The Benefits of a Smart Digital Door Lock
A smart digital door lock is an automated system that allows you to use your smartphone to control the locking system. These locks can be used at home and in business environments. They are also more secure than traditional locks.
Some models let you set temporary passwords that run alongside your regular password, which is great if you’re using your home as a vacation rental.
Wi-Fi connectivity
If you’re looking to make your home more smart, a door lock is an essential part of the equation. Smart locks let you unlock your door remotely and track who’s coming and going, and can be integrated with other devices like smart doorbell cameras.
A good smart lock should be easy to install, secure enough for any homeowner, and compatible with other smart home systems. It should smart digital door lock also have a backup in case of power outage or failure. Ideally, it should work with both Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can lock your doors using voice commands.
Some smart locks come with a built-in Wi-Fi connection, while others need a bridge or hub device to connect. For example, the Yale Assure requires a bridge for remote monitoring and a compatible voice assistant, which adds to the cost.
The Array by Hampton Smart Lock is another good choice, but it’s more expensive and lacks features such as geofencing and HomeKit compatibility. The Wyze Lock Bolt, on the other hand, offers a low price point and plenty of features, including fingerprint scanning and physical buttons for coded entry. It even includes a built-in Wi-Fi hub, making it an excellent choice for those on a budget.
Bluetooth connectivity
Some smart digital door locks come with Bluetooth connectivity, which is a popular option because it doesn’t require a hub. However, it requires constant power and is prone to stalling when the battery runs low. This is why it’s important to change the batteries frequently.
In addition to Bluetooth, many smart locks are compatible with Z-Wave and Zigbee radios. These models are more powerful than their Bluetooth counterparts and can be used with a variety of home automation hubs. Some smart lock brands also offer a Wi-Fi bridge, which is a good option if you want to monitor your locks remotely.
Some smart locks are compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit, which allow you to use voice commands to lock your doors. You can also set up notifications on your phone to remind you to lock your doors before leaving. Most of these smart locks use a passcode or fingerprint to unlock. They also have a database to keep track of visitors and provide you with security statistics. Moreover, they are available in a number of finishes and designs to match your existing décor.
Multiple keyless entry options
Smart digital door locks are a great way to let workers, houseguests, and pets in without a key. They can also help you keep track of who is coming and going, and are a lifesaver for those times when you think you’ve locked the front door but aren’t sure.
Most smart locks allow you to set up entry codes for every member of the family, cleaning services, and dog walkers, as well as temporary codes for guests or housesitters. These codes can be restricted by days of the week or specific hours. Some models also provide auto-locking options and notification alerts if the lock has been left unlocked for too long.
A good smart lock should also be compatible with other home automation devices, like smart lights and security systems. It should be able to connect to your Wi-Fi network, so you can smart digital door lock monitor and control it remotely, and work with Alexa or Google Assistant so that you can unlock the door using voice commands. We also look for locks that offer a backup keyhole in case the batteries run out or the lock becomes unresponsive.
Durability
Unlike a traditional lock, smart locks allow you to manage access using a smartphone, which means you can lock and unlock your door remotely. They also have built-in sensors that will alert you if your door is left ajar, which makes them an ideal choice for homeowners who live far from their home or need to let workers in or pets out.
The best smart locks are durable and can withstand attempted break-ins. Look for a lock with an ANSI or BHMA rating, which indicates how well it stands up to forced entry attempts. For maximum security, choose a model with a grade 1 rating.
Smart locks can be used alone or as part of a smart-home system. Many use Wi-Fi to connect to a home hub, while others are powered by low-energy radio signals, like Z-Wave. The latter are less expensive than smart locks that rely on Bluetooth and can operate for much longer on batteries.
August’s smart lock is a good option for renters because it can be easily installed on top of an existing deadbolt without replacing the cylinder or key. It uses a gyroscope to relay real-time status of the lock and can send an alert if it is left ajar.
Design
Most smart locks upgrade an existing deadbolt lock by replacing the cylinder and adding a keypad. They also have an external component that communicates with the app and allows the owner to control entry remotely. These locks can be opened using a smartphone, key fob, or eKey. They are more expensive than traditional locks, but they offer many benefits, including the ability to track who enters your home and the option of setting up guest passwords.
The most popular smart locks have a variety of different features, from fingerprint scanning to the ability to give access with a code or physical key. The best ones integrate with a smart home hub, which allows them to be controlled using voice commands. They can also work with doorbells to show who is at the door.
The Ultraloq looks like an ordinary lock from the outside, and its internal component doesn’t have a large keypad, so it isn’t as bulky as other models. It also has several smart features, such as open-door detection and a lock status indicator that shows who’s coming and going.