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Paul Hibbert (Hibbert Home Tech)'s Smartwings Automated Blinds Review

Smartwings · Reviewed by Paul Hibbert (Hibbert Home Tech) · Published 2026-04-04

Rating 5/5Source quality 75/100Evidence 14Claims 10Q&A 7Pros 9Cons 5Sponsored

Based on a review by Paul Hibbert (Hibbert Home Tech) (accessed 2026-04-04).

What they actually found

  • Loved — Made-to-measure, now affordable and competitive with DIY options
  • Annoyed by — Matter code was difficult to find during installation (not in manual, printed on back of installed unit)

Based on this review alone: buy it if you care about made-to-measure, now affordable and competitive with diy options — just accept matter code was difficult to find during installation (not in manual, printed on back of installed unit).

This source's evidence 🎬

Source verdict

The reviewer concludes that despite initial frustrations with Matter code location and Thread device pairing, once installed and working, these are "the nicest blinds I have ever tried and possibly one of the nicest smart home products I have ever tried." He highly recommends automating blinds for added convenience.

About this source

This review covers Smartwings smart home blinds, focusing on their compatibility with Home Assistant, Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit. It examines their unique Power over Ethernet (PoE) and solar panel options, installation process, customization features, and perceived affordability. The reviewer also details his experience with setup frustrations and remote control performance.

Review notes

Smartwings automated blinds are exceptional, offering high-end quality at an affordable price, making them a top recommendation for smart home integration. The made-to-measure construction is impressive, matching the quality of much more expensive options, and the blackout material is highly effective. Furthermore, the innovative PoE power option is an industry first, while the solar panel versions maintained 100% charge during testing. However, the initial Matter/Thread setup was frustrating due to a poorly placed matter code and several connection attempts needed before achieving a stable connection. If you prioritize customizable, high-quality smart blinds with diverse power and connectivity, these are an excellent choice. If you are wary of potential Matter/Thread setup complexities, consider their Zigbee alternatives for a smoother initial experience.

What the reviewer liked

  • Made-to-measure, now affordable and competitive with DIY options
  • High-quality construction, described as the nicest ever tried
  • Proper blackout functionality, imperative for light-sensitive sleep
  • Offers multiple power options: PoE (world's first), solar (maintained 100% charge), and USB-C
  • Supports various connectivity options: Matter over Thread, Zigbee, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, and Home Assistant
  • Easy physical installation with simple ceiling clips
  • Remotes are highly customizable and offer good in-room range
  • Enables advanced and useful smart home automations (e.g., privacy for showering)
  • Variety of blind types (roller, zebra) and customization for balance/material

What the reviewer criticised

  • Matter code was difficult to find during installation (not in manual, printed on back of installed unit)
  • Initial Matter/Thread setup was frustrating, requiring multiple attempts to connect to Home Assistant
  • The 'Helix' puck remote does not have house-wide range
  • Printed Matter codes on the device are a potential e-waste issue if they wear off
  • Instructions were incomplete regarding Matter code placement

Structured claims

Smartwings blinds are compatible with Home Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit, with specific motor options available for different services.

reviewer_claimstrong

Smartwings provides various power options, including industry-first Power over Ethernet (PoE), solar panels (which maintain 100% charge), and USB-C.

reviewer_claimstrong

Smartwings has lowered the price of their made-to-measure blinds to a level that is genuinely affordable and competitive with adjustable, cut-to-size options.

reviewer_claimmoderate

The physical installation process for Smartwings blinds is very straightforward, involving minimal steps to get them mounted.

reviewer_claimmoderate

The reviewer considers Smartwings blinds to be the nicest he has ever tried, praising their overall quality and aesthetic details like the balance.

reviewer_claimstrong

The blinds provide proper blackout, which is essential for preventing light interruption according to the reviewer.

reviewer_claimmoderate

Buyers can customize various aspects, including motor type, balance material, blind style (roller, zebra), and size, from very small to very large.

