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Following on from my assessment of the very good Aqara Sensible Lock U200, I’ve been trying out the SwitchBot Lock Professional. This sensible lock shares most of the options of the Aqara whereas being significantly extra reasonably priced, however how does it carry out as compared?
Associated Content material
Specification
Communication: Bluetooth Low Vitality (BLE) with a variety of as much as 120 metres with out obstacles. The lock may be managed by way of the SwitchBot app or Keypad inside 20 metres when the door is closed.Energy Provide: The usual configuration makes use of 4 AA dry batteries (1.5V, 2900mAh). There’s additionally an optionally available Lithium Battery Pack out there.Compatibility: Designed for Euro Profile locks with supplied Mounting Brackets A and B.Working Setting: Supposed for indoor use with an working temperature vary of 10°C to 45°C and humidity between 10% and 90% RH.Building: The shell is made out of aluminium-magnesium alloys and PC + ABS plastic.Dimensions: 120 x 59 x 83.9 mm (4.7 x 2.3 x 3.3 inches)Weight: 435 g (15.3 oz) together with batteriesAdditional Options: Fast Lock Button for one-touch operation, indicator lights (purple, blue, inexperienced), buzzer, temperature sensor for low-temperature alerts, and auto-lock performance.
Options
A number of Unlock Strategies: Customers can entry their doorways utilizing the SwitchBot app, bodily keys, the Fast Key function, or optionally available equipment just like the Keypad Contact. This versatility ensures that you simply’re by no means locked out, even when your telephone battery dies otherwise you misplace your keys.Auto-Lock: The lock may be set to interact routinely after a specified time, including an additional layer of safety. It’s price noting that this function doesn’t work with multi-point locks, which require lifting the deal with to totally interact.Distant Entry: When paired with the SwitchBot Hub Mini, customers can management the lock remotely and obtain real-time notifications about its standing. This function is especially helpful for granting entry to company or service suppliers if you’re not at residence.Voice Management: The Lock Professional is appropriate with main voice assistants together with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri when used with the Hub Mini. This permits for hands-free operation, which may be handy when your arms are full otherwise you’re multitasking.Matter Help: The Lock Professional helps the Matter normal by way of the Hub Mini, enabling broader sensible residence integration. This future-proofs the gadget to some extent, as Matter is about to grow to be a broadly adopted normal within the sensible residence trade.Battery Life: SwitchBot claims the 4 AA batteries can last as long as 9 months. The low battery alert function is a considerate addition, guaranteeing customers aren’t caught off guard by a lifeless lock.Handbook Operation: The twistable dial permits for handbook locking and unlocking, offering a backup technique if the batteries die or in case of digital failure. This can be a essential function that ensures you’re by no means locked out of your own home as a result of a technical glitch.
Comparability with Aqara Sensible Lock U200
When evaluating the SwitchBot Lock Professional to the Aqara Sensible Lock U200, a number of variations grow to be obvious:
Design: The Lock Professional has a really deep design and I it appears a bit clunky compared to the Aqara lock. The general construct high quality feels extra plasticy too, however it’s nonetheless good.Set up: The bodily set up is generally the identical, however the Switchbot has a number of further equipment to accommodate various kinds of locks. Each locks work by utilizing your current cylinder and key, with the sensible lock turning the important thing for you.Calibration: I discovered the calibration and the thumb flip to be higher on the Switchbot, you’ll be able to really feel when the lock engages and solely want to show the knob a small quantity.Unlock Strategies: Each locks assist a keypad, and each keypads assist pin codes, fingerprint and NFC. I’ve discovered each locks have carried out reliably for all unlock strategies. The Aqara lock scans your finger a number of instances so I think that will likely be extra correct for fingerprints however I’ve skilled no failed scans on both lock. The Switchbot lock got here with a NFC card whereas the Aqara didn’t.Sensible Residence Integration: Each locks supply good sensible residence integration as they each assist Matter. The Aqara is superior because it makes use of Matter Over Thread and the Aqara ecosystem is considerably bigger than Switchbot. On the flip aspect, the Switchot bundle comes with a hub and the hubs are considerably cheaper than the Aqara M3 hub.Energy Supply: The Lock Professional makes use of AA batteries, whereas the U200 makes use of a chargeable lithium battery. The U200’s USB-C charging port needs to be extra handy for many customers. The Switchbot claims to have an extended battery lifetime of 270n days vs 6 months (182.5 days). The Switchbot additionally has an optionally available rechargeable battery (£20)Worth: The Lock Professional is usually cheaper than the U200
Unboxing / Design
The SwitchBot Lock Professional arrives in a compact, well-designed field that accommodates all the mandatory elements for set up. Upon opening, you’ll discover:
The Lock Professional unit itselfMounting plates and screwsFour AA batteriesInstallation information and person handbook
The metallic physique replaces the plastic design of the unique SwitchBot Lock, leading to a extra sturdy and aesthetically pleasing product. Nonetheless, the Lock Professional has a really deep design, measuring 120 x 59 x 83.9 mm, which could seem considerably cumbersome in comparison with some rivals just like the Aqara Sensible Lock U200.
