Here is an article about What Is A Smart Lock? Everything You Need To Know with 7 Options to Buy in 2024.
A smart home is an efficient home that makes use of technological advancements and various machines to make everyday life easy.
An integral part of a smart home is the smart lock, which is supported by a software-enabled security system.
However, if you are new to building your smart home and are confused about smart locks, then this article has been written as an exposition to help you understand this concept better.
What is a Smart Lock?
Let’s start with the basics, what is a smart lock? It is a Bluetooth-connected and Wi-Fi-supported lock device. The lock, however, does not need keys to open.
But opens through voice activation, a fingerprint, or even an eye print, depending on the kind of smart lock that you buy.
The new smart locks that are now available in the market have even upped the unlocking system by not needing the person to be available to unlock the door.
In case you have a guest at the door and for some reason cannot open it for them, then the smart lock connects to your phone and allows you to unlock it for them from wherever you are in the world.
What to Consider When Buying a Smart Lock?
Smart locks are still a relatively new concept and there are companies still working on upgrading the technology by offering new features and options for customers.
So, when you go to buy a smart lock, here are a few features that you must take into consideration:
1. Is There A Mobile App?
Most smart locks today have a built-in feature to connect to your phone via an app. The app then opens possibilities of controlling the lock and unlock system through your phone, without the need to be present at all times
2. Does It Connect To Wi-Fi?
Smart locks that connect to Wi-Fi provide a real-time picture of door opening and closing. The Wi-Fi also connects you to the lock system to keep track of the door
3. Is It Bluetooth Connectable?
If not Wi-Fi, the Bluetooth-connected smart locks are another key feature for support. It helps to recognize the person connecting and unlocking the door to become swift
4. What are the Keyless Options?
The purpose of a smart lock is to ensure that doors lock and open even without a key. Therefore, when picking a smart lock, make sure to check out how many keyless options are available.
Is there a finger sensor, Bluetooth unlock, app unlock, etc?
5.What Are Limitations For Access?
The access limitations feature is a method for security within the smart lock. This enables you to restrict connection of the Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to a limited number of devices.
You set weeks or hours enabling specific devices to lock or unlock a door.
Information Sheet for New Customers
Considering what is a smart lock as a relatively new concept. Customers are deciding to use one on their house, there are a plethora of concerns that they worry about.
This is why, to provide you with the answers and simplify things a little bit. Here is a list of solutions that smart locks offer:
- Safety & Hacking: A smart lock is usually connected to a Wi-Fi and this Wi-Fi connection exposes it to third-party hacking. However, this does not mean that there is no secure way of having a smart lock. Instead, it means that countermeasures for secure Wi-Fi setup have to be taken to ensure that a safe and secure smart lock is enabled.
- Costs: The cost of a smart lock varies majorly because of the brand of smart lock you buy and the features within it.
It begins at $100 and can go up to $500, but for known brands like Ring smart lock or premium brands, the prices can be even higher - Electricity Availability: In instances where electricity goes out, installing a smart lock does not mean that the door is locked forever or until the electricity comes back. It only means that the offline method of key, Bluetooth, or some other method is available as an alternative
- Internet Connection: Losing your internet connection will not impact the smart lock. Because it opens with a key. If your lock is keyless, then it is likely that a Bluetooth connection or some other offline method is available. Make sure to check this when you are making the purchase decision with the brands
- Installation: The installation of a smart lock is so simple. Although different brands have different ways of installation. All you need is a latch and panel to install the lock. It is a matter of a few minutes to get the smart lock installed and running
7 Best Options for Smart Locks
Now that you know much about smart locks. The next step is to get to know the market of smart locks in 2024.
New features have been added that have driven up costs, but at the same time there are many copycats in the market as well. So, our list of smart locks that are innovative, unique, and safe is:
Level Touch
It is an Apple-supported smart locking device, which is completely keypad-free. It connects to your mobile app or the key card that comes with it.
While connected to a Siri or IOS device the door to be unlocked from any corner of the house or even the world.
For pros, it is minimalist and easy to install. However, the cons include the high cost of the offline method of key card unlock. The locks have just one key card, and to buy a new one more money has to be spent.
Schlage Encode Plus
It is an Amazon-supported smart lock. The device provides lock and unlock features after being connected to the Wi-Fi. It can connect to Alexa and other Amazon devices, from where it can be unlocked as well.
The pros of using Schlage are that an established brand name supports the smart lock, it is easy to install, and can work with Apple Home Keys as well.
Contrarily, the cons for Schlage are that it does not offer a plethora of unlocking ways, as other brands do. There is no key card or mobile app, only the fingerprint and Apply Home Key works
Wyze Lock
Wyze is an established smart home brand, which provides the smart lock product as well. In the Wyze lock, you get features of a mobile app that can lock and unlock the door.
The Wyze lock detects the phone’s proximity and unlocks the door. You can unlock the door through Alexa or Google Assistant
The pros include easy installation and an effectively designed app that is easy to use. Although cons include no limitation to digital access.
This means anybody can be connected and once connected, they cannot be restricted.
Level Lock
It is highly minimalist, with core features of smart locking. Geo-fencing is a new technology that the level lock uses for auto-unlocking when a certain device gets within the range of the door.
It is also not as highly priced as some of the other brands on this list. The pros are the aesthetic design that goes along with the door, as well as the comparatively cheaper price.
The cons are the lack of settings to adjust geo-referencing. It unlocks doors without any secondhand authentication.
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock
August smart lock comes with a Wi-Fi connection and is simply unlocked through connected devices. It is much smaller in size than many other locks on the list, giving it a decent look.
Pros are design and minimalism, while cons are the need to change batteries without any battery recharge option
Yale Assure Lock
It is a simple smart lock that comes with a keypad and a key slot. The pros include a highly robust smartphone app that manages everything about the lock.
The cons are its high price and services at that price are limited when compared to competitors.
Lockly Secure Pro
It is a smart lock that looks like a traditional lock when seen. This is why, it is much easier to use a key to unlock lockly. However, smartphone services ensure fingerprint sensors and mobile apps are used to unlock/lock the door.
Pros are aesthetics’ matching to a traditional lock, but cons are bulky design and no Wi-Fi
Conclusion
Lastly, here is everything you need to know about smart locks. Now you know how they work, what to consider, and solutions for the concerns that you may have had.
This article will help you decide between buying a smart lock. With the list of 7 smart locks, pick the one meant for you and your needs.
Also Read: Discover the Must-Have Matter IoT Gadgets for Your Smart Home in Fall 2024
