Mark’s Tech Vlogs review of the SwitchBot Lock Ultra
Following on from last year’s SwitchBot Lock Pro, which I reviewed and found to be a great smart lock, SwitchBot have now released their Lock Ultra.
This is a retrofit smart lock that SwitchBot claims is compatible with 99.9% of doors.
I’ve been using this for the last couple of weeks and I’m going to share everything you need to know about this new smart lock from SwitchBot.
Design
With a smaller, more rounded design than the Lock Pro, the Ultra has a largely metal body with a rounded knob and bottom and looks great.
It’s also slightly slimmer than the Lock Pro but still a bit chunky.
The front of the Lock Ultra has a removable plate where you can remove the rechargeable battery. It’s also under here where the clips are that hold it to the door.
The knob can be twisted to lock and unlock, has an orange indicator, a ring light to show status, and the centre is a button you can press for quick locking and unlocking.
Everything about this design feels well-made and modern, and I much prefer the rounded edges.
You also get some wood-effect stickers in the box if you want to soften the look of the front to match your door.
Specification
SwitchBot says this is compatible with 99.9% of existing locks including EU profile, UK oval, Swiss round, and night-latch locks.
If you have a cylinder, it must allow unlocking from the outside with a key while a key is still inside. If not, you’ll need a new thumb turn cylinder compatible with one of the included adapters.
In the US, it’s compatible with single deadbolts, rim cylinders, jimmy-proof, and mortise locks (last two require special kits).
When used with a SwitchBot Hub 2, 3, or Hub Mini (with Matter), it is Matter-compatible and works with Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home, and should work with Home Assistant too.
I’ve tested it with the SwitchBot app and Apple Home.
The included magnetic sensor allows for door ajar alerts and auto-lock functionality.
Security-wise, it uses AES-128 encryption and since it’s retrofit, it’s as physically secure as your current cylinder.
You can disable the button via the app or set it to only lock.
If using with SwitchBot’s accessories like their keypad or Keypad Touch/Vision, fingerprint and facial data are stored locally.
The included rechargeable battery lasts up to 9 months (based on 10 uses/day) and is rated to last over 5 years. There’s also a backup battery inside.
Noise levels are rated at 50–55 dB (measured at 50 cm), and you can choose different speeds—the slowest being the quietest I’ve heard from a smart lock.
Price
With the Keypad Touch and Hub Mini, it costs £250. With the Keypad Vision and Hub Mini, it’s £299—great value for what you get.
What’s in the Box
- The lock and rechargeable battery
- USB cable
- Magnetic contact sensor
- Wood-effect cover stickers
- Various thumb turn adapters, Allen keys, mounts
- Instructions
Installation
You can follow the paper instructions or use the SwitchBot app.
I was replacing the Lock Pro, so I just ensured I had the right thumb turn adapter, stuck the mount on my handle, and clicked it into place with the lock using the new slider system (much better than the Lock Pro’s screws).
The app guides you through pairing, calibration, and installing the contact sensor. You’ll also want to add the lock to Matter via your SwitchBot hub.
Installation was easy and straightforward.
Keypad Pairing
I used the new Keypad Vision (review coming soon), but it also works with the more affordable keypads—though they don’t weather as well over time.
Using the Lock
From the inside, you can use the app, Apple Home, twist knob, or physical button (my favourite).
It’s faster than the Lock Pro and quieter. You can change the speed, but slower modes might struggle slightly depending on your door.
From the outside, you can use the app, keypads (Vision or Touch), NFC, key codes, or fingerprints.
In the app, you must create a key code before adding a fingerprint or face, but you can delete the code afterward.
You can create temporary or emergency passcodes remotely via the hub.
Note: for multipoint doors, you’ll need to lift the handle before locking.
My favourite method inside is the button, and outside it’s the fingerprint scanner—it’s quick and responsive.
Apple Home integration works well, with a response time of about 1–2 seconds.
The SwitchBot app lets you monitor lock status, configure auto-lock, and set alerts for door ajar or left open.
There’s even a night mode for slower, quieter locking at bedtime—very useful.
Any Downsides?
My biggest complaint: no Apple HomeKey support, which I use and love with the Aqara U200. But the fingerprint scanner is still excellent.
Verdict
With the Lock Ultra, SwitchBot kept what worked from the Pro and made it smaller, faster, and better overall. For the price, it’s a fantastic retrofit smart lock solution.
🔗 Check out the links below for discounts on Amazon and SwitchBot.
Switchbot: https://bit.ly/4dwRseq (Save 15% with code 15OFFXQ522) Amazon: https://geni.us/S1mCv
