Updated September 2026
Data from Amazon and official BroadLink and SwitchBot sites.
2026 verdict
Three sensors and a Matter bridge decide this one: the SwitchBot Hub 2 wins on rating, protocols, integrations and sensors, pairing its learning IR blaster with Bluetooth, a Matter bridge, and built-in temperature, humidity and light sensors that reach Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Alexa, SmartThings and Home Assistant. The BroadLink RM5plus stays cheaper and is the only one of the two with a lower price, but its own reviewers flag a difficult setup process and a factory lock that blocks local Home Assistant control, weaknesses the SwitchBot Hub 2 doesn't share. Both are IR blasters on 2.4GHz WiFi that learn commands from existing remotes and work with Alexa, Google Home and Home Assistant. For most buyers, the better-reviewed, sensor-equipped, more widely compatible SwitchBot Hub 2 is the stronger choice. The BroadLink RM5plus only wins on sticker price.
vs
Winner
14% OFF
$59.99
$69.99
20% above its lowest price of the last 6 months ($49.99)
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| Feature | BroadLink RM5plus | SwitchBot Hub 2 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $30.99 | $59.99 | BroadLink RM5plus |
| Rating | 3.4 | 4.3 | SwitchBot Hub 2 |
| Protocols | IR | Bluetooth, Matter Bridge, IR | SwitchBot Hub 2 |
| Integrations | Google Home, Alexa, Home Assistant | Google Home, Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings, Home Assistant, Matter | SwitchBot Hub 2 |
| Sensors | None | Temperature, Humidity, Light | SwitchBot Hub 2 |
| Connectivity | 2.4 GHz WiFi | 2.4 GHz WiFi | Tie |
| Univeral Remote Control | YES | YES | Tie |
| Smart Learning | YES | YES | Tie |
- + Price: $30.99
- - Rating: 3.4 vs 4.3
- - Protocols: IR vs Bluetooth, Matter Bridge, IR
Winner
14% OFF
$59.99
$69.99
- + Rating: 4.3
- + Protocols: Bluetooth, Matter Bridge, IR
- + Integrations: Google Home, Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings, Home Assistant, Matter
- - Price: $59.99 vs $30.99
Price history compared
Every price change of both, in the same store, so the gap between the two lines is what one costs more than the other.
- BroadLink RM5plus
- SwitchBot Hub 2
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better overall: the BroadLink RM5plus or the SwitchBot Hub 2?
The SwitchBot Hub 2 wins overall, rating higher and beating the BroadLink RM5plus on protocols, integrations and sensors. The BroadLink RM5plus only wins on price.
What is the biggest difference between them?
The SwitchBot Hub 2 adds built-in temperature, humidity and light sensors and a Matter bridge that reaches Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Alexa, SmartThings and Home Assistant. The BroadLink RM5plus is a simpler IR-only blaster with no sensors and fewer integrations.
Does the BroadLink RM5plus work locally with Home Assistant?
Not reliably. It ships locked from the factory and does not support local LAN control, unlike the SwitchBot Hub 2, which bridges cleanly to Home Assistant along with several other platforms.
Does the SwitchBot Hub 2 support Apple HomeKit?
Yes, through its Matter bridge, and it's notably one of the few smart IR blasters compatible with HomeKit. The BroadLink RM5plus does not support Apple HomeKit.
Who should buy the SwitchBot Hub 2?
Buyers who want an IR blaster that also monitors room conditions and bridges into Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Alexa, SmartThings or Home Assistant.
Who should buy the BroadLink RM5plus?
Only buyers prioritizing the lowest price who don't need sensors, Apple HomeKit, or local Home Assistant control, and are prepared for a harder setup process.
Full comparison table
Compare all 15 IR Remote Controls side by side
You are looking at two of them. The full table lines up all IR Remote Controls in the catalog with the same specs, so you can filter by what you need and sort by price or rating.
- 15 IR Remote Controls
- 31 specs compared
- 28 filters
- SwitchBot
SwitchBot Hub 2
14% OFF$69.99$59.99 
MoesInfrared Universal Remote Control
$19.99
SwitchBotHub Mini
7% OFF$39.00$36.10
BroadLinkRM4 Mini
$25.99
AqaraHub M3
13% OFF$159.99$139.99
MoesTemp/Humidity Monitor with IR
$27.99
SwitchBotHub 3
$99.99
BroadLinkRM4 Pro
$44.99
SofaBatonX2
$359.99
NodOnZigbee AC Infrared Controller
€54.44
SofaBatonX1S
10% OFF$199.99$179.99
MoesRF IR Universal Remote Controller
$39.99- BroadLink
RM5plus
$30.99 
BroadLinkRM MAX
$49.99
ZemismartZMCIR01 Matter WiFi IR Thermostat
50% OFF$69.90$34.95
Air PurifiersSwitchBotAir Purifier Table
4.2(15)$189.99
Air Quality MonitorsSwitchBotMeter Pro (CO2 Monitor)
3.8(20)$79.99
CamerasSwitchBotOutdoor Pan/Tilt Cam 3K
4.9(83)13% OFF$79.99$69.99
DisplaysSwitchBotSmart E-Ink Home Dashboard
3.9(166)23% OFF$109.99$84.99
DoorbellsSwitchBotSmart Video Doorbell
3.6(702)$99.99
Door LocksSwitchBotSwitchBot Lock Pro
3.9(1,363)$87.99
Door LocksSwitchBotSwitchBot Lock Ultra Vision Combo
4.3(1,047)20% OFF€299.99€239.99
Door LocksSwitchBotSwitchBot Lock Vision Pro
4.1(70)26% OFF$229.99$169.99
Door LocksSwitchBotLock Vision
4.3(10)24% OFF$169.99$129.99
Door LocksSwitchBotSwitchBot Lock
3.5(80)
Door & Window SensorsSwitchBotContact Sensor
4.3(1,177)$16.99
HubsSwitchBotAI Hub
5.0(4)15% OFF$259.99$219.99
HubsSwitchBotSwitchBot Hub 2
4.3(11,499)14% OFF$69.99$59.99
HubsSwitchBotHub 3
3.9(1,859)$99.99
HubsSwitchBotHub Mini
4.2(55,732)7% OFF$39.00$36.10- IR Remote ControlsSwitchBot
SwitchBot Hub 2
4.3(11,499)14% OFF$69.99$59.99 - IR Remote ControlsSwitchBot
Hub 3
3.9(1,859)$99.99 - IR Remote ControlsSwitchBot
Hub Mini
4.2(55,732)7% OFF$39.00$36.10 
LED BulbsSwitchBotColor Bulb
$15.99
Light StripsSwitchBotRGBIC Neon Rope Light
4.1(48)$59.99