SmartWings offers several types of window treatment choices, including cellular, outdoor, roller, zebra, Roman, or woven wood shades. Each style comes in an assortment of colors and fabric options and has various light-filtering properties, from 5% openness to total blackout.

Each shade is made to order, and the SmartWings website shows you exactly how to measure and install your shades. I tested the roller shades, which are available in 13 different fabric styles, with names like 100% Blackout Linen (starting at $179.99), 70% Blackout Safari ($179.99), and 50% Blackout PVC Free Sunscreen ($169.99). Each style offers several color choices, and you can order fabric samples (starting at $6.99) ahead of time to see which works best before you buy the shades.

(Credit: SmartWings)

Unlike Eve Custom Smart Blinds (starting at $546.85), which I’m also testing for an upcoming review, the SmartWings shades do not have a dedicated mobile app. Instead, they can be controlled using the app of whichever home automation platform you connect them to.

The motorized spindle is the brain of the shade and is available with different wireless technologies, including your choice of HomeKit over Thread (for an extra $79.99), Matter over Thread ($94.99), Z-Wave Plus ($59.90), or Zigbee ($29.99). You can also order an Alexa motor ($29.99) that works exclusively with specific versions of Amazon’s Echo and Echo Show hubs, and there’s a standard non-smart motor option available at no extra charge.

As always, Matter and Thread devices require a Matter controller and a Thread border router to work. Some examples include the Apple HomePod Mini, HomePod (2nd Gen, Amazon Echo (4th Gen), Echo Hub, Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen), Google Nest Hub Max, and Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen). SmartWings doesn’t offer a Wi-Fi-enabled motor, but you can purchase a Smart Link hub ($49.90), which connects the shades to your 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network.

You also have to order at least one remote control ($15.99 for the base 5-channel model) to set up the shades. Each five-channel remote can control up to five shades and has buttons for channel selection, down, up, and stop. There’s a programming button located in the battery compartment of the remote that’s used in conjunction with a pairing button on the motor to pair the two and set custom stopping points when raising and lowering it.

(Credit: SmartWings)

Most SmartWings shades are powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that are rated to last up to six months between charges. They can be charged via a USB port embedded in the motor and a USB AC adapter, but a handful of models can be ordered with a hardwired AC power kit if you prefer not to deal with charging the batteries. You can also order a window-mountable solar charging panel for $49.99.

Ordering a SmartWings shade is straightforward. On the company’s website, start by choosing a shade type and a fabric. You’ll be asked to choose a color and a mount type. Inside-mounted shades fit exactly into the window frame and require at least 2.5 inches of frame depth. Otherwise, you’ll have to use an outside mount, which is typically installed above the window frame and requires an extra three to six inches on the sides (factor this in when taking measurements). Side mounting options are also available.

Next, you’ll have to provide window measurements. Detailed instructions for each type of shade are provided to ensure that you are correctly measuring height and width. Make sure to include whole and fractional inches. The following steps have you choose your motor type, a valence type (cassette, square, standard), a bottom bar (black square, fabric-wrapped, standard, white square), and a remote control (dial, wand, or none). Finally, you’ll be asked to choose a roll type (reverse roll front side or standard roll back side), a side for the motor (left or right), and add light-blocking accessories to prevent any gaps on the sides of the shades.

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(Credit: SmartWings)