Will I regret buying the SwitchBot Hub Mini? Conditions for upgrading from the old model to Hub 2 or Hub 3
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Are you wondering if you will regret buying the SwitchBot Hub Mini, or if you should upgrade from the old model to the Hub 2 or Hub 3?
When you look up the SwitchBot Hub Mini, you find opinions such as:
I should have bought the Hub 2
The Hub 3 is more convenient
The old model does not support Matter
You should avoid buying it now
You might find opinions like these.
Not only those who are about to purchase it, but also those who are using the old Hub Mini might feel anxious, wondering, "Should I upgrade soon?"
"Should I upgrade soon?"
You might feel anxious.
In our home, we have been using the old SwitchBot Hub Mini along with several temperature and humidity sensors.
Based on that experience, I will give you the conclusion first: if you are not having any trouble with how you currently use it, there is no need to rush to replace your old Hub Mini.
On the other hand,
Wanting to use Matter
Wanting to automate based on temperature, humidity, or brightness
Wanting family members to be able to operate it from the hub unit itself
If you have such troubles or goals, it makes sense to upgrade to the Hub Mini (Matter-compatible), Hub 2, or Hub 3.
🌸 Ele-Pit-chan's "Can I do that too?"
When it's labeled as an "old model," it suddenly makes you feel anxious even though it still works, right?
What you will learn in this article
Reasons why people often regret the Hub Mini
Who should keep using the old Hub Mini
Conditions for upgrading to Hub 2
Conditions for upgrading to Hub 3
Should first-time buyers choose the old model?
Conclusion | Only upgrade once you have a specific problem to solve
The criteria for upgrading from the old Hub Mini are as follows.
You are not having any particular trouble with your current usage
Continue using the old Hub Mini
If you can remotely control your infrared appliances and are not experiencing any inconvenience in your daily life, there is no need to rush an upgrade.
You want to use Matter
Hub Mini (Matter-enabled)
This is suitable for those who mainly control infrared appliances and only want to add Matter support.
▶ Check the current price of the SwitchBot Hub Mini (Matter-enabled) on Amazon
You want to use temperature and humidity for automation
Hub 2
This is for those who want to operate air conditioners, dehumidifiers, etc., based on room temperature, humidity, and brightness conditions.
▶ Check the current price of the SwitchBot Hub 2 on Amazon
You want your family to be able to operate it from the device itself
Hub 3
It is suitable for households where family members who do not use smartphones also want to be able to operate devices on the spot.
▶ Check the current price of the SwitchBot Hub 3 on Amazon
According to the official comparison, the old Hub Mini does not support Matter, temperature/humidity sensors, light sensors, or manual scene operation on the device itself.
The Hub Mini (Matter-enabled) supports Matter, while the Hub 2 and Hub 3 support temperature/humidity and light sensors, as well as scene operation on the device itself.
Reference: Differences between Hub Mini, Hub 2, Hub Mini (Matter-enabled), and Hub 3
The important thing is not whether there are new features, but whether those features will reduce your current problems.
📖 Eley's "Check here first"
Having new features is different from what is necessary for your current lifestyle.
Differences between the old Hub Mini and the Matter-enabled version
The old/standard version of the SwitchBot Hub Mini and the Hub Mini (Matter-enabled) look very similar and have the same basic role.
Both are hubs for connecting home appliances operated by infrared remote controls, such as air conditioners, TVs, and lights, to smartphone or voice control.
The biggest difference is whether or not they support Matter.
Old/Standard Hub Mini: Does not support Matter
Hub Mini (Matter-enabled): Supports Matter
Neither has built-in temperature/humidity or light sensors
Neither has a screen or control panel on the device
The old Hub Mini sold previously used a Micro USB port.
However, the current standard Hub Mini may have a Micro USB or USB Type-C port depending on the sales period and stock. Just because it has a USB Type-C port does not necessarily mean it is the Matter-enabled version.
When distinguishing between the standard version and the Matter-compatible version, check not only the terminal shape but also whether "Matter-compatible" is written in the product name or on the product page.
Also, the Hub Mini (Matter-compatible) does not have a built-in temperature and humidity sensor in the main unit.
If you want to use temperature and humidity features, you need to combine it with a compatible thermometer/hygrometer or a dedicated cable with a sensor separately.
Therefore, even if you upgrade from the old Hub Mini to the Matter-compatible version, temperature and humidity sensor features or operation functions from the main unit are not automatically added.
If you are currently able to operate infrared home appliances and check information from a separately installed SwitchBot thermometer/hygrometer without any issues, you can choose to continue using the old model.
On the other hand,
if you want to use Matter with Apple Home, etc.
if you want to increase the number of Matter-compatible products in the future
if you are purchasing a Hub Mini for the first time
in these cases, it is easier to prioritize the Hub Mini (Matter-compatible) over the standard version.
