Switchmate Reviews - What Is It?
DO NOT BUY Switchmate!!! You Must Read This Review!
Fully Researched: Price, User Feedback and More!
Switchmate is a magnetic light controller that works on an AA-battery and clings to the screws holding up your current switch plate. All you have to do in order to install it is to snap it on. The simplicity of setup is the greatest advantage of this product, as you don't have to deal with a lot of wires. Here, these are the magnets that do the heavy lifting. Because Switchmate doesn't have any wires, it relies on batteries and uses low-power Bluetooth tech rather than Wi-Fi. In this way, you can control your lights from the related iPhone or Android app at a distance of roughly 150 feet. The device costs only $40.
Switchmate doesn't have any third-party integrations or work with dimmers. The device measures 4.9 inches tall by 2.5 inches wide, 1 inch deep. It works on two included AA batteries and weighs 4 ounces. According to the manufacturer, the batteries can last from 8 to 12 months. It has a nice look that will perfectly fit into any interior. It is a bit bulky compared to a standard switch plate, though. Switchmate was initially a part of an Indiegogo campaign with a few color finishes, but the last version comes in white or beige for rocker or toggle switches. These are sold separately on Amazon. Configuration is very simple - you need to insert the batteries and picking out a light switch. The magnets are strong enough to hold the device tightly.
Customer Reviews - Does Switchmate Really Work?
Switchmate can be used with 1-gang switches and multi-gang plates, but the device is too wide to fit side-by-side. Maybe in future, the team will offer 2-, 3- and 4-gang options. After you have attached the device, download the Switchmate app and start use your light switch following the provided steps. It takes about a minute to connect. The system won't work if you have placed the batteries upside down. Just rotate your batteries. The app itself is very simple to use. You can have up to twelve devices installed on one account. Your screen will display all of the controllers you have installed. Switchmate is perfect for people who have mobility issues, for instance, because of sleep apnea. That is why such people appreciate the device a lot. All you need to do is to just reach for your iPhone and touch one button on the Switchmate APP. The device needs to be just stuck to the light switch with the help of powerful magnets which are able to hold it really tight to the faceplate.
This product has a four-star average rating, probably because of minor complaints of some people. Switchmate is an instant install and functions juts perfectly. The sound it creates is extremely silent, almost unnoticeable. Most users of Switchmate are happy with how App works. It is also easy to configure in less than two minutes. The customers are pleased with this excellent product. It can be paired to a smart hub like Wink, so that you won’t care about the basic smart functionality it provides. You will just need to stay connected to your hub and Wink all the time. You can immediately set up a Wink shortcut for it to turn on when you get home. The device proves to work just great. If you want to use Switchmate somewhere else, pull it off and stick it to another switch. It will take you 60 seconds to rename it. One user says that it is an excellent addition to a hub, because he doesn't have to buy Hue lights for each light separately.
Another customer confesses that Switchmate is the best little gadget he has even bought in a long time. He doesn't understand negative feedback on the product available online. The device works as advertised with no bugs. The man has used it for a month already. Setting timers work great via the app and the light switches on/off without any issues. Bluetooth connects well, even at a distance of 15 feet. The manual button works great too. There is an option of "light alarm" if you wish to wake up naturally to a bright light. As soon from most user' reviews, people love this device. But let us have a look at some of the actual testimonials.
"What I like about Switchmate most of all is that it has no wiring. It just goes over the switch and can be easily controlled with my bluetooth on my phone. I can also program it to turn on and off at definite time. I like that this device wakes me up with light in the morning, not with annoying signals. The motor inside the device is not noisy at all, at least, it does not bother me. Powerful magnets hold the device tightly over the switch. As there are different types of Switchmate, make sure to buy the one you need for your switch."
"I was very impressed by Switchmate, the ease of installation and use in general. I bought one for my home at first and then I showed it to my boss, so we use it also in the office. This device automatically turns on and off the lights in the morning and evening at definite time. It works great compared to other devices we have had earlier. Most of them required programming that was difficult to do at times. The Switchmate software is very simple to use and set up. By the way, you can set many timers for one app."
"We installed Switchmate in the middle of a three-gang switch. It covers one switch without interfering with functioning of the other two. This very switch controls the exterior garage light with a timer. It took me only five minutes to download the app, install the device on the switch, and set up the timer. It is very convenient as you don't have to go out of the garage in the dark after switching off the light. At the same time, you can still use the switch manually. You can have multiple Switchmates on your single phone; because the app allows you to name each of the devices."
My Final Summary
I can certainly recommend buying the Switchmate for your house or office, as this device has a number of advantages, it is not expensive. One unit costs just $40. It is extremely simple to install and use. Installation requires only a few minutes. You can quickly download the related Android/iPhone app. The device works as advertised, according to numerous positive users' reviews. Installation is really a snap. One can install the device in the house or office to be able to control the lights immediately.
Setting the timer is simple too. This function tends to work great. The app is easy to use and it allows to change your preferences for the Switchmate any time. Most users are very satisfied with the product. This is an easy solution for people who have mobility issues. Remember that Switchmate doesn't work with any third-party smart home products. The device makes a silent sound that is almost unnoticeable to the human ear. This is a worthy product that should be present in each modern house.
Where To Buy Switchmate In Stores?
There are two versions of the Switchmate. The first one is for toggle switches, while the other one is for rockers. Each of the models costs $39.99. The cost of the device may differ from store to store. Cnet.com sells it for $24.95. Switchmate costs $27.99 on Amazon.com. Kohl's offers the product for $39.99, while Bed Bath and Beyond sells it for $34.99. you can buy the unit for $24.95 on eBay.