Struggling to pick a smart lock that won't drain batteries, lock you into one ecosystem, or require a computer science degree to set up? In this episode, Marcus Chen breaks down why Thread-enabled locks have become the gold standard in 2026 and walks through everything you need to know before spending a dime. Whether you're new to smart home tech or frustrated by past purchases that didn't live up to the hype, this guide covers the real-world details that product pages leave out—from border router requirements to door measurements that could make or break your installation.

• Thread locks require a Thread Border Router to function—your existing smart hub might not have one built in, so check compatibility before buying and budget an extra $50–100 if you need to add one separately.

• Thread and Matter aren't the same  ...