The Benefits of a Smart Front Door Lock
A smart front door lock lets you eschew a traditional key to operate your deadbolt via a smartphone app, a keypad or sometimes a fingerprint scanner. Some of them can even withstand lockpicking attempts.
Some of these locks feature a sleek appearance that blends into most home decor. Others are more tech-minded and flashy, with light-up touchscreens or brightly colored LED indicators.
Wi-Fi connectivity
When shopping for a smart lock, Wi-Fi connectivity is an important consideration. The best models are compatible with most major smart home hubs, and you can control them using an app on your smartphone or voice assistant. This feature also allows you to check whether your door is locked or unlocked remotely. The Yale Assure Lock 2 is a good option for users who want to connect their locks to a wide range of smart devices. It works with Alexa, Google Home and HomeKit, and it will support the Matter platform in 2023.
Its sleek design looks attractive on most doors, and it’s available in a variety of finishes. It’s easy to use, with a clear and intuitive app that works well on most Android and iOS devices. It’s also an excellent pick for anyone who has a smart speaker or other device that can act as a doorbell.
The Array by Hampton Connected Door Lock is another great pick for those who want to build an integrated smart home. Its solar-powered battery backup is a nice touch, and it integrates with a number of popular smart home systems. However, it’s expensive and doesn’t work with the Apple Home app or Google Assistant. The Eufy Sense Lock is another smart lock that offers integrated smart home functionality. It has a built-in camera and works with the Eufy ecosystem of cameras, smart plugs and floodlights.
Smart home integration
Smart locks can be integrated with a variety of home automation systems. smart front door lock Some use smart hubs that can control them remotely, and some even come with a built-in sensor that can warn you if the door has been left open for too long. Others work with voice assistants to allow you to lock or unlock your door by giving commands, such as “Hey Alexa, unlock the front door.”
When selecting a smart lock, you’ll need to consider which integrations and features make sense for your home. You may also want to check whether the smart lock uses encryption to keep your data secure, and whether it has two-factor authentication. The smart lock market is still young, and even the best models can have problems with certain environments. For example, some smart locks don’t work well with old or stiff deadbolts or doors that open and close unevenly.
Most smart locks can be controlled with a smartphone app, but some require a smart hub or bridge to access more advanced features. For example, the Kwikset Halo Touch Smart Lock requires a compatible hub to enable remote unlocking and monitoring. Some smart locks have a contemporary design, while others have a more traditional style. You’ll also need to consider the finish, as some smart locks only come in matte black or satin nickel, which might be problematic if you live in an HOA that requires a specific hardware color.
Access control
A smart lock is a replacement for your existing deadbolt that replaces the interior thumbturn and exterior keyhole with a touchscreen keypad. The lock can be opened with a code from your mobile phone, or paired with smart home devices to unlock the door and turn on your lights. It can also be configured to unlock at certain times and to send alerts if it is not unlocked in time. Most smart locks have a backup feature that lets you use a traditional key in the event of power loss or connectivity issues.
Some models come with a built-in camera that shows you who’s at the door, so you can smart front door lock make sure your kids get home safely from school or that a house sitter has arrived. Others have a sensor that can detect when you’re getting close to the door and automatically unlock it. These features are a good option for people who often forget to lock the door, or for parents who want to check on their kids afterschool.
Many smart locks have multiple keys, allowing you to create temporary codes for house sitters, dog walkers, cleaners, or repair people. You can also set access limitations, such as days of the week and hours of the day, for each individual code holder. Some models even include a physical key slot for an emergency.
Security
A smart lock can make a great addition to your home security system, especially if it is connected to an outdoor camera. You can receive alerts whenever someone arrives or leaves, so you can always know who is at your door and keep an eye on what’s going on around your property.
Some smart locks offer multiple ways to unlock your door, such as proximity unlocking with a smartphone app, key code entry through an electronic keypad, and biometric access like fingerprint scanning. Other features that you may want to look out for include a door-sensing feature, which can help you determine whether your door is left open and send you an alert.
Look for a smart lock that’s certified by ANSI or BHMA. These organizations put consumer locks through rigorous tests to determine their durability, strength, and security. The best smart locks for homeowners should have an ANSI Grade 1 rating.
For added security, consider a smart lock that connects to your WiFi network without the need for an additional hub or bridge. The Level Home Bolt is one of our top picks because it hides the smart components inside your existing deadbolt and only attaches to the interior side of the door, so its appearance won’t change. You can control it via a smartphone app, Amazon Alexa, or Google Assistant, though iPhone users will need an Apple HomeKit bridge for support.