
Editor’s choice
Achim Honeycomb Pleated Cordless
A hassle-free model
These slick, stellar smart blinds subtly open and close throughout the day based on the position of the sun.
Best Bang for Your Buck
Redi Shade Easy Lift Trim-at-Home Cordless Pleated
An off-the-shelf option
This option is the best in every way—sturdy, with reliable hardware, a wide range of compatibility, ultra-quiet motors, and straightforward automations.
Before Buying Smart Shades
Custom vs. Ready-Made: Perfectly fitted shades can elevate the look of any room, while ill-fitting ones can detract from your space. If your windows align perfectly with standard off-the-shelf sizes, go for it. However, for most people, made-to-order shades will be the better choice. Keep in mind, custom options will always come at a higher price.
Accurate Measurements: Visit the manufacturer’s website for a detailed measuring guide, and take your time with this step. Measure multiple times and ask someone to double-check your work. Ensuring precise measurements is key to avoiding gaps or realizing too late that your shade is slightly too wide for the frame. If you’re opting for an outside mount, this issue becomes less critical.
Inside vs. Outside Mount: Inside mounts provide a clean look but can leave small gaps for light. Ensure the frame can support the weight and consider obstacles like handles. Outside mounts block more light and are easier to install but don’t look as sleek.
Material and Finish: Choose materials based on needs—lighter fabrics for privacy with light, thicker for heat and noise control. A valance can tidy up the top of your shades.
Power: Smart shades usually run on rechargeable batteries, standard batteries, or solar panels. Always charge fully before installation.
Connectivity: A hub is essential for full smart control via apps or voice commands. Check compatibility with your current smart home system.
Automation: Smart shades can be automated to open and close based on schedules, temperature, or motion. More advanced setups may require additional gadgets.
1. SmartWings Motorized Roller Shades
SmartWings delivers a highly customizable and versatile option for smart shades, offering a variety of styles, colors, and sizes to fit any home. I tested made-to-measure shades, which were straightforward to install using the included brackets and a spring mechanism that makes them easy to snap in and out. They come with a USB-C port for charging, and a remote control with up/down functions and presets. There’s also the option to add a solar panel, but I opted to charge mine using a power bank for better aesthetics. Battery life has been solid, lasting between three to six months.
What sets SmartWings apart is its compatibility with all major smart home ecosystems, including Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, and Samsung SmartThings. I tested their Matter-compatible shades, which easily integrated into my Apple Home app with a QR scan. Using Siri, or a smart button, I could control the shades seamlessly, and the system worked reliably over months with only minor connectivity issues that were easily fixed by re-pairing.
The shades are quiet, around 50 decibels, and look stylish in my living room. However, the price can escalate quickly if you opt for additional features, starting from $155 for the base model. While a bit pricey, they offer an excellent mix of performance, convenience, and smart home integration.
3. Yoolax Motorized Cellular Shades
Yoolax is a reliable choice for smart shades, offering custom-made options in various styles and colors. Installation is straightforward, utilizing a mechanism similar to SmartWings, with a magnetic valance that gives it a polished appearance. The top section includes a USB-C port and a button for manual control. The included remote allows you to set preferred positions, and you can opt for a solar panel to maintain battery life, which typically lasts 3 to 6 months without it.
I chose a honeycomb shade, which is thicker than standard roller shades and excels at blocking light and insulating against heat while reducing outside noise. When paired with curtains, it provides complete darkness. However, smart home compatibility is limited; it only works with Amazon Alexa and Google Home. The Zigbee motor connects directly to select Amazon devices, but for Google Home users, a Yoolax hub is necessary.
Overall, the Yoolax shades are functional and stylish, although the top section is somewhat bulky, and the solar panel is not the most aesthetically pleasing. The Yoolax app is a bit cluttered and features some poor translations, but it allows for scheduling based on sunrise and sunset or geolocation to close the shades when you leave home. While the motor can be a bit noisy, occasionally exceeding 60 decibels, these shades start at around $139, making them a solid investment for smart window treatments.
