Smart locks are an essential part of any smart home. Not only do they give you useful features, such as the ability to unlock your door remotely with a passcode or using your smartphone, but they’re the first thing visitors see when they come to your home. Therefore, smart locks need to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

That’s a tall order for something that’s essentially just a lock, but there are plenty of great products to consider in 2023. But if you need some help with your search, this smart lock buying guide will teach you what a smart lock is, what you should consider when buying one, and everything else you need to know about these popular gadgets information.

1. What is a smart lock?

Smart locks are not much different from traditional locks. Its smarts are usually Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to link the physical lock to a companion app. The app allows for activities such as remote access, geolocation features (such as automatically unlocking your car doors when you pull into your driveway), and even the ability to create digital master keys for other family members, friends, contractors, or visitors.

2. What type of technology does a smart lock use?

Wifi

Smart locks use Wi-Fi to follow your instructions on when to open and close. They work closely with the companion app. Today, many smart locks also connect to various smart home systems, such as Google and Alexa, as well as Apple HomeKit. Connecting a smart lock to a digital assistant is very convenient. It can easily be added to the household routines you create – which means that if you enable your “good night” routine, your digital assistant will not only turn off all the lights, close the blinds, and give you the weather forecast in the morning, but It also locks all doors as part of its routine.

While Wi-Fi is ubiquitous and convenient in nearly every home, Wi-Fi-enabled smart locks do require more frequent battery changes. Depending on how often you access your lock remotely, you may need to change the batteries every few months. It’s best to read recent reviews of smart locks to get an idea of ​​battery life.

Z wave

Z-Wave is a low-energy radio signal similar to Bluetooth. It tends to use strong encryption and provide better, stronger signals. If you prefer to use a Z-Wave smart lock, you may also need some kind of hub to create a connection to your home Wi-Fi network (yes, you still need Wi-Fi). One of the reasons some people like Z-Wave is that it doesn’t unnecessarily hog Wi-Fi bandwidth, and there tends to be less interference from other smart home devices.

3. How to choose a smart lock?

Most smart locks are drop-in replacements for door locks, which means installation is relatively simple. All models have built-in Wi-Fi and may be compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Nest, Apple Home Kit, or all three. If you use Z-Wave, there are also some locks that are also compatible with that smart home protocol.

When choosing a smart lock, you start by finding a lock that is compatible with the smart home system you already run. If you don’t have many smart devices in your home, you may need something like a hub, bridge, or other Wi-Fi connected device. Some locks will include bridging devices in the package, while others will rely on existing smart home interfaces. In some cases, this will be an Amazon Echo Show device, Google Nest hub, Apple HomePod or Apple TV. Read the specs carefully to make sure the lock you bring home will actually be able to talk to your smart home configuration.

4. How much is a smart lock?

While a basic door lock can be had for just a few dollars, smart locks are often more expensive. They usually come with some type of battery pack that powers the lock’s automatic opening and closing and require a connection to Wi-Fi and a companion app. Integrating all this technology and making sure it runs smoothly naturally costs money. The average price of a smart lock from a well-known brand is around $200-300. You can certainly find smart locks really cheap, but you’ll need to do your homework to make sure they can’t be hacked, picked open, or simply vandalized.

5. What are the best smart locks?

Many smart locks are made by trusted companies like Schlage, Yale, and Kwikset, so you can rest assured your home will be secure. However, there are a variety of brands in this space, especially those that are less expensive and made by companies you’ve probably never heard of. Since you’re essentially granting a technology and hardware company open access to your home, it makes sense to use trusted brands and well-reviewed products. We keep a list of the best smart locks so you don’t have to spend too much time looking.

6. Which smart lock is best for renters?

Generally, tenants are not allowed to make too many modifications to their own premises, especially changing the landlord’s locks is bound to be a blow to your record. One of the easiest options for a tenant is a lock that doesn’t change the deadbolt structure or physical keys the landlord may have, but simply allows remote access through the same lock. Wyze smart locks and August smart locks are two of the most popular options for renters.

7. How to install a smart lock?

There are two core types of smart locks. The first option is to completely replace your door lock kit; this includes the bolt, exterior face and interior lever. If you have a standard-sized lock on your door, the process is relatively simple, and companion apps for many smart locks will walk you through the process step-by-step.

The second option is to replace the inner thumb lever and plate, leaving the existing deadbolt and outer surfaces intact. This method is ideal if you use the same key for all your locks and don’t want to repeat the process. This type of lock is easier to install because it’s only one aspect of the whole, and usually only requires the use of a screwdriver.

If you’re still intimidated by installing a smart lock , a locksmith can help.

8. How to unlock the smart lock?

There are almost as many ways to unlock a smart lock as there are brands. Here are the main options:

keyboard or touch screen

Some smart locks use keypads or touchscreens that allow you to enter a numeric code. While this is convenient, some thieves have been known to study keyboards looking for fingerprint smudges on the keys and use that to deduce passwords to gain access. Some locks, such as Weiser Premis, pre-generate a random two-digit code that you must tap before entering your PIN to eliminate this possibility.

Biometrics

Biometrics is really just a fancy word for using your biometrics to gain entry. In this case, the most common home option is a fingerprint scanner embedded in the door lock, but optical or eye-scanning locks (mainly commercial locks) also exist.

Smartphone/Remote Control

A common way to unlock a smart lock is with a smartphone. With the companion app, you can lock or unlock your door from anywhere by simply tapping a virtual button on your screen. This is handy if, for example, you want to temporarily allow someone to leave a package inside your door, then re-lock it after they leave and close the door.

Geofence

Geofencing or geotagging uses your phone’s precise location to automatically lock or unlock your door whenever you enter or leave a small geographic area . This technology is usually set up within the companion app, which is handy if you forget to lock it.

Physical key or no?

Some smart locks have panic keys, while others have no slot at all, making them “pick-proof.”

click to unlock

Some locks, like the Schlage Encode, allow you to use your phone as a key fob; simply holding it close to the lock creates a digital handshake and your lock opens. Of course, you need to securely unlock your phone first.

9. Can any door use a smart lock?

In most cases, smart locks are the same as ordinary door handles and door locks, and the dimensions are relatively standard. If you live in a newer home or have newer doors, chances are your smart lock will be easy to install. If you live in an older home or have older doors, you may find it difficult to adjust. While some lock brands, like Weiser, offer adapter kits (often free if you call and ask for them), if you have an oddly sized door, you’ll need to measure and make sure the company has a lenient return policy.

For doors where completely replacing the deadbolt mechanism is challenging, you might consider a smart lock kit that slides onto the back of the existing deadbolt latch. The August smart lock is a good example, and you can check out our full smart lock review.

Smart lock technology is constantly improving, becoming more beautiful and smarter. In fact, a popular new element of smart home technology is the concept of integrated smart locks and video doorbells.

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