Top 5 Matter-Enabled Smart Locks of 2024
The Matter protocol is a popular communication protocol for smart home devices, including Matter-enabled smart locks. It makes it easier for smart locks to integrate within a smart home ecosystem, making the connectivity and setup process simple for users. In this article, we’ll talk about what a Matter protocol means and some of the best Matter-enabled smart locks today.
Overview
What Are Matter-Enabled Smart Locks?
You can compare the Matter protocol to human language. It’s a universal language consisting of a set of rules that help your smart home devices talk to each other and work together effectively across platforms. Their brand or manufacturer doesn’t matter, making it easier for you to build a cohesive and interconnected smart home system.
One of these smart devices that follow the Matter protocol is Matter-enabled smart locks. This means no more Googling if a smart lock is compatible with your virtual assistant, such as Alexa or Apple’s Siri, video doorbells, or smart security cameras.
It’s relatively easy to spot a Matter-enabled smart door lock. Just check the Matter logo, which features three round-tipped arrows that are converging toward a central point.
So, why should you get Matter-enabled smart locks?
- The most obvious reason is that they can easily communicate with other smart devices, even those that use other protocols, such as Zigbee.
- They’re convenient and easy to use, so you can effortlessly control and monitor them using compatible devices, such as your smartphone.
- They can easily integrate into a larger smart home ecosystem, allowing you to automate everything inside your home using your preferred devices and platforms.
- You can lock or unlock your doors from far away, grant one-time or temporary access to specific people, and receive alerts.
The 5 Best Matter-Enabled Smart Locks
Searching for reliable smart locks with Matter technology can be a time-consuming and daunting task. So, to help you out, we’ve gathered five of the best Matter-enabled smart locks available on the market.
1. Yale Assure Lock SL with Matter
The Yale Assure Lock SL with Matter promises to help you break free from complicated set-up processes. Equipped with Matter technology, it lets you enjoy seamless connectivity with other smart home applications, such as Amazon Alexa, Apple Home, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings. It also has a longer battery life, thanks to Matter. And it all starts by simply scanning a QR code.
Since the Yale Assure Lock SL with Matter is a retrofit smart lock, you don’t need to replace your door’s entire locking mechanism to use it. Getting inside your home is as easy as entering your 4-8 digital access code on the lock’s touchscreen keypad. Not only that, the lock automatically closes your door with just a tap of the keypad for your peace of mind.
2. SwitchBot Lock Pro
SwitchBot lets you experience what it’s like to have Matter-enabled smart locks now with its SwitchBot Hub 2 and SwitchBot Hub Mini. These devices act as bridges using Wi-Fi, so you can connect the SwitchBot Lock Pro with other Matter-compatible smart devices and apps, such as Apple Home, without any problem.
But with or without Matter technology, the SwitchBot Lock Pro has so much to offer. It has numerous locking and unlocking options, a long battery life, a passive power source, and comprehensive security measures. Plus, it’s suitable for most European homes.
Setting it up only takes a few minutes and lets you keep your existing door lock. You can even do it by yourself, unless your door has a unique design and locking mechanism.
3. Aqara Smart Lock U100
Another option is the Aqara Smart Lock U100. It comes with the essential features that you’d come to expect from a good-quality smart door lock, such as multiple unlocking options, long-lasting battery performance, a built-in gyroscope for automatically closing your door, a high-accuracy fingerprint reader, and much more.
The Aqara Smart Lock U100 currently operates on the Zigbee protocol. But since it has a “Matter planned” label, it means that it’s compatible with the Matter protocol once it’s fully implemented.
At this time, the Aqara Smart Lock U100 works better without Matter integration. Another downside to this smart lock is that it requires a hub to access most of its features, which adds to its complexity and increases its cost.
4. Nuki Smart Lock Pro (4th Generation)
The Nuki Smart Lock Pro (4th Generation) connects to Matter through Thread. By using Thread, Nuki’s 4th generation smart lock provides you with a reliable and fast network connection with an extensive range within your home. With Matter, everyone in your family can manage this smart lock and other smart devices using your preferred platform.
Nuki’s 4th generation smart lock has plenty of useful security features. With its auto-lock function, you can open the door without needing to take your smartphone out of your pocket. You can also open your door and provide access permissions even when you’re miles away from your home.
In addition, the activity log on the Nuki app allows you to keep track of who has locked your door and confirm if it’s securely closed. This ensures you always have full visibility and control over the security status of your home.
5. Level Lock (All Models)
Compared to other brands, such as Schlage, Level smart locks are straightforward and much quieter. In his email to The Verge in 2022, Level co-founder Ken Goto confirmed that all of their smart locks are compatible with Matter technology. But since it’s not explicitly mentioned that Level’s smart locks are Matter-enabled, it would be best to email their customer service department first before making your final decision.
SwitchBot Lock Pro: The Smart Lock That Matter
Options for Matter-enabled smart locks are currently limited because the protocol has only recently been introduced. Manufacturers still need time to develop smart locks and other smart home devices that are going to work efficiently with the Matter protocol. But if you’re in immediate need of a quality smart lock with Matter support, SwitchBot Lock Pro is a great option.
Check SwitchBot Lock Pro compatibility before buying >