Smart blinds allow you to control your blinds easily using a companion app or smart home hub. You can set a schedule to make your blinds open and close automatically or control them manually from anywhere. Smart blinds can make your home more energy efficient, too.

What to Look For in Smart Blinds in 2023

If you want to make your home smarter, smart blinds are worth the investment, and not just for convenience. Being able to control your blinds from anywhere, even when you aren't home, helps a lot if you need to open or close them at specific times—whether for children or pets—or to give the illusion that you're home to deter thieves.

But, when looking for smart blinds, there are some things you should keep an eye out for. The first and most important is the style of the blind you're purchasing. Smart blinds come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and types. This includes roller blinds, slatted blinds, honeycomb-style blinds, vertical blinds, and more. Before narrowing the feature list, you should ensure the blinds you purchase are the right size and style for your home.

When it comes to smart blind features, there are a few factors to consider. Do you need blackout filtering to completely darken a room? Are you looking to make life easier by purchasing smart blinds with voice assistant support? Do you prefer your blinds to be hardwired, battery-powered, or solar-powered?

Depending on the brand, you may have to sacrifice some features to prioritize others. It's also worth considering whether you need to make additional purchases for certain features to work. Many smart blinds will allow you to use voice assistants but will require a bridge or hub that is sold separately.

The final aspect of smart blinds to ponder is installation. If you're retrofitting existing blinds or curtains with a smart blind kit, you can install them yourself. However, hardwired or smart blinds that cover large areas may require additional assistance—sometimes even professional installation, which will be an additional charge.

Once you know what you need out of your smart blinds, you can make your purchase with confidence, especially if you go with one of our recommendations below.

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Best Smart Blinds Overall: IKEA FYRTUR

Ikea Fyrtur smart blinds on window
Ikea

Pros

Cons

Easy to install

Signal repeater must be plugged in within 32 feet of the blind

Not too expensive

Can be controlled via the IKEA Home app

Coming in various sizes and options, the IKEA FYRTUR smart blinds are some of the most versatile you can buy on the market. These blinds range from 58.5x195cm to 122x195cm, and you can bundle them with the necessary DIRIGERA hub if you don't have one already.

Versatility aside, the ability to block out sunlight completely makes these smart blinds especially great. If you work at night and need to sleep during the day or need help regulating a child's sleep patterns, these blinds will be a great purchase.

If you already have the IKEA TRETUR or FYRTUR roller blinds installed in your home, you'll be pleased to know that the walls and ceiling brackets for those are suitable across all of these models—another nod to IKEA's way of making life easier.

Once installed and connected, the IKEA FYRTUR smart blinds are a breeze to use. You can manually open and close the blinds, control them at a distance using the included remote control, or even wirelessly via the IKEA Home smart 1 app on Android or iPhone. With the DIRIGERA hub or TRÅDFRI gateway, you can also use voice controls with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit to control your blinds.

If you're looking for smart blinds that can do nearly everything you'd want them to, the IKEA FYRTUR blinds should be your first look.

ikea smart blinds
IKEA FYRTUR
Best Smart Blind Overall

Controllable via the IKEA Home app or the included remote control, you can set these smart blinds to open and close on demand or according to your schedule.

Best Budget Smart Blinds: SwitchBot Blind Tilt Motorized Blind

Switchbot Blind Tilt and included window solar panel installed on blind wand.
Sarah Chaney / How-To Geek

Pros

Cons

Versatile and feature-rich yet affordable

Multiple SwitchBot Curtains could get expensive

Easy setup and app integration

Hub required for voice command integration

Long-lasting solar-USB-C-powered battery

Bluetooth range and app UI can be improved upon

Group function simultaneously controls multiple blinds

Whether you’re looking to switch to a smart blind or to a more affordable option, the SwitchBot Blind Tilt Motorized Blinds has you covered. It allows you to easily and intelligently control the shutters in your home, office, or building without leaving a dent in your pocket. This smart blind kit is ideal for horizontal louvers with a tilt band and rotary bars of 6.2mm to 12mm.

Installation is a breeze, doesn't take too long, and you don’t have to be tech-savvy. The instruction manual and installation video are handy if you need any help. The SwitchBot Hub Mini (sold separately) and the SwitchBot app (on iPhone or Android) allow for more customization and added functionality.

Solar-powered, the SwitchBot Blind Tilt Motorized Blind comes with a 2,000mAh battery that can also be charged via USB-C. Its motors function smoothly without getting stuck or making excessive noise, allowing you to control the blinds' tilt within 2 degrees. You can easily control it with just a few taps, whether you're at home or out.

A Group Control feature lets you simultaneously control up to four different blinds with a single button. This is super helpful if you have a large space with different setups. It's also photo-sensitive; you can program it to open or close based on lighting conditions.

Most SwitchBot devices can be voice-controlled and used hands-free with voice assistants and smart devices via the SwitchBot Hub Mini. If you're looking for an affordable way to upgrade your existing blinds, the SwitchBot Blind Tilt Motorized Blinds is the way to go.

switchbot blind tilt
SwitchBot Blind Tilt
Best Budget Smart Blinds
$56 $70 Save $14

The SwitchBot Blind Tilt is affordable and easy to install. It is solar-and-USB-C-powered and can be controlled via the SwitchBot app, allowing you to manage multiple blinds in one place.

