Smart Lock Buying Guide: Smart locks may not be the most appealing piece of consumer technology, but they are among the most practical. You can go for a jog without having to worry about a jangling key ring, easily provide access to guests, or double-check that you have locked your door from anywhere on the planet.
What is a Smart Lock?
A smart lock is very similar to a traditional lock. Smart locks typically have a Wi-Fi connection that allows you to connect the physical lock to a companion app. Remote access, geo-location features (for example, having your door unlock automatically when you pull into the driveway), and even creating digital passkeys for other family members, friends, contractors, or visitors are all possible with the app.
Find out more about smart locks and how they work. And if you believe you know everything there is to know about smart locks, think again. Can you guess these seven things a smart lock can’t do?
What type of technology do smart locks use?
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is used by smart locks to determine when to open and close. They work in tandem with their companion apps. Many smart locks nowadays are also compatible with various smart home systems such as Google and Alexa, as well as Apple HomeKit. It is extremely convenient to have your smart lock linked to a digital assistant. It makes it simple to incorporate it into existing in-home routines — for example, if you enable a ‘goodnight’ routine, your digital assistant will not only turn off all your lights, close your blinds, and provide you with the weather forecast for the morning, but it will also lock all your doors as part of the routine.
While Wi-Fi is ubiquitous and extremely convenient, Wi-Fi-enabled smart locks require more frequent battery replacement. Depending on how frequently you access your locks remotely, you may need to replace the batteries every few months. It’s a good idea to read recent smart lock reviews to get an idea of how long the batteries will last.
Z-Wave
Z-Wave is a Bluetooth-like low-energy radio signal. It typically employs strong encryption and provides a better, stronger signal. If you prefer to use a Z-Wave smart lock, you will almost certainly need some kind of hub to connect to your home’s Wi-Fi network (yes, you will still need Wi-Fi). One of the reasons some people prefer Z-Wave is that it does not waste Wi-Fi bandwidth and has less interference from other smart home devices.
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How much does Smart Locks cost?
While a basic deadbolt can be purchased for a few dollars, smart locks are typically more expensive. They frequently include a battery pack that powers the automatic opening and closing of your lock and must be connected to Wi-Fi and a companion app. Naturally, packing all that technology in and ensuring it runs smoothly costs money. Smart locks from reputable brands typically cost between $200 and $300. You can find extremely low-cost smart locks, but you must do your research to ensure they cannot be hacked, picked, or simply broken.
How to choose a Smart Lock?
Most smart locks are direct replacements for your deadbolt, making installation a breeze. All models include Wi-Fi and may work with Amazon Alexa, Google Nest, Apple Home Kit, or all three. If you use Z-Wave, there are locks that will work with that smart home protocol as well.
When selecting a smart lock, you should first look for one that is compatible with the smart home system you already have in place. If you don’t have a lot of smarts in your house, you’ll probably need something like a hub, bridge, or other Wi-Fi-connected device. Some locks will come with a bridge device, while others will rely on existing smart home interfaces. This could be an Amazon Echo Show device, a Google Nest hub, an Apple HomePod, or an Apple TV in some cases. Read the specifications carefully to ensure you’re bringing home a lock that can communicate with your smart home setup.
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What Smart Lock is best for renters?
Typically, renters are not permitted to make many changes to their homes, and changing the locks on your landlord will almost certainly result in a strike on your record. One of the most straightforward options for renters is a lock that does not alter the deadbolt structure or physical keys that your landlord may have but instead allows remote access through the same lock. The two most popular options for renters are Wyze Smart Lock and August Smart Lock.
Which are the best Smart Locks?
Many smart locks are manufactured by reputable companies such as Schlage, Yale, and Kwikset, so you can rest assured that your home will be secure. However, there are a number of brands in the space, particularly at lower price points and manufactured by companies you’ve probably never heard of. Because you’re essentially granting a technology and hardware company open access to your home, it makes sense to use trusted brands and well-reviewed products. We keep a list of the best smart locks on hand so you don’t have to waste time looking.
How do I install a Smart Lock?
Smart locks are classified into two types. The first option is to replace your entire deadbolt lock set, which includes the bolt, exterior lock face, and interior lever. If your door has a standard-size deadbolt, the process is relatively simple, and many smart lock companion apps will walk you through it step by step.
The second option is to replace the interior thumb lever and plate while leaving the deadbolt and exterior face alone. If you have all of your locks keyed the same and don’t want to repeat the process, this method is ideal. This type of lock is even simpler to install because it is only one component of the overall system and usually only requires the use of a screwdriver. If you’re still hesitant about installing a smart lock, a locksmith can assist you.
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How do I unlock a Smart Lock?
There are nearly as many methods for unlocking a smart lock as there are brands. The following are the primary options:
Smart lock buying guide: Biometrics
Biometrics is simply a fancy term for using a component of your biology to open the door. The most common home-use option, in this case, is a fingerprint scanner embedded in the door lock, but optical or eye-scanning locks are also available.
Smart lock buying guide: Keypad or touchscreen
Some smart locks have a keypad or touchscreen where you can enter a number code. While this is convenient, some burglars have been known to examine the keypad for fingerprint smudges on the keys in order to deduce the passcode and gain access. To avoid this possibility, some locks, such as Weiser Premis, generate a random two-digit code that you must tap before entering your pin.
Smartphone/Remote Control
A smartphone is a common method for unlocking a smart lock. With a companion app, you can lock or unlock your door from anywhere by simply tapping a virtual button on the screen. This method is useful if you want to temporarily allow someone to place a package just inside your door, then relock it after they leave and close the door.
Physical key or not?
Some smart locks include an emergency key, while others lack a keyhole entirely, rendering them “unpickable.”
Tap to unlock
Some locks, such as Schlage Encode, allow you to use your phone as a keyfob; simply bringing it close to the lock generates a digital handshake, and your lock opens. Of course, you must first securely unlock your phone.
Smart lock buying guide: Geofencing
Geofencing, also known as geotagging, uses your phone’s precise location to automatically lock or unlock your door whenever you enter or leave a small geographic area. This technology is typically configured within the companion app and can be very useful if you are forgetful about locking up.
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Can you use a Smart Lock on any door?
Smart locks, like regular door knobs and deadbolts, are generally of standard size. If you live in a newer house or have a newer door, your smart lock should fit easily. If you live in an older home or have older doors, finding a fit may be difficult. While some lock companies, such as Weiser, provide adaptor kits (often for free if you call to request one), if you have an unusually sized door, you should measure it and make sure the company has a generous return policy.
Consider a smart lock kit that slips over the back of your existing deadbolt latch for doors where replacing the deadbolt mechanism will be difficult. August Smart Lock is a good example, and you can read our complete smart lock review here.
Smart lock technology is constantly evolving, becoming more attractive and intelligent. In fact, an integrated smart lock and video doorbell concept is a popular new element of smart home technology.
Would you like to read more about Smart Lock-related articles? If so, we invite you to take a look at our other tech topics before you leave!
