Clip-on curtain motor · exact-product guide
SwitchBot Curtain 3: track compatibility, quantity and Canadian buying guide
Curtain 3 motorizes an existing curtain without replacing the rod or fabric. The displayed Canadian and US prices correspond to one Rod Type 1 unit, so track geometry, curtain weight and the number of independently moving panels must be settled before comparing the total cost.
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Paid CJ affiliate link; commission never changes our analysis. Verified September 1, 2026.Short answer
A good retrofit when the exact Rod Type 1 hardware can travel smoothly, each motor handles no more than 15 kg and the run is 3 m or less. One motor moves one curtain panel; a conventional centre-opening pair normally needs two units. A hub is optional for basic Bluetooth control and five local schedules, but required for voice, sunrise/sunset timing and broader automation.
Verified specifications
The facts that change the decision
- Exact displayed variant
- Rod Type 1 · one motor
- Main unit size / weight
- 42 × 51 × 173 mm · 280 g
- Rod assembly envelope
- 78 × 71 × 205 mm
- Published load
- Up to 15 kg per motor
- Maximum runway
- 3 m per motor
- Battery / charging
- 3,350 mAh lithium-ion · USB-C 5V/1A
- Published battery life
- Up to 8 months under an 8 kg, 3 m, once-daily, 25°C test
- Noise
- Up to 42 dB in Normal Mode · as low as 25 dB in QuietDrift
- Without a hub
- Bluetooth control and up to five local schedules
- Hub-required features
- Voice assistants, sunrise/sunset timing, unlimited schedules and broader automations
Good fit
This product may fit if…
- You want to keep the existing curtain fabric and rod while adding automatic movement.
- The exact Rod Type 1 path is straight, clear of fixed fittings and smooth across every telescopic joint.
- You have counted one motor for every curtain panel that must move independently.
- The curtain weighs no more than 15 kg per motor and its travel is no longer than 3 m.
Stop before buying
Do not order yet if…
- You have not confirmed the exact rod or rail type and are relying on the family name alone.
- A centre bracket, decorative fitting, sharp telescopic step or curve blocks the motor's complete path.
- You budgeted for one unit even though two panels open from the centre.
- The intended space is unheated and you need guaranteed operation below room temperature despite the conflicting official guidance.
Installation
Five-step verification plan
- 1
Photograph the full rod, its diameter, centre supports, telescopic joints, wall clearance and both end stops.
- 2
Weigh each panel and measure the exact travel; count the motors before comparing the total price.
- 3
Confirm Rod Type 1 compatibility and any required connector or accessory before opening every package.
- 4
Install, add the positioning magnet and calibrate both end positions before enabling schedules.
- 5
Test manual pull, normal mode, QuietDrift and every joint repeatedly; add a hub only for the remote features you need.
After installation
What ownership requires
- Plan USB-C charging access or verify the separately sold Solar Panel 3 placement without assuming indefinite charging in weak light.
- Recalibrate after moving the curtain, changing hooks, adding a connector or altering the opening limits.
- Keep the rod clean and inspect joints and fixed hardware if the motor slows, slips or stops before the end.
FAQ
Questions before buying
Do centre-opening curtains need two motors?
Normally, yes. One Curtain 3 moves one independently travelling panel. A two-panel centre-opening arrangement generally needs two units, even though the app can coordinate them.
Does Curtain 3 work without Hub 3?
Yes for nearby Bluetooth control and up to five local schedules. A compatible hub is required for voice assistants, sunrise/sunset timing, unlimited schedules and wider connected-home automation.
Can Curtain 3 cross a curved or telescopic rod?
SwitchBot does not recommend curves for rod or U-rail installations. A telescopic joint may need the official Rod Connector so the motor can cross smoothly. Verify the real path before ordering multiple units.
Product in action
Official photos and demonstrations
Photos come from the exact Canadian product listing. The video shows operation or installation; it does not replace compatibility measurements.
Verified compatibility
Useful companion products
Add these products only for the function described on the page. A hub is not automatically required for every use.
SwitchBot Hub 3
Matter bridge, infrared remote, scene controller and indoor climate display for a connected SwitchBot home.