Choosing a smart lock in 2026 requires careful filtering. Prioritize Matter compatibility over Thread or WiFi, a battery lasting 8 to 12 months, a method of opening without a mobile phone such as a PIN or physical key, and support for Apple Home Key if you use that ecosystem. The most common and expensive mistake is not verifying your door's cylinder: half of all returns happen because of this.
Matter, battery, and backup: the technical triad 🔒
Matter over Thread offers real interoperability between brands without relying on the cloud, reducing latency and consumption. An 8 to 12-month battery avoids frequent recharges; look for models with standard AA batteries or replaceable Li-ion. Physical backup (touch PIN or mechanical key) is mandatory in case of network failures or a dead mobile phone. If you have an iPhone, Apple Home Key integrates the lock into Wallet and allows NFC opening even with low phone battery.
The cylinder drama: half goes back to the store 🔑
50% of returns are not due to slow Bluetooth or an ugly app: it's because the cylinder doesn't fit the door. You get home, open the box, and discover your 35mm European lock doesn't fit the 45mm Spanish hole. Result: you call the locksmith, pay 80 bucks, and have a beer staring at the empty box. Measure first, because no app can fix a badly made hole later.