Smart Digital Door Locks
Smart digital door locks are a simple and affordable way to upgrade your home security. They offer several keyless entry options, including remote unlocking from your phone, and can be integrated with a smart-home system.
Some models show off their tech-minded features with light-up touchscreens, while others try to blend in and look like traditional deadbolts from the outside.
Security
Adding a smart digital door lock lets residents keep tabs on who comes and goes at home. Users can check entry and exit logs in real time and get alerts if smart digital door lock anyone tries to break in. Many smart locks also work with a video doorbell to see who’s at the door and provide an extra layer of security.
A paired smartphone or other device acts as a digital key to open the smart lock, eliminating the need for keys or code numbers. Some smart locks use Bluetooth to detect a paired phone in the vicinity and unlock when it’s within range, while others require the user to physically touch the fob or the lock with their hand to trigger the opening mechanism. This feature helps prevent users from unintentionally locking themselves out while grabbing a package or the mail, and it’s especially useful for those who frequently leave their keys in a pocket or other hard-to-reach place.
Smart locks that integrate into a larger smart-home system let residents set access limitations for cleaning services, dog walkers and repair services without having to give them a permanent password or swap out their code every time a visitor comes to the house. They can also set their lock to automatically lock after a preset amount of time or when they’ve left the house for an extended period.
Convenience
A smart lock lets you unlock your door remotely with an app on a mobile phone. Some models also let you set temporary passwords for guests or short-term tenants to use in addition to your permanent access code. This can be useful for Airbnb or other rental properties. You can also program your smart lock to send a virtual key to delivery drivers or dog walkers to let them in. This feature works best if you can link it to a doorbell camera so you can see who’s coming before you open the door.
Most smart locks have a slot for a standard key so you can continue to use it if the batteries run out, or if your phone connection fails. Some of them also have solar-powered battery backup. We test how easy it is to use a smart lock in daily operation, and look for other convenience features such as geofencing to automatically unlock your door when you get close (August), and auto-locking so that you never forget to lock the door on your way out (Kwikset).
We also consider how well a smart lock integrates with other smart home devices. Most of the models we tested work with Alexa and Google Assistant, and some of them work with Apple’s HomeKit as well. We prefer the ones that work with multiple platforms, so you can automate them to perform routine actions when you say things like “goodnight” or “I’m leaving”. Some models require a Wi-Fi bridge, but others work directly with your home hub.
Apps
The best smart locks use an app to connect to your home Wi-Fi, allowing them to be operated and monitored remotely. Some have Bluetooth built in, which works with an app on your smartphone, while others work with a hub like a Z-Wave or Zigbee bridge, a security system, or one of the best smart home systems such as Apple HomeKit or Google Assistant.
Some apps can even identify who’s coming and going, which could help you spot suspicious activity, such as someone trying to enter after the kids get home from school or when the dog walker is late. Customize push notifications to alert you when specific codes are used, or set up a schedule to automatically lock your door after a pre-set delay.
For convenience, consider a model that works with smart digital door lock your voice assistant. Some of the latest smart locks have built-in microphones, letting you unlock your door hands-free by saying “Open” or “Let me in.” Others use the technology of a doorbell camera to show who’s at the door, which can be helpful for forgetful homeowners who often miss delivery or service personnel.
Installation
If you’re considering a smart digital door lock, there are many factors to consider. The first is connectivity, which can take the form of a wireless radio built into the lock such as Z-Wave, Zigbee, or Bluetooth or a hub/bridge that connects to your home Wi-Fi network. The best models will use encryption to keep your information safe over the radio. You should also look for a lock with two-factor authentication to prevent unauthorized logins, as well as options to integrate it with your existing security systems or cameras.
Many smart locks also let you set up temporary entry codes for cleaning services, dog walkers, repair people, or any other type of service person. These codes run alongside your permanent password and can be revoked as soon as they’re used up. If you’re renting out your home, this feature makes it easy to grant access while protecting yourself from unauthorized entries.
You can also find a smart lock that allows you to use your phone to open the door if you’re too far away to unlock it physically. Some models work with a doorbell to let you see who’s at the door, and some even offer fingerprint recognition that uses your unique physical characteristics to unlock instead of a passcode or key.