The gadget’s dimensions permit it to suit most traditional doorways with out being overly obtrusive, however its depth is likely to be noticeable in sure settings. One situation with this fashion of lock is in case you have outwards opening double doorways, the lock could not match as it’s too huge. That is the fashion of door I’ve on my storage/gymnasium and I’ve been unable to suit any related lock to it, together with the Aqara and Yale Linus.
The general construct high quality, whereas improved, nonetheless has a barely plasticky really feel in comparison with some high-end options.
One notable design change is the alternative of the deadbolt change with a twistable dial. This dial doubles as a button for the Fast Key function, permitting customers to lock and unlock the gadget immediately by pushing it in. The dial’s placement on the backside of the unit creates area for the battery compartment above it, bettering the general structure.
A considerate addition is the magnetic battery cowl, which makes battery modifications extra simple in comparison with the screw-fastened cowl of the unique mannequin. This design alternative enhances person comfort and reduces the time wanted for upkeep.
SwitchBot Lock Professional Compatibility
The SwitchBot Lock Professional boasts broad compatibility with varied door varieties and lock configurations:
Keyway Orientation: Suitable with each horizontally and vertically oriented keyways.Inside Use: Designed for set up on the within of doorways, not supposed for outside use.Multipoint Locks: Robust sufficient to function multipoint locks, though the autolock operate received’t work as it might’t carry the deal with to interact the multipoint.Limitless Rotations: Works whatever the variety of lock rotations required.Night time-Latches: Helps European-style night-latches, permitting momentary locking of the inner latch for free entry and exit.
The bodily set up course of is analogous to that of rivals just like the Aqara Sensible Lock U200. Each locks work by utilizing your current cylinder and key, with the sensible lock turning the important thing for you. The SwitchBot Lock Professional comes with further equipment to accommodate differing types of locks, which is likely to be useful for some customers however might additionally make the set up course of barely extra complicated.
Bodily Set up of the Lock
Putting in the SwitchBot Lock Professional is a comparatively simple course of that doesn’t require any everlasting modifications to your door or current lock and is basically the identical as all the opposite sensible locks that use based mostly on the important thing turning design.
Right here’s a step-by-step overview of the set up course of:
Test Compatibility: Earlier than starting, use SwitchBot’s on-line compatibility checker to make sure your lock is appropriate for the Lock Professional.Clear the Door: Completely clear the realm round your current lock to make sure good adhesion of the mounting plate.Select the Right Mounting Plate: The Lock Professional comes with two mounting choices. Choose the one that most closely fits your lock kind.Connect the Mounting Plate: Use the supplied 3M adhesive to safe the mounting plate to your door. For added stability, it’s also possible to use screws in case your door permits for it.Connect the Lock Professional: Slide the principle unit onto the mounting plate till it clicks into place.Alter the Thumb Flip: Align the Lock Professional’s thumb flip together with your current lock’s thumb flip.Take a look at Handbook Operation: Earlier than continuing with the digital setup, make sure the lock can manually lock and unlock your door easily.
No particular instruments are required past a screwdriver in case you select to make use of screws for mounting.
One potential situation to pay attention to is the adhesive mounting. Whereas the 3M adhesive supplied is powerful, some customers could also be involved about its long-term sturdiness, particularly on doorways that see frequent use. The choice to make use of screws gives further peace of thoughts, however this will not be doable or fascinating for all door varieties.
Establishing the lock
As soon as the bodily set up is full, you’ll must arrange the Lock Professional utilizing the SwitchBot app. Right here’s an summary of the method:
Obtain the App: Get the SwitchBot app out of your gadget’s app retailer and create an account in case you don’t have already got one.Add the Lock Professional: Within the app, choose “Add Machine” and select the Lock Professional from the checklist of obtainable units.Connect with the Lock: Observe the app’s directions to attach your smartphone to the Lock Professional by way of Bluetooth.Calibrate the Lock: The app will information you thru a calibration course of to make sure the Lock Professional precisely detects the locked and unlocked positions. Whereas it doesn’t have the identical computerized calibration because the Aqara, I discovered this calibration to be superior,.Set Up Entry Strategies: Configure your most well-liked entry strategies, together with app management, auto-lock settings, and any further equipment just like the Keypad Contact.Configure Notifications: Arrange notifications for lock/unlock occasions, low battery alerts, and every other desired standing updates.
