Updated November 2026
Data from the official BroadLink and SwitchBot sites.
2026 verdict
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.
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| Feature | BroadLink RM5plus | SwitchBot Hub Mini | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $30.99 | $35.10 | BroadLink RM5plus |
| Rating | 3.7 | 4.2 | SwitchBot Hub Mini |
| Protocols | IR | Bluetooth, IR | SwitchBot Hub Mini |
| Integrations | Google Home, Alexa, Home Assistant | Google Home, Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, Home Assistant | SwitchBot Hub Mini |
| Local Control | YES | NO | BroadLink RM5plus |
| Connectivity | 2.4 GHz WiFi | 2.4 GHz WiFi | Tie |
| Univeral Remote Control | YES | YES | Tie |
| Smart Learning | YES | YES | Tie |
$30.99
- + Price: $30.99
- + Local Control: YES
- - Rating: 3.7 vs 4.2
- - Protocols: IR vs Bluetooth, IR
Winner
10% OFF
$35.10
$39.00
- + Rating: 4.2
- + Protocols: Bluetooth, IR
- + Integrations: Google Home, Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, Home Assistant
- - Price: $35.10 vs $30.99
- - Local Control: NO vs YES
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.
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