4. Yoolax Motorized Blinds
If you love your existing roller shade, the Eve Motion Blinds Upgrade Kit is a great way to make it smart. This kit easily fits into your current shade, but be sure to measure the tube’s circumference beforehand. Installation is straightforward, and you can add it to HomeKit by scanning the QR code on the chain pull mechanism. There’s no remote needed, and as long as you have a Home Pod mini, Home Pod, or Apple TV, no separate hub is required. The battery can last up to a year, depending on usage.
Originally designed for Apple Home, the latest version supports Matter, enabling compatibility with Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, and Google Home with the right setup. I’ve scheduled my Eve Motion Blinds to open and close with sunset and sunrise during the week, using Siri on weekends.
This kit allows you to customize the size, color, and finish of your shades. Some suppliers even offer the Eve Motion Blinds pre-fitted into made-to-measure options. While the pull chain is convenient, the shade can occasionally catch on it when closing, and the operation can be noisy, sometimes exceeding 60 decibels. Overall, it’s an excellent choice for upgrading your existing roller shades with smart features.
5. Chicology Cordless Roller Shades
Chirology Cordless shades are an affordable smart shade option, available in eight fixed sizes ranging from 23 x 76.75 inches to 48 x 76.75 inches. There’s no made-to-measure option, and cutting them is not recommended, but they are stylish and easy to install if they fit your windows. The shades use spring brackets and have a removable rechargeable battery at the top right. While the top section is bulky, it looks neat once installed, and you can manually open and close them using buttons or a small included remote.
To control the shades, use the Chirology Home smart app, which allows for scheduling. However, you’ll need to place the included signal repeater within 30 feet, and a Dirig era hub ($70) is necessary for voice commands and smart home compatibility. The shades only come in gray, blending well with most decor, but they can be noisy, reaching up to 60 decibels during operation. Battery life lasts a couple of months, and charging is easy with the removable battery, though a USB-C port would be more convenient. Prices start at $130, making them a budget-friendly choice for smart window treatments.
1. Achim Honeycomb Pleated Cordless
For a stylish addition to your room, look no further than the Achim Honeycomb Pleated Cordless shades. These shades retract smoothly, showcasing a durable design meant for long-term use. Installation is straightforward, and their adjustable fit makes them suitable for various window styles. The honeycomb construction features two layers, providing excellent privacy from outside views while offering superior thermal and sound insulation, which was especially beneficial during nearby construction while we tested them. They allow ample natural light in on sunny days, but block more light compared to single-layer options.
While the solid recoil action is impressive, the exposed top mechanism could potentially collect dust or debris, especially if mounted externally. However, the Achim shades excel in style, aesthetic appeal, and privacy. If you’re seeking a quality shade that combines functionality with elegance, these cordless shades are a fantastic choice. They were a clear favorite among our testers for their effortless operation and the ability to maintain privacy without completely darkening the room.
2. Redi Shade Easy Lift Trim-at-Home Cordless Pleated Light Filtering Shade:
If you’re looking for a step up in the peel-and-stick window shade category without breaking the bank, consider the Redi Shade Easy Lift Trim-at-Home Cordless Pleated shades. Installation is a breeze—simply cut through a few layers using the sharp knife and handy cutting guide provided. Once you’ve measured and cut to fit, just peel and stick the strong foam adhesive to your desired location. The innovative retracting mechanism in the bottom housing offers an ergonomic grip, making it easy to raise and lower the shades.
These shades are made from a single layer of thin paper, allowing for pleasant light filtering, though the white option can let in a bit more brightness. While the paper material isn’t as durable as some other options and may be more prone to stains, the ease of installation is a significant advantage. However, you might sacrifice some longevity since the adhesive may not hold up as well as screws and brackets. Still, we appreciate the sleek and balanced look these shades offer. They provide an aesthetically pleasing and budget-friendly solution for your window covering needs. Measuring, cutting, and sticking has never been easier, and the included cutting guide ensures a straight line for a polished finish.
Flaws but Not Dealbreakers
One notable drawback is that you’ll need separate Wi-Fi hubs for Smarter Home shades and blinds. While the hubs for both products are priced the same and look identical, they aren’t interchangeable. This oversight can be a hassle if you plan to mix and match, as you’ll end up spending a total of $218 for both hubs to connect all your devices over Wi-Fi.
