Reviewing the RYSE SmartShade and Why It’s the Best Retrofit for Window Shade Automation

I’ve been building out my smart home for years, but one area I hadn’t tackled was motorizing my window shades. Most options I found required replacing my shades entirely or hiring someone for installation — neither of which I wanted to do. That’s why I decided to try the RYSE SmartShade, and after living with it, I think it’s the most practical and affordable way to automate your shades.

Installation: Simple and Fast

I’m not particularly handy, so I was skeptical about how “easy” it would be. My first SmartShade took about 10 minutes to install, and once I figured it out, the next ones were even faster.The device works with my existing beaded chain. I simply attached the bracket to the wall using 3M double-sided tape and locked the SmartShade into place.

RYSE also provides a lot of setup material to walk you through the process. On top of that, their support team was excellent, answering my questions quickly and making the whole experience smooth.

Scheduling & Voice Control

I also picked up the RYSE SmartBridge, which really takes the SmartShade to another level. With the bridge, I was able to set up schedules in the mobile app— opening my shades early in the morning to let in natural sunlight and help me wake up naturally, then closing them in the evening for privacy. 

For me, this has been a game changer. I never use an alarm clock, and I need a dark room to fall asleep. Having the shades close at night gives me that perfect blackout room, but the natural light in the morning makes it so much easier to wake up feeling refreshed and less groggy.

The SmartBridge also connects the SmartShade to my voice assistants. I hooked it up with Alexa, and now I can just say, “Alexa, close the shades” whenever I want during the day. It’s fast, reliable, and way more convenient than reaching for a chain. Once I have these setup in the app, I never use my smartphone to control the shades again. 

Price and Options

The SmartShade starts at $149 if you plug it into the wall. I opted for the $199 version with the battery pack, and I’d recommend it — the battery lasts up to six months and eliminates dangling wires for a much cleaner look. For me, the battery pack was worth the extra cost, and I just charge it once a year using a USB cable. 

Energy Savings

One of the biggest benefits I’ve seen from using the SmartShade is the impact on energy efficiency. By keeping my shades closed during the hottest parts of the day, I can block out direct sunlight and reduce heat gain, which means my air conditioning doesn’t have to work as hard. In the cooler months, I can do the opposite — keeping the shades open to let in natural warmth from the sun and lowering my heating use.

This kind of automated shading makes a noticeable difference on utility bills over time. Instead of relying solely on AC systems, the SmartShade helps manage the indoor temperature naturally. It’s a simple change, but it contributes to both lower costs and a smaller environmental footprint.

Everyday Use

Day to day, the SmartShade feels seamless. The motor runs quietly, and the shades move smoothly without any jerking or catching. If I’m near the window, I can press the buttons directly on the device to control each shade individually, which makes it really convenient without always reaching for my phone or using voice commands.

It’s one of those products you stop noticing after a while because it just works in the background, yet you really appreciate it when you do interact with it.

Final Verdict

The RYSE SmartShade has completely changed how I use my window shades. Starting at $149 for the base model, it’s a fraction of the cost of replacing your shades with motorized shades. Installation is simple, the look is clean, and the experience feels premium.

If you’ve been waiting for a practical way to automate your shades, I’d say the RYSE SmartShade is the product to get.

Learn more at helloryse.com.