TCL’s D2 Pro smart lock impressed reviewers with its palm vein scanning technology, but it carried one significant drawback: restrictive software and minimal support for third-party smart home platforms. TCL has now addressed that gap with a new version, the D2 Pro Palm Vein Smart Lock with Matter over Thread.
Why Matter Support Changes Everything
Matter has become a near-essential feature for smart locks in a crowded market. The universal protocol does more than open up compatibility with different platforms — TCL already sells an Apple Home-compatible version of this lock. Matter support also lets the D2 Pro work without an internet connection, and it forces the lock to meet security standards the industry has agreed on collectively.
The lock includes Wi-Fi, but its Thread radio means users with a Thread border router, such as an Apple HomePod Mini, can skip connecting it to Wi-Fi entirely. Matter devices also receive updates through the user’s smart home platform of choice, eliminating the need to rely on TCL’s own app — a welcome change for anyone who dislikes juggling multiple apps to manage their smart devices.
Same Hardware, Familiar Design
Aside from the new connectivity, this version functions identically to the original D2 Pro. Its design still resembles a scaled-down Cybertruck with a keypad bolted on. Beyond appearance, the lock performs well: it registers palm scans quickly and unlocks with minimal delay. Users can operate it through the keypad, a TCL key fob, the TCL app, or their preferred smart home app.
The lock also supports geofenced unlocking through the TCL app and includes a built-in doorbell button. Power comes from a 10,000mAh rechargeable battery with an outward-facing USB-C port, so owners can recharge it in place without removing it from the door, provided an outlet or power bank is nearby. Recharging is rarely necessary — the reviewer needed to do so only twice in a full year of use.
How Palm Scanning Compares to Other Unlocking Methods
Palm vein scanning offers a strong biometric unlocking option, though its timing has been unfortunate. These locks emerged only within the past year, shortly before ultra-wideband (UWB) technology arrived in competing models. UWB detects a nearby phone or smartwatch and unlocks automatically, a feature found in locks like the Schlage Sense Pro and the Aqara U400. For many users, UWB has become the preferred hands-free unlocking method.
Even so, palm scanning still has practical value. When a phone isn’t within reach, waving a hand at the lock offers a fast, convenient alternative to entering a PIN, fumbling for keys, or pressing a fingerprint sensor.
Pricing and Value
The Matter-enabled D2 Pro costs $200, a $30 increase over the $170 version that works only with Google Home or Alexa. That price still undercuts competitors significantly — the Aqara U400 runs $270, and the Schlage Sense Pro costs $400. Given that the original D2 Pro delivered a strong user experience, this upgraded version is expected to match that performance while solving its predecessor’s compatibility problems.
