SwitchBot Lock Ultra Max review: Blazing speed and advanced biometrics take unlocking smarts to the next level
The SwitchBot Lock Ultra Max combo is a worthy upgrade from the Lock Pro, moving beyond simple remote access into the world of high-end biometric convenience. Picture: SwitchBot
After a year with the SwitchBot Lock Pro, I know exactly how much a retrofit device can change your daily routine. The Pro was a solid, reliable way to move away from physical keys. However, the new SwitchBot Lock Ultra Max combo adds a few features that make a big difference, especially for people who don’t care about the tech and just want a fast, reliable, convenient way to get in.
Over the last few years, I’ve reviewed several smart locks, and swapping out the Lock Pro for the Ultra Max was simple. While the Lock Pro is an excellent smart lock, the Ultra Max feels much more refined in both looks and specs. It features a brushed metal finish and a design that sits much tighter against the door. The zero-gap base ring means it looks like an original part. If you care about your entryway's aesthetics, this is a noticeable step up.
The Ultra Max Combo includes 3D facial and palm vein recognition. I used to rely on facial recognition, but the palm feature has proven incredibly handy – pun intended. Instead of fumbling for a phone or keypad, you simply approach the door and offer your hand. It’s surprisingly reliable, as is the facial recognition. In my setup, however, when the low evening sun streams in behind me, the strong backlighting can cause facial recognition to take longer. The Vision Pro also comes with a keypad, fingerprint sensor, and, of course, you can still use your keys.
The Vision Pro uses 3D structured light technology, similar to what an iPhone uses. It looks for depth and detail that a flat image cannot provide. Recognition is fast and, crucially, all biometric data stays on the device rather than being sent to the cloud. For anyone worried about privacy, this is a massive relief. SwitchBot says the system uses bank-grade 3D light technology and high-level encryption to keep your data stored locally, not in the cloud.
One of the best things about the Ultra Max is that it doesn't force your family to use a single way to enter the house. I've found that different people have different needs. Some might prefer the speed of facial recognition or palm vein entry, while others might want to use a fingerprint, a passcode, or an NFC card. You can even use voice commands, your Apple Watch, or the SwitchBot app. This variety lets you tailor access to whoever is coming through the door.
The included Hub Mini is Matter-enabled and also makes the device much more capable. While you can use the lock via Bluetooth, the hub provides the remote access you need to manage your home when you're away. Because it supports Matter, you can connect the lock to Apple Home and Home Assistant setups. This enables much better automation, like monitoring door status or linking the lock to other smart home routines.
The Ultra Max uses a brushless motor that is significantly faster than the previous models. I was honestly shocked the first time I used it, even a little terrified. It was so aggressively quick that it caught me by surprise. I thought the Pro was fast, but the Max seems to unlock almost instantly, certainly much faster than it would take me to physically unlock it with a key.
If you're coming home late at night, you might not want a loud mechanical whirring waking up the household. SwitchBot has included a Quiet Mode for this exact reason. The downside is that it’s much slower, and I don’t have sleeping babies to wake, so I left it in normal mode.
One of the most common questions I get about smart locks is: "What happens when the battery dies?" The Ultra Max uses a rechargeable 4,200mAh main battery, but it doesn't leave you stranded if that runs out. A CR123A backup battery is ready to take over, and if that loses voltage, an internal supercapacitor stores enough energy to provide a few final emergency entries. This multi-layered system effectively kills the fear of being locked out due to a power failure or a forgotten charge.
The installation process remains as simple as the original Pro. You don't need to drill into your door or replace your existing cylinder. It works with various European and Irish lock types, and the package includes different adapters to ensure a good fit.
The Ultra Max can handle both latch and deadbolt locks. If your door needs the handle turned to swing open, the Ultra Max can handle that part of the process too, providing a complete entry solution. However, before buying the Lock Ultra Max, take the compatibility quiz on SwitchBot's website to make sure it will work with your lock.
The SwitchBot Lock Pro is still a great choice if you want a straightforward, affordable way to control your door via a phone or keypad. It is a proven, reliable tool for most homeowners.
However, the Ultra Max is for those who want a truly hands-free lifestyle. The combination of 3D facial recognition, a faster motor, and an advanced battery backup makes it a much more sophisticated piece of technology. If you want to enter your home without ever reaching for a phone or a key, the upgrade is well worth the investment.
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