reviewer_claimstrong

Finding the Matter code and connecting Thread devices to Home Assistant proved to be frustrating and time-consuming, despite the system working flawlessly once connected.

reviewer_claimstrong

The expensive hockey puck remote, while generally functional, occasionally fails to control both paired blinds simultaneously, requiring multiple presses.

reviewer_claimmoderate

Smartwings blinds are considered a nicer product with better aesthetics and easier Home Assistant integration compared to the cheaper SwitchBot alternative, which requires an additional hub.

comparison_claimstrong

Evidence items

Direct Home Assistant integration

hands_on_demopositivet=00:09–00:15

The reviewer demonstrates the blind working directly with Home Assistant, showing its position and confirming functionality.

Multi-platform compatibility

reviewer_claimpositivet=00:15–00:27

The reviewer states the blinds work with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit if specific motors are purchased. He then demonstrates Alexa controlling blinds in perfect synchronicity.

Industry-first PoE blinds

specification_claimpositivet=00:27–00:32

The reviewer highlights SmartWings manufacturing Power over Ethernet (PoE) blinds, calling it an "absolute first for the industry as far as I know."

Solar panel charging option

reviewer_claimpositivet=00:32–00:34

The reviewer mentions that SmartWings offer solar panel options and confirms he is using them, noting they have been 100% charged the entire time.

Made-to-measure blinds at an affordable price

reviewer_claimpositivet=00:36–00:43

The reviewer states SmartWings have brought their prices down to a level most people can afford, making made-to-measure blinds competitive with adjustable options.

Straightforward installation

hands_on_demopositivet=00:52–00:58

The reviewer explains the simple installation process: taking the blind out of the box, putting clips into the ceiling, and then hooking the blind on.

High quality construction and aesthetic

reviewer_claimpositivet=01:28–01:38

The reviewer asserts these are "the nicest blinds I have ever tried" and praises the quality and aesthetic details, such as the option for material on the balance.

Effective blackout capability

reviewer_claimpositivet=01:43–01:46

The reviewer emphasizes that these are "proper blackout blinds," which he considers absolutely imperative, especially with a baby.

Matter code location issue during setup

reviewer_claimnegativet=02:44–03:36

The reviewer expresses significant frustration over the difficulty in finding the Matter code, which was printed only on the top and also on the back, but not in the instruction manual, necessitating calling a fitter back.

Thread device pairing difficulties

reviewer_claimnegativet=03:41–03:47

The reviewer notes it took about 10 attempts to connect the blind to Home Assistant, stating that Thread devices are consistently difficult to connect.

Extensive customization options

reviewer_claimpositivet=06:05–06:44

The reviewer highlights the high degree of customization available, including choice of motor type (Zigbee, Z-Wave, Alexa), balance material, blind type (zebra, roller), and size.

Smart home automation capabilities

hands_on_demopositivet=09:12–10:11

The reviewer describes and demonstrates custom automations he set up, such as lowering a blind for privacy when a shower is in use, and raising it later only if the baby is not sleeping.

Intermittent hockey puck remote functionality

reviewer_claimnegativet=10:33–11:24

While the remote's range is good, the reviewer notes that the expensive hockey puck remote sometimes only sends one of two paired blinds down, requiring a second press, occurring about 5% of the time.

Smartwings vs. SwitchBot comparison

comparisonpositivet=11:51–12:28

The reviewer compares Smartwings to SwitchBot, stating SwitchBot is cheaper but requires a hub, while Smartwings is a nicer product, looks better, and has fewer hoops for Home Assistant integration.

Quick answers

  • Are Smartwings blinds compatible with smart home systems like Home Assistant, Alexa, or HomeKit? The reviewer confirms direct compatibility with Home Assistant and demonstrates it working.
  • Are Smartwings made-to-measure blinds affordable? The reviewer notes that Smartwings has significantly reduced the price of their made-to-measure blinds, making them accessible to most people and competitive with even less convenient, adjustable alternatives.
  • How easy are Smartwings blinds to install? The reviewer describes the physical installation as incredibly simple, contrasting it with the "DIY nightmare" often associated with cheaper options.
  • What power options are available for Smartwings smart blinds? The reviewer highlights a variety of power options, including standard USB-C for plugging into a power socket, solar panels which he uses and confirms maintain 100% charge, and innovative Power over Ethernet (PoE) as an industry first.

