If you’re seeking to add a touch of convenience and sophistication to your curtains, the Aqara Curtain Driver E1 deserves your attention. This device offers a cost-effective solution for retrofitting your existing curtains with motorized functionality and HomeKit integration, enabling remote and automated control.
What is the Aqara Curtain Driver E1?
The Aqara Curtain Driver E1 is a device that easily attaches to your curtain rod or track, utilizing a motor to open and close your curtains. It is compatible with both straight and curved rods or tracks, provided they meet the specified requirements. With a robust 6,000 mAh battery, the device can operate for up to 12 months on a single charge, accommodating curtains weighing up to 12 kg.
To utilize the Aqara Curtain Driver E1, you’ll need to connect it to your network via Zigbee 3.0. This requires an Aqara hub or compatible device. Additionally, the device seamlessly integrates with HomeKit, enabling control through Siri, the Home app, or other HomeKit apps. The Aqara app serves as a central hub for setup, management, and the creation of scenes and automations involving other Aqara devices or sensors.
Installation and Usage
Installing the Aqara Curtain Driver E1 is a breeze, as it doesn’t necessitate any tools or wiring. Simply mount the rod hanger between the last two curtain grommets, extend the driver’s hooks by double-pressing the button, hook the motor onto the hanger, and retract the hooks by double-pressing the button again. This ensures that the motor applies the appropriate pressure based on the rod’s size.
For track versions, attach the track hanger using screws and then hook the motor onto it. The device is accompanied by eight curtain clips and a rubber strip, allowing you to maintain uniform positioning of the curtains, ensuring smooth operation when the motor pulls them.
To connect the device to your network, access the Aqara app, select the E1 from the accessory list, and follow the on-screen instructions to set the open and closed positions. If you possess two Curtain Driver E1 units, you can bind them together in the app for synchronized operation. Adding the device to HomeKit is a simple process as well; select the option in the Aqara app and scan the HomeKit code located on the curtain driver’s base.
Once connected, you can control the opening and closing of your curtains through voice commands, your smartphone, or tablet. You can also establish schedules based on time, sunset/sunrise, weather conditions, or geofencing. Furthermore, other sensors or devices can trigger your curtains’ movement. For example, you can employ a motion sensor to automatically open your curtains upon entering a room in the morning or use a temperature sensor to close them when the temperature rises excessively.
Pros and Cons of the Aqara Curtain Driver E1
The Aqara Curtain Driver E1 offers several advantages over alternative smart curtain solutions:
Affordability: It provides an economical option compared to systems requiring a complete curtain replacement. Easy Installation: You can effortlessly install and operate the device without tools or wiring. Compatibility: It works with both rods and tracks, including straight and curved variants. HomeKit Integration: With HomeKit support, you can seamlessly integrate it with other HomeKit devices and apps. Long-Lasting Battery: The device features a rechargeable 6,000 mAh battery with a USB charging option. Sleek Design: Its minimalist and modern design blends seamlessly with various interior styles.
However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:
Aqara Hub Dependency: The device requires an Aqara hub or compatible device for operation. Incompatibility with Telescopic Rods/Tracks: It may not be suitable for curtains supported by telescopic rods or tracks. Challenging for Heavy or Thick Curtains: The Aqara Curtain Driver E1 might not function optimally with curtains that are heavy or particularly thick. Personal Preferences: Your specific preferences and requirements for curtain control may not align with the features offered by the device.
How does it compare with SwitchBot Curtain?
The other major alternative product is the Switchbot Curtain, which was one of the pioneers in this product category. Which product should you choose?
- Connection: Aqara Curtain Driver E1 uses Zigbee 3.0, which requires an Aqara hub or compatible device to work. SwitchBot Curtain uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), which requires a SwitchBot Hub Mini or compatible device to work. Zigbee 3.0 offers more reliable and fast communication between devices, while BLE may have more range and compatibility issues.
- Battery: Aqara Curtain Driver E1 has a 6,000 mAh battery that can last up to 12 months on a single charge. SwitchBot Curtain has a 3,400 mAh battery that can last up to eight months on a single charge. Both devices can be recharged via USB, but Aqara Curtain Driver E1 has a longer battery life and less frequent charging needs.
- Weight: Aqara Curtain Driver E1 can support curtains weighing up to 12 kg. SwitchBot Curtain can support curtains weighing up to 15 kg. Both devices can handle most types of curtains, but SwitchBot Curtain has a slight edge in supporting heavier curtains.
- Smart Home Platforms: Both brands can support most smart home platforms, but the Aqara product supports Apple HomeKit – the Switchbot doesn’t.
Is the Aqara Curtain Driver E1 Worth It?
In summary, the Aqara Curtain Driver E1 presents an affordable and intelligent solution for automating your existing curtains. It delivers convenience, sophistication, and functionality without requiring significant modifications to your curtain system. The seamless HomeKit integration enables effortless control via Siri or other HomeKit apps. However, its suitability depends on factors such as curtain type, weight, and personal style. If you seek a simple and effective means to upgrade your curtains with smart home features, the Aqara Curtain Driver E1 is certainly worth considering.
