Review of RYSE SmartCurtain that Adds Quiet Automation to Curtains

After trying out RYSE’s SmartShade, I was curious to see how the company’s SmartCurtain stacked up. Curtains are a different challenge than shades — they’re heavier, they slide rather than roll, and they come in different styles like grommets or tracks. The SmartCurtain is designed to handle that, and after testing it, I can say it delivers a smooth, nearly silent experience with some thoughtful design details that make it stand out.

Installation on Curtain Rods

Right now, the SmartCurtain is designed to work with curtain rods, which are still common in most homes. I set mine up on a set of grommet curtains. Installation was completed in mere seconds: all I needed was a ladder to hang the device on the rod, and use the mobile app to set the open and closed position. In under a minute, I had my curtains moving on their own.

One thing I noticed, though, was that grommets can sometimes snag on the rod as the curtain is being pulled. This isn’t a fault of the SmartCurtain itself but more of a limitation of how grommets slide. When the curtain tilts even slightly, a grommet can catch on the rod, interrupting the motion.

I flagged this to the RYSE team, and they told me they’re already working on a simple but clever fix: an accessory they’re calling the “Bungie.” The Bungie connects all the grommets to a string at a fixed spacing, ensuring they stay evenly aligned. This prevents the curtain from tilting too much and eliminates the chance of snagging. It’s great to see a company respond quickly to feedback with practical solutions like this.

What About Curtain Tracks?

Since most hotels — and more and more modern homes — use curtain tracks instead of rods, I asked the RYSE team if the SmartCurtain would support tracks as well. They confirmed they’re launching a dedicated track adapter soon, and even shared some preview photos.

That’s an important addition, because tracks are common in hospitality settings where blackout curtains are standard for guest comfort. Automating those curtains not only improves sleep quality but also helps hotels reduce lighting and HVAC costs. For homeowners, track systems are becoming increasingly popular in bedrooms and living rooms for the same reasons — a cleaner look, better blackout, and smoother operation. The upcoming adapter should make SmartCurtain even more versatile across both residential and commercial markets.

Super Quiet Operation

If there’s one thing that impressed me the most, it’s how quiet the SmartCurtain is. The motor is virtually silent. Even when pulling a large, heavy curtain across a wide living room window, I could barely hear a thing. Compared to other motorized curtain solutions, which often buzz or hum noticeably, the SmartCurtain is in a league of its own.

This makes a huge difference at night. I like to close my curtains before bed, and with the SmartCurtain, it’s almost invisible in operation — the curtain just glides shut without a sound. That kind of detail makes the experience feel premium.

Battery Life

Power is usually a hassle with motorized window products — you’re either stuck with visible wires or constantly recharging batteries. The SmartCurtain avoids both problems. It uses rechargeable lithium batteries that last up to a full year on a single charge.

The package includes a battery charger, so when it’s time to recharge, it’s as easy as plugging in your phone. I really appreciate not having to worry about the batteries dying or charging every few weeks. For renters and homeowners alike, the year-long battery life is one of SmartCurtain’s biggest strengths.

Scheduling, Voice, and Button Control

I also picked up an extra accessory called the RYSE SmartBridge which unlocks features like scheduling and voice control. I set my curtains to close automatically at night for privacy and open in the morning with sunlight — which has been a game changer for me since I don’t use an alarm clock and prefer to wake up naturally. It also helps manage energy, since I can keep the curtains closed during the hottest part of the day to keep the room cool.

On top of that, I connected the SmartCurtain to Alexa, so I can just say, “Alexa, close the curtains” when I’m winding down in the evening. For people who may not like smart speakers listening 24/7, RYSE also makes a small button you can place anywhere in the house that controls up to 4 devices, and a remote control that connects up to 10 devices. Between the SmartBridge, Alexa, the button, the remote, and the app, I never feel limited in how I can control my curtains.

Tug Control

Here’s a pleasant surprise: I had a friend over who didn’t realize I had installed the SmartCurtain. They pulled on the curtain to open it, and instead of jamming or breaking, the SmartCurtain actually responded and just started running. It picked up where the tug left off and pulled the curtain smoothly across the rod.

That gave me a lot of confidence in how it’s designed. Even if a guest doesn’t know it’s motorized, they won’t damage the device. The SmartCurtain adjusts itself and keeps working as expected. It’s a thoughtful detail that makes the system feel durable and user-friendly.

Pricing

At $149, the SmartCurtain is one of the most affordable curtain automation devices available. Many competing systems cost several times more and often require buying completely new motorized tracks or custom curtains. With RYSE, you get smart automation for your existing curtains, which makes the price point even more compelling.

Final Thoughts

The RYSE SmartCurtain brings smart home automation to an area that’s often overlooked. It’s easy to install, super quiet, long-lasting, and affordable. While rod-mounted grommet curtains may snag occasionally, RYSE is already addressing that with the upcoming Bungie accessory. And with a track adapter on the way, SmartCurtain is poised to work in homes and hotels alike.

If you’re looking for a practical, reliable, and future-ready way to automate your curtains, the RYSE SmartCurtain is an excellent choice.

Full product details at helloryse.com/products/ryse-smartcurtain