The setup course of is usually user-friendly, with clear directions supplied by the app. Nonetheless, some customers have reported occasional connectivity points throughout the preliminary setup, which can require restarting the method or updating the app.
Set up and Setup of the Keypad
For many who go for the extra Keypad Contact accent, right here’s how one can set it up:
Mount the Keypad: Select a location close to your door and use the supplied adhesive or screws to mount the keypad.Add the Keypad within the App: Within the SwitchBot app, choose “Add Machine” and select the Keypad Contact.Join the Keypad: Observe the app directions to attach the keypad to your Lock Professional.Set Up Entry: Create and handle entry codes for relations, company, or service suppliers.You too can arrange fingerprints and NFC playing cards.Inside the settings, you’ll be able to bind the keypad to a Switchbot Hub and customise a number of the settings, such because the lock button settings.
Switchbot App Options
The SwitchBot app is the central hub for controlling and managing your Lock Professional. Listed below are a number of the key options:
Distant Management: Lock and unlock your door from wherever when paired with the Hub Mini.Entry Administration: Create and handle entry codes for the Keypad Contact, and arrange momentary entry for company.Exercise Log: View an in depth historical past of lock and unlock occasions, together with who accessed the door and when.Battery Standing: Monitor the lock’s battery stage and obtain low battery notifications.Auto-Lock Settings: Configure the auto-lock function, together with delay time and activation situations. Please observe that auto-lock doesn’t work on multi-point locks.Notifications: Arrange alerts for varied occasions, akin to unauthorised entry makes an attempt or when the door is left unlocked.Integration Settings: Configure connections with different sensible residence platforms and voice assistants.
The app is usually intuitive and simple to navigate however there may be some lag if you load up the UI for a tool (such because the Lock Professional).
Integration with Residence Assistant Sensible Residence Ecosystem Utilizing Matter
Similar to the SwitchBot Common Distant, the Lock Professional may be built-in with different sensible residence ecosystems by way of Matter.
Switchbot has a little bit of an odd manner of doing issues. It’s worthwhile to bind the lock (or every other Switchbot gadget you wish to management with Matter) to a Matter enabled hub such because the Switchbot Hub 2.
You then want so as to add secondary units to show them to Matter. For the Hub 2, you’ll be able to solely add 6 units and the brand new Mini Hub can solely add 4 units.
With the Lock Professional added as a secondary gadget, you’ll be able to then lock and unlock the door by way of Residence Assistant and likewise create automations based mostly on varied triggers.
Efficiency
Thus far, I’ve discovered that the lock has carried out flawlessly.
The lock persistently responds to instructions from the app, keypad, or voice assistants. The mechanical operation is clean, with the motor offering sufficient torque to function most lock varieties with out situation.
The locking and unlocking course of within reason fast, usually taking a pair seconds to finish. That is on par with different sensible locks in its class.
The direct Bluetooth connection works reliably throughout the acknowledged 20-metre vary when the door is closed. Nonetheless, partitions and different obstacles can cut back this vary.
When used with the Hub 2 (or Hub Mini), distant entry is usually dependable, although there may be occasional delays relying on community situations.
As I’ve a multi-point UPVC door, I didn’t check the autolocking function completely but it surely seems to work effectively.
Keypad Unlock
The optionally available Keypad Contact accent enhances the Lock Professional’s performance:
Responsiveness: The keypad is responsive, with clear tactile suggestions for every button press.Code Administration: The app makes it simple to create, modify, and delete entry codes. You may arrange everlasting codes for relations and momentary codes for company or service suppliers.Safety: The keypad has built-in safeguards towards brute-force makes an attempt, briefly locking out after a number of incorrect entries.
Fingerprint Unlock
The fingerprint unlock on the Aqara Sensible Lock U200 was certainly one of its important promoting factors. The unlocking operate was extraordinarily dependable and quick.
The identical is true for the SwitchBot Lock Professional, I don’t suppose I’ve had any dangerous readings which have prevented me from unlocking the door and the unlocking course of is responsive and fast.
NFC Card Unlock
Each the Aqara and Switchbot keypads are appropriate with NFC. The Aqara lock doesn’t work with all NFC tags so you have to watch out which you purchase.
The Switchbot Lock appears to have the identical situation because the generic tags I purchased didn’t work. The lock comes with a free NFC card and the Switchbot web site states that the NFC tag they use is NTAG 216, and there are many choices to purchase on Amazon.
