Electronic door locks used to be a technology you would be able to see only in secret government bases and laboratories. It is hard to find them in businesses, let alone households. That being said, only a handful of multinational corporations are capable to install these smart locks in their headquarters.
Nowadays, electronic locks are being offered with smart technologies to maximize security. Not to mention, conventional locks have been completely revamped to cater to the demand. That means you’ll find many of these electronic door locks available in the market with smart connections like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. To add on, the latest generation of smart locks is not only secure but they’re also chic and stylish.
Still not convinced? An upscale smart lock can even communicate with smart home assistants such as Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa and more. These electronic door locks now provide smart functionalities beyond the simple task of locking your front door.
Benefits Of Using Keyless Electronic Door Locks
A smart lock enables you to customize who you grant access to your home or office spaces. You can even customize the timing that you want to grant said access.
Unlike the conventional key door locks, these smart locks are tailored to satisfy your need for customization. For instance, you can provide the members of your household with unlimited access while restricting the access of your helpers.
It’s not a surprise that some of you might be struggling to find the right key on your keychain. These smart locks help to ditch the conventional need for keys. Instead, you can unlock your doors through an app on your phone. Alternatively, you can also register your fingerprint as a preferred method of unlocking your door.
The best part, users are allowed to add advanced features. Features such as voice control, built-in monitoring capabilities, automatic lock.
Alternatively, you can also opt to keep the existing old keys while increase your home security system by upgrading to smart electronic door locks.
What Makes For An Excellent Smart Lock?
So, what makes an excellent smart lock?
A good keyless door lock should offer broad compatibility with varying door types and sizes. The ability to seamlessly bind with smart home devices and office systems is a definite plus.
It makes little to no sense to opt for a smart lock that requires you to replace your front door. Similarly, it would make little sense to change your smart home system to match the compatibility of your electronic lock.
A smart lock that is versatile is essential. Beyond its functionalities, the price for these technologies is a significant factor to look into. Bear in mind, the price for these smart locks should be reasonable as it’s no longer an exotic technology.
A smart lock is inevitably priced depending on its customizations. Do note that smart locks from leading manufacturers start at around $130 for a more basic system and remain below $500 for more advanced locks.
To set a benchmark for a good smart lock, it needs to incorporate automated locking and compatibility with various alarm systems. However, if you have a higher budget, smart locks that incorporate biometrics should definitely be considered.
Upgrade your security game, these include the customization of your biometrics scannings like hand geometry, voice, and even eye scanning. Meaning that you know for sure your house will be protected against unwanted intruders.
To make your selection process easy, we have curated 10 smart locks for your home!
1. Array by Hampton Connected Door Lock
The Array Lock by Hampton is a smart keypad door lock that takes advantage of a solar panel to extend battery life. Featuring a modern yet elegant design that is suitable for both homes and offices. Though the cost for this lock is a little on the pricey side at $299, this smart lock is durable and compatible with many management functionalities. That includes digital connectivity for smart home devices like Amazon Alexa.
The best part, the Array Lock by Hampton comes with a built-in solar panel. Instead of constantly replacing the lock’s batteries, the solar panel is always recharging the two lithium-polymer batteries. Users can set a six-digit access code, or the alternative of setting one time passes on a schedule to a specific day and time.
Though Array connects directly to your Wi-Fi it does not support the Z-Wave connection. To ease the control system, you can manage it via the Array app on your mobile – iOS or Android. Here, you can check the lock status and even lock and unlock the electric door lock. A major plus point being that4 the app supports an unlimited number of users.
2. August Smart Lock and August Smart Lock Pro
August Smart Lock Pro is an upgrade to the August’s product series, offering more smart home integration options and providing users with more features. The upgrade adds support for Z-Wave Plus and supports all the features August Smart Lock has.
The August Smart Lock can work with both Alexa and Google Assistant. Additionally, the new release can connect to Apple HomeKit and works with the Siri smart assistant. Using a smart hub to manage and control August Smart Lock is possible thanks to supporting for Z-Wave Plus, which allows for automation of different functions of the smart lock.
