Smart home security brand SwitchBot has introduced its second smart lock, the Lock Pro, aiming to offer stronger protection than the first model.
If you read our SwitchBot Lock review, you'll learn that the device, while good overall, lacked many of the security features you'd expect to see in a smart home device. It's pretty much devoid of bells and whistles. The SwitchBot Lock is, as the review says, “the dumbest smart lock you've ever seen.” Additionally, it used large CR-123A lithium batteries which are not cheap. However, with Lock Pro, the company updated key aspects of the previous generation, making the new model easier to use and able to play a larger role in your smart home ecosystem.
For example, the deadbolt switch disappeared and was replaced by a rotary dial. It also works as a button with the Quick Key function. Pushing it allows you to instantly lock and unlock the device. What's more, the dial is facing down at the bottom, leaving room for the battery case on top.
Those bulky batteries have been left aside. Instead, owners will use four AA batteries. Changing them is easy to do. All you have to do is remove the magnetic cover. It is no longer necessary to remove four screws.
The different power source hasn't done much to reduce the size of the Lock Pro. It's about the same size as the original. But what he did do was increase the battery life to a full nine months. Of course, you still have the option of purchasing the rechargeable Dual Power Pack that can last a full year.
The accompanying Keypad Touch now has a fingerprint reader at the bottom. According to the announcement, the keypad can store up to 100 individual fingerprints at a time. This may seem excessive for a typical home, but it can be convenient for businesses where there are a lot of people coming and going.
Returning functions
This is where the differences end, as there is a wide range of similarities between the SwitchBot Lock and Lock Pro.
The installation appears to be the same. A video on the product page demonstrates that you will need to remove the old rock and then place the base over the empty space. Have a Philips screwdriver handy because you will need one to secure the device to the base.
Support for the Matter standard has also returned, allowing you to connect the model to third-party services such as Samsung's SmartThings or Amazon Alexa. The Lock Pro itself doesn't connect to Matter, so you'll need to purchase SwitchBot's Hub Mini to enable compatibility. Other notable features include low battery alerts and real-time notifications that tell you if the door is unlocked.
SwitchBot Lock Pro is currently available for pre-order on its official website. Prices start at $120/£140/€140. Package options add the Keypad Touch and Hub Mini. Those packages will be more expensive. There is no word on when Lock Pro will be released, however, The Verge in its coverage states that it “will go on full sale on March 31.”
We've reached out to the company for more details. This story will be updated later. Until then, check out TechRadar's list of the best smart locks for 2024.