As for the included NFC card, identical to fingerprint unlock, that is extraordinarily dependable as a result of it’s fast to reply and unlock. I typically want fingerprint unlocking however it’s useful to maintain the NFC card in my pockets simply in case.
Battery Life
SwitchBot claims that the Lock Professional can last as long as 9 months on a set of 4 AA batteries. In apply, battery life can range considerably based mostly on utilization patterns:
Frequent use will naturally drain the batteries quicker.Excessive temperatures can have an effect on battery efficiency.Utilizing the lock with a multi-point mechanism could cut back battery
I’ve solely used the lock for a number of weeks, so I can’t touch upon its long-term battery life, but it surely appears to be high quality thus far.
The battery life is longer than the Aqara, but it surely makes use of disposable batteries except you purchase the optionally available rechargeable battery pack.
Worth and Different Choices
The SwitchBot Sensible Lock Professional by itself is a little bit of a cut price at £140, and on the time of writing, Amazon had a £20 off voucher.
The worth rises considerably if you need a keypad and Mini Hub. Amazon lists this at £240 with £40 off out there.
That’s nonetheless fairly priced, contemplating the competitors:
Aqara Sensible Lock U200£270Can be paired to the M3 hub for Matter performance.Nuki Sensible Lock Professional (4th technology)£245Uses WiFi and works with Matter. Lacks a keypad however you should purchase one for £145.Nuki Sensible Lock (4th technology)£170The identical because the Professional however lacks WiFi or the Nuki Energy PackWELOCK Sensible Fingerprint Door Lock£179Lacks the choice to make use of your key. No keypad on this mannequin, WiFI bridge bought individually.Yale Linus Sensible Lock Bundle£260The bundle features a WiFi bridge and keypad. I’ve personally used this the previous couple of years, and it has labored effectively, my accomplice hates the app (on iPhone).
Total
The SwitchBot Lock Professional is an outstanding sensible lock that I feel is simply pretty much as good because the Aqara Sensible Lock U200. Each locks are my present favorite sensible locks, which I’ve reviewed (I haven’t used the newer Nuki locks).
I’d say each Aqara and SwitchBot have professionals and cons in contrast to one another.
For The SwitchBot Professional, it’s priced extra attractively, and the sensible hubs are extra reasonably priced. I want the thumb dial unlock mechanism, because the calibration appeared extra dependable. It was additionally significantly simpler to arrange, as I had points pairing the Aqara to the Hub m3.
I want Aqara’s total look and construct high quality. The rechargeable battery is a bonus. It has a useful, easy-to-access USB-C port and features a carry bag that means that you can cost the lock utilizing an influence financial institution hanging out of your deal with. The Aqara ecosystem can also be superior, with an enormous vary of Aqara sensors and units which might work together with the lock. The Aqara was way more fiddly with pairing to its hub than the SwitchBot.
I additionally want the general design and construct high quality of the Aqara keypad, however the Switchbot keypad contains an NFC tag.
Total, I regard each the SwitchBot Lock Professional and Aqara Lock as equally good, and I strongly suggest them. The 2 components I’d take into account when shopping for these are which ecosystem you like or at the moment use and, after all, the value.
SwitchBot Lock Professional Overview vs Aqara Sensible Lock U200
Abstract
The SwitchBot Lock Professional is an outstanding sensible lock that I feel is simply pretty much as good because the Aqara Sensible Lock U200. Each locks are my present favorite sensible locks, which I’ve reviewed.
Execs
Straightforward to set upReliable performanceLower Worth level than the competitors.
Cons
Very deep design appears a bit odd mounted on a door deal with.
I’m James, a UK-based tech fanatic and the Editor and Proprietor of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Keen about all issues know-how, my experience spans from computer systems and networking to cell, wearables, and sensible residence units.
As a health fanatic who loves working and biking, I even have a eager curiosity in fitness-related know-how, and I take each alternative to cowl this area of interest on my weblog. My numerous pursuits permit me to carry a novel perspective to tech running a blog, merging life-style, health, and the newest tech developments.
In my tutorial pursuits, I earned a BSc in Info Techniques Design from UCLAN, earlier than advancing my studying with a Grasp’s Diploma in Computing. This superior research additionally included Cisco CCNA accreditation, additional demonstrating my dedication to understanding and staying forward of the know-how curve.
I’m proud to share that Vuelio has persistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of many prime know-how blogs within the UK. With my dedication to know-how and drive to share my insights, I goal to proceed offering my readers with partaking and informative content material.
Final replace on 2024-08-10 / Affiliate hyperlinks / Photos from Amazon Product Promoting API
