Best Smart Locks Unveiled at CES 2026: Category Winners, Real-World Use Cases, and What Actually Matters
CES 2026 put smart locks firmly in the “core smart home” category, with real advances in biometrics, ultra‑wideband (UWB), Matter over Thread, and privacy‑minded local processing. Many of the most interesting CES 2026 smart locks are either newly launched or “coming soon,” so homeowners should treat them as a preview of where door security is heading rather than a shopping list.
Executive Summary (TL;DR)
- CES 2026 smart locks focused on proximity‑aware access using UWB and presence detection, led by Aqara’s U400 deadbolt and other locks that unlock automatically when an authorized user approaches instead of relying only on Bluetooth or Wi‑Fi geofencing.
- Matter over Thread moved from buzzword to baseline, with brands like Aqara, TCL, Ultraloq, Lockly and Kwikset announcing locks that can join major ecosystems (Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings, Home Assistant) through a single standard rather than brand‑specific hubs.
- Biometric smart locks evolved beyond simple fingerprints into palm‑vein recognition and 3D face unlock, as seen in TCL’s D2 Pro and Desloc’s new K140 Plus and S150 Max, signalling a shift toward multimodal, contactless verification at the door.
- Battery and power design improved through longer quoted runtimes, rechargeable packs, and even solar‑assisted locks like the Desloc K140 Plus that can top up their batteries from ambient light.
- Privacy and on‑device processing became selling points, with several CES 2026 locks promising local biometric matching, reduced dependence on external clouds, and alignment with emerging secure‑credential standards such as Aliro.
- The most homeowner‑friendly locks emphasized practical reliability and broad compatibility rather than flashy features, pairing familiar keypad and mechanical key access with newer options like NFC/Home Key and UWB presence to reduce lockouts and learning curves.
- Availability varies widely: some models, like Aqara’s U400 and Kwikset’s Aura Reach, are already shipping in select markets, while others—such as Lockly’s Affirm series, Ultraloq Latch 3, and Desloc’s lineup—are “coming soon” or region‑specific, so international buyers may face delays or limited support at launch.
CES 2026 Smart Lock Trends Overview
Biometrics at CES 2026 moved past single‑sensor fingerprints toward multimodal, more spoof‑resistant designs. TCL’s D2 Pro uses palm‑vein scanning with infrared to read the unique vein pattern in your hand, while Desloc’s S150 Max combines 3D facial recognition with a curved fingerprint sensor for faster recognition at the door. This reflects a security trend: using multiple, harder‑to‑fake biometrics to reduce the risk of simple photo or fingerprint spoofing and to make contactless entry more natural for everyday use.
Ultra‑wideband and presence‑based unlocking were clear headline themes. Aqara’s Smart Lock U400 uses UWB “time‑of‑flight” and angle‑of‑arrival calculations to tell whether you are approaching the door from outside and can automatically unlock as you reach it, reducing accidental unlocks when you are inside or just passing by. This is a step beyond basic Bluetooth proximity, aiming to balance convenience with security by understanding direction and exact distance instead of just signal strength.
AI‑style access logic appeared mostly behind the scenes rather than as a buzzword on product boxes. Some locks, such as Chamberlain’s myQ View 3‑in‑1 Smart Lock, pair facial recognition with a 2K HDR video doorbell to identify who is approaching and adjust behavior—locking, unlocking, or notifying—accordingly. Vendors are positioning these systems to recognize household members versus visitors, but long‑term questions remain about tuning, error rates, and how much intelligence should live in the lock versus the wider smart home.
Battery innovation at CES 2026 focused on endurance and resilience rather than radical new chemistries. TCL’s D2 Pro and D2L Fingerprint Lever Lock quote up to twelve months of use, and several new models use rechargeable packs instead of disposable cells, while Desloc’s K140 Plus integrates a solar panel to help keep its rechargeable battery topped up. These changes matter for homeowners because they reduce how often you need to service the lock and provide more ways to avoid being caught out by a flat battery.
