Updated November 2026
Data from the official BroadLink and Zemismart sites.
2026 verdict
Across the 2026 comparison, Zemismart ZMCIR01 Matter WiFi IR Thermostat earns the nod over BroadLink RM MAX on the strength of price, integrations, and sensors.
What pushes it ahead is price, integrations, and sensors, and its broader overall balance keeps the advantage from looking narrow. BroadLink RM MAX remains a niche alternative if protocols and univeral remote control matter more than the rest of the comparison. Overall, Zemismart ZMCIR01 Matter WiFi IR Thermostat makes more sense for most people.
Connectivity
- Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz
- Matter bridge or controller
- Bluetooth
vs
Winner
50% OFF
$34.95
$69.90
Connectivity
- Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz
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| Feature | BroadLink RM MAX | Zemismart ZMCIR01 Matter WiFi IR Thermostat | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $59.99 | $34.95 | Zemismart ZMCIR01 Matter WiFi IR Thermostat |
| Protocols | Bluetooth, Matter Bridge, IR, RF | IR | BroadLink RM MAX |
| Integrations | Google Home, Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings, Home Assistant | Google Home, Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings, Home Assistant, Matter | Zemismart ZMCIR01 Matter WiFi IR Thermostat |
| Sensors | None | Temperature, Humidity | Zemismart ZMCIR01 Matter WiFi IR Thermostat |
| Univeral Remote Control | YES | NO | BroadLink RM MAX |
| Connectivity | 2.4 GHz WiFi | 2.4 GHz WiFi | Tie |
| Smart Learning | YES | YES | Tie |
| Local Control | YES | YES | Tie |
$59.99
- + Protocols: Bluetooth, Matter Bridge, IR, RF
- + Univeral Remote Control: YES
- - Price: $59.99 vs $34.95
- - Integrations: Google Home, Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings, Home Assistant vs Google Home, Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings, Home Assistant, Matter
Winner
50% OFF
$34.95
$69.90
- + Price: $34.95
- + Integrations: Google Home, Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings, Home Assistant, Matter
- + Sensors: Temperature, Humidity
- - Protocols: IR vs Bluetooth, Matter Bridge, IR, RF
- - Univeral Remote Control: NO vs YES
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better overall: BroadLink RM MAX or Zemismart ZMCIR01 Matter WiFi IR Thermostat?
Zemismart ZMCIR01 Matter WiFi IR Thermostat has the stronger overall profile in this comparison, especially for price, integrations, and sensors.
What is the biggest difference between BroadLink RM MAX and Zemismart ZMCIR01 Matter WiFi IR Thermostat?
Price is one of the clearest differences: BroadLink RM MAX lists $59.99, while Zemismart ZMCIR01 Matter WiFi IR Thermostat lists $34.95.
Which one looks better on price?
BroadLink RM MAX is listed at $59.99, while Zemismart ZMCIR01 Matter WiFi IR Thermostat is listed at $34.95. Zemismart ZMCIR01 Matter WiFi IR Thermostat (better spec).
Who should buy BroadLink RM MAX?
Choose BroadLink RM MAX if your priority is protocols and univeral remote control and that matters more than price.
Who should buy Zemismart ZMCIR01 Matter WiFi IR Thermostat?
Choose Zemismart ZMCIR01 Matter WiFi IR Thermostat if your priority is price and integrations and that matters more than protocols.
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