The August Smart Lock Pro costs $229.99 and the price increases to $279.99 if you buy the Wi-Fi adapter. It is reasonably priced taking into account the many features that the August Smart Lock offers. These include voice control and management via a smart hub, remote control, automated locking and unlocking as well as support for existing physical keys. You can also check if a door is open, partly open or closed.
3. Friday Lock Keyless Door Lock
The electric door lock by Friday Labs competes directly with the August Smart Lock in many areas. That includes both price and specifications.
The Friday Lock smart lock is priced at $249 and it is one of the few in the market that supports all connectivities – Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and HomeKit. A rechargeable battery powers the device and it comes in a variety of colors to suit the theme of your home or working space.
This electric door lock features a geofence that locks and unlocks the door depending on the proximity of your mobile device. Don’t worry about its compatibility with your mobile. It works both on IOS and Android.
As an added convenience, the Friday Lock allows the simultaneous connectivity to multiple users. However, the downside is that users are unable to perform or set any expiring codes for additional security.
4. Gate Smart Lock
Gate Smart Lock is a keypad door lock that was developed by two former Google Glass engineers. To break the mold, this smart device features a motion-activated 702 HD camera that covers at least a 150-degree field of vision for additional security.
The Gate Smart Lock is retailing at a higher price of $350. However, the price is justified by its security features. For a better security system, the Gate keyless is made incompatible to any existing deadbolts.
This means that users are bound to replace the existing door lock for this upgraded system. In return, you’ll get built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, push-button keypad, as well as a camera, microphone, and speaker.
Additionally, a doorbell call button rings your phone whenever there’s a visitor. The best part, you can have two-way audio communication, accompanied by HD images for identification.
Users can also set times for auto-locking and can review a log of all activity detected by the smart lock. Apps for iOS and Android are available. Enjoy the free service that includes instant notifications, live streaming, and remote locking. Also, up to four users can access the lock simultaneously with or without the support for video history or sharing.
5. Kwikset Smart Lock
Kwikset smart locks have a relatively long history with Kevo Touch-to-Open Smart Locks. If you’re thinking of investing in a smart lock, you should look into this latest addition to their product range. Why? It is easy to install, responsive and it also integrates with third-party devices.
The new and upgraded 2nd generation of Kevo smart locks by Kwikset is retail for $229. However, the price varies according to the product features you opt for.
For an upgraded version, expect to pay an additional $99 for the Kevo Plus hub. With this upgrade, you will be able to take advantage of Alexa voice commands, remote lock access, and monitor. Do note that every additional feature costs extra.
The four AA batteries power a smart lock device that is able to communicate with both Android and iOS devices via Bluetooth. However, the new Kevo comes without any key fob.
To complete the smart lock, get the Kevo fob at $28.99 from Kwikset partners. In addition to the Kevo fob, you can transfer the two supplied eKeys via email or buy more eKeys for $1.99. Free Guest eKeys last for 24 hours.
The core security feature for Kwikset is that it offers features such as auto-locking every 30 seconds. Conveniently, users can also lock and unlock keyless and even without any access to the phone. All you need to do is tap three times on the smart lock from the outside to have your door locked and secured.
Also, it pairs with Nest and Honeywell thermostats. While the Ring and SkyBell video doorbells are accessible at ease too.
Additionally, you’ll be pleased to know that you get a lifetime mechanical warranty.
6. Lockly Secure Plus Fingerprint Door Lock
The Lockly Secure Plus is a keypad door lock that features a fingerprint scanner. It also works with Alexa and Google Assistant. However, you will need to pay an extra $70 to unlock this functionality.
The fingerprint door lock retail for $249, which makes it a pricier option compared to other smart locks. Especially when you take the additional installation fees into account.
