Broadlink RM4 Mini IR Hub Review: Specs, Pros and Cons
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This broadlink rm4 mini s 2 4g review focuses on the RM4 Mini IR Hub with Sensor Cable. It is a universal remote that uses infrared signals to control household devices. The unit connects via 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi only. It does not support 5 GHz networks. The set includes a temperature and humidity sensor cable. This accessory plugs into the USB port. You can monitor room conditions directly in the app. The hub supports over 50,000 IR devices. It allows you to program custom buttons if cloud data is missing. This device bridges smart commands with legacy appliances.
What stands out
- Supports 50,000+ IR devices including TVs and AC units
- Includes HTS2 sensor cable for temperature and humidity monitoring
- Compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT
- Requires 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and a 5V 1A adapter
- Allows custom button programming for unsupported devices
Who it fits
Good fit for
You should consider this hub if you have older appliances that rely on infrared remotes. It suits users who want to add voice control to non-smart TVs, fans, or air conditioners. The included sensor cable is useful for automating climate devices based on room conditions. It also fits households that need a simple way to share remote control via the app. If your home network uses 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, this device integrates easily into your setup without requiring complex configuration.
Who should skip it
Skip this product if your Wi-Fi network only broadcasts 5 GHz signals. The RM4 Mini requires 2.4 GHz for configuration and will not connect to 5 GHz networks. You should also avoid this if you need to control devices through walls or from another room. IR signals cannot pass through obstacles. If you require a hub that supports both 2.4 and 5 GHz bands, or if you need radio frequency control for devices without line-of-sight, this model lacks those capabilities. Check your router settings before purchasing.
Verdict: The BroadLink RM4 Mini offers a straightforward way to control legacy IR devices using voice commands and automation. Its inclusion of a temperature and humidity sensor adds practical value for climate management.
Key specs explained for you
Connectivity: 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, IR
This device uses infrared light to send signals to your appliances. It connects to your home network via 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi only. You must place the unit where it has a clear line of sight to your TV or air conditioner. This setup works well if you want to control older devices that lack smart features. It does not support faster 5 GHz networks, so ensure your router broadcasts on the correct band for setup.
Smart Home Compatibility: Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT, Siri
You can control your IR devices using voice commands through major assistants. This means you can ask Alexa or Google to change the channel or adjust the temperature. IFTTT support allows you to create complex routines that link different services. Siri control is also available for iPhone users. This broad compatibility lets you integrate your non-smart appliances into your existing smart home ecosystem without buying new hardware.
Power Source: 5V 1A adapter, USB
The unit requires a specific 5-volt, 1-amp power adapter to operate. It connects via a standard USB interface. You need to use the correct adapter to ensure stable performance. This power requirement is standard for many small electronics. It allows you to plug the device into a wall outlet or a USB port on a computer or TV. Check your existing cables to see if you can reuse one for this setup.
Network Interface: 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi
The device only communicates over the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi frequency band. You cannot connect it to a 5 GHz network. This is common for many IoT devices to improve range and penetration through walls. You must ensure your router is broadcasting on 2.4 GHz during the initial pairing process. This limitation is important to check if your home network is set to 5 GHz only or if you use band steering features.
Design and build details
According to the listing, the BroadLink RM4 Mini S is a small, black hub. It weighs 3.53 ounces. This light weight allows you to place it anywhere without worrying about stability. The unit connects to a standard 5V 1A adapter via USB. You plug the included HTS2 Sensor Accessory into this USB port. This accessory combines a temperature and humidity sensor with a power cable. You position this sensor cable near the appliance you want to monitor. The main hub then reads the room conditions from that location.
The design relies on infrared technology. You must place the hub where it has a clear line of sight to your devices. Walls or other obstacles will block the signals. The unit supports 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi only. You cannot use 5 GHz networks for setup or connection. This limits where you can install the hub in homes with dual-band routers. You may need to ensure your router broadcasts a 2.4 GHz signal in that specific area.
The compact form factor means it does not dominate a shelf or table. You can tuck it behind a TV stand or near an air conditioner. The black finish helps it blend into most home decor. There are no physical buttons on the hub itself. You control all functions through the BroadLink app on your phone. This keeps the device simple and uncluttered. The lack of a display means you rely entirely on your mobile device for status updates and configuration.
Setup and everyday use
Setting up the BroadLink RM4 Mini S requires a 5V 1A power adapter and a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network. The device does not support 5 GHz connections, so you must ensure your router broadcasts on the correct band. Once powered, you use the BroadLink app to configure the hub. The setup process is straightforward, as the app guides you through connecting the unit to your network.
The RM4 Mini S functions as a universal remote for over 50,000 infrared devices. This includes TVs, air conditioners, fans, amplifiers, and set-top boxes. The cloud database is updated regularly to support newer models. If your specific device is not in the library, you can manually program it using the learn button feature in the app. You must place the hub where it has a clear line of sight to your appliances, as infrared signals cannot pass through obstacles.
