Lockly · Reviewed by Gadget Evolution · Published 2026-02-15
Based on a review by Gadget Evolution (accessed 2026-02-15).
Based on this review alone: buy it if you care about wireless charging through invisible infrared light beams (13 ft range) — just accept very expensive ($1,300).
The reviewer concludes that these smart locks represent the "future of home security arriving 5 years early," offering "insane" technology that makes daily life better by eliminating annoyances. They specifically praise the Lockly V7 Max's wireless charging as a groundbreaking feature making it "worth watching."
This video reviews several innovative smart locks showcased at CES 2026, highlighting their cutting-edge features. The reviewer covers technologies such as wireless charging via invisible light, advanced multi-biometric authentication, intent-aware unlocking, local facial data processing for privacy, solar power capability in shade, integrated security systems, and affordable smart home compatibility.
The Lockly V7 Max is a groundbreaking smart lock, justifying its early adopter price with truly futuristic technology that solves common smart lock frustrations. Its invisible infrared light beam wireless charging system means users never have to worry about dead batteries within its 13-foot range, a significant advantage over competitors. Furthermore, its triple biometric authentication, including unreplicable vein scanning and AI-powered facial recognition, offers security far beyond typical consumer devices. The main drawback is its $1,300 price and current compatibility only with mortise-style doors. If you demand cutting-edge security and convenience and have a compatible door, this lock offers unparalleled peace of mind. However, if you are on a budget or have a standard deadbolt, waiting for broader compatibility and lower prices is advisable.
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reviewer_claimpositivet=00:35–01:05
The Lockly V7 Max charges wirelessly through the air using invisible infrared light beams from a small transmitter plugged into an indoor outlet. This system aims to eliminate dead battery issues, covering most entryways with a 13 ft range.
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The Lockly V7 Max features triple biometric authentication including finger vein scanning, palm vein scanning, and 3D facial recognition. Vein patterns are secure as they cannot be stolen, and facial recognition works in darkness and with accessories like hats or glasses.
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The Lockly V7 Max costs $1,300 and is currently only compatible with mortise style doors, which are not common in most American homes. This represents an early adopter tax for advanced technology.
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The Aqara U400 uses advanced technology to read movement patterns, approach angle, speed, and position relative to the door, ensuring it only unlocks when there's active intent to enter. This prevents accidental unlocking when users are merely walking past or standing nearby.
reviewer_claimnegativet=03:18–03:26
The hands-free feature of the Aqara U400 currently only works with newer iPhones and Apple Watches, meaning Android users will have to wait for broader compatibility. The lock costs $270.
reviewer_claimpositivet=03:55–04:19
The SwitchBot Lock Vision Pro ensures privacy by processing all facial recognition data locally on the device using bank-grade encryption, preventing biometric data from being uploaded to cloud servers. It recognizes faces in 0.3 seconds with a false recognition rate of less than one in a million.
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This lock boasts a triple power system: a main battery lasting 6 months, a backup battery providing 5 years of standby power, and an emergency micro power system for one final unlock. This ensures continuous operation and prevents lockouts.
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The Desloc V150 Plus operates on solar power even in complete shade or overcast conditions, unlike traditional solar panels. Its advanced technology works with intelligent power management and a 10,000 mAh battery for backup.
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The fingerprint sensor on the Desloc V150 Plus learns patterns over time, adapting to variations in finger placement and pressure, making it easier to use the longer it is owned.
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A major concern for the Desloc V150 Plus, priced under $300, is its lack of Matter support, which could limit future compatibility as smart home standards evolve. This forces reliance on a proprietary ecosystem.
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The Ultraloq Bolt Sense offers maximum security by requiring both face and palm vein scans to unlock. Palm vein patterns are internal and cannot be stolen or replicated, and combining dual biometrics reduces the false acceptance rate to essentially zero.
