If you’re looking for high-quality smart blinds that integrate seamlessly into your smart home, SmartWings might have exactly what you need. In this review, I’ll be sharing my experience with the SmartWings Matter-compatible custom blinds, including the ordering process, setup, and daily use.
You can watch my video review of these blinds here.
What is SmartWings?
SmartWings is a company that manufactures custom blinds with smart motors, remote controls, and optional solar panels, shipping worldwide. While they are registered in Austin, Texas, their shades are manufactured and shipped from China.
SmartWings reached out and offered to send me a set of custom blinds to review. While I didn’t pay for the blinds, this is not a sponsored review, and SmartWings had no input on my opinions.
Ordering and Customization Options
On the SmartWings website, you can choose from a variety of blinds, including:
- Roman Shades
- Zebra Shades
- Roller Shades
- Woven Wooden Shades
These blinds also come with different blackout options and colors, allowing for customization to match your home decor. The set I received were white Roman shades with 100% blackout.
Pricing starts at £139 for filtering shades (24” width x 24” drop), with additional costs based on size and motor selection. Here’s a breakdown of the motor options:
- Standard Motor (USB-C, Remote-Controlled) – Free
- Zigbee or Alexa Motor – £30
- Z-Wave Plus Motor – £56
- HomeKit Motor with Thread – £80
- Matter Over Thread Motor – £95
I opted for the Matter Over Thread motor for flexibility in my Apple-centric smart home. You can also add a solar panel for £50 to keep your blinds charged indefinitely.
For reference, my custom blinds (39 ¾” wide x 65” high, Matter Over Thread motor, remote, and solar panel) would have cost £403.
Setup and Installation
The blinds arrived well-packed, taking about a week to arrive from China. The package included:
- Blinds
- Solar panel
- Remote
- USB-C charging cable
- Screws, wall plugs, and instructions
Installation was straightforward:
- Secure the two mounting brackets on the window frame or wall.
- Clip the blinds into place.
- Attach the solar panel and plug it into the USB-C port.
- Hold the setup button for six seconds until the blinds respond.
- Scan the included Matter QR code in Apple Home to complete the setup.
I assigned the blinds to a room and added them to my morning and evening automation routines in Apple Home. Everything worked seamlessly, and I could easily control them via Siri, my Apple Watch, or the Home app.
Design & Build Quality
The Roman shades I received feel premium and durable, with a textured fabric. The motor housing is about 10 cm deep, slightly protruding from my window, but the design ensures it’s only visible from the side or underneath.
For those worried about battery life, the built-in battery lasts 6-8 months per charge, and the solar panel keeps it topped up in sunnier weather.
Daily Use & Performance
I’ve been using these blinds for a few weeks now, and they have been incredibly reliable. My HomePod Mini acts as a Matter hub, and the blinds open and close on schedule every time. Response time is around 2 seconds, and they operate quietly at 35dB.
The cordless design is also a plus, especially for pet owners.
Verdict: Are SmartWings Blinds Worth It?
SmartWings offers high-quality, custom smart blinds that work well, are easy to install, and integrate seamlessly with Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home, and more. While they are pricey, they are more affordable than UK-made smart blinds and hold up well against competitors like BlindsMagic.
If you’re looking for a reliable and stylish smart blind solution, SmartWings is worth considering.
🔗 Purchase SmartWings Blinds Here
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