Add to Chrome
Add to Edge
Add to Firefox
Add to Opera
Add to Brave
Add to SafariWhen comparing Sivoia QS Triathlon vs Serena Shades, the Slant community recommends Serena Shades for most people. In the question“What are the best HomeKit blinds?” Serena Shades is ranked 1st while Sivoia QS Triathlon is ranked 2nd. The most important reason people chose Serena Shades is:
You get to choose everything about the blinds - from the style (honeycomb or roller) to the power supply (battery, wired, or manual), mounting options, size, fabrics to be used...virtually everything can be custom picked allowing for your own preferences.
Question Ranking
Pros
Pro Alternative control provided by remote
These blinds come with a remote control, which can either be mounted on a wall or held by a stand on a flat surface such as a table or night-stand. This remote allows for quick and easy control while you're playing music, or any other time it would be inconvenient to ask Siri to operate the blinds.
Pro Very long battery life
The batteries (3 X D batteries) will last 3-5 years, and when they do need replacing it's easy to do so. Just slip the top cover off.
Pro The blinds are completely custom made to suit your needs
You get to choose everything about the blinds - from the style (honeycomb or roller) to the power supply (battery, wired, or manual), mounting options, size, fabrics to be used...virtually everything can be custom picked allowing for your own preferences.
Pro Can be activated by your location (geofencing)
Geofencing is the term used when your (or more accurately, your phone's) physical location activates a product. In this case, you can set the blinds to open when you get home, and close when you leave home automatically with no action taken on your part.
Pro Easy to use
You can use Siri or the included remote to control the shades - whichever is easier for you at the time.
Pro Straightforward install
While it can take an hour to install all the necessary equipment (once you have the bridge setup subsequent install times will drop), it isn't difficult at all. You don't need any special tools - just a regular screwdriver.
Pro Quiet operation
The motors used to raise/lower the shades are very quiet, leading to a futuristic feeling when you see them operate themselves.
Cons
Con Smart Bridge Pro (required for HomeKit integration) is very costly
The Smart Bridge Pro is what connects the blinds to HomeKit - without it you'd be better off getting regular remote controlled blinds. This Bridge requires professional installation as well, which also adds to the cost on-top of the already pricey $150 Smart Bridge Pro.
Con Very expensive
Each shade costs at least $350, and the price increases from there if you choose more premium options.
Con Smart Bridge is needed for HomeKit integration
The Smart Bridge is another device to install, and it doesn't come cheap either at $150. With the blinds already priced at at least $350, the total cost for the first blind is $500. Without the Smart Bridge, battery life (if you have the battery powered model) will suffer greatly and you won't be able to control the blinds using HomeKit which is really the leading feature.
Con Somewhat spotty performance
Geofencing and Siri control are still being improved, but right now sometimes they work and sometimes they don't.