Buyer questions answered

Are Smartwings blinds compatible with smart home systems like Home Assistant, Alexa, or HomeKit?

The reviewer confirms direct compatibility with Home Assistant and demonstrates it working. He also states that specific motors are available for integration with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit, showing Alexa in action. This broad compatibility ensures they can fit into various smart home ecosystems.

Are Smartwings made-to-measure blinds affordable?

The reviewer notes that Smartwings has significantly reduced the price of their made-to-measure blinds, making them accessible to most people and competitive with even less convenient, adjustable alternatives. He clarifies that while not 'cheap' in an absolute sense, they are affordable for the made-to-measure motorized category.

How easy are Smartwings blinds to install?

The reviewer describes the physical installation as incredibly simple, contrasting it with the "DIY nightmare" often associated with cheaper options. He states it's "that straightforward" – just unbox, clip to the ceiling, and hook the blind on. However, initial setup for smart features (finding Matter codes, Thread pairing) can be frustrating.

What power options are available for Smartwings smart blinds?

The reviewer highlights a variety of power options, including standard USB-C for plugging into a power socket, solar panels which he uses and confirms maintain 100% charge, and innovative Power over Ethernet (PoE) as an industry first. This provides flexibility for different installation scenarios.

Are Smartwings blinds high quality?

Despite their mid to low-end price point, the reviewer explicitly states these are "the nicest blinds I have ever tried" and "possibly one of the nicest smart home products I have ever tried" once installed and working. He notes the quality of the balance and the overall aesthetic appeal.

Do Smartwings blinds provide effective blackout?

The reviewer emphasizes the blinds' ability to provide "proper blackout," highlighting its importance for him, especially with a baby who is sensitive to light. This indicates a high level of light blocking necessary for scenarios like nurseries or bedrooms.

Are there any downsides to the Smartwings remote controls?

While the overall range of the remotes is good, the reviewer specifically notes an inconsistency with the "hockey puck" remote. About 5% of the time, when controlling multiple blinds, it only sends one blind down, necessitating a second button press for the other. This is seen as a flaw given the remote's expense.

Specs mentioned in this review

Industry-first PoE blinds
The reviewer highlights SmartWings manufacturing Power over Ethernet (PoE) blinds, calling it an "absolute first for the industry as far as I know

Not covered in depth by this source

  • Not covered: Ride Feel
  • Not covered: Durability
  • Not covered: Traction
  • Not covered: Weight
  • Not covered: Breathability

Why this source is included

75/100 source quality

  • • Independent of the brand
  • ✓ Hands-on demonstration
  • ✓ Specific testing or measurements
  • ✓ Clear sponsorship / relationship disclosure

Transcript summary

Paul Hibbert reviews Smartwings smart home blinds, highlighting their direct compatibility with Home Assistant and options for Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit. He praises the introduction of Power over Ethernet (PoE) blinds as an industry first and notes the availability of solar panel versions. The review emphasizes the affordability of these made-to-measure blinds, their easy physical installation, and high quality, despite initial setup challenges with Matter and Thread connectivity. Hibbert also demonstrates advanced home automations and discusses the extensive customizability and various power options available.

Full transcript is not redistributed here to respect the original creator’s rights.

Deep dive 🤓

About this page

This page converts Paul Hibbert (Hibbert Home Tech)'s review of the Smartwings Smartwings Automated Blinds into structured evidence — timestamped claims, pros & cons, and buyer questions. It is not the original review and does not replace watching or reading the full source.

Sponsorship & disclosure

Sponsored: this source is sponsored by the brand.

Brand relationship disclosed as: sponsored

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