In the age of digital transformation, the way we secure our homes has evolved significantly. Smart door locks have emerged as a popular choice among homeowners, particularly those who love to travel. According to a report by Markets and Markets, the smart lock market size is expected to grow from USD 1.28 billion in 2017 to USD 6.59 billion by 2023. This article delves into the world of smart door locks, exploring their benefits, features, and why they are a must-have for travelers.
Why Choose a Smart Door Lock?
Smart door locks offer several advantages over traditional keyed entry systems that make them ideal for frequent travelers. They provide keyless entry, remote access, temporary access codes, and auto-locking features. These features combine to give travelers peace of mind, knowing they can always check on their property even if they are halfway across the world.
For example, consider a scenario where you’re on a vacation in Europe, and you realize that you forgot to give your pet sitter a key to your house. With a traditional lock, you’d be in a bind. But with a smart lock, you can simply create a temporary access code for your pet sitter right from your smartphone.
Best Smart Door Locks For Travelers
August Wi-Fi (4th Generation)
August is a renowned brand in the smart lock industry. The August Wi-Fi (4th Generation) comes loaded with exciting features like easy installation, integration with voice assistants, automatic unlocking and relocking, and the ability to grant temporary or permanent access rights.
In a case study, a frequent traveler named John shared his experience with the August Wi-Fi lock. He mentioned how the auto-unlock feature saved him when he returned home from a trip with his hands full of luggage. The door unlocked automatically as he approached, saving him the hassle of fumbling for keys.
Schlage Encode
Known as the “Smart Deadbolt,” the Schlage Encode is another fantastic option for travel enthusiasts. It offers a sleek and elegant design, durable quality, WiFi connectivity for remote access, and a built-in alarm that senses any break-in attempts.
A user named Sarah shared her experience with Schlage Encode. She appreciated the built-in alarm feature when it alerted her of a break-in attempt while she was away, allowing her to promptly alert the authorities.
Yale Assure Lock SL (YRD256)
The Yale Assure Lock SL is a highly rated key-less entry system that offers strong security measures. Its features include keyless entry using an easy-to-use touchscreen keypad and compatibility with various smart home platforms.
A report by TechRadar rated the Yale Assure Lock SL as one of the best smart locks of 2023, praising its seamless integration with smart home systems and its robust security features.
FAQs
- Why should travelers consider using smart door locks? Smart door locks can provide added security and peace of mind for travelers by allowing them to control access to their accommodations remotely. With a smart lock, you can use your smartphone or another device to lock and unlock the door from anywhere in the world as long as there is an internet connection. Additionally, many smart locks offer features such as activity logs and guest access codes that allow travelers to monitor who enters their accommodations and when. For instance, Airbnb hosts often use smart locks to provide their guests with easy access to the property without the need for physical key exchange.
- Are smart door locks easy to install? Many smart door locks are designed for easy installation and do not require professional assistance. Most models come with detailed instructions, including video tutorials, which guide users through the installation process step-by-step. However, it’s important to note that some models may be more complicated than others depending on factors like compatibility with existing hardware and whether or not drilling is required. A common mistake to avoid is not checking the compatibility of the smart lock with your existing door setup. Always check the product specifications before purchase.
- Can someone hack into my smart lock while I’m traveling? While no system is entirely immune to hacking attempts, most smart lock manufacturers take great care in ensuring the security of their devices through measures such as encryption protocols and two-factor authentication processes. It’s also important for owners of smart locks (whether at home or away) to follow best practices around online security such as regularly updating passwords and avoiding public Wi-Fi networks whenever possible. According to a report by Norton, smart locks are generally considered safe, but like any technology, they are not completely immune to cyber threats.
Conclusion
Traveling can be an incredible experience, but leaving your home unsecured can cause stress and anxiety. Smart door locks give you control over who enters your home at all times while giving you peace of mind on the go. With the models mentioned above and many more on the market today, there are plenty of options to choose from depending on what best suits traveler’s needs. As per a survey by Statista, 30% of Americans are expected to have a smart lock by 2023, indicating the growing popularity of these devices.
So, are you ready to install a smart lock before heading out on your next adventure?
