$29.99 – $39
Compact IR blaster and Bluetooth-to-WiFi gateway for controlling legacy devices and SwitchBot products.
You want budget-friendly smart home entry
Cheapest SwitchBot hub option at ~$20, half the price of Hub 2
You are a renter who cannot modify home
Non-invasive - attaches to existing devices without replacing anything, perfect for rental properties
You own SwitchBot Bluetooth devices
Required to control SwitchBot Bot, Lock, and other Bluetooth devices remotely beyond local range
You want to make old IR devices smart
Built-in IR blaster learns and mimics any infrared remote in 5 seconds - control TVs, ACs, fans via app or voice
You have 5GHz-only WiFi network
Only supports 2.4GHz WiFi (802.11b/g/n) - will not connect to 5GHz or WiFi 6 routers
You need Matter or Thread support
Hub Mini lacks Matter support - need Hub Mini Matter Enabled or Hub 2/3 for Matter
You want temperature/humidity monitoring
No built-in sensors - Hub 2 includes temperature and humidity display
You control devices in large rooms
IR range is limited compared to Hub 2 which has 150% more IR power
WiFi disconnections after working fine, especially with ASUS routers
SwitchBot Help CenterIR learning fails in all modes for some remote controls despite multiple attempts
SwitchBot Help CenterFirmware updates fail with "Could not connect to device" errors
User reportsDevice status not updating in SmartThings - changes in SwitchBot app do not reflect, breaking automations
SmartThings CommunityWiFi connection drops requiring manual intervention
commonCause: 2.4GHz only support and weak signal sensitivity cause disconnections
App crashes during hub pairing
occasionalCause: App bugs on certain iOS/Android versions
Limited IR range compared to Hub 2
commonCause: Hardware limitation - Hub 2 has 2x the IR transmission power
Only 4 sub-devices when using as Matter bridge
occasionalCause: Matter Enabled version limitation vs Hub 2 (8) and Hub 3 (30)
Trying to connect to 5GHz WiFi network
Hub will not connect - only 2.4GHz supported, no IPv6 either
Tip: Ensure router has separate 2.4GHz network or disable band steering
Placing hub far from WiFi router
Disconnections and delayed responses due to weak signal sensitivity
Tip: Place within strong WiFi signal range, test before permanent placement
Expecting it to control devices without line of sight
IR signals require direct line of sight to appliances
Tip: Position hub with clear view to all IR-controlled devices
Remote control beyond Bluetooth range, voice assistant integration, scheduling via app
IR control within Bluetooth range works locally. Bluetooth devices controllable within range without cloud.
SwitchBot collects usage data for service improvement. Cloud service auto-enabled in app version 9.0+.
Cloud service now auto-enabled - no manual toggle. Commands for remote control go through SwitchBot cloud servers.
Can learn multiple IR remotes. For Matter bridge use (Matter Enabled version), limited to 4 sub-devices vs Hub 2 (8) and Hub 3 (30).
IR range limited compared to Hub 2. Only supports 2.4GHz WiFi.
SwitchBot Hub 2
If: Need better IR range and temperature sensors
SwitchBot Hub 3
If: Need display and more sub-devices
Broadlink RM4 Pro
If: Need both IR and RF control
You only need basic IR remote replacement
At ~$20, cheapest way to control TVs and AC via phone/voice
You already own SwitchBot Bluetooth devices
Essential for remote control of SwitchBot Bot, Lock, etc. beyond Bluetooth range
You want Matter/Thread smart home
Standard Hub Mini lacks Matter - get Hub Mini Matter Enabled or Hub 2
You control devices in large rooms
Limited IR range - Hub 2 with 2x power better for larger spaces
Standard Hub Mini has no documented limit for IR devices. Matter Enabled version supports only 4 sub-devices via Matter bridge, compared to Hub 2 (8) and Hub 3 (30).
Source: SwitchBot Help CenterHub Mini for basic IR control at half the price. Hub 2 for better IR range, temperature/humidity display, and 8 Matter sub-devices instead of 4.
Source: SwitchBot BlogPartially. IR control works within Bluetooth range when offline. Remote control from outside home requires cloud connection.
Source: SwitchBot Help CenterHub Mini only supports 2.4GHz WiFi (802.11b/g/n). It does not work with 5GHz networks, IPv6, or some WiFi 6 routers. Disable band steering if your router auto-switches bands.
Source: SwitchBot Help CenterThe standard Hub Mini does not support Matter. You need the "Hub Mini Matter Enabled" version, Hub 2, or Hub 3 for Matter compatibility.
Source: SwitchBot Help Center