Tired of looking for the keys at the bottom of your bag, arriving at the door of the house and having left the keys in the car? With the smart locks, you will no longer have any problem of this kind to open your doors. The smart lock offers absolute control at the entrance of your home or property thanks to a high-tech process.
This protection system offers maximum security at your door. Using an electronic protection technique, the best smart lock is reliable and practical. The door can be opened using a smartphone or a tablet to offer the user a total security service, in all simplicity and with optimal comfort. You can also opt for other opening alternatives such as fingerprint or with remote control. Everything will depend on your taste and needs to have total control of your door.
What is the best smart lock?
So that you do not continue going through these messes, we have prepared a comparative list of the best models in the market. In it are the cheapest, highest quality options that meet the key issues you should consider before buying an intelligent lock:
- Types and styles of bolt: it can be the traditional model with the hole of the key and the keyboard on the one hand, and the lever apart. It is easier to install. The other model has everything included in a single unit.
- They can come with a keyboard and/or key entry, or even only with the
keyhole and recognition of your mobile. - A widely recommended feature is that it includes an alarm that sounds if someone tries to force your smart lock.
- Finally, consider what application the lock uses and whether it can be connected to the home solutions of Google, Apple, Amazon or Wink.
Yale ENTR Smart Lock
Before choosing the model that suits you, the Yale smart locks are available in different dimensions, but you must first measure the thickness of your door. Depending on your needs, you can choose a model that suits your door. Installation is really very simple, without drilling or wiring and this lock adapts to all types of doors without having to make any modifications.
This smart lock offers you different functionalities. You can first manage your lock via the ENTR Yale app, available on IOS and Android, from your tablet or smartphone. In addition to being able to manage the opening and closing of your door, the application also allows you to create virtual keys for your family, friends, guests and to define time slots for the nanny or the cleaning lady by example.
Among the other options you have for managing your door and lock, this model has a remote control, a fingerprint reader (to open only with authorized fingerprints) and a keypad with digital code if you want to set an unlock code. With this lock, you can set an automatic lock and therefore, every time you close the door, you no longer have to worry and wonder if you have really closed the door. In short, it still makes life much easier.
Like the previous model, this lock works with a rechargeable battery (so you obviously benefit from a charger), and the autonomy is about 3 months, at the rate of 10 inputs and outputs per day. Overall, the Yale smart lock offers the same features as the previous model, for a price still quite lower and therefore, after having reviewed it, we found that this model offered very good value for money and more, 2 years warranty.
Danalock Smart Lock
This model has a really elegant Danish design that will make your home look modern. It has no hole for the key but works wirelessly via Bluetooth. It fits very well with automation solutions at home, closes automatically when you enter the house and allows up to 3 independent levels of access and works with lithium batteries.
Nuki automatic door Smart Lock
The Nuki Smart Lock is designed to be installed on most already existing cylinders ” without being replaced or adapted. Always check before buying!
The small box is therefore placed on the inside of the door, using a few screws provided in the pack. If the cylinder does not spring out enough to provide sufficient grip for the screws, another adapter is provided. It relies on a robust double-sided tape to secure itself. Thus, from the outside, no one can see the on-board system. The key must be inserted in the original lock. The latter turns as soon as the lock is configured with the Nuki App via the on-board electric motors.
The power supply of the lock is ensured by 4 R6 batteries, whose autonomy is estimated at 8 months according to user feedback, from the application or from any computer connected to the Internet via the Web browser.
It is with the smartphone that the user will be able to lock or unlock their door. The Bluetooth connection allows the lock to be opened and is therefore used for local use, the range is announced at 10 m. To extend its functionality and increase its range, it is possible to connect it via Wi-Fi using a connection bridge, the Nuki Bridge. From there, the user can open or close his lock remotely, from the application or from any computer connected to the Internet via the Web browser.
The application is fairly well done and offers various possibilities such as: configuring access continuously for residents or temporarily to neighbours or friends, checking the status of the lock at any time, or even distributing virtual keys to allow other family members or loved ones to unlock remotely. Scheduling time slots to lock or unlock the lock can be considered from the application which also uses geolocation of the user’s smartphone to open or close the device (Auto Unlock function). Nuki solution is already integrated with IFTTT and Amazon Alexa but the Austrian company is working on other technologies.
Motorized intelligent Smart lock Tesa KIT ENTR T60
We are talking about an intelligent lock that works with the smartphone application ENTR with which you can manage access codes, battery level and more. It locks automatically when closing the door, uses encrypted communications for greater security
It is also practically universal because it works with many types of cylinders. It works without cables, only with battery.
Kwikset Smart Lock
If you are looking for an intelligent model but with a slightly more traditional look, we recommend buying this model in Venetian bronze. It has an illuminated numeric keypad for access keys and a keyhole. It also has an automatic closing function as soon as the door is closed and it is quite easy to install, so it is highly recommended. Use 4 AA batteries.
