Switchbot Hub 2 Review: Must-Have Smart Home Gadget

SwitchBot Hub Mini was my favorite smart home device, but not anymore. Meet Switchbot Hub 2.

Briefly, the SwitchBot Hub 2 is a device that can turn most IR-controlled devices into smart devices. It does so by learning the IR signal of your remote control and imitating the same. Unlike the previous model, the Hub 2 measures and displays room temperature, humidity & illumination. Since it connects to WiFi, all the data and the remote control are accessible from anywhere.

The Upgrade from V1

The SwitchBot Smart Hub Mini was one of their highest-selling products, if not the highest selling product, on Amazon. It has racked up over 40,000 ratings. Surprisingly, SwitchBot was also selling a thermometer hygrometer combo device. Essentially, they took the Hub and the Thermo Hygrometer and combined them to create the SwitchBot Hub 2.

Unlike the Hub 1, this version is matter supported and hence, it works with Apple homekit. It also comes with temperature/humidity/light-based scheduling and automation.

Thermo-hygrometer Sensors

The Hub 2 not only measures the temperature and humidity inside your room but also makes the data accessible to you over WiFi. With this, you can see changes in your indoor environment, including indoor temperature, humidity, and light.

Since the device and the data are linkable to Google Home or Alexa, you can set up different automation. For example, if the humidity of your room falls under 30%, you can ask your humidifier to turn on and humidify the room. Another example would be to control air conditioners. There are so many use cases.

To my surprise, the thermo hygrometer sensor was not in the product itself. Instead, it was integrated into the power cable (USB C). So, in order for the thermo and hygro sensor to work, you need to use SwitchBot’s cable itself.

Wide Infrared Remote Compatibility

This is my fav feature. To this day, I have turned 3 of my dumb IR remotes into smart ones.

SwitchBot Hub 2 is compatible with over 80,000+ infrared appliances, with a larger signal area (twice as that of Hub Mini) that allows you to cover the whole room. And with Smart Learning, your hub can learn and imitate remote controls in just 5 seconds.

Display

Unlike Hub V1, this version has an e-ink display that shows the temperature (in Celsius or Fahrenheit) and the humidity percentage. There are two touch buttons too, on and off.

The white backlit display looks aesthetic. It’s a pity that Hub 2 comes in White color only, but the device looks really good on your computer desk.

Some More Notable Features

• Supports Bluetooth and WiFi – If your WiFi network is down, you can still control your devices using Bluetooth on your smartphone.
• Apple Watch compatible.
• Multiple ways to control – Voice, App, Schedule, Geo-Fencing, etc.
• Use Geo-fencing to enable your home to perform tasks like automatically turning on your air conditioner and lights for you in advance when you are close to home.

My Personal Experience

I have been using Switchbot Hub 2 for over a month now and I love it. It sits on my computer table so I can have a quick glance at the temp and humidity inside my apartment. The on/off switches are useful if you create scenes/presents. The USB cable is thick and long. The longest USB C cable I have.

If you already have the Hub Mini, there is no solid reason to upgrade. Ever since I got this, my Hub Mini is sitting in a corner, as a waste.  However, if you are getting a smart IR remote controller for the first time, then getting Hub 2 over Hub Mini is a no-brainer.

How to Set up Hub 2

iPhone: How to Use Matter with SwitchBot Hub 2
Android: How to Use Matter with SwitchBot Hub 2 (Android)