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1
Best Overall
Serena by Lutron Motorized Solar Roller Shades
1
Best Overall
Serena by Lutron Motorized Solar Roller Shades
Pros
- 12 different color options
- Blocks UV rays
Cons
- Expensive
With tons of color options and a customizable size, these smart shades from Lutron are everything you might want or need. Each motorized roller is compatible with nearly every smart home device you may own, so once installed, they are easily operated from your phone, tablet, or smart assistant.
Alongside a host of colors, you can choose shade material with either a three percent or five percent openness factor. The openness factor refers to the space between the fabric weave. So, the higher the percentage, the more light that gets let in.
The shades also block out harmful UV rays, protecting your skin during the sunniest days.
Key Specs
| Custom Sizing | Yes |
|---|---|
| Material Options | SheerLite in 3% and 5% openness factor |
| Compatibility | Smartphone, tablet, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Sonos, SmartThings, Apple HomeKit, Ecobee, Honeywell Home, Xfinity Home and Logitech |
2
Best Value
Yoolax Motorized Blind Shade for Window
2
Best Value
Yoolax Motorized Blind Shade for Window
Pros
- Optional solar charger
- Sunrise and sunset timer
Cons
- Requires connected hub to work with certain smart devices
With a two-year warranty on the motor and an affordable price tag, these smart blinds from Yoolax are a high-value choice. Alongside color and fabric customization, you can even choose between two different types of motors.
These smart blinds also come with an optional connected solar panel that would charge the battery continuously, so you won’t need to plug in or recharge the blinds.
Through the connected app, you can also set timers, so the blinds raise or close automatically throughout the day. You can even set your blinds to open or close based on the sunrise or sunset.
Key Specs
| Custom Sizing | Yes |
|---|---|
| Material Options | Vinyl, fabric, linen |
| Compatibility | Amazon Alexa and Google Home (via Yoolax Hub) |
3
Easiest Smart Device Integration
Graywind Motorized Solar Shades
3
Easiest Smart Device Integration
Graywind Motorized Solar Shades
Pros
- Programmable scenes
- Fire-resistant materials
Cons
- Remote control sometimes does not pick up on signal
A combination of value and technology, these smart shades from Graywind easily integrate with nearly all major voice assistants and smart home devices.
More than many other smart blind options, the shades at Graywind are designed for use in tandem with technology. Alongside general timers or even sunrise and sunset sensors, these solar shades have 20 different time groups and programmable options.
Graywind also designed their smart blinds to work in tandem with one another. You can control up to 15 different sets of smart blinds on one remote. This includes group control, meaning you can adjust all your smart blinds simultaneously.
Key Specs
| Custom Sizing | Yes |
|---|---|
| Material Options | Polyester in 1%, 3%, and 5% openness factor, woven fabric |
| Compatibility | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT, Tuya, Smart Life and Apple HomeKit |
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4
Best Blackout Blinds
allen + roth White Blackout Cordless Motorized Cellular Shade
4
Best Blackout Blinds
allen + roth White Blackout Cordless Motorized Cellular Shade
Pros
- Blackout material
- Low battery light indicator
Cons
- Does not come in custom sizes
For individual windows at an affordable price, consider outfitting your bedroom with these cellular smart shades from Allen + Roth. The cellular style gives you two layers of fabric coverage which improves the blackout design.
While simpler than some other smart blind models, these shades do come with an easy to use motor with an LED light at the top which alerts you when the battery is running low.
While you cannot customize your size directly, there are 15 different size options available. These shades are also designed for inside and outside mounts, so you will be able to find an approximate fit for your window easily.
Key Specs
| Custom Sizing | No; 15 size options |
|---|---|
| Material Options | Recycled polyester |
| Compatibility | Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple and Android devices (via Bond Bridge) |
5
Most Customizable
SmarterHome MySmartRollerShades
5
Most Customizable
SmarterHome MySmartRollerShades
Pros
- Customizable design and material
- Solar-powered motor
Cons
- Expensive
With customization on everything from the fabric type to the bottom railing design, SmarterHome has created smart blinds that work for any home.
Pick between the 20 different colors, multiple roll types, and of course the dimensions to create a set of smart blinds that fit your window and your interior design perfectly.
Outside of the customized options, these smart blinds come with several smart features from set timers to sunrise and sunset programs. All the blinds are also powered by solar panels throughout the day, so you will not need to replace the batteries.
Key Specs
| Custom Sizing | Yes |
|---|---|
| Material Options | Translucent, blackout, and solar shade fabrics |
| Compatibility | Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings |
6
Easiest Assembly
Ikea Fyrtur Black-out Roller Blind
6
Easiest Assembly
Ikea Fyrtur Black-out Roller Blind
Pros
- Affordable cost for the size
- Pre-paired remote control
Cons
- Lacks color options
With a removable, rechargeable battery and easy to use remote control, this Fytur smart blind from Ikea shines for its convenience and ease of use. Without the remote, you can easily connect your phone or smart home device through the Ikea Home app.
The removable battery stands out, with a micro-USB port directly on the side so you can charge it easily. It fits back in on the top railing easily once fully charged.
These smart blinds lacks as much variety as many other options with just one color option and only eight different sizes.
Key Specs
| Custom Sizing | No; 8 different sizes |
|---|---|
| Material Options | Polyester |
| Compatibility | Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Home (via Ikea Home app) |
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7
Best for Curtains
SwitchBot Curtain Smart Electric Motor
7
Best for Curtains
SwitchBot Curtain Smart Electric Motor
Now 16% Off
Pros
- Compatible with all curtain types
- Built-in natural light sensor
Cons
- Does not come with actual curtains
If you have a curtain set you don’t want to say goodbye to but want to upgrade your windows with smart technology, check out this smart electric motor from SwitchBot.
Unlike other smart devices for your windows, this small motor is designed to open and close curtains. More specifically, it is designed to turn regular curtains into smart curtains.
Compatible with all major smart home devices, this curtain motor also comes with a light sensing feature that opens or closes your curtains based on how sunny it is outside.
Key Specs
| Custom Sizing | N/A |
|---|---|
| Material Options | N/A |
| Compatibility | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit and IFTTT |
Associate Commerce Editor
Tom Price is an Associate Editor of Commerce for Popular Mechanics, and also contributes to Runner’s World, and Bicycling. He has previously covered product reviews, startup news, and even professional wrestling. In his free time, he enjoys watching pretentious TV, low-brow movies, and exercising for beauty, not health. If you are interested in exploring more of his work, check out his website.
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