Privacy, on‑device processing, and data ownership were recurring themes, especially for biometric and UWB locks. TCL highlights local biometric processing for the D2 series, meaning fingerprint and palm vein data are handled in the lock itself rather than uploaded to the cloud, while Aqara’s U400 and other Matter over Thread models are designed for local network control via compatible controllers. Emerging standards like Aliro aim to standardize secure digital credentials across manufacturers, potentially making it easier to move between ecosystems without giving up control over who can open your door.
Smart‑home ecosystem direction at CES 2026 clearly favored Matter and platform‑agnostic approaches. Aqara’s U400, Lockly’s Affirm series, TCL’s D2 locks, Ultraloq’s new Thread‑based Latch 3, and Kwikset’s Aura Reach all advertise Matter over Thread support so they can sit inside Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings, or Home Assistant setups with less vendor lock‑in. At the same time, some brands like Chamberlain still lean on more closed ecosystems, reminding homeowners to check how well a lock will fit their existing platforms before committing.
Category Winners
The following “winners” highlight different strengths rather than ranking a single best smart lock. Some are available now in specific regions, while others are announced or “coming soon” and may take time to reach global markets. Availability information is based on current CES‑time announcements and can change as products roll out.
Most Innovative Smart Lock at CES 2026 – Aqara Smart Lock U400
image source: Apple
a. Quick Snapshot
b. Overview
The Aqara Smart Lock U400 is a deadbolt‑style smart lock that combines UWB positioning, Apple Home Key, and Matter over Thread into a single, relatively compact unit. It stood out at CES 2026 because it demonstrates how precise presence detection can deliver true hands‑free entry while still integrating cleanly with multi‑ecosystem Matter setups. For homeowners, the appeal is a lock that can auto‑unlock as you approach, still supports traditional methods like keys and PINs, and plugs into Apple Home and other platforms without a brand‑specific hub.
c. Who This Lock Is For
- Home type: Best suited to single‑door houses, townhomes, and apartments that use a standard deadbolt format, especially in markets where Aqara sells hardware and support is established.
- User profile: Tech‑comfortable households that already run Apple Home or other Matter‑capable ecosystems and want seamless, phone‑or‑watch‑based entry.
- Tech comfort level: Intermediate to advanced; initial setup will be easiest for buyers already familiar with Home Key, Thread, and smart‑home controllers.
d. What to Be Aware Of
- Limitations: UWB Home Key features currently tie most tightly into Apple’s ecosystem, and some advanced capabilities (like Aliro support) are planned rather than fully live.
- Unanswered questions: Long‑term durability of the UWB hardware in varied climates and real‑world battery life under heavy Home Key use will only be proven over time.
Best Smart Lock for Apartments & Condos – Ultraloq Latch 7 (Matter over Thread)
a. Quick Snapshot
b. Overview
The Ultraloq Latch 3 is a lever‑style smart lock designed to replace the interior handle and latch set rather than a separate deadbolt, which aligns well with many apartment and condo doors. It drew attention at CES 2026 for combining a discreet handle form factor with Matter over Thread, Apple Home Key, and flexible PIN and NFC access suited to multi‑user households. For homeowners and renters, it promises a relatively clean retrofit that works across ecosystems without forcing you into a proprietary bridge.
c. Who This Lock Is For
- Home type: Apartments and condos with compatible latch‑set doors, especially where management allows tenant‑installed smart hardware.
- User profile: Households wanting keypad and NFC convenience for family and guests, plus easy integration into existing Apple or Matter‑based smart homes.
- Tech comfort level: Moderate; basic PIN use is straightforward, while Matter and Home Key setup will suit users comfortable with scanning codes and using controller apps.
d. What to Be Aware Of
- Limitations: As a lever‑style product, it depends heavily on mechanical compatibility with your existing door prep and region‑specific standards.
- Unanswered questions: At CES time, pricing and exact release timing were not widely detailed, and full specifications (such as backup key options) may vary by market.
- Availability uncertainty: The model is listed as “coming soon” with a 2026 launch window, so buyers outside core launch regions should expect potential delays.
