How We Research Smart Locks

Where our information comes from

We use the manufacturer’s own pages: product pages, specification tables, compatibility guides, support articles, and return policies. Each product page on this site lists the pages we used and the date we last checked them.

When two official pages disagree, we say so. For example, SwitchBot gives two different charging times for the Lock Ultra battery in two support articles, so we show both.

What we leave out

If a manufacturer doesn’t publish a number, we write “not published” rather than estimate it. Marketing claims that conflict with the spec table, such as an operating temperature lower than the listed range, are not used in comparisons.

Prices

We record the list price shown on the manufacturer’s US store and the date we saw it. Promo codes and limited-time sales change too often to track reliably, so we don’t use them in comparisons. Always check the store for the current price.

The fit check

The fit check compares your answers with published requirements: supported lock types, the distance from the thumbturn to the door frame, thumbturn rotation, and whether a keypad or hub is needed for the unlock methods you picked. It can tell you when something doesn’t match or still needs checking. It can’t confirm that a lock will fit, because no checklist can see your door.

Testing

We have not tested these products in person. Our guides compare documented specifications and requirements. We don’t describe how a product feels to use, how loud it is in a real home, or how long the battery lasted for us.

Updates

Guides show the date they were last updated. When a manufacturer changes a spec or a compatibility rule, we update the affected guides and product pages.