Wireless charging, super-fast unlocking, and built-in solar panels the next generation of smart locks from CES 2026

Date:
Tue, 06 Jan 2026 14:00:00 +0000

Description:
Home security is a hot topic at CES, with locks that are smarter, more
secure, and simpler to use than ever.

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We're checking out all the latest smart home tech at CES 2026 , and it looks like this is the year of the smart lock. With built-in video doorbells, wireless charging, and 3D facial recognition, the new generation of locks
make it easier than ever to unlock your door without rummaging through your bag for keys, or even touching a control panel.

The latest locks are easier to install as well, with many requiring nothing more than a couple of minutes with a screwdriver. Home security companies have realized that replacing your existing lock can be a daunting prospect, and have responded with simple guides and interactive tutorials to make the process as painless as possible.

Connecting your new smart lock to your existing smart home tech should be a breeze as well. Almost all of the new locks being shown off at CES are Matter-certified, meaning they should work seamlessly whichever other devices you're using.

As TechRadar's smart home tech editor, here's my pick of the six best smart locks from this year's show. Which one deserves a place on your door? 1. Easy to use (Image credit: Yale)

Yale has launched a smart lock featuring a new technology called KeySense, which lets you unlock your door from the inside with a short press of a button, or set it to lock after a short customizable delay when you leave the house.

When you come home, the Yale Linus Smart Lock L2 Lite uses your phone's location to automatically unlock the door as you get close, so you don't need to fumble for keys when your hands are full.

Unlike some new locks, there's no palm recognition, fingerprint, or other biometric tech here. Instead, Yale has concentrated its efforts on making the Linus Smart Lock L2 Lite beginner-friendly. Guests and kids can let
themselves in using their own unique passcode, and the lock will send you a notification to let you know they've arrived safely.

The lock can be installed on most European doors without the need for drilling, so renters can fit it without upsetting their landlord.

The Linus Smart Lock L2 Lite doesn't have Wi-Fi built in, so you'll need a separate Yale Wi-Fi Bridge to check its status, open it remotely, and review activity logs via the Yale Home app, though Matter over Thread means it'll work with smart home ecosystems including Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, and Samsung SmartThings.

The lock is on sale now for 129.98 in the UK (about $175 / AU$260). Prices
and release dates outside Europe are yet to be announced. 2. No accidental unlocking (Image credit: Aqara)

If you want a lock that knows exactly where you are, take a look at the new Aqara Smart Lock U400, which uses UWB (ultra-wideband) technology to ensure your door only unlocks when you're ready to enter but doesn't keep you waiting.

According to Aqara, the Smart Lock U400 can pinpoint your location to within
a centimeter, measuring both distance and angle of approach. This means it
can tell if you're approaching the door or just passing by, and identify
which side of the door you're on, so it won't unlock itself when you're inside.

In addition to remote unlocking via UWB, the Smart Lock U400 can also be opened using a fingerprint, personal passcode (either one-time or recurring), NFC, a mobile app, or Apple Home Key on an iPhone or Apple Watch.

Like Yale's latest smart lock, the new Aqara model uses the Matter over
Thread system for compatibility with all the main smart home ecosystems (provided you have a Thread border router and Matter controller). There's no need for a separate Aqara hub.

Aqara has yet to announce a release date or price for the new lock, but its smart home devices tend to be quite affordable, so I've got my fingers
crossed for a reasonable price tag. 3. Super simple installation (Image credit: Kwikset)

If you like the idea of having a smart lock, but you're intimidated by the idea of actually fitting one, take a look at the new Kwikset Aura Reach Smart Lock, which offers interactive guided installation to take you through each step of the process. All you need is a screwdriver, The Kwikset app also
helps you connect the lock to your smart home platform of choice, again via Matter over Thread.

The Aura Reach uses Bluetooth to illuminate the keypad when your phone comes within range. Unlike other locks featured here, however, there's no contactless entry. Instead, the Aura Reach relies on passcodes, with up to
250 unique codes that you can manage through the Kwikset app.

The Aura Reach will be available towards the end of this year, with a list price of $189 in the US (about 140 / AU$280). 4. Built-in video doorbell (Image credit: Lockly)

The Lockly Affirm Series Smart Lock does a lot more than just secure your
door it also includes a video doorbell, so you can see who's calling and choose whether to let them in remotely. Built-in Wi-Fi means there's no need for a separate hub, and (naturally) there's Matter support so it's compatible with your smart speakers and other Matter-enabled devices.

This particular model has a lever latch handle, plus a numbered keypad that supports up to 300 PIN codes (including a one-time or recurring offline code when there's no internet connectivity). You can also unlock your door via NFC using your phone, smartwatch, or an NFC tag key, though there are no
biometric options.

We don't yet have a price or release date for this particular lock, so stay tuned for further details. 5. Solar charging and AI (Image credit: Desloc)

Desloc has launched three new smart locks for CES 2026. The first, the Desloc K140 Plus, has a solar panel to keep its rechargeable battery topped up, plus a selection of touch-free entry options. The K140 Plus can be unlocked using gestures and palm-recognition a system that identifies you by the unique pattern of blood vessels in your hand.

There's also built-in Wi-Fi, and although this particular lock isn't Matter-certified, it's compatible with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control via your smart speakers. The Desloc K140 Plus will be available in the US later this year, with a price tag under $300 (about 220 / AU$450).

Desloc's second new offering, the S150 Max, includes a video doorbell with dual 2K cameras so you can see visitors and packages before deciding whether to unlock your door. AI subject-recognition can differentiate between family members, pets, packages, and unknown visitors, and will deliver smart alerts to your phone depending on who or what has been detected.

The S150 Max can be unlocked using 3D facial recognition, or a curved fingerprint sensor that Desloc claims will open your door in just 1.5
seconds. The Desloc S150 Max will go on sale a little later than the K140 Plus, with a price tag below $400 (about 370 / AU$750).

Finally, there's the Desloc K140 Plus, with palm vein recognition, built-in Wi-Fi, and gesture unlocking. It will be available in the US from February, and will be the most affordable of the three new locks at under $200 (about 150 / AU$300). 6. Wireless charging (Image credit: Lockin)

The Lockin V7 Max has already received a CES 2026 Innovation Award thanks to its AuraCharge wireless charging technology, which operates within a four-meter range, and means there's no need to recharge or replace its batteries.

The Lockin V7 Max also offers contactless entry via finger vein, palm vein, and 3D facial recognition, and has an integrated video doorbell with
five-inch touchscreens on both sides of the door. It's compatible with all major smart home platforms via Matter.

It's expected to begin shipping soon, though we don't yet have an estimated retail price.



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Link to news story:
https://www.techradar.com/tech-events/ces-2026-smart-locks


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