Check out more lever handle door locks here!
Best Smart Lock for Landed Homes – Desloc S150 Max
a. Quick Snapshot
b. Overview
The Desloc S150 Max is a full‑featured front‑door smart lock with 3D facial recognition and a curved fingerprint sensor designed for sub‑2‑second door opening. At CES 2026 it stood out as a high‑spec biometric lock that treats the main door as a security gateway, aiming to give landed homes a fast, contactless experience without giving up PIN or (likely) key access. For homeowners, the S150 Max shows how face unlock—when done with proper depth sensing—can make daily entry feel as natural as unlocking a phone.
c. Who This Lock Is For
- Home type: Landed homes and townhouses where the main wooden or composite door is the primary security point and has enough space for a larger, camera‑equipped lock.
- User profile: Families that value quick biometric access for multiple members and frequent visitors, possibly with children or older adults who benefit from face unlock instead of remembering PINs.
- Tech comfort level: Moderate to high; setting up faces and fingerprints for multiple users and managing logs will appeal most to tech‑curious homeowners.
d. What to Be Aware Of
- Limitations: Detailed ecosystem and Matter support were not clearly specified, so buyers should not assume deep integration with Apple Home or other platforms without confirmation.
- Unanswered questions: Real‑world performance of facial recognition in harsh backlighting, rain, or at night, as well as region‑specific certifications, will only be clear closer to launch.
- Availability uncertainty: Desloc indicated a 2026 release window and approximate price but did not provide exact regional rollout timings, which may limit access outside initial markets.
Best Privacy‑First Smart Lock – TCL D2 Pro Palm Vein Smart Lock
a. Quick Snapshot
b. Overview
TCL’s D2 Pro Palm Vein Smart Lock uses infrared to scan the unique vein structure in your palm, offering a biometric that is difficult to spoof and does not require touching a sensor with a fingertip. At CES 2026, TCL emphasized that biometric processing for the D2 series is local to the lock, and both the D2 Pro and upcoming D2L Fingerprint Lever Lock support Matter over Thread and BHMA Grade 3 residential certification. For homeowners, this combination of on‑device biometrics, standardized ecosystem support, and a recognized mechanical standard makes the D2 Pro a strong privacy‑minded option among CES 2026 smart locks.
Check out palm vein recognition digital locks here!
c. Who This Lock Is For
- Home type: Standard residential doors in houses or apartments where BHMA Grade 3 is acceptable and Matter over Thread infrastructure is present or planned.
- User profile: Security‑conscious buyers who prefer advanced biometrics but are wary of cloud‑stored fingerprints or faces, and who want local, standards‑based operation.
- Tech comfort level: Moderate; using palm‑vein unlock is simple in daily use, but configuring Matter and Thread may require some smart‑home familiarity.
d. What to Be Aware Of
- Limitations: BHMA Grade 3 is a residential baseline rather than a high‑security commercial rating, and installation requirements can vary by door and region.
- Unanswered questions: Long‑term reliability of palm‑vein hardware in outdoor environments and the maturity of app support and firmware updates will need monitoring after launch.
- Availability uncertainty: TCL indicated staged launches, with the D2L coming in Q2 2026, so different regions may see either limited models or staggered availability.
Best Future‑Ready / Ecosystem‑Agnostic Lock – Lockly Affirm Series (Deadbolt & Latch)
a. Quick Snapshot
b. Overview
Lockly’s Affirm series includes a deadbolt and a latch‑style lock that both feature native Matter support, Wi‑Fi, and NFC‑based access in addition to keypads and mechanical keys. At CES 2026, it drew attention as a “future‑ready” line positioned to work across major ecosystems while giving homeowners granular control over digital and physical NFC credentials. For everyday use, the value lies in having multiple familiar unlock methods today and a standards‑based path for future integrations as Matter and related standards mature.
c. Who This Lock Is For
- Home type: A wide range of homes using either deadbolt or latch hardware, particularly where households want to avoid being locked into one ecosystem for years.