Another issue is the app’s usability. The shades utilize the Tilt app, while the blinds rely on the My Smart Blinds app, which lacks certain features. For instance, the device page in the My Smart Blinds app does not include the opening/closing visualization present in the Tilt app, resulting in an empty space where this feature should be. Smarter Home is reportedly working on consolidating the two apps into a single platform, but this isn’t available yet. If you plan to use only one type of product, this won’t be a major concern, but it does present an inconvenience for those mixing shades and blinds.
Privacy and Security Snapshot
Smarter Home collects data on the devices you use to interact with its site and app, as well as how you engage with their services. This information may be stored on third-party servers. For more details, review Smarter Home’s privacy statement.
Other Good Smart Window Shades
If you’re looking for Matter compatibility, consider the Smart Wings Motorized Light Filtering Roller Shades and Smart Wings Motorized Light Filtering Cellular Shades. Both are easy to install, visually appealing, and operate quietly. They utilize Thread wireless technology for a reliable connection and support control via Amazon Alexa, Apple Home, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings, provided you have a compatible Thread border router. During testing, we found that both shades connected seamlessly to Alexa, Apple Home, and Google Home through an Amazon Echo Dot, Apple Home Pod Mini, and Google Nest Hub Max, respectively.
For those aiming to enhance energy efficiency, Lutron’s Serena Architectural Honeycomb Shades offer a well-regarded cellular design that helps insulate windows against heat and cold transfer. These shades operate through the same app as Lutron’s roller shades, maintaining compatibility with Amazon Alexa, Apple Home, and Google Home.
A more budget-friendly, though less feature-rich option, is the Thread-enabled Smart Wings Motorized Light Filtering Cellular Shades. These shades also incorporate honeycomb design for improved insulation.
What to Look Forward To
We’re excited to test the new Thread-enabled Eve Blinds, which use MotionBlinds motors and are compatible with Alexa, Apple Home, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings through Matter. Additionally, we will explore retrofit devices that can add smart functionality to existing shades or blinds.
Smart Retrofit Shades:
Smart Retrofit Blinds:
- SmarterHome Blinds Automation Kit
- SOMA Tilt 2
- SwitchBot Blind Tilt
The Competition of Smart Shades
We do not recommend the Matter over Thread Leviosa Roller Shades due to the bulky and unfinished appearance of the battery compartment, which requires an excessive ten D batteries, surpassing even the needs of the Lutron Serena Smart Roller Shades.
Additionally, we have stopped recommending Graber Motorized Shades after encountering significant issues with the app during testing. We faced a frustrating situation where we were instructed to update the time zone (which was already set correctly) and became stuck behind a pop-up window, rendering the app unusable. Despite assurances from a Graber representative that the Alexa integration glitch had been resolved, ongoing reports from other users suggest that these problems persist.
What are smart blinds and smart shades?
Smart blinds and smart shades refer to motorized window treatments that can be controlled through a smartphone app, remote, or voice commands. These window coverings are designed to integrate with other smart home devices, allowing for seamless operation as part of a larger smart home ecosystem. They can typically connect via Bluetooth or WiFi, enabling you to adjust them from your phone or other smart devices. Many models are also compatible with voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant, offering convenient, hands-free control. Before purchasing, it’s essential to check compatibility with your existing setup, or verify if they work independently through a proprietary app.
When shopping for smart blinds or shades, keep these key factors in mind:
✔️ Compatibility: Check if the blinds or shades are compatible with your current smart home system, whether it’s Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit. If you don’t have a smart home system yet, decide on one first, then choose compatible smart window treatments.
✔️ Window Size: Smart blinds and shades need to fit your windows accurately, so take precise measurements. Some options offer custom sizes for a perfect fit, while budget-friendly options often come in pre-set sizes.
✔️ Power Source: Smart blinds are powered by batteries, hardwiring, or solar energy. For battery-operated options, look at battery life between charges, as it can range from 30 days to six months. Some systems come with rechargeable packs, while others may need battery replacements.
✔️ Ease of Use: Consider how you want to control your blinds. Some systems allow scheduling for automatic opening and closing, while others work with Bluetooth remotes. If you already have blinds or curtains, look for automation kits like SwitchBot or SmarterHome to upgrade them.
✔️ Curtain Style: If style is important, save curtain selection for last to ensure it complements your smart setup. If you want blackout curtains or specific colors, confirm these options are available from your chosen brand.
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