The Benefits of a Smart Front Door Lock
A smart front door lock allows you to eschew a traditional deadbolt for one that operates with a smartphone app, keypad or fingerprint scanner. These models are easy to install and sync with hubs and home assistants.
The Schalge Sense mounts on your existing deadbolt and works with Apple’s HomeKit, Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa. It has a built-in alarm and can generate codes for guests.
Easy to install
A smart lock can be a great addition to your home, but it’s important to understand the installation process before you buy one. It is a job that requires tools and can be tricky to do correctly. It’s also not cheap — on average, it costs $307 to $617 to install one, according to Consumer Reports.
A key feature to look for in a smart lock is its ability to show smart front door lock who is coming and going from your house, at what time. Most smart locks will do this through an easy-to-use smartphone app. Some will also work with other smart devices, such as your lights or home security system.
Depending on the model you choose, some smart locks can be controlled remotely using Wi-Fi or by connecting to a hub that’s connected to your home network. Others can be integrated with voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant.
The best smart locks are made to fit on top of your existing deadbolt without replacing the cylinder or keys. They are designed to be easy to use and don’t look clunky on your door’s interior. Some of them also have an alarm that sounds if someone tries to tamper with it. They should also have an ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 rating for added security.
Easy to use
One of the primary benefits of a smart front door lock is that it can let you see who is at your door from anywhere. Some models, like the Defiant and the Eufy lock, also offer features that make it easier to communicate with guests without opening the door. These features include linger detection and the ability to assign codes. For example, you could give a contractor an hourly code or your kids an individual code that only works during certain hours.
Another benefit is that many smart locks can integrate with other devices in your home. For example, the Defiant can connect with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant and work with a smart doorbell camera. It can even send a notification to your phone when someone is outside. This lets you know when a delivery driver is about to arrive, or if your children are returning from school.
Most smart locks rely on Wi-Fi to function, but some use Z-Wave or Bluetooth. The latter uses less energy and can be cheaper, but requires a hub device to connect to the internet, such as a SmartThings Gateway or the Hubspace plug.
Another consideration is what happens if the batteries die or you can’t connect to your home network. Some models have external posts to which you can attach a 9-volt battery, providing enough power for manual entry if necessary.
Easy to maintain
Many smart locks use Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or Z-Wave radio signals to connect to apps on your phone and to your home’s internet. These locks can work with a variety of other smart home devices, such as security systems and voice assistants. Smart locks that use a home’s Wi-Fi require an existing hub to communicate with these other devices. They may also be more expensive than Bluetooth or Z-Wave models.
You can get a smart lock that requires no hub or uses your existing doorknob and deadbolt by choosing a model that replaces only the interior portion of the lock. These are less expensive than a complete replacement and allow you to keep your traditional key from the outside. The best of these locks are ANSI grade 1 and offer protection against break-ins, so you can feel safe about who has access to your house.
The most affordable of these locks, like the August Smart Lock Pro and the Wyze Labs Lock, are designed to be easy to install. The latter requires no hub or smartphone, and it uses a simple app to control the lock. However, it only works over Wi-Fi and drains the battery much faster than other models. The Level Bolt takes a different approach, keeping the external parts of your existing deadbolt and replacing only the internal actuator and deadbolt. Its design is sleek and looks more like traditional hardware, but a plastic panel over the battery compartment detracts from the look.
Easy to upgrade
A smart lock is a great way to make your home more secure without having to replace all of the doors in your house. They allow you to let in workers, pet sitters, or guests without needing to give them keys, and they’re a godsend for those times when you forget to lock up before heading out. Some models even monitor who’s entering and leaving, giving you peace of mind that your home is protected.
The best smart locks are easy to upgrade as you need to. Some have a modular design that lets you add features as needed, such as the smart front door lock Yale Assure Lock 2 with keypads and fingerprint support or the Schlage Encode Plus with Apple HomeKit and NFC support. Others, such as the affordable Wyze Lock Bolt, offer detailed instructions for DIY installation and work with Alexa, Google Home, and smart HomeKit hubs.
Other models are designed to be a seamless replacement for your existing deadbolt, such as the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock Pro + Connect ($230 at Amazon). You can use the keypad or smartphone app to unlock the door, and you’ll get a log of who came and went, which is especially helpful for renters. The Level Lock+ takes a similar approach, and it also looks more like a standard lock from the outside than a gadgety electronic lock would.