SwitchBot Lock Professional Evaluate vs Aqara Sensible Lock U200

Following on from my evaluate of the excellent Aqara Sensible Lock U200, I’ve been trying out the SwitchBot Lock Professional. This good lock shares most of the options of the Aqara whereas being significantly extra reasonably priced, however how does it carry out as compared?

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Specification

• Communication: Bluetooth Low Vitality (BLE) with a spread 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 elective Lithium Battery Pack out there.
• Compatibility: Designed for Euro Profile locks with supplied Mounting Brackets A and B.
• Working Setting: Meant 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 constructed from 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 batteries
• Further Options: Fast Lock Button for one-touch operation, indicator lights (crimson, 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 elective equipment just like the Keypad Contact. This versatility ensures that you simply’re by no means locked out, even when your cellphone 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 completely have interaction.
• 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 visitors or service suppliers whenever you’re not at house.
• 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 enables for hands-free operation, which may be handy when your fingers are full otherwise you’re multitasking.
• Matter Assist: The Lock Professional helps the Matter normal by way of the Hub Mini, enabling broader good house integration. This future-proofs the system to some extent, as Matter is ready to turn into a broadly adopted normal within the good house 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, making certain customers aren’t caught off guard by a useless lock.
• Handbook Operation: The twistable dial permits for guide locking and unlocking, offering a backup technique if the batteries die or in case of digital failure. It is a essential function that ensures you’re by no means locked out of your property on account 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 turn into 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 usually the identical, however the Switchbot has just a few further equipment to accommodate various kinds of locks. Each locks work through the use of your current cylinder and key, with the good 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 help a keypad, and each keypads help 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 occasions so I believe that can 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 House Integration: Each locks provide good good house integration as they each help 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 facet, 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 ought 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 elective rechargeable battery (£20)
• Value: The Lock Professional is mostly inexpensive than the U200

Unboxing / Design

The SwitchBot Lock Professional arrives in a compact, well-designed field that comprises all the mandatory elements for set up. Upon opening, you’ll discover:

• The Lock Professional unit itself
• Mounting plates and screws
• 4 AA batteries
• Set up information and person guide

The steel physique replaces the plastic design of the unique SwitchBot Lock, leading to a extra sturdy and aesthetically pleasing product. Nevertheless, 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 system’s dimensions enable it to suit most traditional doorways with out being overly obtrusive, however its depth may be noticeable in sure settings. One subject with this model of lock is when you’ve got outwards opening double doorways, the lock could not match as it’s too large. That is the model of door I’ve on my storage/fitness center 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 alternate options.

One notable design change is the alternative of the deadbolt swap with a twistable dial. This dial doubles as a button for the Fast Key function, permitting customers to lock and unlock the system immediately by pushing it in. The dial’s placement on the backside of the unit creates area for the battery compartment above it, enhancing 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 selection 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:

1. Keyway Orientation: Appropriate with each horizontally and vertically oriented keyways.
2. Inside Use: Designed for set up on the within of doorways, not meant for out of doors use.
3. Multipoint Locks: Robust sufficient to function multipoint locks, though the autolock operate gained’t work as it will probably’t raise the deal with to have interaction the multipoint.
4. Limitless Rotations: Works whatever the variety of lock rotations required.
5. Evening-Latches: Helps European-style night-latches, permitting non permanent locking of the inside 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 through the use of your current cylinder and key, with the good lock turning the important thing for you. The SwitchBot Lock Professional comes with further equipment to accommodate differing kinds of locks, which may be useful for some customers however may additionally make the set up course of barely extra advanced.

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 actually the identical as all the opposite good locks that use primarily based on the important thing turning design.

Right here’s a step-by-step overview of the set up course of:

1. Test Compatibility: Earlier than starting, use SwitchBot’s on-line compatibility checker to make sure your lock is appropriate for the Lock Professional.
2. Clear the Door: Totally clear the world round your current lock to make sure good adhesion of the mounting plate.
3. Select the Right Mounting Plate: The Lock Professional comes with two mounting choices. Choose the one that most closely fits your lock kind.
4. 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.
5. Connect the Lock Professional: Slide the primary unit onto the mounting plate till it clicks into place.
6. Modify the Thumb Flip: Align the Lock Professional’s thumb flip together with your current lock’s thumb flip.
7. 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 if you happen to select to make use of screws for mounting.

One potential subject 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 offers further peace of thoughts, however this might not be potential or fascinating for all door varieties.

Establishing the lock

As soon as the bodily set up is full, you’ll have to arrange the Lock Professional utilizing the SwitchBot app. Right here’s an summary of the method:

1. Obtain the App: Get the SwitchBot app out of your system’s app retailer and create an account if you happen to don’t have already got one.
2. Add the Lock Professional: Within the app, choose “Add Machine” and select the Lock Professional from the record of obtainable gadgets.
3. Hook up with the Lock: Comply with the app’s directions to attach your smartphone to the Lock Professional by way of Bluetooth.
4. 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,.
5. 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.
6. Configure Notifications: Arrange notifications for lock/unlock occasions, low battery alerts, and another desired standing updates.

