SwitchBot is bringing facial recognition to smart home security with its latest release, the SwitchBot Lock Ultra Vision. This new retrofit smart lock, priced at $159.99, pairs with the $99.99 Keypad Vision to let users unlock their doors using 3D facial scanning—a feature the company claims is a first in the retrofit category. Unlike full replacement locks, retrofit models like the Ultra are designed to fit over existing deadbolts, making installation relatively straightforward and preserving the use of physical keys.
The lock mounts inside the door, while the Keypad Vision is installed externally and communicates with the lock via Bluetooth. Beyond facial recognition, the system supports a range of access methods, including fingerprints, keycodes, NFC cards, app-based control, and traditional keys. There’s also geofencing support, enabling automatic unlocking when a user approaches with their smartphone.
To extend control beyond Bluetooth range, the Lock Ultra Vision can be paired with one of SwitchBot’s hubs, including the newly launched Hub 3 or the bundled Mini hub available in the $249.99 combo package. Integration with smart home platforms like Apple Home, Google Home, and Amazon Alexa is enabled through Matter—a growing industry standard for interoperability.
The SwitchBot Lock Ultra is compatible with a wide array of locks in both the U.S. and European markets, continuing the company’s emphasis on adaptability seen in previous models. Battery life is another focus, with claims of up to nine months per charge on the included rechargeable cell, plus a long-lasting backup battery rated for five years.
The new Hub 3, which retails for $119.99, represents a significant redesign over its predecessor. Sporting a sleek, all-black look with a built-in stand, the device features a small display, a rotating dial, and four customizable buttons. It acts as a multifunction sensor—tracking temperature, humidity, light, and motion—while also doubling as an IR remote capable of controlling thousands of traditional devices.
Most notably, the Hub 3 serves as a bridge between SwitchBot’s Bluetooth-based ecosystem and Matter-compatible platforms like Apple Home and Home Assistant. This broadens the appeal of SwitchBot’s lineup by offering compatibility with devices outside its own catalog, a key consideration as the Matter standard gains traction in the smart home market.
SwitchBot’s latest offerings reflect a broader trend toward making smart home access both more secure and more seamless. However, the real test will be how reliably the facial recognition works in everyday conditions—a feature that has historically been hit-or-miss in consumer devices. For now, the SwitchBot Lock Ultra Vision and Hub 3 are available for preorder, with shipping expected in June. Whether this marks a meaningful shift in how we unlock our doors or just another incremental update remains to be seen.
