Key Takeaways
- You can set up a schedule through the app and have it flip the switch for you.
- The market is flooded with redundancies in smart devices
- The bulky design may look unsightly, but it’s good for niche applications.
I recently had the opportunity to review the SwitchBot Curtain 3 and was intrigued by a company determined to automate things that you never thought you could automate. This bot is the little device that started it all for SwitchBot, the first product they launched in 2016. I had to check it out for myself and see where it fits in the modern world of smart devices. These days, you can find countless “smart” gadgets, including lightbulbs, switches, thermostats, and appliances. This bot seems designed to address a problem that’s becoming more and more rare with every passing year, but I wanted to see for myself.
Unusual Devices
Switchbot Bot
The SwitchBot bot is a small app-controlled bot that can flip switches. It’s an ingenious product and was more relevant when it was first released in 2016, but in today’s context it may feel like an outdated solution for some applications.
- I can flip the switch for you
- SwitchBot can be scheduled via the app
- Very niche features
- There is a lot of redundancy in the smart device market
- For more features, you need to purchase additional SwitchBot Hub.
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Pricing, Specifications and Availability
The SwitchBot Bot retails for just under $30 and can be purchased from Amazon or directly from SwitchBot. Consumers can choose from single, two, or four-packs.
The Bot is a pretty simple product, so there aren’t many details about the specs. SwitchBot says it runs on a single CR2 3V battery that lasts for 600 days and works over Bluetooth when controlled through the app. Customization and smart control like schedules are possible out of the box, but extra features like control over Wi-Fi when on the go require the additional purchase of a SwitchBot Hub.
What I like about SwitchBot Bot
Easy to install and reliable
Installing the SwitchBot Bot was relatively easy, although the steps vary slightly depending on the type of switch you want to use. As mentioned for the SwitchBot Curtain 3, this bot does exactly what it is intended to do. The bot turns the hallway lights on and off with the touch of a button in the SwitchBot app. It works smoothly and without any annoying noises.
The Switch can be scheduled through the app, and I actually found a perfect use for this. Every night, I would leave the hallway light on so that it was bright enough for the Roomba to clean all night. However, my wife hated having the hallway light on brightly when she woke up around 5am every morning. So I set up the SwitchBot bot to turn off the light every morning before my wife wakes up, and after the Roomba has finished cleaning.
What I didn’t like about SwitchBot Bot
Bulky and unsightly
The biggest drawback for me was its aesthetics. The Bot doesn’t look good when mounted on a light switch, coffee maker, or other device. Its boxy, bulky design stands out no matter where you put it. If you put it out of sight, this might not be an issue.
Should I buy a SwitchBot bot?
Like most SwitchBot products, this bot will have a very niche use case and will be a game changer for those who find it and a headache for those who don’t. You may find a perfect fit for your home, like I did, in which case the SwitchBot is an inexpensive solution to your problem. I never wanted to do the DIY electrical work of replacing all the lights in my hallway with smart bulbs or replacing two light switches on my wall with smart switches, so for me the SwitchBot bot is perfect for small jobs and is a well designed and reliable product as long as you find a use for it.