Keep Your Home Safe With The Best Smart Lock
Think about the countless times you've made it to your front door just to spend the next few minutes searching fruitlessly for your keys. It's annoying, but it happens to all of us. This is why a smart lock could be a good investment.
In addition to always being able to get in whenever you need, now you won't have to get out of bed, put on your robe, and fumble towards the front door if you have any doubts about whether you actually locked the door before going to sleep. Simply picking up your phone will allow you to see if the lock is active. We reviewed the premier smart locks of 2023 to help you choose the one that best meets your security needs.
Comparing The Top Smart Locks Of 2023 In Detail
ULTRALOQ U-Bolt Pro Smart Lock: Best Overall
Overall, the ULTRALOQ U-Bolt Pro Smart Lock is the best on our list because it's super easy to operate and boasts great features like a fingerprint scanner and a convenient app. The fingerprint scanner can be used to quickly and easily open a door, allowing you to get in without your phone. The ULTRALOQ also allows you to unlock doors in different ways, including with a code entered on the keypad, a Bluetooth key from your phone, or a physical key inserted into the door's secret key slot.
Better still, the app makes it simple to share access with anyone you would like, so you don't have to make copies of keys for everyone in your family.
SMONET Smart Lock: Great Features
We included the SMONET Smart Lock because of its great array of features. It includes functionality to control your smart door lock from anywhere, set up codes remotely, and check a real-time access log. It also comes with an automatic locking system, which activates after five false password attempts.
Additionally, the SMONET has five ways to unlock your door (app, keypad, fingerprint, IC fob, and mechanical keys), allowing you to enjoy your outdoor trips with the certainty that your belongings are safe.
It takes the SMONET Smart Lock less than a second to unlock the door after recognizing your fingerprint, which is much faster than fumbling around for your keys.
Eufy Security Smart Lock: Unique Entry Options
When it comes to smart door locks, the Eufy Security Smart Lock is like having a Swiss Army Knife at your disposal. It provides you with five unique entry options (fingerprint, security app, electronic keypad, key, remote control) and features a casing that cannot be drilled through by would-be burglars.
When you leave, the door automatically locks behind you, which is convenient whether you're carrying a lot of stuff or trying to keep an eye on active kids. Plus, if the batteries in your deadbolt ever die, you can use the emergency decrypt port to plug in a portable charger and keep your door locked. If you are concerned about your privacy and data, don't worry — the app lets you save your fingerprint and in-app data locally.
Kwikset Aura Bluetooth Smart Lock: Easiest Setup
We chose the Kwikset Aura Bluetooth Smart Lock because of its ease of installation. If you're unfamiliar with smart locks and concerned about installing one, you can rest easy knowing that this particular smart lock can be set up in about 10 minutes.
The Kwikset is also an affordable option that offers multiple methods of locking and unlocking your door. It can be operated in various ways; these include using a key, the backlit keypad, or a smartphone.
While the smart lock is simple in design, it is packed with advanced functions, such as Bluetooth connectivity for keyless entry and sharing, along with a one-touch locking button for instant locking. Even better, the Kwikset app allows you to control who has access to your home and how they can enter.
Hornbill Smart Lock: Great Quality For Price
The Hornbill Smart Lock is an excellent option for those who don't require all of the additional features that come with a more expensive lock. Overall, it's a reliable smart lock at a decent price point..
You can deactivate this smart lock using either the keypad or the keyhole since it features both options. Its touchscreen keypad is simple to use and eliminates the potential hassle of buttons that may become stuck or broken. The keyhole itself is concealed by a pin-secured fastener, which can be left in place for further protection, but is simple to remove if you would prefer to have the option of keyed entry. The Hornbill also features a security mechanism that will automatically lock the deadbolt for five minutes if the password is input incorrectly more than five times.
Finding Your Next Smart Lock: A Buyer's Guide
Although smart locks aren't the most exciting piece of technology, they're among the most useful. What's more, they're on track to become a $5.53 billion industry by 2029. With a smart lock, you can go on a jog without worrying about your key ring, let guests in quickly, and check your door from anywhere in the world. Given the many options in the market and the varied features smart locks offer, it can be overwhelming to make a decision. That's why we prepared this buying guide to help you buy a smart lock that meets your requirements.
What To Consider When Buying A Smart Lock
Battery Life
The first factor on our list is battery life. Most smart locks require either a rechargeable lithium-ion cell or multiple AA alkaline batteries. No matter what kind of battery your smart lock uses, it will send notifications on the accompanying app when it's getting low on juice. Many models also feature an LED indicator light within the door's enclosure that flashes red when it's time to swap out or recharge the battery.
The average lifespan of these batteries depends, of course, on the purpose and design of the lock in question. Power typically lasts anywhere from three months to a year depending on the type of lock and the functions it performs.
Alternate Entry Options
Although Bluetooth and Wi-Fi have many useful applications, they're not without drawbacks. The tech firms that produce smart locks are conscious of their problems, so they've devised various other methods of locking and unlocking smart locks.
Practical smart locks now frequently include additional traditional or electronic entry methods, such as passcodes, a physical key, and wireless unlocking options. For example, if you forget your phone at home but still want to unlock the door, you can get a key fob that works with the smart lock's wireless system.
Guest Keys
It's also important whether you want your loved ones to have access to your house. Smart locks, especially retrofit variants, allow you to give out "keys" to persons you trust to enter your home while you're away. If you've ever been to an Airbnb, you might be familiar with this method. Guests can have wireless access for a set amount of time via a text or email code given through the smart lock app, which serves as a virtual key.
Keypad-equipped replacement smart locks are convenient since they let you quickly and easily set one-time-use PINs or codes valid for a set time (whether that's just one-time use or several days). Even if you're still at the office when the kids get home from school, you'll be able to know because most smart locks keep track of who enters and leaves your home, and Wi-Fi smart locks may send an alert to your phone when someone comes or goes.
Types Of Smart Locks
Smart locks come in various forms, each optimized for a specific purpose. Most keyless entry systems use wireless technologies like Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to allow for entry. You can increase the functionality of your smart home by installing smart garage door locks and smart door locks.
Bluetooth
Smart locks that use Bluetooth technology can be managed with no network connection. This way, additional safety is provided because Bluetooth is only functional while your phone is close to the lock; so, if you only have a Bluetooth smart lock, you (or potential intruders) won't be able to control it from afar. Additionally, your lock's battery life may be higher because a Bluetooth smart lock consumes significantly less energy than a Wi-Fi-connected lock.
Wi-Fi
Connecting a Wi-Fi smart lock to one's home wireless network grants remote access to your deadbolt from any device with internet access. Without needing extra hubs or integrations, a Wi-Fi smart lock can be operated locally, from the cloud, or both.
But, due to Wi-Fi's higher power consumption, these door locks require many battery packs and frequent replacements. They're often bigger as well because they have to accommodate more batteries.
People Also Ask
Is installing a smart lock in my home a good idea?
It is. Installing a smart lock can improve the safety of your home. When your lock is part of a larger home security system, you gain even more convenience and security.
Are smart locks a safer option?
Yes, they are. Smart door locks allow you to see who entered and exited your home at any time, and you can do this at any location with your smartphone.
Can I install smart locks myself?
Yes, you can install a smart lock on your own, but remember that installation complexity can vary by brand.
How do smart locks work?
Smart locks are keyless door locks that can connect to your house's Wi-Fi and may be unlocked with your smartphone. Some models feature a keypad, while some others have a touchscreen. Plus, you can use your voice to unlock many smart locks because they're compatible with digital assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Home.
