Tapo DL130 Smart Lock

I did not test the Tapo DL130 because I needed another fingerprint lock. Palm-vein unlocking was the feature I wanted to live with. It sounds like the sort of thing that is impressive in a demo and then forgotten, but after using it on my lock test board, it became the way I naturally reached for the lock.

That does not make the DL130 perfect. At roughly $230, it is a premium smart lock, and there is one omission that kept bothering me throughout the test.

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The setup did not get in the way

I installed the DL130 myself on my standard lock test board. The guide was clear, the physical installation was straightforward, and the app setup was smooth. There was also a firmware update waiting when I first set it up, which I installed before properly testing it.

The lock looks more premium than most of the usual utilitarian smart-lock designs. The outside has a curved front with a glassy finish, and the physical key is hidden behind a cover. I would not call the whole outside body metal without taking it apart, but it does give that impression at first glance. The indoor part is plastic, which is normal for this category, and it did not feel unnecessarily bulky.

Palm unlock is the reason to pay attention

Palm unlock was not perfect immediately. Out of the box, the detection range was set lower than I expected, so it was a bit hit and miss. Once I changed the maximum range to 1.5 metres in the app, it became reliable for me.

The useful part is how little thought it takes. I could raise my hand in front of the lock and walk in. It also worked with wet hands in my testing, which is where it starts to make more sense than a fingerprint reader. The fingerprint sensor itself was fast and reliable, but palm unlocking was still the one I ended up using most.

That is also why I can see the DL130 working well for a household with children, older family members, or anyone who regularly struggles with fingerprints. It is not just a novelty feature when it removes a small bit of friction every time you come home.

The rest of the lock is sensible too

Tapo has not ignored the basics. You still get the fingerprint reader, keypad access, and physical key backup. I could create normal, one-time, and scheduled guest codes from the app, and the auto-lock feature worked well in my setup.

The app also sent remote notifications quickly and kept an access log, so it was easy to see what had happened at the door. It supports the usual smart-assistant integrations too, although I do not personally use voice commands to unlock a door, so that was not a feature I leaned on in my own use.

The backup battery is not just a line on the box

The DL130 has a built-in backup battery alongside the removable main battery. I removed the main battery to test it, and the lock kept working. It showed a warning and still gave me a few emergency unlocks.

I also charged the main battery while the lock was still operating, and it continued to work during that process. Over the days I used it, the battery reading moved from around 40% to around 31%, but that is nowhere near enough time to make a serious battery-life claim. What I can say is that the backup arrangement gave me more confidence than a lock that simply stops when its only battery runs out.

The missing camera is my biggest complaint

The DL130 has a built-in doorbell, and its notification worked reliably in my test. What it does not have is a camera.

At this price, that feels like the obvious missing piece. If someone rings the bell, I would like to see who is there, not only receive an alert. The palm unlock, refined design, and backup battery make the price easier to understand, but the lack of a camera is still the trade-off I would think about most before buying it.

Who I think it is for

If palm unlocking is useful to your household, the Tapo DL130 is a genuinely good smart lock. That was the part that changed my mind from "interesting feature" to something I would actually use. The core lock features worked well in my testing, installation was painless, and the backup battery is more than a marketing bullet point.

I would be more hesitant if you expect an all-in-one front-door device. For around $230, I still wish Tapo had included a camera. If that matters more to you than hands-free access, it is worth comparing the DL130 with other options before deciding.

Where to buy

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For specifications and compatibility, check the official Tapo DL130 product page.