The setup course of is mostly user-friendly, with clear directions supplied by means of the app. Nevertheless, 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 the way to set it up:

1. Mount the Keypad: Select a location close to your door and use the supplied adhesive or screws to mount the keypad.
2. Add the Keypad within the App: Within the SwitchBot app, choose “Add Machine” and select the Keypad Contact.
3. Join the Keypad: Comply with the app directions to attach the keypad to your Lock Professional.
4. Set Up Entry: Create and handle entry codes for relations, visitors, or service suppliers.
   • You may as well arrange fingerprints and NFC playing cards.
5. Throughout the settings, you’ll be able to bind the keypad to a Switchbot Hub and customise among 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 here are among the key options:

1. Distant Management: Lock and unlock your door from wherever when paired with the Hub Mini.
2. Entry Administration: Create and handle entry codes for the Keypad Contact, and arrange non permanent entry for visitors.
3. Exercise Log: View an in depth historical past of lock and unlock occasions, together with who accessed the door and when.
4. Battery Standing: Monitor the lock’s battery stage and obtain low battery notifications.
5. Auto-Lock Settings: Configure the auto-lock function, together with delay time and activation circumstances. Please notice that auto-lock doesn’t work on multi-point locks.
6. Notifications: Arrange alerts for varied occasions, resembling unauthorised entry makes an attempt or when the door is left unlocked.
7. Integration Settings: Configure connections with different good house platforms and voice assistants.

The app is mostly intuitive and simple to navigate however there may be some lag whenever you load up the UI for a tool (such because the Lock Professional).

Integration with House Assistant Sensible House Ecosystem Utilizing Matter

Identical to the SwitchBot Common Distant, the Lock Professional may be built-in with different good house ecosystems by way of Matter.

Switchbot has a little bit of an odd method of doing issues. You must bind the lock (or another Switchbot system you need to management with Matter) to a Matter enabled hub such because the Switchbot Hub 2.

You then want so as to add secondary gadgets to show them to Matter. For the Hub 2, you’ll be able to solely add 6 gadgets and the brand new Mini Hub can solely add 4 gadgets.

With the Lock Professional added as a secondary system, you’ll be able to then lock and unlock the door by way of House Assistant and in addition create automations primarily based 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 easy, with the motor offering sufficient torque to function most lock varieties with out subject.

The locking and unlocking course of within reason fast, usually taking a pair seconds to finish. That is on par with different good locks in its class.

The direct Bluetooth connection works reliably throughout the acknowledged 20-metre vary when the door is closed. Nevertheless, partitions and different obstacles can cut back this vary.

When used with the Hub 2 (or Hub Mini), distant entry is mostly dependable, although there may be occasional delays relying on community circumstances.

As I’ve a multi-point UPVC door, I didn’t take a look at the autolocking function completely but it surely seems to work nicely.

Keypad Unlock

The elective 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 straightforward to create, modify, and delete entry codes. You’ll be able to arrange everlasting codes for relations and non permanent codes for visitors or service suppliers.
• Safety: The keypad has built-in safeguards towards brute-force makes an attempt, quickly locking out after a number of incorrect entries.

Fingerprint Unlock

The fingerprint unlock on the Aqara Sensible Lock U200 was one in every of its fundamental promoting factors. The unlocking operate was extraordinarily dependable and quick.

The identical is true for the SwitchBot Lock Professional, I don’t assume I’ve had any unhealthy 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 must watch out which you purchase.

The Switchbot Lock appears to have the identical subject 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 usually desire 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 observe, battery life can range considerably primarily based 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 just a few weeks, so I can’t touch upon its long-term battery life, but it surely appears to be tremendous thus far.

The battery life is longer than the Aqara, but it surely makes use of disposable batteries until you purchase the elective rechargeable battery pack.

Value and Various Choices

The SwitchBot Sensible Lock Professional by itself is a little bit of a discount at £140, and on the time of writing, Amazon had a £20 off voucher.

The worth rises considerably in order for you 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
  • £270
  • Will be paired to the M3 hub for Matter performance.
• Nuki Sensible Lock Professional (4th technology)
  • £245
  • Makes use of WiFi and works with Matter. Lacks a keypad however you should buy one for £145.
• Nuki Sensible Lock (4th technology)
  • £170
  • The identical because the Professional however lacks WiFi or the Nuki Energy Pack
• WELOCK Sensible Fingerprint Door Lock
  • £179
  • Lacks the choice to make use of your key. No keypad on this mannequin, WiFI bridge offered individually.
• Yale Linus Sensible Lock Bundle
  • £260
  • The bundle features a WiFi bridge and keypad. I’ve personally used this the previous couple of years, and it has labored nicely, my associate hates the app (on iPhone).

General

The SwitchBot Lock Professional is an outstanding good lock that I believe is simply nearly as good because the Aqara Sensible Lock U200. Each locks are my present favorite good locks, which I’ve reviewed (I haven’t used the newer Nuki locks).

I might say each Aqara and SwitchBot have execs and cons in contrast to one another.

For The SwitchBot Professional, it’s priced extra attractively, and the good hubs are extra reasonably priced. I desire 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 desire 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 lets you 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 gadgets which might work together with the lock. The Aqara was far more fiddly with pairing to its hub than the SwitchBot.

I additionally desire the general design and construct high quality of the Aqara keypad, however the Switchbot keypad contains an NFC tag.

General, I regard each the SwitchBot Lock Professional and Aqara Lock as equally good, and I strongly suggest them. The 2 elements I’d contemplate when shopping for these are which ecosystem you like or at present use and, in fact, the worth.

I’m James, a UK-based tech fanatic and the Editor and Proprietor of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Enthusiastic about all issues expertise, my experience spans from computer systems and networking to cellular, wearables, and good house gadgets.

As a health fanatic who loves working and biking, I even have a eager curiosity in fitness-related expertise, and I take each alternative to cowl this area of interest on my weblog. My various pursuits enable me to deliver a novel perspective to tech running a blog, merging way of life, health, and the most recent tech traits.

In my educational pursuits, I earned a BSc in Data 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 expertise curve.

I’m proud to share that Vuelio has persistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of many prime expertise blogs within the UK. With my dedication to expertise and drive to share my insights, I purpose to proceed offering my readers with partaking and informative content material.

Final replace on 2024-08-10 / Affiliate hyperlinks / Photographs from Amazon Product Promoting API