SwitchBot Lock Pro: A next-gen retrofit smart lock redefining convenience
SwitchBot Lock Pro retrofitting smart locking system. Pictures: SwitchBot.
The smart home market is flooded with various retrofit smart locks promising convenience and security. SwitchBot are experts at solving solutions for making everyday devices smart. They combine the latest advances in smart home technology and mechanics and create innovative devices to make dumb switches, blinds, curtains and even locks smart. SwitchBot has an ever-expanding range of smart devices, including Lock Pro, which can be retrofitted to your door lock.
With 15 different unlocking solutions, Matter compatibility, and an easy installation process, SwitchBot Lock Pro sounds promising. But does it deliver?
The Lock Pro features a sleek, modern design that should blend seamlessly with most doors. It is compatible with multiple lock types, and in most cases, the installation won’t require drilling or damaging your existing door or lock. It’s important to check that the Lock Pro is compatible with your lock type before purchasing, or you may have to consider replacing your existing lock for it to work.
In my case, the installation process was straightforward, and I was able to keep the original key functionality intact. This means you can still use your original keys alongside the Lock Pro, providing extra convenience. Hence, even those who might not be into the newest and most sophisticated smart technology can continue to use a key.
I was sent the optional remote Keypad Touch, which can be installed anywhere near the lock, as long as it’s within 5m of the outside door. It comes with two non-rechargeable CR123A batteries, a metal mounting plate, and all the necessary hardware to mount to a wall or door.
After inserting the batteries, you can add the Keypad Touch as a device in the SwitchBot app. You are then guided through the installation process, which includes hardware and software setup.
The Keypad Touch has industry-leading fingerprint recognition with a rapid 0.3s recognition time and can store up to 100 fingerprints. The options are vast. But that's not all. You can generate one-time or temporary passcodes, unlock remotely from your phone, use voice commands with a smart assistant, or even tap an Apple Watch to unlock your door.
The Keypad Touch is optional, but I think the extra cost of €123 is well worth it for its convenience and features.
When you add the Lock Pro as a new device to the app, you can choose to be guided through the process with a pictorial or video guide. This is a big help and made my installation so much easier—there wasn’t much to it, especially if you already own and have used any other SwitchBot devices.
The Lock Pro supports Matter and Apple HomeKit via one of the newer SwitchBot Hubs. While a Hub isn’t necessary for basic operation, it is required if you want to use any of the more advanced features, including support for HomeKit, Alexa and Google Home.
I paired the lock with the SwitchBot Hub Mini Matter Enabled and seamlessly integrated it into my smart home ecosystem for automation and voice control. This opens up a world of possibilities, allowing you to create custom routines and commands to enhance your smart home experience.
The Lock Pro has several security features to give you peace of mind. Auto-Lock ensures that your door is locked when you arrive home, while real-time notifications keep you informed about the lock and door status. The latter is done with a little sensor that comes with the Lock Pro. It can detect if the door is open and send you a notification. You also get low-battery notifications, so you'll never be caught off guard.
Battery life is always a concern with smart locks, but SwitchBot Lock Pro puts those concerns to rest. It uses four AA batteries and promises up to nine months of battery life, which is 1.5x more than some competitors.
For those who want even more power, SwitchBot offers the Lock Pro Dual Power Pack that can fuel up to 12 months of unlocking. The passive power supply unlocking feature also ensures you can unlock your door even if the battery runs out.
The SwitchBot Lock Pro is designed with the user in mind. Its intuitive Quick Key feature lets you unlock your door with just a single click, while the redesigned interface is more durable and sturdy than its predecessor. The lock also offers virtual and emergency passcodes for added security, ensuring that your passcodes remain safe.
I was impressed at how quiet the Lock Pro is, which isn’t the case with all smart locks.
After spending several weeks with the SwitchBot Lock Pro, it's clear that SwitchBot has delivered a next-generation retrofit smart lock that lives up to its promises. With its diverse unlocking methods, impressive battery life, and Matter compatibility, the SwitchBot Lock Pro offers a compelling combination of convenience and security.
Whether you're a smart home enthusiast looking to upgrade your existing lock or a homeowner interested in enhancing your home's security, the SwitchBot Lock Pro is worth considering. Its easy installation process, compatibility with various lock types, and user-friendly features make it a standout choice in the smart lock market.
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