Winner
Updated November 2026
Data from the official BroadLink site.
2026 verdict
A newer model doesn't dethrone the favorite: the BroadLink RM4 Mini wins this in-house matchup on price and owner rating, backed by years on the market as a tiny, wide-reaching infrared blaster.
The BroadLink RM5plus, the newer of the two, does not win a single category here, and its own reviews flag a genuinely difficult setup process and a factory lock that blocks local Home Assistant control, problems the older RM4 Mini does not share. Both are IR-only blasters on 2.4GHz WiFi that learn commands from any remote and work with Alexa, Google Home and Home Assistant, with no Apple HomeKit on either. If you're choosing between BroadLink's own lineup, the established RM4 Mini is the safer, cheaper, better-reviewed buy. The RM5plus only makes sense if you specifically want its longer IR range and are willing to work through its rougher setup.
Works with
Connectivity
- Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz
vs
Works with
Connectivity
- Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz
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| Feature | BroadLink RM4 Mini | BroadLink RM5plus | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $25.99 | $30.99 | BroadLink RM4 Mini |
| Rating | 4.2 | 3.7 | BroadLink RM4 Mini |
| Connectivity | 2.4 GHz WiFi | 2.4 GHz WiFi | Tie |
| Protocols | IR | IR | Tie |
| Integrations | Google Home, Alexa, Home Assistant | Google Home, Alexa, Home Assistant | Tie |
| Univeral Remote Control | YES | YES | Tie |
| Smart Learning | YES | YES | Tie |
| Local Control | YES | YES | Tie |
Winner
$25.99
- + Price: $25.99
- + Rating: 4.2
$30.99
- - Price: $30.99 vs $25.99
- - Rating: 3.7 vs 4.2
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better overall: the BroadLink RM4 Mini or the BroadLink RM5plus?
The BroadLink RM4 Mini wins clearly, costing less and rating higher, with the newer BroadLink RM5plus not winning any category in this comparison.
What is the biggest difference between the two BroadLink models?
Reliability and setup experience. The BroadLink RM4 Mini has years of owner reviews behind a consistently good rating, while the newer BroadLink RM5plus draws more complaints about difficult WiFi pairing and a factory lock that blocks local Home Assistant control.
Does the BroadLink RM5plus have longer IR range than the RM4 Mini?
Some BroadLink RM5plus owners report strong, long-range infrared performance, including reaching devices without direct line of sight. Both models otherwise share the same IR-only, WiFi-only connectivity.
Does either model work locally with Home Assistant?
The BroadLink RM4 Mini can be set up for local Home Assistant control, though it takes technical effort. The BroadLink RM5plus ships locked from the factory and does not support local LAN control at all.
Who should buy the BroadLink RM4 Mini?
Buyers who want BroadLink's most proven, best-reviewed IR blaster, at a lower price than the newer RM5plus.
Who should buy the BroadLink RM5plus?
Only buyers specifically drawn to its long-range IR performance who are prepared to work through a harder setup and accept no local Home Assistant control.
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