Kwikset’s new Matter-over-Thread smart lock costs under $200

Kwikset announced a price and release date for its Aura Reach smart lock at CES 2026 this week. A more affordable Matter-over-Thread option compared to the excellent but expensive Halo Select, the Aura Reach is available now for $189.

At just under $100 less than the Halo, you are sacrificing built-in Wi-Fi and an integrated door sensor that lets you know if the door is open or closed. The full-replacement deadbolt lock also has a Grade 2 security rating compared to Grade 1 on the Halo line, and a more utilitarian design.

While the Aura does work with Apple Home through Matter, it doesn’t support Apple Home Key’s tap-to-unlock, which is available on the Halo Select Plus. That model costs a whopping $360, thanks to the Apple tax.

However, the Aura does feature a touchscreen keypad with a built-in backlight that turns on as you approach, thanks to a proximity sensor — a nice touch.

The Aura also works with Kwikset’s hands-free auto-unlock feature. This uses a combination of Bluetooth and geofencing to unlock as you approach. Plus, you can also unlock it via Bluetooth using Kwikset’s app.

While there’s no Wi-Fi, because the lock works with Matter-over-Thread, you can control it when you’re away from home by connecting it to a Matter platform, such as Amazon Alexa, Google Home, or Apple Home. However, you will need a Thread Border Router — which could be an Apple TV or an Echo smart speaker.

Kwikset says the Aura also has a new optional Signal Range Boost, which “doubles Matter network performance.” This could be useful if your Thread border router isn’t near your front door.

Finally, you can also just use a traditional key, and it supports Kwikset’s SmartKey Security, which lets you rekey the lock yourself.