The SwitchBot Hub 3 (link) is a logical next step for the company. Its predecessor, the Hub 2, was already more than just an extension of the SwitchBot app. With built-in sensors and two programmable buttons, it is capable of taking on control tasks itself. The latest product from company co-founder and CEO Connery Lee continues that strategy.
As a multifunctional control center, the Hub 3 manages not only SwitchBot’s own lineup of devices but also infrared-controlled products like TVs, air conditioners, and video projectors. In addition, it supports several streaming devices that use Bluetooth, including Apple TV, Fire TV, Google Chromecast, and more. A full list of compatible devices is available online (link).
Device Control via Buttons and Dial
Several physical buttons and a rotary dial on the front provide direct access to connected devices. A display shows operational states – such as the status of linked smart locks or readings from CO₂ and climate sensors. Brightness, temperature, and humidity are measured directly by the Hub 3’s built-in sensors, which can also be used as triggers in automation routines.
The SwitchBot Hub 3 can control up to 25 devices: 10 infrared-controlled and 15 Bluetooth-based devices. Among the Bluetooth devices, 12 can be SwitchBot’s own and 3 third-party Bluetooth remotes (link). On top of that, the Hub 3 acts as a Matter Bridge, exposing its inventory of devices to Matter-based ecosystems like Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, or Google Home – voice control included. A separate compatibility list details which devices appear on the platforms (link).
One particularly interesting feature is the ability to operate Matter devices from those ecosystems using the Hub 3’s physical controls. The product description highlights Philips Hue and its lighting scenes, which can be selected via the Hub’s display.
Control for Matter Devices
It is not clear from the documentation how this is done technically – and it was not possible to find out quickly from the Chinese manufacturer. SwitchBot may be using a similar approach to Aqara’s “Enhanced Matter Bridging”, where the hub emits control signals that a connected Matter system can use as automation triggers. According to SwitchBot, up to 30 “Matter Buttons” can be exposed to the target platform for this purpose.
The company specifically names Apple Home as a supported system but says that the option will soon be extended to other platforms such as Home Assistant. Time will tell how this feature performs in practice, as it is not an officially documented or certified Matter function.
This can be viewed ambivalently. As useful as this feature might be, it introduces yet another layer to the already complex Matter terminology – in addition to Matter Bridges and Matter Controllers. With terms like “Matter over Bridge” and other technical nuances, it becomes increasingly difficult for consumers to understand what Matter actually stands for – and what they should expect from products that claim Matter support.
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