IR Remote Controls · Head to head

BroadLink RM5plus vs SwitchBot Hub 3

Full Smart IR Remote Controls comparison in 2026

Updated July 2026
Data from Amazon and official BroadLink and SwitchBot sites.
2026 verdict
A dial and four sensors outweigh a lower price: the SwitchBot Hub 3 wins this comparison on rating, protocols, integrations and sensors, adding Bluetooth, a Matter bridge, a 2.4-inch screen with a rotary dial and physical buttons, and built-in temperature, humidity, light and motion sensing on top of its learning IR blaster, reaching Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Alexa, SmartThings and Home Assistant. The BroadLink RM5plus wins only on price, but its own reviewers report a difficult setup process and a factory lock that blocks local Home Assistant control, issues that don't apply to the SwitchBot Hub 3. Both learn IR commands from existing remotes and connect over 2.4GHz WiFi. For buyers who want on-device control, real sensors and wide platform support alongside IR, the SwitchBot Hub 3 is the clearly stronger, if pricier, pick. The BroadLink RM5plus only wins if the lowest possible price is the priority.
vs
FeatureBroadLink RM5plusSwitchBot Hub 3Winner
Price$30.99$99.99BroadLink RM5plus
Rating3.53.9SwitchBot Hub 3
ProtocolsIRBluetooth, Matter Bridge, IRSwitchBot Hub 3
IntegrationsGoogle Home, Alexa, Home AssistantGoogle Home, Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings, Home AssistantSwitchBot Hub 3
SensorsNoneTemperature, Humidity, Light, MotionSwitchBot Hub 3
Connectivity2.4 GHz WiFi2.4 GHz WiFiTie
Univeral Remote ControlYESYESTie
Smart LearningYESYESTie

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better overall: the BroadLink RM5plus or the SwitchBot Hub 3?

The SwitchBot Hub 3 wins overall, rating higher and outscoring 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 3 adds a screen, rotary dial, physical buttons and four onboard sensors (temperature, humidity, light, motion), plus a Matter bridge to five platforms. The BroadLink RM5plus is a simpler, cheaper IR-only blaster with none of that.

Does the BroadLink RM5plus work locally with Home Assistant?

Not reliably. It ships locked from the factory and does not support local LAN control. The SwitchBot Hub 3 bridges to Home Assistant along with Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Alexa and SmartThings.

Does the SwitchBot Hub 3 have a touchscreen?

No, its 2.4-inch screen is controlled by a rotary dial and physical buttons rather than touch. The BroadLink RM5plus has no screen at all.

Who should buy the SwitchBot Hub 3?

Buyers who want an IR blaster with real sensors, on-device controls and broad platform reach, including Apple HomeKit, and are willing to pay more for it.

Who should buy the BroadLink RM5plus?

Only buyers focused on the lowest price who don't need sensors, a screen, or guaranteed local Home Assistant control.

More IR Remote Controls

Top IR Remote Controls to compare next

Compare smart IR remote controls by connectivity, protocol support, integrations, sensors, and features like universal control or smart learning.

Compare IR Remote Controls
BroadLink

More BroadLink products

A sharper look at other BroadLink products worth comparing.

Explore BroadLink
SwitchBot

More SwitchBot products

A sharper look at other SwitchBot products worth comparing.

Explore SwitchBot
Stay in the loop

Smart Home Deals & News straight to your inbox

Join the newsletter and get the best smart home deals and new releases in your inbox.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Smart Home Deals & News straight to your inbox

Join the newsletter and get the best smart home deals and new releases in your inbox.

Independent · Not sponsoredBrands never pay for placement or rankings. Affiliate commissions never influence our comparisons.
© 2026 Smart Home Compared
Search