This manuscript investigates the snap-through characteristics of a special class of hybrid bistable symmetric laminate (HBSL) subjected to different loading constraints and imperfections. Understanding the behavior under various loading conditions and constraints is necessary to deploy these bistable laminates in structural applications. Towards that, detailed experimental and numerical studies are done to capture the load–displacement characteristics of: (a) an HBSL clamped at different distances at one end, (b) an HBSL clamped at one end subjected to loading at different positions, and (c) HBSL with geometric imperfection concerning the laminae thicknesses. The insights from the numerical and experimental studies are subsequently used to demonstrate the importance of the snap-through characterization in designing a smart actuation system. © 2020 Elsevier Ltd