Best Smart Door Locks for Home Security
Shopping for Smart Locks
If you are looking for a convenient, secure lock for your front door, smart locks are a great option. A smart door lock allows you to conveniently manage access to your home, without sacrificing security. With a smart lock, you can allow workers, houseguests, and pet sitters in without having to provide a key, and you never have to worry about your latchkey kid being stuck because of a forgotten key. A smart lock that doesn’t have a traditional keyway is more secure than a standard lock. What’s more, smart locks are much more secure than hiding a key. There are smart locks that work with voice assistants, and there are many models on the market with advanced features like touchpad controls, fingerprint readers, and built-in sensors. What kind of smart lock is best for your home security? The features you choose will depend on your unique home and how you plan to use and share your lock.
Smart Door Lock Features
There are a wide variety of features available, and if you are renting and need to keep the lock you have, a retrofit smart lock might be the best fit for you. If you have a big family and need to give access to a lot of different people, you may want to choose a keypad lock that lets you assign everyone their own code. There are smart locks that unlock in several different ways and smart locks you can unlock remotely to allow someone access, then lock remotely when that person leaves.
Smart Lock Considerations
Often, smart locks use Wi-Fi to connect, and this can result in batteries that die quickly. Door locks use a hub or bridge to connect, but this can be tricky, particularly if someone accidentally unplugs the hub. Some smart locks use Bluetooth, which uses less battery. Consider your priorities when deciding which type will work for you. If you decide to install a smart lock that allows you to assign virtual keys or unique codes to people, make sure it has a log and alerts that inform you when someone accesses the door. Additionally, it should be easy to revoke access or assign it only for certain times. Look for a smart lock that’s compatible with other major platforms, so that it’s easier to set up your home automation routines.
Best Smart Locks
There are certain name brands you can trust to always deliver; Yale and Schlage are two such companies. Let’s look at some of the features offered in different models from these two brands.
- The Yale Assure 2 Key-free lock is rated by various sources as the best keyless smart lock. It’s a sleek lock that offers multiple ways to unlock and integrates with most smart home platforms. It allows you to create and remove unique codes for different people, providing trackable access to your home. It also offers the ability to upgrade with a Wi-Fi, Matter, or Z-Wave Smart Module, if necessary, to avoid buying a new lock if your smart home needs to change. Because it doesn’t use a key, no cylinder can be picked, and it has two-factor, biometric verification and matte keypads for fingerprint resistance. The Assure 2 also comes with a keyway, if you prefer, in touchscreen and keypad versions. All versions support Bluetooth and work with the Yale Access app and Apple Home, and you have the option of purchasing a swappable networking module if you need support for other platforms. A Wi-Fi module works for Alexa and Google Home, and a Z-Wave module adds compatibility with SmartThings hubs, Ring Alarm, and other Z-Wave hubs.
- Schlage has keyless offerings, too. The Schlage Touch Keyless Touchscreen Deadbolt has a cylinder-free design, LED down lighting, and a fingerprint-resistant touchscreen, that works in the rain or when you’re wearing gloves. It’s bump and pick-proof and allows user codes to be changed in seconds, with the lock holding as many as 19 unique codes. Graded best in residential security, durability, and finish, it features a slim profile in a variety of finishes. This lock comes with a 9V battery backup, and a 3-year limited electronics, lifetime mechanical warranty. It also has a Grade 2 security rating, guaranteeing strong performance across a range of residential applications.
Choosing the Right Smart Lock
Ultimately, the right smart lock for you depends on your personal needs and preferences. Think carefully about the features you need, whether you prefer a cylinder-free model, and how you will use your lock. Consider, too, whether you need a lock that’s compatible with your other smart home features, and whether you are willing to make a separate purchase of an additional hub to make that happen. Keyless entry to your home can be extremely convenient, but it’s worth taking a little bit of extra time to make sure you are choosing the lock that’s right for your home. Talk to a locksmith before you buy, to make sure you’re carefully considering all of your options.
Trust Accurate Security for Safe and Secure Locks
Since 1968, Accurate Security has served homes and businesses in the Lower Mainland, and we’re the Greater Vancouver area’s premier choice for safety and security. One of the few family businesses left in the industry, Accurate Security was founded by Mark Oljaca and is now led by his son, Tony Oljaca. From our beginnings as a single locksmith store, we have expanded to seven different locations, offering a wide range of products and services beyond and including locksmithing. Our nearly 70 employees have vast knowledge and expertise, and we are committed to the safety and security of our customers. Providing a complete range of safety and security systems, various products, and state-of-the-art services, we provide prompt and professional services that ensure you never have to feel unsafe in your home or workplace again. For a free security screening or to learn more about all we have to offer, get in touch with our seasoned team by calling 604.777.3888 or contacting us through our website.