- User profile: Owners who regularly manage guests, renters, or service providers and want keycards, fobs, and digital wallets alongside regular PINs.
- Tech comfort level: Moderate; configuration of NFC credentials and Wi‑Fi/Matter integration will be easiest for users familiar with smart‑home apps and networks.
d. What to Be Aware Of
- Limitations: While the series is billed as ecosystem‑agnostic, the exact depth of integration (like advanced automations) will still depend on your chosen platform.
- Unanswered questions: How Matter firmware support and security updates will be managed over many years is not yet fully detailed.
- Availability uncertainty: The Affirm series is slated for late Q2 2026 at around 179.99 USD, but launch regions and stock levels may vary, especially outside North America.
Most Practical Everyday Smart Lock – Kwikset Aura Reach
a. Quick Snapshot
b. Overview
The Kwikset Aura Reach is a deadbolt smart lock that adds Matter over Thread to the brand’s established keypad‑and‑key formula. At CES 2026 it stood out less for wild new features and more for being a straightforward, available‑now option that works with Apple Home, Alexa, and SmartThings through Matter. For many homeowners, this kind of lock is the most practical: it feels like a familiar deadbolt, offers PIN and key access, and slots into a multi‑platform smart home without elaborate setup.
c. Who This Lock Is For
- Home type: Houses and apartments using standard North American deadbolt cutouts, especially in regions where Kwikset has long‑standing presence.
- User profile: Homeowners who want simple keypad convenience plus app access and voice control, but do not need UWB, advanced biometrics, or built‑in cameras.
- Tech comfort level: Beginner to moderate; basic use is straightforward, and Matter Thread pairing is manageable for most smart‑home users.
d. What to Be Aware Of
- Limitations: Aura Reach focuses on PINs and keys rather than fingerprint or face unlock, so it may feel less “futuristic” than some CES peers.
- Unanswered questions: As a newer Matter lock, long‑term firmware support and performance across different controllers will be worth watching in real‑world reviews.
- Availability uncertainty: While already stocked by some U.S. retailers, international distribution and local language app support may lag behind.
Comparison Table – CES 2026 Smart Locks at a Glance
Note: Some power and ecosystem details are inferred from product families where CES coverage is high‑level; always verify region‑specific specs before purchase.
Practical Buying Considerations (CES Context)
- Focus on daily reliability before novelty. UWB, palm‑vein, and 3D face unlock are impressive, but for many households, stable keypad PINs, a solid mechanical cylinder, and clear low‑battery alerts will matter more over the next five years.
- Treat some CES features as experimental. Gesture unlocking, highly specialized biometrics, or first‑generation UWB integrations may change significantly in later revisions, so avoid paying a premium if your use‑case is simple.
- Availability timelines directly affect support. Locks like Aqara’s U400 and Kwikset’s Aura Reach have clearer retail paths, while newer series such as Ultraloq Latch 3, Lockly Affirm, and parts of TCL’s lineup may arrive later or with limited regional support at first.
- Check door and installation compatibility early. Lever vs deadbolt formats, regional standards, and certification (such as BHMA Grade 3) mean not every CES 2026 smart lock will fit every door or meet every building’s requirements.
- Prioritize privacy‑by‑design where possible. Locks that process biometrics locally and use standards like Matter over Thread can reduce reliance on single‑vendor clouds and make it easier to change ecosystems later without re‑enrolling users.
- Plan around your existing ecosystem. If your home already runs Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings, or Home Assistant, look for explicit Matter over Thread or Home Key support instead of assuming later firmware will add it.
Final Takeaway
CES 2026 smart locks show a clear direction: more intelligent presence detection, richer biometrics, and standardized ecosystem support through Matter and emerging credential standards. Innovation, however, does not automatically mean a lock is suitable for every front door right away, especially when availability, installation compatibility, and long‑term support are still evolving. Homeowners should treat CES 2026 as a glimpse of what will be normal in a few years—using it to prioritize features like local privacy, ecosystem fit, and power resilience—while choosing current products that match their doors, regions, and comfort level today.