Thorbolt’s X1 Deadbolt Lock W/ HomeKey Now Available
Thorbolt, the smart lock brand known for its MK1 Fingerprint Door Knob with Thread (video HERE, Review HERE), has finally released its inaugural standard deadbolt lock: the Thorbolt X1. This new model is now available for purchase on Amazon.com, priced at US$129.99.
The X1 employs Thread as its wireless protocol, operating exclusively with Apple Home via HomeKit over Thread. It offers multiple methods for unlocking, including Apple HomeKey, Siri voice control, a touchscreen keypad, a fingerprint reader, app control, and traditional physical keys (included). As the fingerprint reader performs as swiftly as that on the MK1, users can expect rapid access.
Thorbolt highlights its proprietary X-Motor technology, which enables the lock to open and close more quickly and quietly than standard mechanisms. Unlike some smart locks where the NFC sensor is embedded within the keypad, the X1 features a dedicated NFC zone at the top of the unit, separate from the keypad. This design minimises accidental keypad activation when using Apple Watch or iPhone for HomeKey access. The fingerprint reader is positioned on the bottom left corner, marking a design departure from other locks.
Initially, the X1 is only available in two finishes – Black and Silver, but Thorbolt plans to release it in a total of four finishes: with Space Grey, coming soon after, followed by Titanium at a later date, mirroring the options available for the MK1 door knob.
The front panel includes both a standard keyhole and a USB-C port, the latter providing temporary power in case the batteries are depleted. The X1 accommodates eight AA batteries, offering approximately 18 months of standard usage before replacement is needed, although the X1 can actually run on just four AA batteries if necessary.
Security features include the capacity to store up to 100 individual fingerprints and 60 passcodes, all encrypted with AES128 and stored on-device, with no cloud storage involved. The lock supports the ‘Manage Access’ feature, allowing users to generate and manage passcodes directly within Apple Home and share them with others. Designed for outdoor use, the X1 boasts an IPX5 rating.
To add fingerprints, users must utilise the Sleekpoint app, which offers a mode that doesn’t require account setup. The app also provides settings for keypad sensitivity, an ‘Away’ mode for reduced power consumption, and a ‘Passage’ mode by deactivating the ‘Auto lock’ feature.
For those interested, the Thorbolt X1 is currently available on Amazon.com for US$129.99.
You can check our YouTube Shorts video for a quick taster;
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Not bad, can’t lie… but I’ll wait till a Lock maker comes out with a HomeKit enabled UAW lock.
Yes, I’d agree with you on the point about Ultra wide band.
Thanks for the review! I still have yet to find a reliable smart lock. All of them disconnect from wifi or thread routinely. Several of them required power cycling. I’ve tried the 1st generation Schlage, Nest Lock with Nest Connect, Yale Assure with August Connect, and the Aqara U100. For interior doors I have two Thorbolt MK1 locks.
The most reliable lock in terms of connection is the Nest Lock with Nest Connect but Google is discontinuing support for that lock this year. Several years ago Google also limited the lock to only ten users with code only and you now have to use the Google Home app if you want to add another user. It was an awesome lock before Google got involved.
The two Thorbolt MK1 locks disconnected from Apple Home and the Thread network requiring power cycling, but that only happened a couple of times in the last several months. I’m not sure what that issue is but power cycling usually brings them back. I’m using rechargeable lithium ion AA batteries. The battery level always says “100%” so I don’t think the lock is set up to read rechargeable batteries.
I’ve also been running Lithium Ion AA batteries in the Aqara U100 and I’m going to try regular alkaline batteries to see if that helps maintain the connection. With Lithium Ion batteries that Aqara app shows the batteries at “HIGH” all the time so it’s not set up to use rechargeable batteries. When the batteries discharge there is usually no warning. Sometimes it will show “MEDIUM.” I even bought an Aqara G5 Hub (POE version) and installed in the entry about ten feet from the U100 and designated it as the U100 hub. It still disconnects routinely requiring a power cycle. I thought the G5 hub would resolve the connection issue but now I think there is something else so Alkaline batteries are the next troubleshooting step.
If none of that works with the Aqara U100 I may try this new Thorbolt X1. I like the Aqara U100 the best as far as features go. Now this new Thorbolt X1 has the same features and a good price point so it’s a contender….
I’ll post this on your web page as well
Regards Simon!
Bart
I had the MK1 set up for almost a year as well, but it didn’t disconnect in all of that time, so it could well be the rechargeable batteries causing the issue. I’ve also got the Aqara U50 and U200 running right now, and both stay connected. So far the X1 has been great, which has generally been the case with Thread devices with the exception of my HomeKit over Thread Nanoleaf bulbs that became really unreliable after updating to iOS18. Maybe HomeKit over Thread is going to be deprecated at some point.