If you are bad at remembering where your house key is then a good smart door lock can do away with physical keys altogether. Instead, the best keyless door lock will allow the essence of technology to be incorporated into the security system as you build a smart home. Nevertheless, you are actually going a step further from managing lights and other devices of a smart home.
If you want to use your smartphone or simply your fingerprints to lock or unlock the door, then your best choices are smart locks. So, what to look for, and how to make the decision to purchase the right one for your home? The detailed overview of the products and the selection of the crucial factors will allow making the correct choice.
1. August Wi-Fi Smart Lock
- UPGRADE YOUR EXISTING DEADBOLT: August smart locks fit on the...
- GRANT ACCESS WITH THE AUGUST APP: Forget key copying. Quickly and...
- EASY TO INSTALL ON ANY DOOR: Even if you’re not so handy,...
- AUTO-LOCKS AND UNLOCKS: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is able to...
- WORKS SEAMLESSLY WITH YOUR SMART HOME: Built-in Wi-Fi allows your...
The August Smart Lock for the August Wi-Fi features a sleek and stylish design that even retains features of the simple thumb turn. While the circumference is larger than that of regular knobs, the device easily fits most single-cylinder deadbolt locks. We found this aspect attractive because it maintain the device rather deceptive while being highly functional.
It is not complicated to install as anyone with limited DIY skills should be able to install their front door security with the mounting hardware provided. Also, silver and black are good complementary colors especially when used with most door design types.
This August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is among the best smart locks we came across due to the incredible accessing features that allow you to share access with particular individuals. Also, you can agree on times when an owner of the house should unlock the door to you. Therefore, you do not have to think twice, you can leave the key under the mat for your friends or family.
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2. Kwikset Halo Wi-Fi Smart Lock
- CONTROL FROM ANYWHERE: Wi-Fi enabled smart door lock (no hub...
- CONVENIENT KEYLESS ENTRY: Enable intelligent geofencing to...
- SHARE ACCESS WITH GUESTS: Backlit keypad supports up to 250...
- SMART HOME INTEGRATION: Works with Amazon Alexa or Google Home,...
- INTRUSION DETECTION: Instant notifications in the Kwikset app...
The Kwikset Halo Wi-Fi Smart Lock combines advanced security features with modern convenience, making it a solid choice for homeowners seeking keyless entry and remote control functionality. While minor connectivity issues and battery reliance could be drawbacks, the lock’s robust build quality, security certification, and smart integration features outweigh these concerns. Perfect for anyone looking to enhance their home’s security and ease of access.
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3. Yale Satin Nickel Assure Lock with Wi-Fi Connected
The Yale Assure Lock with Wi-Fi combines modern technology with timeless design to deliver a premium smart lock experience. Featuring a sleek satin nickel finish and a responsive touchscreen keypad, this lock offers keyless entry, smart home integration, and advanced security options. The inclusion of a backup key ensures reliable access even in emergencies, and its compatibility with the Yale Access app allows for remote control and monitoring.
The Yale Assure Lock with Wi-Fi is a stylish, feature-rich smart lock ideal for tech-savvy homeowners seeking modern convenience and security. Its versatile access methods and strong integration capabilities make it a standout choice, despite minor concerns about battery life and setup. This lock is perfect for those who prioritize advanced features and smart home compatibility.
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4. Kwikset Halo Touch Smart Lock
- Keyless entry with just your fingerprint: Halo Touch smart door...
- Wi-Fi Enabled: HALO Touch is a Wi-Fi connected fingerprint door...
- SmartKey Security: Protects against advanced break-in techniques...
- Kwikset App Controlled: Manage your deadbolt lock from anywhere;...
- Receive Notifications: Monitor home security with notifications...
The Kwikset Halo Touch The Halo has several useful features for the smart home. I like that it comes in three color options: They are Venetian Bronze, Satin Nickel, and Matte Black.
The metal design is evident to give it a more solid feel, and your safety is not jeopardized in the process. Furthermore, this is one of the few smart locks that has a fingerprint scanner, and we tested it.
Image Source: Kwikset.com
The unit comes with an integrated Wi-Fi feature to allow operation from anywhere once you download the Kwikset App. That means you are protected in case you wish to secure, Porto, allow some people into the house, program the door opening and closing times or want to check on the door security at the front door. Besides, you receive notifications of all the activities through the event log.
Fingerprint lock is easy to install since it includes compatibility with many deadbolt lock varieties in use today. Of course, they sound confusing, even when, for instance, one is transferring to another Wi-Fi network. There was need for me to format it since my router was actually from my front door. Unfortunately, you will be leaving all your recorded fingerprints.
