The handy gadget can add hands-free controls to garage door openers, laundry machines, and other electronics.
The handy gadget can add hands-free controls to garage door openers, laundry machines, and other electronics.
Mar 31, 2025, 7:12 PM UTC
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switchbot_f6a17467c98d48e6ac1cd91804071975-1650266751771
Sheena Vasani
Sheena Vasani writes about tech news, reviews gadgets, and helps readers save money by highlighting deals and product recommendations for The Verge.
Smart plugs are great, but unfortunately, they can’t automate everything. Thankfully, there is a cheap cube-like contraption called the SwitchBot Bot that can add a touch of modern functionality to your garage door, light switch, and other traditional devices. It would normally run you $29.99, but right now you can buy it directly from SwitchBot for just $20.99 ($9 off) using promo code BKLP15 or at Amazon for $22.49 (about $8 off) if you’re a Prime member.
SwitchBot’s smart switch button pusher is incredibly easy to set up: just use the included tape to mount it to a standard button or rocker switch, which will let you use your phone to control devices you would typically turn on and off via a button. It works with compatible garage door openers and light switches, along with coffee makers, rice cookers, pet feeders, monitors, laundry machines, and other button-based gadgets. It also lets you create schedules and, when paired with a SwitchBot hub, issue voice commands via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri. It even supports Matter, though you will need to own the latest SwitchBot Hub 2 to take advantage of the newer smart home standard.
If you’ve ever wished you had a robot that could push a button for you, that’s precisely what the SwitchBot Bot does. It’s simple, smart, and works on anything with a button. Stick it on the device you want to turn on or off, and you’re set.
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There are some caveats to bear in mind, though. You can’t use the Bot on toggle switches, for one thing. Also, while the button pusher supports Bluetooth, you’ll have to buy a separate hub if you want to control it remotely. That said, the SwitchBot Hub Mini is currently on sale at Amazon for $27.99 ($12 off), which is worth considering.
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