Review: ULTRALOQ Bolt Fingerprint Smart Lock

4.2
Based on methodology below
269
Insights analyzed
34
Grouped by key features
13
From expert reviews
Scores below reflect consolidated expert coverage across these features.
Bottom Line

Choose the Ultraloq Bolt Fingerprint if you want lots of unlock options plus broad platform support; Skip if you need Apple Home Key or rock-solid Wi-Fi/app reliability.

Best for

Homes that want fingerprint-first entry with a tactile keypad and broad smart-home compatibility (especially Apple Home), plus flexible codes and schedules for family, guests, and service access.

Not for

Anyone who needs always-on, hands-off remote access via built-in Wi-Fi (or has a fussy 2.4GHz/mesh setup), or buyers who specifically want Apple Home Key tap-to-unlock support.

Verdict

The Ultraloq Bolt Fingerprint stands out for versatility: fast fingerprint unlock, tactile keypad entry, solid app-based access management, and wide smart-home support including Apple Home. In the best cases it is quick to install, responsive to commands, and offers useful extras like activity logs and optional door-sense auto-lock. The tradeoff is consistency—several reviewers flag finicky 2.4GHz Wi-Fi setup or dropouts that undermine remote control, and some ecosystems (or advanced features) still lean on hubs or Bluetooth. It is also a premium-priced lock without Apple Home Key, so it best fits buyers who prioritize fingerprint-first convenience over flawless cloud connectivity.

