IKEA Home smart vs SwitchBot

IKEA Home smart is a free Android and iOS app for controlling IKEA smart-home products through the app, DIRIGERA hub, remotes, voice assistants or motion sensors. With DIRIGERA, users can manage lighting, blinds, sound, air purifiers, outlets, sensors and accessories. The app places devices in rooms, groups lights, creates scenes and routines, and schedules actions with timers. IKEA says it works with Google Home, Apple Home and Alexa. Matter-enabled IKEA devices can be added through compatible smart-home apps and controlled across platforms. DIRIGERA is recommended for connecting new and older IKEA devices, although Matter devices do not require it; the hub needs Wi-Fi and a router cable. IKEA says basic functions such as switching lights on and off are designed to work without internet or a remote server. Gateway software receives security updates for three years after purchase, while connected smart products receive support for five years.

SwitchBot is a smart home ecosystem centered on intelligent home robots, with an app for device automations and scenes. Automations can use a schedule, geofence or SwitchBot device as a condition that triggers an action. Scenes can be started by tapping their name in the app or through Alexa or Google Assistant voice control. SwitchBot lists Matter, voice assistant, camera and energy-monitoring support. Matter can connect SwitchBot devices and some third-party infrared appliances with Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Home Assistant and SmartThings, though support varies by platform. Bluetooth and infrared devices need a SwitchBot Matter Bridge; some Wi-Fi products support Matter without a hub. The app is available for Android and iOS, with an APK available through customer support when Google Play is unavailable. The Smart Video Doorbell cloud-storage plans include event recording for the past 30 days, with options for one, two, three or ten devices. Listed monthly plans start at $3.99 a month; annual plans start at $34.99 a year.