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The trade-off for the Ultraloq Bolt Sense's enhanced security is reduced convenience, as dual authentication takes longer and requires precise hand positioning, making it slower than single-method systems. The estimated price is $300.
reviewer_claimpositivet=07:40–08:18
The Eufy Smart Lock E40 integrates a lock, 2K camera, and video doorbell into one unit. It features a wide-angle lens, AI detection for people, packages, and loitering, radar-powered motion detection, and familiar face recognition for auto-unlock.
reviewer_claimpositivet=09:03–09:29
The Lockly Affirm offers PIN Genie technology, which shuffles numbers on the touchscreen randomly for enhanced security against code observation. It's the first Lockly lock with built-in Wi-Fi and Matter support, ensuring broad smart home compatibility and can store hundreds of codes.
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At $180, the Lockly Affirm is presented as the cheapest option for cutting-edge connectivity and innovative security. It foregoes biometric authentication and camera functionality in favor of affordability and broader compatibility.
The most innovative smart lock technologies from CES 2026 include the Lockly V7 Max's wireless charging via invisible light beams and triple biometric authentication. The Aqara U400 stands out with its intent-aware unlocking, while the SwitchBot Lock Vision Pro offers local facial recognition for privacy. Other notable innovations are the Desloc V150 Plus's solar power that works in shade and the Ultraloq Bolt Sense's dual biometric security.
The Lockly V7 Max addresses the common issue of dead smart lock batteries by employing a wireless charging system. A small transmitter inside the house beams invisible infrared light to the lock, keeping it charged without manual intervention. The reviewer states this system effectively eliminates dead battery notifications and emergency charging sessions.
Unlike typical proximity locks that unlock by simply sensing your presence, the Aqara U400 is designed to prevent accidental openings. It actively reads your specific movement patterns, how you approach, your speed, and your precise position relative to the door. This allows it to differentiate between someone walking past or talking to a neighbor and someone actively intending to enter, ensuring the door only unlocks when truly desired.
Many facial recognition systems upload biometric data to cloud servers, raising privacy concerns. However, the SwitchBot Lock Vision Pro addresses this by processing all facial data locally on the device using bank-grade encryption. This design ensures that your face data remains on your lock, eliminating the risk of it being stored externally or exposed to potential cloud breaches.
Traditional solar panels often require direct sunlight to be effective, but the Desloc V150 Plus utilizes advanced technology that works in shade and overcast conditions. This means it can sustainably power itself even on covered porches or during dark winter months, complemented by intelligent power management and a substantial 10,000 mAh backup battery. It also includes a USB-C port for emergency charging if absolutely necessary.
For paramount security, the Ultraloq Bolt Sense requires a dual authentication process involving both facial recognition and a palm vein scan. Since palm vein patterns are internal to the body and cannot be seen, photographed, or replicated, this method, combined with facial recognition, drastically reduces the false acceptance rate to essentially zero. It's designed for those with high-value assets or significant security concerns.
The Lockly Affirm provides a sweet spot of features and price at $180. It includes PIN Genie technology, which shuffles numbers on the touchscreen to prevent code theft, and is the first Lockly lock with built-in Wi-Fi and Matter support for broad smart home compatibility. While it omits biometric authentication and camera functions to maintain affordability, it offers strong connectivity and security for most users.
85/100 source quality
Gadget Evolution highlights the most innovative smart locks from CES 2026, pushing the boundaries of home security. The Lockly V7 Max introduces wireless charging through invisible light beams and triple biometric authentication, including palm vein scanning. The Aqara U400 offers smart, intent-aware unlocking that distinguishes intentional entry from casual passing. For privacy, the SwitchBot Lock Vision Pro processes facial recognition data locally with bank-grade encryption and features a robust triple power system. The Desloc V150 Plus utilizes advanced solar panels that work effectively even in shade, complemented by a learning fingerprint sensor. Other innovations include the Ultraloq Bolt Sense's dual facial and palm vein authentication for maximum security, the Eufy Smart Lock E40's integrated 2K camera and video doorbell with AI detection, and the Lockly Affirm's affordable PIN Genie technology with built-in Wi-Fi and Matter support.
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Brand relationship disclosed as: affiliate