Product: Lockin V7 Max Smart Lock
Key Feature: AuraCharge Optical Wireless Power
Check Latest Pricing: Buy the Lockin V7 Max
For years, the smart lock market has been stuck in a cycle of battery management. Whether it’s swapping out 4 AA batteries every six months or recharging a proprietary lithium pack, the “smart” experience eventually hits a “dead battery” wall. Solar options exist, but they are mercy to the weather and your porch’s orientation.
Enter the Lockin V7 Max. Unveiled at CES 2026, this lock uses AuraCharge, a technology that beams power wirelessly to the lock, theoretically removing the need to ever change a battery again. Coupled with a triple-threat biometric system and full Matter support, it positions itself as the “Rolex” of smart locks—expensive, over-engineered, and undeniably impressive.
1. The Technology: What is AuraCharge?
The headline feature is AuraCharge, but it is important to understand exactly how it works because it imposes specific installation requirements.
- Optical Power Transfer: Unlike inductive charging (like your phone on a pad) or RF charging (which is often too weak for motors), AuraCharge uses a focused, eye-safe light beam to transfer energy.
- The Transmitter: The system comes with a separate transmitter device that looks somewhat like a small bookshelf speaker. You must plug this into a standard wall outlet inside your home.
- The Setup: You place the transmitter within 4 meters (approx. 13 feet) of the door, with a clear line of sight to the lock’s interior panel. It beams power continuously to keep the lock charged.
- Safety: The beam is certified eye-safe (TÜV Rheinland and SGS certifications). It will not burn you, your pets, or your furniture.
- Backup: If the power goes out or the beam is blocked (e.g., someone leaves a coat rack in front of it), the lock has an internal backup battery that can sustain it for roughly one week.
The Reality Check: This is “wireless” power for the lock, but it introduces a “wired” component to your hallway. You need a place to put the transmitter that isn’t an eyesore.
2. Specifications & Features
Beyond the power source, the V7 Max is a “kitchen sink” device. It packs almost every feature currently available in the smart home world into one chassis.
Biometrics: The Triple Security Layer
Most locks rely on fingerprints, which can fail with wet or dirty hands. The V7 Max uses a multi-modal approach:
- Palm Vein Recognition: Scans the unique vein patterns inside your palm. This is non-contact and extremely difficult to forge.
- Finger Vein Recognition: Similar to palm vein but for the finger; more secure than surface fingerprint scanning.
- 3D Facial Recognition: Uses depth mapping (similar to FaceID) to unlock as you approach.
- Unlock Speed: Lockin claims a sub-0.5 second unlock time.
Video Doorbell Integration
- Dual Cameras: It features high-definition cameras on the exterior to provide a panoramic view, effectively replacing a Ring or Nest doorbell.
- Dual Screens: Uniquely, it has a 5-inch touchscreen display on the inside (so you can see who is at the door without opening it or checking your phone) and a display on the outside (for visitor interaction).
Connectivity & Platforms
- Matter Support: This is critical for future-proofing. It allows the lock to integrate with Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Samsung SmartThings without needing a proprietary hub.
- Wi-Fi & Bluetooth: Built-in for remote access and local connection.
Design
- Designer: Designed by Hartmut Esslinger (founder of Frog Design, famous for the Apple “Snow White” design language).
- Form Factor: Mortise Lock. This is a massive distinction. It is not a standard deadbolt replacement. It requires a large rectangular pocket (mortise) inside the door.
- Thickness: The external panel is incredibly thin at 15mm, giving it a sleek, floating look.
3. Who is this Smart Lock For?
This is a niche, ultra-premium product. It is best suited for:
- New Home Builds & Renovations: If you are building a custom home, you can spec the door for a mortise lock and plan a power outlet for the AuraCharge transmitter in the foyer.
- Luxury Smart Home Enthusiasts: Users who want the absolute cutting edge and are willing to pay for “the best.”
- The “Battery Hater”: Someone who manages a large property or simply refuses to deal with battery swaps ever again.
- Families with Kids/Elderly: The palm vein and face unlock are often more reliable for children (whose fingerprints change) and the elderly (whose fingerprints can fade) compared to standard scanners.
- Matter Ecosystem Users: If you run a mixed home (e.g., iPhones and Google Nest Hubs), Matter support makes this lock universally compatible.
4. Who is this Smart Lock NOT For?
- The Average US Retrofitter: If you have a standard American door with a circular hole for a deadbolt, this lock will not fit without significant carpentry. You would need to carve out a large mortise pocket, which is a job for a professional locksmith or carpenter.
- Renters: You cannot install this in a rental. It requires permanent modification to the door and mounting a transmitter on the wall.
- Apartments with Hallways: The AuraCharge transmitter needs to be inside the house. This works fine for apartments, but if your entryway is tight or lacks an outlet near the door, the transmitter will be a burden.
- Budget Shoppers: With an estimated price point over $1,000 (pending final retail confirmation), this costs 4x-5x more than a standard Yale or Schlage lock.
5. Installation & Requirements
Professional Installation is Highly Recommended. Unlike a SwitchBot or August lock that snaps over your existing deadbolt, the V7 Max replaces the entire locking mechanism.
- Door Prep: Requires a mortise cutout.
- Transmitter Setup: You must mount the AuraCharge transmitter within 13 feet of the door and plug it in. You then have to align the beam with the receiver on the back of the lock.