Daily use involves controlling your IR devices through the app or via voice commands. The hub is compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT. You can also use Siri on iPhone for voice control. The included HTS2 sensor cable allows you to monitor room temperature and humidity. You can set triggers in the app, such as turning on an air conditioner when the temperature rises. You can also create timers, scenes, and routines to automate your home. Multiple family members can share control of the remote through the invite and join function in the app.
Before You Buy This Hub
You need a clear line of sight between this hub and your devices, since it relies on infrared signals. Obstacles block the commands, so placement matters. You must have a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network. The unit does not work with 5 GHz bands. Check that your router supports this frequency. You will use the BroadLink app to set up triggers. You can link it with Alexa, Google Assistant, or IFTTT for voice control. Siri works on iPhone too. You should verify your appliances are IR controlled. This hub joins 1 options in Smart Thermostats & Smart Home Controls. It fits best if you have legacy devices. You might need it alongside a smart thermostat. The sensor cable adds temperature and humidity data. This helps automate air conditioning based on room conditions. You should check the IR database for your specific models. Updates happen via the cloud. You can also program buttons manually if needed.
Check before you buy
- Ensure your router supports 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connections.
- Verify your devices use infrared signals for control.
- Check for a clear line of sight to appliances.
- Confirm your appliances are in the IR database.
- Download the BroadLink app for setup and control.
The product at a glance
BroadLink RM4 Mini IR Hub with Sensor Cable
Best for: legacy IR device control with environmental monitoring
- Connectivity
- IR, 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi
- Smart Home Compatibility
- Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT, Siri
- Network Interface
- 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi
- Power Source
- 5V 1A adapter, USB
- Weight
- 3.53 ounces
View on Amazon: BroadLink RM4 Mini IR Hub with Sensor Cable Affiliate link
The Broadlink RM4 Mini S is a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi IR hub that includes a HTS2 sensor cable for temperature and humidity monitoring. It supports over 50,000 IR devices and works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT. You can create timers and share control via the app. It suits homes with legacy IR appliances needing smart automation and environmental tracking.
Pros
- Includes HTS2 sensor cable for temperature and humidity data
- Supports over 50,000 IR devices with cloud updates
- Compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT, and Siri
- Allows manual programming and button learning for new devices
Cons
- Requires 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi only, not 5 GHz
- Needs line of sight for IR signals
- Limited to 5V 1A power adapter
Good fit if
- You have IR devices like TVs or AC units
- You need temperature and humidity monitoring
- You use Alexa or Google Assistant
Skip if
- You only have 5 GHz Wi-Fi networks
- You need 5 GHz Wi-Fi support
- You require line-of-sight-free control
Verdict: Broadlink RM4 Mini S IR Hub fits users with legacy IR appliances who want smart control and environmental monitoring via Alexa or Google Assistant.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | BroadLink RM4 Mini IR Hub with Sensor Cable |
|---|---|
| Connectivity | IR, 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi |
| Smart Home Compatibility | Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT, Siri |
| Network Interface | 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi |
| Power Source | 5V 1A adapter, USB |
| Weight | 3.53 ounces |
| Size | RM4miniS |
| Color | Black |
| Model | RM4 mini S |
Frequently asked questions
Does the BroadLink RM4 Mini S work with Apple HomeKit?
No, it does not support Apple HomeKit. The device is designed to integrate with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. You can control your legacy infrared appliances through these platforms. This allows for voice commands and smart home routines without needing additional Apple-specific hardware or bridges.
Can I use this hub with 5 GHz Wi-Fi networks?
No, it only supports 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connections. You must ensure your router broadcasts a 2.4 GHz signal for setup and operation. The unit cannot connect to faster 5 GHz bands. This limitation is common for budget infrared hubs to maintain stable range and compatibility.
What is the purpose of the included sensor cable?
The sensor cable enables environmental monitoring alongside device control. It allows the hub to track temperature and humidity in your room. You can use this data to automate your HVAC system or other climate-controlled appliances. This adds a layer of smart automation beyond simple on-off commands.
How heavy is the BroadLink RM4 Mini S hub?
The unit weighs 3.53 ounces. This light weight makes it easy to place on shelves or tables without worrying about stability. You can position it anywhere that has a clear line of sight to your devices. The small form factor ensures it blends into most home environments.
Does this device support Bluetooth for local control?
The provided specifications do not mention Bluetooth support. The hub relies on Wi-Fi connectivity to communicate with your smartphone and smart home ecosystem. You must be connected to your 2.4 GHz network to send commands. Local Bluetooth control is not listed as a feature for this model.
What type of signals does this hub use to control devices?
It uses infrared (IR) signals to control household appliances. This means it mimics the remote controls you use for TVs or air conditioners. You need a clear line of sight between the hub and the device. It cannot control smart devices that rely on Wi-Fi or Bluetooth alone.