Smart door locks are an integral part of any modern smart home security system. They provide convenience, flexibility, and control over who has access to your home while keeping it secure at all times.
Choosing the best smart door lock can be a challenging task considering the many options available in today’s market. This guide will highlight essential features, benefits, and considerations you need to keep in mind when purchasing a smart lock for your front or backdoor.
Why Choose a Smart Door Lock?
Before we dive in-depth into choosing the right smart lock for your needs, let’s discuss why you should consider upgrading from traditional deadbolts.
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Remote Access: With a smart lock installed on your doors, you can easily monitor and control access to your homes through smartphones even if you’re not present.
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Keyless Entry: Say goodbye to physical keys. No more fumbling with keys or worrying about lost or stolen keys as most models use keyless entry technology that allows users to enter their homes using either passcodes, fingerprints.
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Customization & Flexibility: Most conventional locks have limited functionalities; however, with smart locks’ customization and flexible features such as auto-locking after exiting or unlocking based on voice command enable you to get more out of them than just locking and unlocking doors.
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Increased Safety Features: Smart locks come equipped with advanced safety features designed around privacy concerns like tamper alarms which detect forced entry attempts beyond adding value towards safer premises.
With those advantages stated above in mind let us delve into what factors distinguish one model from another.
Essential Considerations when buying Smart Door Locks
1) Compatibility
Not all brands/models of digital door locks are created equally— some require specific kinds of applications that aren’t compatible across different platforms/operating systems (OS). For instance,
if you own an iPhone but happen upon an incompatible brand with specific android-supported software, then you’re out of luck.
It’s important to select a smart door lock that works with your preferred device, thus ensuring hassle-free compatibility.
2) Lock Type
Smart locks come in several types suited for various types of doors. Fundamentally speaking they are similar to regular deadbolts; however some have more advanced features/modes like voice recognition or fingerprint scanning:
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Deadbolt Smart Locks
require users to replace existing deadbolts and make sure it’s compatible with the size and shape of the door -
Lever Handle Smart Locks
_ these locks often work better for internal doors such as bedroom/bathroom doors.
Each has its advantages/disadvantages based upon what type of entry point you need securing.
3) Connectivity options
You’ll want a lock that can connect to your devices easily. Some offer Wi-Fi connectivity, meaning you don’t need hard-wiring on-site; however, others may only use Bluetooth or require nearby hubs like Amazon Echo (Alexa), Google Home. It’s good to know which options will work best for your needs before making any purchases since all connectivity choices consume different amounts of energy, affecting battery life.
4) Security Features
Here are common safety-related features worth looking into when purchasing a digital door lock:
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Auto-lock Capabilities: Allows an automatic locking feature after leaving the house (specific time intervals set by owner).
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Tamper Alarms: Advanced security systems featuring sensors detecting if someone is attempting forced entry or tampering with it.
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Voice Recognition/Fingerprint Scanning: Unique biometric safety protocols that prevent unlawful access from outsiders while giving authorized persons quick access via their unique biological traits.
Be sure to research each model/brand’s security features thoroughly before making a purchase—assuring peace-of-mind knowing you’ve selected secure components protecting yours and loved ones’ privacy at all times.
5) Battery life
Electronic components require energy to workand all these smart devices will slowly drain a battery over time. Ensure you select models with reliable battery life and power-saving modes that automatically turn off when not in use.
Choosing the Best Smart Door Lock for Your Needs
Now that we have covered essential considerations let’s compare some of the best smart door locks available on the market:
- August Wi-Fi Smart Lock – Best for Airbnb
- Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt – Best Overall
- Kwikset Halo Touchscreen Wi-Fi Enabled Smart Lock – Budget Pick
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock – Best for Airbnb
This model is perfect if you’re wanting to maintain a vacation home or rent out individual units while away, as it was designed specifically to boost security measures through using auto generated codes based on specified user(s). Its ergonomic design allows homeowners/renters easy access via mobile application without any keys attached, ensuring ease-of-use/convenience.
Pros:
– Auto-generating temporary guest passcodes makes this lock ideal for hosts renting their properties.
– Compact design doesn’t require replacing existing deadbolt which saves money.
Cons:
– The device requires an additional hub due to its limited connectivity options.
Where to buy: Amazon ($212)
Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt – Best Overall
Schlage Encode’s well-known reputation within the industry continues with another great product in this line-up.The deadbolt’s compatibility across different software platforms ensures hassle-free setup procedures for anyone regardless of their current setup infrastructure meaning no need for external hubs like Echo or Google Home.
Pros:
– Built-in WiFi capabilities don’t require additional hardware
– Simple installation process taking less than 30 minutes
Cons:
-Due partly because of built-in wifi, higher price point restricts mass adoption
Where to buy: Amazon ($249)
Kwikset Halo Touchscreen Wi-Fi Enabled Smart Lock – Budget Pick
Kwikset Halo lock provides all the fundamental features and security characteristics of a smart lock without breaking the bank. One unique feature of this model is its BumpGuard technology, which increases safety measures against intruders that use bump techniques to break-in.
Pros:
– Affordable when compared to similar models
– Quick and easy set-up
Cons:
– Some users mentioned issues with wifi connectivity
Where to buy: Amazon ($209)
Conclusion
Selecting the best smart door locks can help give peace-of-mind by providing a comprehensive home automation solution for modern homes. Consider key factors like compatibility, lock type, connectivity options, battery life, and other important characteristics we have discussed in your decision-making process when purchasing one.
In summary, ensure you perform thorough research on each product before making any final selections; it might be worth having an expert install or checking out YouTube videos available online if you’re new to DIY installation procedures.
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FAQs
Sure, here are three popular FAQs related to choosing the best smart door lock, along with their corresponding answers:
Can a smart door lock be hacked?
While no technology is completely immune to hacking, most high-quality smart locks use advanced security features such as encryption and secure communication protocols that make them very difficult to hack. Additionally, many locks offer two-factor authentication and other protections against unauthorized access.
Will a smart lock work with my existing deadbolt?
Most smart locks are designed to replace or retrofit standard deadbolts, so they should work with your existing hardware without requiring any major modifications. However, it’s always important to double-check the compatibility of your chosen lock with your specific type of door and deadbolt before making a purchase.
How does a smart lock differ from a traditional keyless entry system?
While both types of systems allow you to enter your home without using physical keys, there are some key differences between them. Smart locks typically offer more advanced features like remote locking/unlocking via smartphone app, voice control integration with virtual assistants like Alexa or Google Home, push notifications for activity alerts and tamper detection etc while traditional keyless entry systems usually require manual code input on the keypad or fob device at the point-of-entry
