I’ve been on a journey to automate my home, and one of the most satisfying projects has been setting up smart blinds. After years of waiting for Tilt to integrate with SmartThings, I finally decided to try iBlinds. I’ve had the chance to use both iBlinds and Tilt, so I thought I’d share my experience to help others make a decision.
iBlinds: The Direct Integration Winner
I purchased 5 iBlinds after waiting years for Tilt to add ST integration. The setup was straightforward, and the direct integration with SmartThings via Z-Wave was a game-changer. No extra hubs or DTHs needed! The motor is quieter than Tilt’s, and the auto-calibration feature is a huge plus. However, one downside is that you have to remove the cord for tilting, which can be a bit of a hassle for shorter people or taller windows.
Tilt Smart Home: The Bluetooth Connection
While Tilt includes a solar panel in the price, you need to buy a $89 hub for Alexa integration. The installation process was similar to iBlinds, but without the direct ST integration, it feels a bit less seamless. That said, Tilt’s Bluetooth control works well, and the price point is competitive.
Final Thoughts
Both systems do the basics exceptionally well—opening and closing at sunrise and sunset. But if future-proofing and integration with SmartThings are priorities, iBlinds is the clear winner. Plus, their frequent sales make them a budget-friendly option. If you’re on the fence, I’d recommend checking out their YouTube channel for installation tips!
Let me know if you have any questions—I’m happy to share more details!