If you want to integrate a temperature and humidity sensor into the hub unit, the Hub 2 is a candidate, and if you want your family to be able to operate it from the hub unit itself, the Hub 3 is a candidate.
If you want to check the functional differences between the Hub Mini, Hub 2, and Hub 3 first, please see
Summary comparison of the differences between SwitchBot Hub 3, Hub 2, and Hub Mini
.
6 disadvantages that make it easy to regret the SwitchBot Hub Mini
Reason for regret 1: Family members do not use the app
Using the Hub Mini allows you to operate home appliances from your smartphone.
It is convenient if you use it alone, but it does not mean that every family member will use the SwitchBot app.
Using a regular remote control
Finding the app is troublesome
Not wanting to give a smartphone to children
Voice control is difficult to use
Only the person who set it up knows how to use it
These are some common issues.
Just buying a Hub Mini does not automatically change how the entire family operates their devices.
If you want your family to be able to operate devices from the unit itself, you should consider the Hub 3 as an option.
Reason for regret #2: The unit lacks a temperature and humidity sensor
The original Hub Mini and the Hub Mini (Matter-enabled) do not have built-in temperature, humidity, or light sensors.
If you want to automate based on temperature and humidity, you need to combine it with a separate thermometer/hygrometer or choose the Hub 2 or Hub 3, which come equipped with these sensors.
However, if you already own a separate thermometer/hygrometer, you might not have any issues with the Hub Mini.
Don't judge it as a failure just because it lacks built-in sensors; decide based on whether you already have the necessary features in other products.
Reason for regret #3: The older model does not support Matter
The original Hub Mini does not support Matter.
The Hub Mini (Matter-enabled), Hub 2, and Hub 3 all support Matter.
If you plan to consolidate your smart home products using Apple Home or Google Home in the future, the older model might leave you wanting more.
On the other hand, if you are not currently using Matter and have no issues with the SwitchBot app or voice assistants, there is no need to upgrade just because it lacks support.
This is because supporting a standard you don't use won't change your daily life much.
🌿 Eleap's "In terms of daily life"
If you have no plans to use Matter, you don't need to rush to upgrade just because it's not supported.
Reason for regret #4: Thinking all home appliances will be consolidated into one
The SwitchBot Hub Mini is a product that allows you to consolidate appliances operated by infrared remote controls into your smartphone.
However, it is not always possible to transfer every feature, especially those exclusive to the home appliance manufacturer's official app, to SwitchBot.
Official apps may include:
detailed operating status
manufacturer-specific modes
power consumption information
maintenance notifications
and more.
Sometimes, keeping the most convenient method for each operation rather than consolidating everything into a single app can make management less tiring.
Reason for regret 5: Purchasing without considering the installation location
The hub cannot be used effectively just anywhere.
You need to consider the positioning relative to the appliances you want to control via infrared, the Wi-Fi environment, the distance to Bluetooth devices, and the power supply.
SwitchBot also officially recommends installing the hub near the appliances or devices you wish to control.
Reference: Where should I install the Hub Mini/Hub 2?
Reason for regret 6: Over-automating
With SwitchBot, you can set operations based on conditions such as time, temperature, and humidity.
If you add too many settings just because it is convenient, you may encounter issues such as:
not knowing why an appliance turned on
settings becoming unsuitable as the seasons change
conflicts with manual operations by family members
Notifications increase
Only the person who set it up can fix it
This kind of situation can occur.
At first,
operating the air conditioner while away from home
turning off the lights at a set time
getting notified when temperature and humidity exceed a certain level
It is easier to keep going if you start with just one issue, such as these.
The reason why our home hasn't replaced the old Hub Mini
In our home, we use the old SwitchBot Hub Mini in combination with multiple SwitchBot temperature and humidity sensors.
The main purpose is to check the information from the temperature and humidity sensors.
The old Hub Mini itself does not have a built-in temperature and humidity sensor.
However, since we have already installed multiple temperature and humidity sensors in our home, we are not having any trouble with our current usage even if the hub unit itself lacks a sensor.
If you upgrade to Hub 2 or Hub 3, the unit itself will come equipped with a temperature and humidity sensor.
However, in our case, since we already own temperature and humidity sensors, we do not feel the need to upgrade just for that feature at the moment.
On the other hand,
if you want to check the temperature and humidity on the hub's screen
if you want to increase automation using temperature, humidity, and brightness
if you want family members to be able to operate home appliances from the hub unit itself
If you have a goal of creating a Matter-compatible smart home environment,
it is worth considering an upgrade to Hub 2 or Hub 3.
Rather than focusing on the many features of the new models, using whether you are currently having trouble with your setup as a criterion will help you avoid unnecessary upgrades.
People who are fine with the old Hub Mini
If the following apply to you, you can continue using the old Hub Mini.
You are not having trouble with current operations
You have no plans to use Matter
You already have a separate thermometer/hygrometer
Your main use is remote control of infrared appliances
You also use regular remote controls
You also use the appliance's native apps
You will not be significantly increasing your number of SwitchBot products
Even if new products are released, the infrared remote control function of the old Hub Mini will not disappear.