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5. Level Lock Smart Lock
- Impossibly Small Design: By hiding technology on the inside of...
- Designed for Everyone: Give friends and family the convenience of...
- Powerful & Secure: Meets the highest industry standards for...
- Stay Connected: Access from anywhere, lock and unlock with Siri,...
- Simple Installation: Level Lock features an innovative and...
The unit measures only 4.5 inches in length and the circular knob only 2.75 inches in diameter. All these dimensions provide a comparatively lower profile design which is exceedingly camouflage for the smart mechanism inside. However,, the manufacturer has ensured a small design with a security design that you expect. Afraid, the device receives BHMA AAA certification After all The requirement show that these smart locks meet high industry standards in terms of their durability, strength and surface finish.
Moreover, the manufacturer has achieved a small design without compromising the level of security you expect, no pun intended. After all, the device meets BHMA AAA certification. This qualification covers high industry standards for these smart locks' longevity, strength, and finish.
Image Source: Level.co
Let’s briefly discuss the colour options which I think are great: matte black, satin chrome, polished brass, and satin nickel. It comes in different finishes and sizes, makes this particular smart lock stand out on this aspect.
As with all the other smart devices the Level Lock Smart Lock is very easy to install and does not need any professional skills. It is fast and easy and you could install in just a few minutes. Besides, it works with American standard deadbolts to make the replacement of your old conventional lock a breeze.
However, like its counterpart it still does not support either Alexa or Google Assistant capabilities. Nevertheless, you can configure it to operate under Apple HomeKit and RING. However, when they set it up they essentially give you the runaround with multiple error messages on the first attempt.
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Choosing Between the Best Keyless Smart Locks
According to the F.B.I., about 4 break-ins occur each minute in the country. Also, burglars do these acts in the day time, more so, between 10 and 3 in the afternoon. While the burglars carry out their operations at your absence, it is estimated that a little less than a quarter of those occurring in the UK witness someone in the home at the time of the robbery.
Manufacturers have been forced to search for better ways of protecting property by preventing cases of property crimes that have been on the rise recently. Smart locks are one of the examples of popular products that attempt to fight the problem in this way. The devices can connect to other smart home systems to offer you dis tant command together with round the clock surveillance of your premises. Also, you can get notifications when you have a sign of unauthorized access which can improve your probability of getting help.
As we would all like to find out the best smart lock that will improve security, then it is equally important to determine which of these smart lock systems make some sense at home. Here are the considerations to assist you in the selection between them:
a) Locking Mechanism
The type of locking mechanism you use in your front door determines the level of security you are likely to enjoy. Some smart locks are a basic station with a simple padlock that you operate with an additional smart device; others are an element of a completely smart house since they govern the sort of a lock you have.
1. Lever-Handle Locks
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Lever-handle locks are basic since all one has to do is press and or turn the handle while pulling or pushing, and twisting. However, they are quite popular for interior doors and not for exterior ones for more meaningful reasons: they are not as safe. Still, some force may unlock the door and create an admittance window for a burglar to get into your house.
2. Knob Locks
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Knob locks are not as easy to operate as level handle knob locks because the knobs require deft fingers to twist in order to open or close. However they may be a good option for your house if your pets have learned that when the pull the lever a door opens. Besides, you will never see your dog struggling or correctly twisting a knob lock.
However, these options are still lacking the needed more secure design in their security. In starters, the locking mechanism is internal to the knobs so spinning them and removing them would unlock your door and give someone the key. As such, they are not the right choice for placing on your front door.
3. Keyless Entry Locks
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A key-less lock operates by an app; the users can open the lock using a keypad or a card. However, the locking is based on the common deadbolts that are described next while an electronic system is used to lock and unlock them.
If you find yourself misplacing your keys but you always have your phone with you, keyless entry systems can be a lifesaver. However, it would also be a unique way your work could begin and end with remembering certain codes, then no more physical keys to worry about. Thus, these devices are widespread, primarily, if they are compatible with smart homes systems.
4. Deadbolt Locks
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Generally, this is why you will find front doors featuring a deadbolt lock since they are more secure. From business buildings to homes, these locking mechanisms are common.
Further, deadbolt locks are cheap, strong and a reliable safeguard against break and entry incidents. Some manufacturers incorporate both with a knob, lever handle and go for keyless systems to make your entry as easy as possible.
5. Latch and Padlocks
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Unless you have a gate, most homeowners do not use latch and padlock to lock the front doors when there is no gate. Consequently, the system can be really hard to hack, especially if the steel is tough on the construction of the gadget.
