The Best Smart Lock right now | TCL D2 Pro Review

Multiple ways to unlock the door

The TCL D2 Pro is designed with several backup access methods. Users can unlock it with the palm-vein scanner, a PIN code, RFID tags or one of the supplied physical keys. This redundancy means the lock does not rely on a single electronic system.

The PIN keypad remains visible during the day and lights up at night. A dedicated button also operates as a doorbell. On the inside, a button provides a simple way to open the lock, which may be useful for children. A child-lock setting can disable that button when required.

Palm-vein scanning is the key feature

The main point of difference is the palm-vein unlock system. Rather than placing a finger on a reader, the user holds their hand over the scanner. The review found this worked even when the reviewer’s hands were wet, which can be a problem for some fingerprint readers. It will not work through gloves or when the hand is covered by mud or dirt.

TCL states an unlocking time of 0.3 seconds. The review described the scan as fast and reported no missed scans during testing, estimating accuracy at approximately 99.9 percent. The actual motor still needs to move the lock after the scan is accepted.

Built-in Wi-Fi and app controls

Unlike the reviewer’s previous lock, the D2 Pro does not require a separate module for internet connectivity. Wi-Fi is built into the lock, allowing it to be controlled through the app without purchasing an additional device.

The lock can be connected to Alexa or Google smart assistants. The review demonstrated controls such as asking whether the door is locked, or telling the system to open or close it. The app also provides user management, so different access codes can be associated with different people.

Settings include the ability to disable spoken door-status announcements and adjust the doorbell volume. Automatic locking can be configured for up to 120 seconds; the reviewer used a 100-second delay. Away mode can restrict access to the master password while the occupants are on holiday.

Battery, security and installation

The D2 Pro uses a removable 10,000 mAh battery that charges through USB-C. If the battery runs flat, a USB-C port on the lock can provide power temporarily. Physical keys remain available as another backup. After two weeks of use, the reviewer had not yet needed to recharge the battery.

Security features include tamper protection with an audible alarm, phone notifications for activity and alerts when an incorrect code is entered. The app can also identify which user’s code was used. The review noted that the lock does not include a front-facing camera for taking photos of anyone attempting to tamper with it.

Installation was straightforward on the reviewer’s existing wooden door because the previous lock’s holes aligned with the D2 Pro. A supplied paper template is available, and the reviewer said installation took about 10 minutes. Metal door frames may be more difficult, and a handyman could be needed in that situation.

Price and overall position

The review places the TCL D2 Pro at around $300–$400 in Australia, while noting that it could be purchased from Amazon US for approximately $250 at the time of recording. The exact Australian price was not pinned down in the video.

The D2 Pro sits in the mid-range described by the reviewer, but its palm-vein scanner distinguishes it from locks using only fingerprint access, a camera or a basic keypad.