$89 – $129
Smart AC controller for mini-splits with built-in sensors and geofencing
Want energy savings on AC
Smart scheduling, up to 25% savings
Use Alexa or Google Home
Voice control for AC operations
Want geofencing for AC
Auto on/off based on location
Have mini-split AC with IR remote
Works with 500+ brands via infrared
Need Apple HomeKit native
Only has Siri Shortcuts, not full HomeKit
Want Matter support
No Matter certification
Need local Home Assistant
HA integration is cloud-based (HACS)
AC has no IR remote
Requires IR-controlled AC
App crashes and becomes unusable, requiring device reset
Amazon reviewsApp updates sometimes require full device reset and re-setup
Pocketables reviewFirmware updates can get stuck or fail
User reviewsApp stability
commonCause: Software bugs
No HomeKit
commonCause: Platform limitation
Expecting full HomeKit support
Only Siri Shortcuts available, not HomeKit automations
Tip: Use Sensibo if HomeKit is required
Using with mesh network without setup
Connection failures during setup
Tip: Temporarily disable mesh extenders for pairing
Remote access, scheduling sync, voice control, geofencing
Basic local control via display buttons and IR
IR controller for 500+ AC brands. Built-in temp/humidity. LED display. Geofencing. 7-day scheduling. Alexa/Google/SmartThings. Multiple power options.
No HomeKit (Siri Shortcuts only). No Matter. HA cloud-based. App stability issues. Firmware problems. Requires IR AC. Cloud-dependent.
Sensibo Air
If: Need HomeKit native support
Sensibo Sky
If: Want more reliable app experience
Tado Smart AC Control
If: Need European AC compatibility
Have mini-split, use Alexa/Google
Good value with geofencing and scheduling
Want energy savings on AC
Smart features can save up to 25%
Need Apple HomeKit
Only Siri Shortcuts - get Sensibo instead
Known issue. Try: force close and reopen app, clear app cache, reinstall app, or reset device. Some users report issues after app updates requiring device re-setup.
Source: User reportsCielo has built-in display and sensors, lower price. Sensibo has better HomeKit support (via Homebridge) and more stable app. Choose Cielo for budget, Sensibo for HomeKit.
Source: Comparison reviewsWiFi connectivity issues with mesh networks
Amazon reviewsHACS integration is cloud-dependent, not local control
HA CommunityFirmware update issues
occasionalCause: Update process
Setup difficulties
occasionalCause: WiFi pairing
Not checking AC IR compatibility
Controller wont work with AC
Tip: Verify AC brand in Cielo compatibility list
Temperature, humidity, usage patterns, location for geofencing
Cloud-dependent for smart features. Geofencing requires location access. No local API for HA.
Want reliable local HA control
HA integration is cloud-dependent
Any AC with an infrared remote control - mini-splits, window ACs, and portable ACs. Cielo supports 500+ brands. Check their compatibility list before purchasing.
Source: Cielo websiteYes, via a community HACS integration (Cielo Home). However, its cloud-based, not local control. The integration generally works well but depends on Cielo cloud availability.
Source: Home Assistant CommunityNo, Cielo Breez Plus does not have native HomeKit support. It supports Siri Shortcuts for voice commands, but not full HomeKit automations or Home app control. For HomeKit, consider Sensibo.
Source: Cielo website