Nonetheless, Lockly Secure offers plenty of features such as manual locking, deadbolt or latch version and Wi-Fi connectivity (additional Wi-Fi adapter is required). The keyless door lock by Lockly supports passcodes from 4 to 8 digits and you can create new codes as and when you wish. Otherwise, you can add new fingerprints using an app available for iOS and Android.
7. Nest Door Lock
Nest X Yale lock is a product of the cooperation between the maker of smart home devices Nest and the long-established door locks specialists Yale. This Nest lock seamlessly integrates with other smart devices by Nest. Don’t worry about the installation process, even a beginner can master it with ease.
If you own any Nest smart devices like the Nest Hello video doorbell or the learning thermostat, you can easily integrate them with your door lock. If not, this electric door lock is available pairing to any Google Home devices. Unfortunately, it’s not compatible with Amazon Alexa or Apple HomeKit at the moment.
Own this Nest door lock for just $249. This lock is especially handy if you already own a Nest Connect module for more stable connectivity to any Nest devices via the Wi-Fi network. The user-friendly application allows you to create new access codes and assign user permissions instantly once connected.
8. Samsung SHS P718 Electronic Door Lock
Samsung SHS P718 is an electronic keypad door lock that works best when connected to Samsung Smart Home systems. The smart lock provides support for video cameras and security sensors.
The device can work as a fingerprint door lock and is able to store and recognize up to a hundred unique fingerprints. In fact, this security system is a great little investment for the medium to large scale companies. Users can access the mobile app to check the status of the system and keep track of its logs.
Samsung is famous for its smooth and clear displays so it’s no surprise that SHS P718 is known for its easy glide touch screen display. Additionally, the electric door lock still functions with the PIN codes. This product is retailing from $419. So, go for this electric door lock if you have a little bit extra to splurge.
9. Schlage Smart Lock
Schlage is one of the more established players in the market for keyless electronic door locks. This brand boasts not only it’s reputable branding but strives for quality assurance. Investing in this electronic door lock will give you the security and confidence that you deserve. To choose among the best, the newest generation of Schlage locks (Schlage Sense) should be taken into consideration.
The Schlage Sense is a smart lock that works with Amazon Alexa and Apple HomeKit. Unfortunately, it does not support Google Assistant.
You can control the Schlage Sense smart lock by issuing voice commands or over Wi-Fi through the app that is available for Android and iOS mobile devices.
Just like all other Schlage Connect lock models, Sense homeowners can lock and unlock their doors either from the app or by entering codes on the keypad.
Users can create and delete any entry codes via the app, including the guest codes. Apart from that, the auto-locking option is also available. The retail price starts at $229 onwards.
10. Ultraloq UL3 BT Fingerprint Door Lock
Ultraloq UL3 is one of the smart keyless electronic door locks that offer advanced features. So, expect functionalities like – a fingerprint reader, a touchscreen keypad, Bluetooth connectivity, and an automatic four-seconds re-locking function.
However, the smart lock does not support Wi-Fi connectivity. To further control your smart lock, Bluetooth is the only option. If you prefer a basic electronic door lock, Ultraloq should be on your list. Consider this an office door lock rather than for home as it supports up to 95 different users at one time.
The door lock is retail from $249. Though Ultraloq UL3 BT is not the cheapest keypad door lock, you’ll certainly get the security you deserve. Features such as thumbprint scanning and multiple unlocking methods add another layer of security. The best part, there’s no need to replace your existing deadbolt.
Takeaway
Electronic door locks are a great upgrade to your home or business security. Though this might be an additional expense, think about the security you’ll receive in return. It makes all the sense to protect your belongings and the small investment will provide a sense of comfort, security, and confidence.
Besides, smart locks are easier to use and offer a variety of locking methods to suit your preference. Look into those that offer multiple functionalities if you fancy the flexible locking and unlocking methods. Opt for those which are voice-activated and can be controlled remotely.
Also, consider investing in smart electronic locks that integrate premium securities such as alarms, emergency sensors, motion sensors, wide-angle cameras and more. Drop us a comment down below and we love to hear from you!
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