6. Competitive Landscape
How does the V7 Max compare to the current heavy hitters?
| Feature | Lockin V7 Max | Lockly Visage (Zeno) | Aqara U200 / U300 | SwitchBot Lock Pro |
| Power | AuraCharge (Wireless) | Rechargeable Battery | Rechargeable / AA | 4x AA Batteries |
| Unlock Tech | Palm Vein, Finger Vein, Face | Face, Fingerprint, RFID | Fingerprint, NFC, Keypad | Fingerprint, Keypad |
| Home Key | No (Matter support only) | Yes (Apple Home Key) | Yes (Apple Home Key) | No |
| Door Type | Mortise (Complex) | Deadbolt (Standard) | Retrofit / Deadbolt | Retrofit (Easy) |
| Video | Integrated 2-way Video | No | No | No |
| Price | Premium (~$1,000+) | High (~$349) | Mid (~$270) | Budget (~$120) |
Export to Sheets
Key Takeaway: The Lockly Visage is the closest competitor for “face unlock” convenience, but it still uses batteries. The Aqara U200 is the king of retrofits for Apple users due to Home Key support. The Lockin V7 Max stands alone in the “Infinite Power” and “Video Doorbell Integration” categories.
7. User Experience: Pros and Cons
The Good:
- True “Set and Forget”: Once the beam is aligned, you never worry about power.
- Biometric Reliability: Vein recognition is vastly superior to optical fingerprint scanners, especially in rain or humidity.
- The “Wow” Factor: The internal screen showing who is at the door is a luxury feature that adds genuine utility.
- Integration: Merging a video doorbell and a smart lock reduces the number of gadgets on your porch.
The Bad:
- The Transmitter: You are trading a battery inside the lock for a device plugged into your wall. For some, a “speaker” sitting on the entry table pointing at the door is clutter.
- Installation Difficulty: This is not a DIY Saturday morning project for most people.
- Price: It is an investment comparable to a major appliance.
8. Verdict: The “Concept Car” You Can Actually Buy
The Lockin V7 Max is not just a smart lock; it is a statement piece. In an industry largely defined by iterative updates—slightly faster motors, slightly better battery life, slightly smaller keypads—Lockin has chosen to leapfrog the competition entirely. It is an engineering marvel that feels like a prop from a science fiction movie, finally delivering on the “smart home” promise of frictionless, automated living.
However, like any cutting-edge technology, it demands compromises. The V7 Max forces you to adapt your home to it, rather than the other way around.
The Engineering Triumph: Solving the “Battery Anxiety” Loop
The AuraCharge system is the single most compelling reason to buy this lock. For over a decade, the “Achilles’ heel” of smart locks has been power management. We have accepted the ritual of hunting for AA batteries or tethering our front door to a power bank every few months as the cost of convenience.
- The Paradigm Shift: The V7 Max ends that ritual. By beaming power wirelessly, it offers a “set it and forget it” reliability that no other battery-powered lock can match.
- The Biometric Ceiling: Beyond power, the palm vein recognition is a masterstroke. It solves the “wet finger” problem that plagues capacitive scanners and the “security theater” concerns of basic facial recognition. It is fast, contactless, and incredibly secure.
The Critical Flaw for US Buyers: The Mortise Barrier
While the technology is global, the hardware form factor is distinctly not designed for the average American home.
- Mortise vs. Cylindrical: The vast majority of US residential doors are pre-bored for cylindrical deadbolts (a simple round hole). The V7 Max is a Mortise lock, which requires a large, rectangular pocket to be hollowed out inside the door itself.
- The Installation Reality: You cannot simply unscrew your old Yale or Kwikset lock and pop this in. Installing the V7 Max on a standard American door requires:
- Professional Carpentry: You will likely need a locksmith or carpenter to rout out the mortise pocket.
- Door Replacement: In many cases, it is actually cheaper and easier to buy a new slab door than to retrofit a standard one.
- The Exception: If you are building a custom home or doing a full renovation, you can spec your doors for mortise locks from the start. For everyone else, this is a major renovation project, not a weekend DIY task.
The “Aura” Trade-off: Wireless Power, Wired Home
The “wireless” power comes with a wired caveat. The AuraCharge transmitter must be plugged into a wall outlet within 13 feet of the door.
- Aesthetics: You are trading a battery inside the lock for a device sitting on your entryway table or mounted to your wall. For minimalists, having a “power beam” device visible in the foyer might be a design breaker.
- Logistics: If your entryway lacks a power outlet near the door (common in older homes), you will be running extension cords, which defeats the sleek aesthetic.
Final Recommendation
Buy the Lockin V7 Max if:
- You are a “Tech-First” Adopter: You want the absolute bleeding edge of technology and the conversation starter that comes with it.
- You Are Building/Renovating: You have the opportunity to install a mortise-compatible door and plan for the transmitter’s power outlet during construction.
- You Manage a High-Traffic Property: The combination of infinite power and durable vein recognition makes this a workhorse for locations where batteries would drain too quickly.
Pass on the Lockin V7 Max if:
- You Want a Simple Retrofit: If you aren’t willing to hire a professional to cut into your door, look at the Aqara U200 or SwitchBot Lock Pro instead.
- You are Deep in the Apple Ecosystem: While it supports Matter, the lack of native Apple Home Key (tapping your iPhone/Watch to unlock via NFC) is a missing feature at this price point.
- Aesthetics are King: If you cannot hide the AuraCharge transmitter, it may clutter your entryway.
The Bottom Line: The Lockin V7 Max is the best smart lock on the planet—if your door can handle it. It is a glimpse into the future of the smart home, but for many US homeowners, the hardware requirements keep that future just out of reach.
Rating: 9/10 (Technology), 5/10 (US Retrofit Compatibility)