Pros

  • 4.6
    based on 4 reviews
    Lock/unlock speed: 4.6, based on 4 reviews
    Lock/unlock actions are typically fast, with fingerprint unlock often under a second; perceived delays tend to come from app connection time or Bluetooth-based smart-home control rather than the motor itself.
  • 4.5
    based on 12 reviews
    Fingerprint: 4.5, based on 12 reviews
    Fingerprint performance is consistently praised for speed and accuracy, and some reviews mention self-learning behavior; a minority note that setup technique and finger placement can affect consistency.
  • 4.5
    based on 5 reviews
    Weather resistance: 4.5, based on 5 reviews
    Weather resistance is a consistent strength, with IP-rated protection and reviewers generally comfortable using it on exposed exterior doors.
  • 4.5
    based on 12 reviews
    Backset compatibility: 4.5, based on 12 reviews
    Reviews indicate the latch/backset is adjustable to common standards, helping it fit typical deadbolt cutouts without special parts.
  • 4.5
    based on 1 review
    Security features (encryption): 4.5, based on 1 review
    Security features discussed include strong encryption claims and anti-peep PIN entry; practical security depends heavily on solid setup and keeping firmware/app behavior stable.
  • 4.4
    based on 12 reviews
    Door compatibility (deadbolt fit): 4.4, based on 12 reviews
    The lock is a full deadbolt replacement intended for standard North American doors; most reviewers report straightforward fit, but unusual door prep or storm-door clearance can influence the experience.
  • 4.4
    based on 12 reviews
    Keypad: 4.4, based on 12 reviews
    The keypad experience is a major plus: tactile, responsive buttons (often preferred over touchscreens), with anti-peep entry allowing extra digits around the real PIN for privacy.
  • 4.4
    based on 9 reviews
    Installation and Setup: 4.4, based on 9 reviews
    Installation is generally quick and DIY-friendly with clear guidance and included templates; most installs take minutes, but doors that need drilling, misalignment, or reuse of old hardware can add time and troubleshooting.
  • 4.4
    based on 8 reviews
    Build quality and durability: 4.4, based on 8 reviews
    Build quality is widely described as solid, with a premium feel and sturdy exterior materials; some note plastic elements that look cheaper than all-metal rivals, but not to the point of feeling flimsy.
  • 4.4
    based on 4 reviews
    Physical attack resistance: 4.4, based on 4 reviews
    Physical security impressions are positive overall, with references to high-grade ratings and robust construction; however, at least one security-focused review suggests some common attack resistance is mixed beyond specific protections.
  • 4.3
    based on 7 reviews
    Door-sense: 4.3, based on 7 reviews
    The included door sensor enables the lock to know whether the door is open/closed for smarter auto-locking and open/ajar alerts; it is optional but widely recommended, though some dislike its look and note it may not surface in every smart-home app.
  • 4.3
    based on 12 reviews
    Smart-home integration (Alexa, Google, Siri, HomeKit, Matter, Thread): 4.3, based on 12 reviews
    Platform support is a core strength: reviews cite broad compatibility across Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings, and in some cases Matter/Thread, plus automation options like IFTTT.
  • 4.3
    based on 8 reviews
    Voice control: 4.3, based on 8 reviews
    Voice control works well when integrated (Siri/Alexa/Google), but unlocking often requires a security PIN and overall speed can depend on the underlying hub and connection method.
  • 4.3
    based on 4 reviews
    Finish durability: 4.3, based on 4 reviews
    Several reviews highlight improved button materials and clear legends that should resist wear better than older rubbery keypads, though long-term finish wear is not fully proven across all coverage.
  • 4.3
    based on 10 reviews
    User access management: 4.3, based on 10 reviews
    User management is flexible, supporting admins, normal users, and temporary users with schedules and limits; reviewers like the ability to manage family and service access without sharing a physical key.
  • 4.3
    based on 11 reviews
    Guest Codes and Access: 4.3, based on 11 reviews
    Guest access is a highlight: you can issue one-time, scheduled, recurring, or time-bounded codes, making it well-suited for cleaners, dog walkers, deliveries, and short-term rental workflows.
  • 4.2
    based on 10 reviews
    Locking reliability: 4.2, based on 10 reviews
    Locking reliability is strong in many tests, with consistent keypad/fingerprint success and dependable auto-lock when aligned; reported issues usually trace back to Wi-Fi/app disconnects or door alignment causing jams.
  • 4.2
    based on 11 reviews
    Auto-lock: 4.2, based on 11 reviews
    Auto-lock is well-liked, especially when paired with the door sensor for closed-door confirmation; some reviewers report setup friction or feature toggles failing when app/Wi-Fi behavior is unstable.
  • 4.2
    based on 7 reviews
    Access logs: 4.2, based on 7 reviews
    Access logs are generally useful and easy to review in the app, showing who unlocked and how; depth and presentation vary, and log usefulness depends on consistent connectivity.
  • 4.2
    based on 1 review
    Key override reliability: 4.2, based on 1 review
    A traditional key override is included and treated as an important safety net for battery or connectivity problems; reliability concerns are more about smart features than the physical key itself.
  • 4.1
    based on 10 reviews
    Bluetooth: 4.1, based on 10 reviews
    Bluetooth control is commonly reliable for nearby operation and is central for some ecosystem integrations; it can also be slower than Wi-Fi/Thread in certain smart-home workflows.
  • 4.1
    based on 6 reviews
    Hub requirement: 4.1, based on 6 reviews
    Many reviews appreciate not needing a separate vendor bridge for basic connectivity, but out-of-home control can still hinge on platform hubs (for Apple Home or Matter) depending on your setup.
  • 4.0
    based on 8 reviews
    Notifications: 4.0, based on 8 reviews
    Notifications can be configured for lock events and door status, and smart-home apps can also alert you; limitations include per-user notification setup in the vendor app and occasional reliability tied to connectivity.
  • 4.0
    based on 10 reviews
    Battery: 4.0, based on 10 reviews
    Battery design is a tradeoff: AA cells are easy to replace and often quoted to last many months to about a year, but some reviewers prefer rechargeable options and note that heavy Wi-Fi use can increase drain.
  • 4.0
    based on 1 review
    Warranty and support: 4.0, based on 1 review
    Support feedback is limited but generally positive when mentioned, including responsive help and replacement parts; the biggest desire is for continued software stability improvements.
  • 4.0
    based on 12 reviews
    App: 4.0, based on 12 reviews
    The U home/UHome app generally provides the expected controls (status, users, codes, fingerprints, logs), but reviewers disagree on polish: some report seamless control, while others see pairing friction and intermittent responsiveness.
  • 3.9
    based on 11 reviews
    Auto-unlock: 3.9, based on 11 reviews
    Auto-unlock can be convenient hands-free entry, but reliability and speed vary by phone settings and environment; some users disable it for privacy or because it can be slow to trigger.
  • 3.9
    based on 11 reviews
    Geofencing: 3.9, based on 11 reviews
    Geofencing-based behavior is available for auto-unlock/away modes; it works for some, but others find it inconsistent or prefer not to share continuous location data.
  • 3.9
    based on 3 reviews
    Existing hardware reuse: 3.9, based on 3 reviews
    You can often reuse existing strike hardware, but multiple reviewers found a clean swap to the included parts reduces headaches and alignment issues.
  • 3.9
    based on 5 reviews
    Keyway quality: 3.9, based on 5 reviews
    The mechanical keyway is a useful fallback, but one review flags odd cylinder/keyway design choices; overall it is treated as a backup rather than the primary daily-access method.
  • 3.9
    based on 10 reviews
    Value and Price: 3.9, based on 10 reviews
    Value is debated: many feel the feature set justifies a premium price, but buyers sensitive to cost or frustrated by Wi-Fi reliability may see better value in simpler locks or alternatives with Home Key.
  • 3.8
    based on 11 reviews
    Wi-Fi: 3.8, based on 11 reviews
    Wi-Fi support is one of the most polarizing areas: built-in connectivity is convenient, but multiple reviews cite 2.4GHz-only setup complexity, mesh-network friction, or the lock going offline and breaking remote control.
  • 3.7
    based on 10 reviews
    Remote access: 3.7, based on 10 reviews
    Remote access ranges from excellent to frustrating: when Wi-Fi or hub integration is stable it responds quickly, but some reviewers experienced disconnects, app timeouts, or commands failing from smart-home apps.

