What is the difference between electric and automatic blinds?

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What’s the news?

• This article explains the difference between electric blinds and automatic blinds. It clarifies how both systems operate and how automation adds functionality beyond basic motorisation.

What you need to know

• Electric blinds: Motorised window coverings operated via switch, remote control, or app. Movement is user-initiated.
• Automatic blinds: Blinds that operate based on schedules, sensors, or smart home triggers without manual input.
• Control options: Electric blinds can become automatic when connected to smart systems supporting timers or environmental triggers.
• Smart integration: Automation depends on compatible bridges, apps, or smart home platforms. Not all electric blinds are automatic by default.
• Use case differences: Electric control improves convenience, while automation enhances energy efficiency and indoor comfort.

Key takeaways

• Electric blinds refer to motorised operation, while automatic blinds include programmed or sensor-based control. Automation requires additional configuration within a smart system.
• This distinction is relevant for homeowners, installers, and project developers evaluating the level of control and automation needed in a smart shading solution.

This question would also be a good fit for our article on frequently asked questions about smart blinds. In practice, we often see that people use the terms 'electric' and 'automatic' interchangeably when it comes to blinds. But they don't mean exactly the same thing. We are well aware of where the misunderstanding comes from. That’s why, in this article, we list the differences once and for all, so that it's clear what sets electric blinds and automatic blinds apart.

If you have a specific question about Motionblinds smart window coverings, our experts are more than happy to help. Contact us to find out more!

All automatic blinds are electric…

The term 'electric blinds' already tells you what to expect. These blinds have an electric motor to open or close them. The great advantage of this, of course, is that you no longer need to use muscle power. But the fact that it's electric doesn't mean that everything is automatic.

For example, there are electric window coverings that you can operate with a knob or a push button. This means you first have to get up to operate them. They may be electric, but everything is far from automatic. That's a big step further.

But not all electric blinds are automatic

Automatic window coverings are also driven by electric motors, but they are programmed to operate automatically. You can set commands for this using a smart hub integrated with your smart blinds. The hub is connected to your Wi-Fi network, allowing you to control the automatic blinds via an app on your smartphone or tablet, or even with a voice assistant such as Alexa or Google Home. Imagine if you could simply use a voice command to close your roller blinds.

You can, with automated solutions for your smart home. Such solutions can be programmed to open and close the blinds at specific times, allowing you to automatically match the window coverings to your needs for light and temperature control, as well as security and privacy.

How does the electric motor in the blinds work?

Electric or motorized simply means that the blinds are operated by an electric motor. This can be done in different ways: the motor can be powered by disposable or rechargeable batteries, or have fixed wiring. You can operate the window coverings using a remote control, a wall switch or a push button.

How do smart blinds work?

Use the Motionblinds app and you will instantly appreciate the convenience of automated control for you roller blinds or other blinds. Together, the Wi-Fi bridge and the app offer endless possibilities to operate everything quickly and easily via your smartphone, tablet or voice assistant. Even programming and automating them is easy, so the position of your window coverings is perfectly aligned to your biorhythm.

With your pre-programmed scenes, modes and timers, you can easily define how it all works. Daylight, protection, privacy: you can do it all the way you want, because everything's possible with the Motionblinds app!

Which option should you choose, and when?

That's up to you. If you simply want to be able to control large blinds behind your sofa or on a very high, difficult-to-reach window at the push of a button, you can opt for electric window coverings and use the remote control or wall switch.

If you're a fan of technology and already have other smart home features in your home, automatic window coverings are definitely something for you. This gives you the best possible control over your blinds with the least effort. Otherwise, just start with a single Motionblinds product, as you can always integrate more into the hub. Once you've programmed some modes and times via the app, you'll never want to go back. Bear in mind, however, that you need a strong Wi-Fi connection to make everything work properly. As usual, everything depends on the weakest link in the chain.

The benefits of Motionblinds automatic window decoration

• The system is easy to install, even if you have no technical experience.
• You benefit from wireless installation; no electrical cables are necessary. Simply hang up your window coverings and you're ready to go.
• Smart electric roller blinds give you a choice of various types of control: via the app, a pull control, or optionally a remote control.
• Pairing your devices is easy, irrespective of the smart home system used (Apple HomeKit, Google Home or Amazon Alexa) – even if you're not technically minded. A hub is not required for Apple users.

Want to know more about our electric and automatic blinds?

There are lots of options, so we'll understand if you have questions. Our experts are more than happy to help. Contact us to find out more!