Imagine controlling the ambiance of your room with just a tap on your phone or a simple voice command—no more getting up to adjust the blinds! That's the promise of Eve Custom Smart Blinds, a sleek solution for modern homeowners. But here's where it gets controversial: while these blinds offer convenience and style, their premium price tag might make you think twice. Let’s dive into what makes them stand out—and where they fall short.
Eve Custom Smart Blinds are designed to seamlessly integrate into your smart home ecosystem. Powered by a motor that supports Thread networking and Matter connectivity, these blinds work with most smart home automation platforms, including Alexa, Google, HomeKit, and SmartThings. You can control them via your phone, voice commands, automations, or even a traditional pull cord. However, they’re only available as roller shades, with three light-filtering fabric options and a range of colors. Starting at $546.85, they’re undeniably expensive, but they deliver on performance, ease of installation, and aesthetic appeal.
And this is the part most people miss: While Eve blinds are feature-rich, they’re not the only player in the game. For instance, SmartWings Motorized Roller Shades start at just $209.99 and offer more fabric, style, and motor choices. So, is the higher price tag for Eve blinds justified? That’s a question worth exploring.
Design and Features: Simplicity Meets Compatibility
Each Eve blind is custom-made to your specifications, but the design options are limited to roller shades. In contrast, SmartWings offers a variety of shade types, including roller, cellular, outdoor, zebra, Roman, and woven wood. Eve’s fabric choices include light-filtering, blackout, and light-filtering with insulation (featuring a metallic backing to reflect sunlight). The color palette is equally versatile, with options like Ash, Dust, Ink, Oyster, Sand, and Snow for standard fabrics, and metallic tones for insulated options. Eve even sends free fabric samples to help you decide.
Here’s a bold statement: Despite their customization, Eve blinds feel restrictive compared to competitors. For example, our test shade—a 74- by 52-inch double window with Ash blackout fabric and a cassette mount—cost $1,146.58. A similarly configured SmartWings shade? Just $495.96. That’s a significant difference.
The Eve blinds use a battery-powered motor designed by Motionblinds, featuring five speeds and USB-C charging. However, the package doesn’t include a USB-C cable, AC adapter, mounting screws, or a remote control—odd omissions for a premium product. The motor includes a USB-C port, LED indicator, end position button, and Reset/Program button. While the pull cord is handy, the lack of a remote feels like a missed opportunity, especially when SmartWings includes one.
Controversial interpretation: Eve’s focus on Thread and Matter compatibility is forward-thinking, but it requires additional hardware like a Thread border router. Is this a barrier for beginners? Absolutely. Meanwhile, SmartWings offers more flexibility with Matter over Alexa-only, Thread, Z-Wave, Zigbee, and non-smart options.
Control and Automation: Smooth but Limited
Eve blinds can be controlled via the Eve mobile app or compatible home automation platforms. The app lets you adjust the shade’s position, set schedules, and enable Adaptive Shading, which uses the window’s position and the sun’s angle to automate opening and closing. Automations based on time, motion, or your arrival/departure are also possible. However, SmartWings relies solely on third-party apps, lacking a first-party companion app.
Thought-provoking question: Does Eve’s app justify the higher cost, or is it overkill for most users?
Performance: Impressive but Not Perfect
Installing the Eve shade is straightforward, though you’ll need a level, screws, and an extra pair of hands. The motor is responsive and works seamlessly with voice commands and automations. The blackout fabric effectively blocks light, and Adaptive Shading performs as promised. However, the motor is louder than SmartWings’, registering 56dB compared to 43dB.
Final verdict: Eve Custom Smart Blinds are a premium choice for those deeply invested in smart home ecosystems. But if you’re budget-conscious or crave more design options, SmartWings might be the smarter pick. What do you think? Are Eve blinds worth the splurge, or is the competition too compelling to ignore? Let us know in the comments!