Best Voice-controlled Smart Blinds: Serena (by Lutron)

Serena Blinds on window
Lutron

Pros

Cons

Variety of styles

Lutron smart hub not included

Works with many smart assistants

More expensive than other options

Smart lighting integration

The Serena Smart Shades allow you to create a comfortable space in your home that you can control via a remote, the Lutron app on iPhone and Android, or voice assistant. There are multiple styles of shade to choose from, and with hundreds of fabrics and colors available, you can find Serena shades that suit any home.

While the Serena smart shades are undoubtedly more expensive than most of our other recommendations, they are made to be a perfect fit for your window. Plus, you can combine this with professional installation in your area so you know the blinds are installed perfectly.

Once installed, the Serena blinds can connect to most smart home ecosystems, including Alexa, Google Assistant, SONOS, SmartThings, Apple HomeKit, and Lutron's Caséta. You can use your existing smart home products, like smart displays, to easily control the blinds.

Using the Lutron app, you can set schedules to make your blinds open and close automatically at specific times or create scenes that integrate with your other smart devices. You can let the light in and have your blinds open on time every morning, then have them close at night without any manual intervention.

The only additional consideration you might need is whether or not to invest in the Lutron Smart Hub. This separate purchase unlocks features like voice control, light optimization, and scheduling.

serena shades
Serena by Lutron
Best Voice-controlled Smart Blind

Serena smart shades can be paired with the Lutron smart hub to offer functionality like scheduling, voice control, and light optimization.

Best Solar Powered Smart Blinds: MySmartBlinds

MySmartBlinds on windows
Smarter Home

Pros

Cons

Automated schedules with onboard memory

Heavy

SmartLock technology allows for easy installation

Voice commands aren't possible without Tilt Bridge

Solar panel included

Easy to install, MySmartBlinds comes in a range of neutral colors to complement your home's decor. You can purchase these with or without smart motorization; however, if you want to go down the smart route, it will cost you extra.

MySmartBlinds are compatible with window frames 21 to 73 inches wide and 120 inches tall and frames with a depth equal to or greater than 2.5 inches. This makes them a versatile choice, with each blind including a SmartLock mounting system, tilt wand, and solar panel.

One of the standout features of MySmartBlinds is that there is no need to plug these smart blinds into a power outlet. Thanks to the included solar panel, your blinds will charge up in the sunlight, so you can install them without worrying about the battery running dry.

Using the iPhone and Android app, you control MySmartBlinds directly from your smartphone. You can set schedules so that your blinds open and close at set times and even open them automatically using Sun Tracking mode. With the onboard motor and memory, your schedules and automation are initiated even if you're not home.

To use voice commands, you will need to purchase the Tilt Bridge separately. While this is a bit disappointing, it's hard to dislike MySmartBlinds since they are so easy to install, thanks to the SmartLock technology.

mysmartblinds
MySmartBlinds
Best Solar Powered Smart Blinds

Easily install MySmartBlinds with SmartLock technology and enjoy automation, schedules, and voice control with the Tilt Bridge.

Best Smart Blind Kit: MySmartBlinds Automation Kit

MySmartBlinds on windows
Smarter Home

Pros

Cons

Retrofit existing blinds

Horizontal blinds only

Compatible with many blinds

Alexa and Google Assistant require SmartHome Bridge

Hardwiring not required

Solar powered

If you're confident with a little DIY and don't want to shell out on brand-new smart blinds, the MySmartBlinds Automation Kit makes it easy to retrofit existing blinds. This Bluetooth-enabled kit comes with a solar panel, much like the standard MySmartBlinds, so you can keep your blinds charged using the sun. In other words, no tangled wires and no potential hazards to trip over.

The MySmartBlinds Automation Kit is designed to fit most 2 to 2.5-inch horizontal blinds. The included solar panel can easily be fitted to the blinds using the adjustable clips provided, and the adhesive backing on the manual control switch makes it simple to install. If you still want to be able to control your blinds manually, there's a hook that allows you to attach your blind's tilt wand without fuss.

Using the iPhone or Android app, you can set personalized schedules to tilt blinds open and close at certain times or days of the week. Adding new events via the app, editing existing schedules, or enabling energy savings is easy. You can even name individual rooms and group your blinds for added convenience.

Like MySmartBlinds, the MySmartBlinds Automation Kit works with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. However, this is only possible with the additional purchase of the Tilt Bridge, as it's not included in the kit. But, if you're happy enough with the app, spending extra is unnecessary if you don't really need it.

mysmartblinds automation kit
MySmartBlinds Automation Kit
Best Smart Blind Kit

Retrofit existing blinds and save on an expensive purchase with this affordable smart blind kit.

FAQ

How do smart blinds work?

Smart blinds work by connecting via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth with your smart devices. Once connected, you'll be able to control different settings and features via an app or voice control. For example, you can set schedules, open/close your blinds, etc.

Can you make your current blinds smart?

You can make your current blinds smart by using a smart blind kit. These are usually small devices that attach to your normal blinds and have a wireless connection (like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth) built-in to them.

How do I install smart blinds?

Smart blinds tend not to be very different from normal blinds when it comes to installation. Like traditional blinds, some smart blinds will be cut to size, whereas others will come with set dimensions. Once installed, your smart blinds will need to connect to another Wi-Fi or Bluetooth-enabled device like your smartphone in order to use the smart features.