However, it can be somewhat complicated if you do not get a quality padlock to guarantee security on this kind of structure. Still, a competent lock picker than still gain entry into your home. For more information on how you can improve security around your home you may check out our review of the best garage door openers.
b) Unlocking Options
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A typical smart lock can enable you to get into your house through a number of ways. Among these is the keyless entry which eliminates the use of the normal key. However each of them has its own advantages and disadvantage to be taken into consideration.
1. Traditional Lock Keys and Keycards
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With the use of technology have come innovations, which have reduced their popularity in homes among key accessible options. But, if your house provides these advantages with smart capabilities, leaving your key behind in opting for a digital form seems appropriate.
However, the custom invasive keys and implanted keycards can coexist with a smart lock as having around a physical tool for accessing the house, has many advantages. For instance, if your child will come home when there is no one at home then they will use their copy to gatecrash.
However, the primary worry that comes with these tools is that anybody with a copy of the same can get into a house. Thus, one may get worried when he or she loses a bunch of keys or key card, because probably the lock has to be changed.
2. Fingerprint Reader
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Using a fingerprint reader and smart locks pair can be more secure than having a physical copy of the key. First, there is nothing at stake, or that we will end up in the wrong hands, or that our essay will be sold to someone else. Also, no one can forge my fingerprint and access my house of.
Normally configuration of these devices takes more time especially when it is done in commercial premise whereby you have to grant access to so many users. But more specifically, this fundamental improvement is justified by the security parameters of the fingerprint scanner.
- It can help to keep a track of when the persons logged on and who they were.
- The keys or keycards do not require any provision for theft or misplacement because the technology is the controlling factor.
- Finger print scanner is more secure than a keypad because, with the latter, you can easily tell someone else to memorize the access codes.
Although there are many advantages using unique fingerprints, the way has its own drawbacks. In addition to recording the time consuming nature of the prints, you have to deal with the following;
- It would be inconvenient to enter your home with arms full of groceries.
- It requires to have power to operate the device without interruptions, for example: You require a steady power supply for the device.
- Internet connection is required if the device does not keep fingerprints in its local database.
3. Smart Applications
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The smart lock devices that require some kind of internet connection have a lot of advantages. They can connect to your smart home network and can be operated via the central command center. Anyway, it embodies the opportunity to gather all the activities in the house.
Furthermore, most smart locks is capable of connecting to smartphone applications. On occasion, you may be able to shut your front door from a distance if you recall that it was left ajar to the store, office, the gym, etc.
c) Connectivity Options
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1. Internet Connectivity
A typical smart lock gives you options where you can setup your smart lock base and how you might communicate with it. While you can use a standard key, these devices can also operate through your mobile phone through internet connection. If you do not live in a smart home then the internet will be used to open and close or else store a database of fingerprints.
2. Bluetooth Connectivity
A smart lock that can use Bluetooth can be very useful if you do not have a good Wi-Fi network in your house. However, you will strike some pairing conflicts issues especially if you have many Bluetooth devices at your home. Also, if you are to use a set of Bluetooth earbuds it would mean that one spends slightly longer by the front door before unlocking it.
D) Smart Features
Smart locks that have a voice access capability, which is built right into them, are useful. However, there’re occasions where another device would be required to work or connect with your smart home. For instance if you have heath issues that limit you from bending to open the door handle, voice control becomes handy or needed.
Auto-lock features are critical when others use your door lock. Whether the device has recognition that your phone is outside the geofenced area or you set time, self-locking increases the security level of your home. In addition, correct integration with the most optimal type of external movement detectors may help to make arrival warmer.
f) Design
The color options are key considerations; otherwise, the device will not fit in on the door. Also the type of door you have will determine the general outlook you desire according to the following; There will be instances where knobs would be reasonable, and there will be other cases where a lever handle would be required.
With that said, it is essential to ask yourself if the smart lock will work with your door. However, the most products that I’ve covered are compatible with American standard deadbolts most of the time, still, read the reviews. You can even cross check the dimensions and then decide whether to buy the device or not.
Frequently Asked Questions on the Best Smart Locks
1. Are smart door locks worth it?
The best smart locks offer numerous conveniences that make them worthwhile. The ones that do away with physical key handling all together can make you more flexible while offering the same level of security. But then they may charge a bit expensively and you will not have to be concerned with a spare key under the mat again.
2. Can smart door locks be hacked?
This means that is very important to work with a reputable company when you want to purchase security equipment. The same applies to a smart lock since most are built around the deadbolt lock and they just make things easy on getting into your house. As in traditional systems where you do not lose your key, you have to be careful with passwords and other threats related to your home security.