Smart door lock Eqiva
We are talking about an invisible electronic lock that works through Bluetooth and through the free Eqiva Lock application available for iOS, Android and Windows Phone devices. Allows you to configure weekly access plans for your visits and create individual access profiles. In fact, you can use up to 8 smart devices to open your new digital lock. It is universal and simple to assemble.
Ultraloq UL3 BT Fingerprint and Touchscreen Smart Lock
This smart lock can be installed on any type of door very easily and, once installed, it offers you several functions to lock and unlock your door and offer you maximum security. First of all, this lock has a numeric keypad, which allows you to define a security code to unlock your door when you return.
The second feature, the fingerprint reader, which allows you to scan your finger and the door will unlock only if it recognizes the fingerprint. Then, this lock can also be managed via your tablet or smartphone. It can first be controlled by Bluetooth, or by tapping on your phone to unlock your door. Finally, in case of problems, you can always unlock your door via the hidden backup key.
Operating on 3 standard AA batteries, this smart lock offers you a range of up to 1 year. One of the points that we found rather interesting also, is that the handles of this smart lock are reversible. Compared to the first models that we present to you above, we found that this smart lock offered fairly standard features and therefore we think that its price may be a little high (compared to other more developed models and cheaper). Nevertheless, the Ultraloq UL3 BT lock is still a very good model and makes life much easier.
What is Smart lock?
Some people suggest that buying a smart lock offers no real benefit. However, when you think about the number of times you have lost or worried about losing your door keys, you will realize that these locks are a source of convenience. In addition, while traditional locks can be easily manipulated, it is more difficult for intruders to enter your home when you have a smart lock. These locks allow superior connectivity between all your devices. Not only can you sync it to your phone, but you can also connect it to CCTV to keep an eye on who’s coming to your home. Therefore, you can create a security system. A high security smart lock may seem expensive but if you have a burglary, the deductible on your home insurance is likely to be higher than the cost of the lock. Some models completely replace your existing lock and others convert them into smart locks.
A smart lock can be very useful if you often forget to lock your door or if you have to let in people, contractors, a cleaning company or simply your loved ones when you are away.
These models, therefore, add convenience and, with optional Wi-Fi connectivity, peace of mind thanks to remote control, access logs and other intelligent functions. However they are just as vulnerable to forced entry as unconnected locks, and they are potentially vulnerable to digital hacks and require additional hardware for remote functionality and are more expensive than conventional locks.
Types of smart locks
In the offer you will find lots of manufacturers who make these locks, here we will talk about some of the most popular:
First smart locks
The oldest of this system used a keyboard with pin or key to enter. In the newer models, the keyboard is tactile and has security features that prevent potential thieves from discovering the code.
Radiofrequency identification (RFID)
They use a card or a keychain to enter. With the key chain, you can open from the wallet, ideal if you arrive in the dark.
Bluetooth enabled locks
These detect the Bluetooth identification on your smartphone. The door opens when you approach. It has an additional entry system in case you lose your phone or your battery is discharged.
Biometric input
The intelligent biometric lock uses fingerprint identification. It’s just a matter of you programming it on your computer and that’s it, the system will recognize the fingerprint.
What to consider when choosing a smart lock
There are a number of factors that you should take into account when buying, which will guarantee that you have made the right choice, these are:
Replace or update
You must decide if you want an intelligent lock keeping your elegant knob and if you want to replace it, in the first case the installation is inside and unlocking is done with the smartphone.
Backup
If the batteries in the lock die, some systems keep a backup key or mini-battery to give extra power while you are opening.
Forget
If you are one of those who forget to lock you must have this technology, the system works with the smartphone, when it detects that it is out of range closes. You can also configure it to open when it detects nearby.
Guest access
With some systems, you can configure temporary codes for guests.
Blocking styles
There are two basic: bolt and lever. The first has only one lock and requires a separate lever to open the door. The second one has the lever, the eye and the keyboard in a unit, some even instead of an eye comes with a camera for more modern systems.
Keyboard
It is one of the most popular options for an intelligent lock if it is not with the key or the smartphone, the keyboard will be the best option.
Alarm
It is used to give the alert when someone wants to open by force. Almost all systems bring it.
Compatibility with smart home
If everything in your house is handled with electronic devices, the ideal is that you dedicate yourself to finding an equal lock. Smart homes usually have controlled locks through the telephone, the Wi-Fi network or wireless devices such as Bluetooth.
Security
If you want to be safe, with an armoured door will not suffice, for this, the best thing will be those locks that track who is the user of the door. The best are those that track mobile applications and the use of physical keyboards to enter, so you will know who enters and leaves your house and at what time.
Convenience
You need to look if you need qualities such as unlimited guest codes, customizable settings or automatic unlocking.
Design
You must think if you want an autonomous model or one that automates the house. The self-employed only require a smartphone. You must have something that does not break your decoration.
Control
The important thing is that the system is compatible with a home automation system or smartphones so you can enter and exit without problems.
Warranty
One year is enough time for you to see if it actually works and it is time that the manufacturers give you.
