In this review for Mark’s Tech Blogs, I take a detailed look at the SmartWave Shades, a set of fully custom smart blinds designed to work with the Matter smart home standard. These blinds were supplied to me free of charge for review purposes, but this is not a sponsored post and Smart Wave Shades have had no input into my thoughts or conclusions.
Like many other brands I’ve reviewed, Smart Wave Shades are based in the US but manufacture and ship their products from China. Unlike some alternatives, these blinds are recognised in Apple Home as being made by Smart Wave, which is a nice touch.
Ordering process
Smart Wave Shades provided me with a 100% discount voucher so I could order directly from their website. The ordering process is straightforward: choose from a variety of shade types such as blackout, roller, cellular, zebra, roman, wood woven, outdoor, dual shades, and even curtains. I opted for white, 100% blackout cellular shades.
Prices start at £151, increasing with width and depth. Measurements are taken in inches, with clear guides available online. After selecting the colour, mount type, and size, you choose a motor. The standard motor works with Smart Wave’s remotes, but for an additional £56, you can opt for the Matter-compatible motor — the version I chose. This works with Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings, and Home Assistant, without a dedicated hub (devices like a HomePod mini act as the hub). The Matter motor also supports remote control.
Remotes start at £9 for a single-channel model or £19 for a 15-channel version. Optional wireless wall switches are available from £12 for a 1-channel up to 6-channel versions. Power can come from a charger or an optional £37 solar panel — I recommend the latter for maintenance-free operation. Free shipping is included, and you can also order fabric samples, motors alone, and side blockers for blackout shades.
I placed my order on 13th July, and they arrived on 28th July — just over two weeks later.
Specifications
All blinds include a five-year warranty. Motor noise is rated at 20–30 decibels. The built-in battery can run for approximately 600 operations per charge, and charging is via USB-C if needed. The cellular shades offer additional benefits such as soundproofing, UV resistance, and insulation.
Installation & pairing
Installation was simple: mount the brackets, attach the blind, then pair it. Pairing is done by pressing the button twice until the blinds move slightly down and up. In Apple Home, hit the plus button and scan the QR code on the blind. Mine paired easily, though I had to check the website for pairing instructions, as none were included in the box. At this stage, you can also pair remotes using the instructions available online.
The solar panel attaches with 3M tape and, after weeks of use, has stayed firmly in place. It’s slim and discreet, complementing the blinds’ clean design, which includes a rounded top housing for the motor. An LED indicator shows green when fully charged and red when charging — something to tape over if installing in a bedroom.
Design & quality
The blinds feel well-made and look great. The blackout material is effective, and the build quality appears durable, even surviving a curious cat testing them. The material is light but resists damage well.
Everyday use
The remotes work well with fast response times, but I’ve mostly controlled them through Apple Home. Both app and voice control via Siri are quick and reliable. I’ve integrated them with a Meross presence sensor in my office to automate opening when I enter and closing (after a short delay) when I leave. I generally open them to about 70% to keep sunlight off my monitor and maintain privacy.
Downsides
The only negative I’ve found is the constant status light on the motor housing. While it’s not an issue in my home office, it could be distracting in a bedroom setup.
Verdict
After three weeks of use, the SmartWave Shades have proven to be quiet, responsive, and reliable. The blackout function works well, build quality is high, and the Matter compatibility makes integration seamless. Aside from the small LED light quirk, they are an excellent smart shading solution.
Purchase link
You can view or purchase the SmartWave Shades here.
More from Mark’s Tech Blogs
For more smart home and tech reviews, visit Mark’s Tech Blogs.
