SwitchBot vs Aqara Curtain Robot: Which smart curtain system is right for your home? Smart curtains are one of the easiest upgrades you can add. Instead of manually opening and closing your curtains every day, these curtain robots—like the SwitchBot Curtain 3 and Aqara Curtain Driver E1—handle it automatically. You can control them via smartphone apps, voice assistants, or automation schedules.
But the big question is: SwitchBot vs Aqara Curtain Robot— which smart curtain system is right for you? Let’s compare their design, compatibility, setup process, features, pricing, and performance so you can make the best decision.
Overview of Both Curtain Robots
🔹SwitchBot Curtain 3
- Works with Rod, U-Rail, and I-Rail curtains
- Supports Bluetooth and Matter (with SwitchBot Hub 2)
- Compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, SmartThings, IFTTT
- Strong motor — can pull heavy curtains (up to 16 kg per robot)
- Easy app setup with multiple automation options
🔹Aqara Curtain Driver E1
- Designed for Rod or Track curtains (no I-Rail option)
- Requires Aqara Hub for full smart home integration
- Supports Apple HomeKit, Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT
- Slim design, fits neatly behind curtains
- Motor strength is slightly lower, works best with medium-weight curtains
Compatibility & Installation
- SwitchBot Curtain 3: Very flexible — works with different curtain types (Rod, U-Rail, I-Rail). Installation takes just a few minutes by clipping it onto your curtain rail.
- Aqara Curtain Driver E1: Mainly designed for rod and track curtains, so if you have I-Rail, it won’t fit. Setup is also easy, but requires Aqara Hub for advanced automations.
👉 Winner: SwitchBot Curtain 3 for wider compatibility.
Connectivity & Smart Home Integration
SwitchBot Curtain 3: Works via Bluetooth by default. For WiFi, voice control, and Matter support, you’ll need the SwitchBot Hub 2. Once connected, you can control curtains via Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri Shortcuts, SmartThings, and IFTTT.
App: The SwitchBot Curtain 3 uses the SwitchBot App (iOS & Android) to schedule, open/close, and automate curtain movements.
Aqara Curtain Driver E1: Pairs seamlessly with Aqara Hub and integrates smoothly into Apple HomeKit, Alexa, and Google Assistant. No Matter support yet (as of 2025).
App: The Aqara Curtain Driver E1 uses the Aqara Home App (iOS & Android) for setup, scheduling, and automation with other Aqara devices.
👉 Winner: Tie — SwitchBot wins for Matter, Aqara wins for HomeKit lovers.
SwitchBot vs Aqara Curtain Robot: Features & Performance
SwitchBot Curtain 3
- Auto-open/close schedules
- Light sensor support (open curtains with sunlight)
- Strong motor for heavy curtains
- Multiple modes: touch-and-go, gradual open, group control
Aqara Curtain Driver E1
- Smooth motion control
- Automation with Aqara ecosystem (motion sensors, door sensors, etc.)
- Works well with medium-weight curtains
- More affordable than SwitchBot in most markets
👉 Winner: Depends — SwitchBot for heavy-duty use, Aqara for smooth ecosystem automation.
SwitchBot vs Aqara Curtain Robot: Noise Level
- SwitchBot: Features QuietDrift mode under 25dB—ideal for bedrooms and nurseries. Normal mode goes up to 42dB.
- Aqara: Louder than SwitchBot’s quiet mode, but speed is adjustable.
👉 Winner: SwitchBot for quiet environments.
Maximum Curtain Load & Track Compatibility
- SwitchBot: Supports curtains up to 15–16 kg (33 lbs) and works with a wide range of rods and tracks, including extendable rods.
- Aqara: Supports up to 12 kg (26.4 lbs), compatible with most rods and tracks, but extendable rods are not supported.
👉 Winner: SwitchBot for heavier curtains and wider compatibility.
Power & Battery Life
- SwitchBot: 3,350 mAh battery lasting up to 8 months. Optional solar panel offers maintenance-free charging.
- Aqara: 6,400 mAh battery lasting up to 1 year. Can charge via USB-C or stay continuously powered.
👉 Winner: Aqara for longer battery life; SwitchBot for solar and eco-friendly options.
Ecosystem & Smart Features
SwitchBot:
- Plug-and-play simplicity, works with gadgets like SwitchBot Bot and SwitchBot Lock
- Supports Matter with Hub 2, allowing multi-platform integration
- Great for users who want flexible setups and automation
Aqara:
- Extensive Zigbee ecosystem with sensors and smart devices
- Offline automations work reliably even without internet
- Strong HomeKit support
SwitchBot vs Aqara Curtain Robot: Pricing & Value
- SwitchBot Curtain 3: Slightly more expensive, especially if you also buy SwitchBot Hub 2 for full functionality. But offers wider compatibility and stronger performance.
- Aqara Curtain Driver E1: More budget-friendly, great for people who are already in the Aqara or Apple HomeKit ecosystem.
👉 Winner: Aqara if budget is tight, SwitchBot if you want long-term flexibility.
Pros and Cons
| SwitchBot Curtain | Aqara Curtain Driver E1 |
|---|---|
| ✅ Supports Rod, U-Rail, I-Rail | ✅ Affordable smart curtain option |
| ✅ Strong motor for heavy curtains | ✅ Apple HomeKit integration |
| ✅ Works with Matter & multiple ecosystems | ✅ Works well with Aqara ecosystem devices |
| ✅ Wide compatibility | ✅ Sleek, compact design |
| ❌ Needs Hub 2 for WiFi/Matter control | ❌ Limited to rod & track curtains |
| ❌ Higher price point | ❌ Lower motor strength — not ideal for heavy curtains |
| ❌ Requires Aqara Hub for smart features |
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
- If you want maximum compatibility, heavier curtain support, and future-proof Matter integration, go with SwitchBot Curtain 3.
- If you’re on a budget or already use Aqara/Apple HomeKit devices, then Aqara Curtain Driver E1 is a solid choice.
👉 Best Overall: SwitchBot Curtain 3 (for most users)
👉 Best Budget/HomeKit Option: Aqara Curtain Driver E1