Cons

  • 3.0
    based on 1 review
    Pick/drill resistance (if rated): 3.0, based on 1 review
    Pick resistance is described as not exceptional in one hands-on security-focused review, while bump resistance is highlighted as unusually strong; drill resistance is not consistently evaluated in the review set.

FAQ

Does it need a hub for remote control?

It depends on how you use it. The lock can offer direct Wi-Fi for remote access, but Apple Home and Matter-based setups may still require a compatible home hub for true out-of-home control.

Does it support Apple Home Key?

No. You can use Apple Home/HomeKit control and Siri, but it does not provide Apple Home Key tap-to-unlock.

Is Wi-Fi limited to 2.4GHz?

Yes. Multiple reviews note it is designed around 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, and setup can be smoother if your phone and router can stay on 2.4GHz during pairing.

How reliable is the fingerprint reader?

Overall impressions are strong: it is generally fast and accurate, and several reviewers report it working consistently as their primary unlock method.

Do you need the door sensor?

It is optional, but it enables more reliable door-sense behavior for auto-locking and open/ajar awareness, depending on the configuration you choose.

How often do you replace batteries?

Most coverage expects long life from AA batteries (often around a year depending on mode and usage), though heavy Wi-Fi use and unreliable connectivity can increase drain.

Reviews we analyzed

Video Reviews

Article Reviews

#1
4.2
Choose the Ultraloq Bolt Fingerprint if you want lots of unlock options plus broad platform support; Skip if you need Apple Home Key...
#2
4.1
Choose Lockly Visage for walk-up facial unlocking; Skip it if you want a cheaper lock or you do not want to deal with...
#3
4.0
Choose Aqara U100 for Apple Home Key plus a fast fingerprint reader at a fair price; Skip it if you need built-in Wi-Fi...
#4
3.9
Choose Yale Assure Lock 2 for a sleek, modular smart lock with strong access management; Skip it if you need long battery life...
#5
3.6
Choose Yale Approach if you want an affordable retrofit lock with strong auto-unlock and a clean app experience. Skip it if you need...