Flic Duo Smart Button & Flic Hub Mini: The Ultimate Review

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Additionally, there are silicone and metal mounting options available, including a more durable weather-resistant case for outdoor or semi-exposed installations and a metal plate for stable mounting on walls, desks, or car dashboards while still maintaining magnetic detachability.

The Flic Duo utilizes two physical buttons and an integrated motion sensor to support five generic triggers: single press, double press, long press, long press with swipe, and long press with twist. With these triggers and buttons, the device can be configured with over 20 distinct actions per Duo and more than 30 commands when placement-aware behavior is utilized. It comes with a built-in buzzer and three LEDs that offer audio and visual feedback, allowing users to confirm actions without needing to check a phone or display.

The design of the Flic Duo is compact and minimalistic, featuring a magnetic mounting plate that allows it to be placed on a wall and easily removed for handheld use. It is powered by a CR2032 coin cell battery that lasts for approximately three years of typical use before needing replacement.

The physical design of the Flic Duo is a standout feature, with satisfying tactile buttons and a sturdy build despite its small size. It is available in both black and white color options to suit various interiors. Its slim profile ensures it blends in seamlessly when mounted next to a traditional light switch. I came across this Reddit comment discussing how to integrate Flic buttons with Home Assistant using webhooks, noting that it works best with a Flic hub. The process involves creating an automation with three webhook triggers named Single, Double, and Hold to correspond to the actions Flic buttons can perform.

After setting up the automation, the Flic hub needs to be configured to send the hooks to Home Assistant. This can be done easily on a phone by copying the webhook URL from the automation and pasting it into the Flic app for the desired button actions. The type should be changed to “POST” for each action.

Once the setup is complete, the automation will trigger based on the type of press on the Flic button, and different actions can be added for Single, Double, and Hold triggers. It is important not to delete this automation once set up.

Additionally, there is an alternative option available through Home Assistant addons by Philipp Schmitt, which uses Bluetooth on the device and may not require a hub. However, some users have reported issues with Bluetooth initialization in Home Assistant.

The comment also mentions the extensive range of actions available with Flic buttons, which are more comprehensive than other providers. In daily use, the Flic Duo is generally reliable, but its performance can be affected by the connection quality of the devices it controls. When using Matter devices paired directly to the Flic Hub, the response time is almost immediate. The twist and swipe actions work well, although there may be a slight delay in certain situations, such as wireless interference or distance from the hub.

For controlling Sonos, the experience is excellent with responsive volume adjustments. Setting a maximum volume limit in the app helps prevent accidental deafness from enthusiastic twisting. However, gesture recognition can become unreliable when the button is moved to areas with poor signal, like a garage.

The battery life meets expectations thanks to Bluetooth Low Energy, providing impressive range for a coin-cell device that covers most average-sized homes without issues, as long as the Hub is centrally located.

The Bluetooth range with the Hub Mini is sufficient for a typical semi-detached house. For larger properties or thick walls, the Hub LR with extended range may be a better investment.

In terms of pricing and alternatives, the Flic Duo is priced at £50, while the Flic Hub Mini costs £21. Other options from Flic include the Flic Hub LR (£62), Flic Button (£30), and Flic Twist (£67). Competing alternatives like the Philips Hue Smart button, Aqara Wireless Mini Switch, and Ikea options are available at lower prices.

Overall, the Flic Duo offers a range of features including gesture control, broad integrations, and safety functions. While it may not be the most cost-effective option compared to Zigbee alternatives, it provides an appealing choice for users without advanced automation platforms. The safety features, in particular, make it a compelling device for certain use cases. However, for experienced smart home enthusiasts with existing ecosystems, the Flic Duo’s premium pricing may be harder to justify.

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