ThorBolt X1 Smart Lock Review: Apple Home Key Done Right
I wanted a smart lock that felt native to the Apple ecosystem instead of one more app I’d have to open. The ThorBolt X1 is that lock, and it’s become one of my favorite upgrades to the house.
Setup and installation
Setup and installation were easy. It replaces a standard deadbolt, pairs to HomeKit, and the companion app walked me through the rest without any surprises. The app itself works well, which is not something I can say about every smart home gadget.
Apple Home Key is the killer feature
The reason to buy this lock is Apple Home Key. I hold my Apple Watch near the lock and it opens, the same way you’d tap to pay. That sounds like a gimmick until you’re walking up to the door with groceries in both hands. It’s now the way I unlock the door almost every time.
Because it’s a proper HomeKit lock, it also shows up in the Home app alongside everything else, so I can check and control it from anywhere.
Auto-lock means less to think about
I have auto-lock set to 7.5 minutes after unlocking. I’ve stopped double-checking whether I locked the door, and I don’t have to worry when my wife heads out for an early-morning shift while I’m still asleep. The door locks itself either way.
Batteries and backup power
Battery life has been good, but it takes eight AA batteries, which is a lot. If you buy this, buy rechargeables. If the batteries do run out, there’s a backup power port, so you’re not locked out. It’s a nice touch.
One hiccup in nine months
In the nine months I’ve had it, Home Key stopped working once. I took the batteries out, put them back in, and it worked again with no problems. It hasn’t happened since.
Who should buy it
If your household is all on iPhone and you already use HomeKit, this is an easy recommendation. The product listing says iOS only, so Android households should look elsewhere.
Verdict
The ThorBolt X1 was easy to install, Apple Home Key and auto-lock are genuinely useful every day, and the backup power port takes the worry out of dead batteries. Eight AA batteries and one Home Key hiccup in nine months are the only marks against it.