Live nowPrime Day 2026October 6 to 7, 2026Starts in10d02h50m38sSee the deals
IR Remote Controls · Head to head

BroadLink RM5plus vs SwitchBot Hub Mini

Full Smart IR Remote Controls comparison in 2026

Updated September 2026
Data from Amazon and official BroadLink and SwitchBot sites.
2026 verdict
SwitchBot Hub Mini
Winner
SwitchBot Hub Mini
$36.10$39.007% OFF
Buy on Amazon USACheck price
A huge review base and five-platform reach win out: the SwitchBot Hub Mini wins this comparison on rating, protocols and integrations, reaching Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Alexa, SmartThings and Home Assistant from a tiny, long-established IR blaster with a large body of owner reviews behind it. The BroadLink RM5plus stays cheaper and its spec sheet credits it with smart learning where the SwitchBot Hub Mini's does not, but its own reviewers describe a difficult setup process and a factory lock that blocks local Home Assistant control, issues that don't come up with the SwitchBot. Both are IR-only blasters on 2.4GHz WiFi that work with Alexa, Google Home and Home Assistant. For most buyers, the better-reviewed, more widely compatible SwitchBot Hub Mini is the safer pick. The BroadLink RM5plus only wins if sticker price is the deciding factor.
vs
Price alerts

IR Remote Control prices change while you decide

We check the price of every IR Remote Control in the catalog daily and email you the drops, whichever one you pick.

Smart home deals and news, straight to your inbox

Price drops, new releases and the smart home news worth knowing.

No spam. Unsubscribe in one click.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Please enter a valid email address.
Your subscription has been successful.
FeatureBroadLink RM5plusSwitchBot Hub MiniWinner
Price$30.99$36.10BroadLink RM5plus
Rating3.44.2SwitchBot Hub Mini
ProtocolsIRBluetooth, IRSwitchBot Hub Mini
IntegrationsGoogle Home, Alexa, Home AssistantGoogle Home, Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, Home AssistantSwitchBot Hub Mini
Smart LearningYESNOBroadLink RM5plus
Connectivity2.4 GHz WiFi2.4 GHz WiFiTie
Univeral Remote ControlYESYESTie

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 Mini

Loading price history...

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The SwitchBot Hub Mini wins overall, rating higher and reaching more platforms including Apple HomeKit and SmartThings. The BroadLink RM5plus wins on price and on the smart-learning feature flag.

What is the biggest difference between them?

The SwitchBot Hub Mini integrates with five platforms (Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Alexa, SmartThings, Home Assistant) and has a much larger, more established review base. The BroadLink RM5plus is cheaper but has a smaller, weaker owner track record and reported setup issues.

Does the SwitchBot Hub Mini support Apple HomeKit?

Yes, along with Google Home, Alexa, SmartThings and Home Assistant. The BroadLink RM5plus does not support Apple HomeKit.

Does the BroadLink RM5plus work locally with Home Assistant?

Not reliably. It ships locked from the factory and does not support local LAN control, while the SwitchBot Hub Mini bridges to Home Assistant along with several other platforms.

Who should buy the SwitchBot Hub Mini?

Buyers who want a cheap, extensively reviewed IR blaster with the widest platform reach, including Apple HomeKit and SmartThings.

Who should buy the BroadLink RM5plus?

Only buyers prioritizing the lowest price who don't need Apple HomeKit or SmartThings support and are prepared for a potentially fiddly setup.

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
Open the full comparison
More IR Remote Controls

Top IR Remote Controls to compare next

15 smart IR remotes and blasters from 7 brands compared: BroadLink, SwitchBot, Moes and more. Range, RF support, device libraries and app control.

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