If it is still reducing your workload, choosing to keep using it is also the right decision.
People who should switch to the Hub Mini (Matter-compatible)
If the following apply to you, the Hub Mini (Matter-compatible) is a candidate.
You want to use Matter
Your main use is operating infrared appliances
You are fine with a separate temperature/humidity sensor
You do not need the features of the higher-end models
You want to switch to USB Type-C
If you are buying a Hub Mini for the first time, it is easiest to check the price difference with the old model and prioritize the Matter-compatible version.
People who should upgrade to Hub 2
The Hub 2 is suitable for the following people:
You want to check the temperature and humidity on the device screen
You want to automate based on room temperature and humidity
You want to use brightness as a condition
You want to use Matter
You don't need all the features of the Hub 3
▶ For those who want to start automating based on temperature and humidity | See SwitchBot Hub 2
People who should upgrade to Hub 3
The Hub 3 is suitable for the following people:
You want family members to be able to operate it from the device itself
You plan to increase the number of SwitchBot products in the future
You want to use the device as an operation panel
You want to consolidate more devices
You find the operability of the Hub 2 insufficient
When upgrading to the Hub 3, official support states that you can migrate infrared remote controls registered on your old hub.
They also provide guidance on how to use your old hub in a different room or on a different floor.
Reference: If I upgrade to Hub 3, can I migrate all settings from Hub 2 or Hub Mini to Hub 3?
Just because you upgrade doesn't mean you'll stop using the old hub immediately.
▶ A model that is easy for family members to operate from the device itself | See SwitchBot Hub 3
⚡ Elepit-kun's "Let's try it first!"
When you find a problem, that is the time to try a new model!
People who don't need the SwitchBot Hub Mini
If any of the following apply to you, you might find few opportunities to use the Hub Mini even if you buy it.
You have almost no home appliances operated by infrared remote controls
You do not operate home appliances while away from home
You do not want to operate home appliances via smartphone or voice
You are not having any trouble with standard remote controls
You have no plans to connect SwitchBot products to the internet
Rather than buying it just because it seems convenient, you are less likely to regret your purchase if you decide on one thing you want to solve, such as "I want to turn on the air conditioner from outside."
Should first-time buyers choose the old Hub Mini?
If the price difference is not significant, it is recommended to consider the Matter-compatible version first.
However, if the older model is significantly cheaper due to sales or inventory clearance, and:
You only need to operate infrared home appliances
You will not use Matter
You do not mind the difference in USB ports
In such cases, the old model may still be able to fulfill your needs.
Instead of thinking "it's bad because it's an old model," judge based on the price difference and the features you actually need.
Common questions about regrets and upgrading from the SwitchBot Hub Mini
Q1. Is it okay to keep using the old Hub Mini?
If you are not having trouble with your current operations and have no plans to use Matter, there is no need to rush to upgrade.
If you are able to operate infrared appliances and link with the separately sold SwitchBot Meter, you can choose to keep using it as is.
Q2. What can't the SwitchBot Hub Mini do?
The Hub Mini alone cannot measure temperature, humidity, or light levels, nor can it display information on a screen or allow scene control directly from the device.
If you need temperature and humidity data, combine it with a separately sold meter, and if you need a device screen or control panel, consider the Hub 2 or Hub 3.
Q3. Should I upgrade from the Hub Mini to the Hub 2?
If you want to check temperature and humidity on the hub's screen, or if you want to automate appliances based on temperature, humidity, or brightness, it makes sense to upgrade to the Hub 2.
If you are already using a separately sold meter and are not having any issues, an upgrade is not mandatory.
Q4. Can I migrate settings from the Hub Mini to the Hub 3?
SwitchBot officially states that infrared remote controls registered to the Hub Mini or Hub 2 can be migrated to the Hub 3.
You can also use your old hub in a different room or on a different floor after upgrading.
Summary | Focus on your current inconveniences rather than the release of new products
The reason people often regret buying the SwitchBot Hub Mini is not because the product is old.
It is because the features of the hub they chose do not match what they want to do.
Hub Mini if you only need to operate infrared appliances
Hub Mini (Matter-compatible) if you also want to use Matter
Choose Hub 2 for automation based on temperature and humidity
Choose Hub 3 if your family also wants to operate it from the device itself
Keep using your current old Hub Mini if you have no issues with it
This is an easy way to choose.
Consider upgrading not when a new model is released, but when you encounter problems that your current hub cannot solve.
Summary of the 4
🌸 Elepit-chan
So, choosing not to upgrade is also an option.
⚡ Elepit-kun
When you need it, try taking the next step!
📖 Erei
You won't miss features you don't use.
🌿 Eleap
It's fine to just choose the model that reduces your current inconveniences.
[Related Article]
See the differences between SwitchBot Hub 3, Hub 2, and Hub Mini in detail