How to Select a Bluetooth Door Lock
Many smart locks use Bluetooth to let you in. They can be opened using a smartphone app, keypad, voice command or touch or fingerprint recognition. They also come with options like viewing entry and exit logs.
Some models, such as the Schlage Sense and Kwikset Premis work with Siri for voice control. Others, such as the Array by Hampton and Yale Assure lock have Wi-Fi built in and don’t require an extra hub.
They are easier to install than Wi-Fi locks
Unlike Wi-Fi locks, Bluetooth models don’t require an internet connection. Instead, they use a low-power radio (like Zigbee or Z-Wave) to communicate with your home’s smart hub. This makes them cheaper, more reliable and easier to install in a wide variety of homes. They’re also compatible with smart assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri. In addition, some models have built-in auto-unlock features that work when you’re within range of your phone or a Bluetooth key fob.
The Lockly Flex Touch is one of the best Bluetooth models we’ve tested, and it looks like a standard deadbolt from the outside. It uses a fingerprint sensor to unlock, but it also works with Alexa and Apple’s HomeKit. The only downside is that bluetooth door lock you have to buy a separate plug-in hub to connect the lock to your Wi-Fi.
Another option is the Eufy Camelot Touchscreen Deadbolt, which is compatible with any Z-Wave hub. However, it doesn’t come with a dedicated app. This can be a good or bad thing depending on your preferences. For example, some people may be happy to log in to a single app to control their lock, lights and cameras, while others might prefer more detailed, dedicated settings for each device. However, the Camelot does include a gyroscope to detect when it’s left open. This is a feature that many competitors lack.
They are less likely to be hacked than Wi-Fi locks
When selecting a smart lock, it’s important to consider security. Hackers are constantly looking for new ways to break into homes, and a smart lock is a great target. The good news is that Bluetooth-enabled locks are less likely to be hacked than Wi-Fi-enabled ones.
The main reason for this is that Bluetooth has a shorter range than Wi-Fi. This means that hackers would have to be close to your home to access the lock. It’s also worth noting that Bluetooth-enabled locks use encryption, so even if hackers were to intercept the signal between your lock and your phone, they wouldn’t be able to decipher it.
Wi-Fi-enabled locks, on the other hand, can be accessed from anywhere as long as you have internet connectivity. This can be helpful if you’re away from home and need to let in someone quickly, but it also increases the likelihood that your lock will be hacked.
Z-Wave locks are also more secure than Bluetooth-enabled ones, but they require a hub to bluetooth door lock connect to your router. This can be a problem if you don’t have a hub already, or if you want to integrate your lock with other devices. In addition, you’ll need to purchase a separate keypad if you choose a Z-Wave-compatible lock. There are many smart locks that are compatible with either Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, so it’s important to research your options before deciding which one is right for you.
They are less expensive than Wi-Fi locks
Many smart locks don’t connect to your home network at all, but rather rely on Bluetooth technology to communicate commands. These locks are often less expensive than Wi-Fi locks, but they won’t allow you to monitor or control your lock remotely and can’t be integrated with other smart home devices. We look for locks that connect to your network, as well as Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can unlock them by voice and link them to your lights and security system.
Wi-Fi-connected locks are more expensive than Bluetooth-only options, but they can unlock over a long distance and allow you to view entry and exit logs. Some also include a built-in camera to let you see who is at the door before you open it. They can also connect to your smartphone, so you can use it as a key or to grant digital keys to friends, family, and caregivers.
August’s latest version of its popular smart lock is 45 percent smaller than its predecessor, and it has Wi-Fi built in. This means it can automatically switch between Bluetooth and your home’s WiFi, and doesn’t require the extra August Connect bridge that previous versions did. In addition, this model doesn’t require a subscription and is more energy-efficient than Z-Wave or Wi-Fi locks that need an additional hub.
They are more reliable than Wi-Fi locks
Unlike Wi-Fi locks, Bluetooth smart locks don’t use the internet to connect to your home. Instead, they use low-energy radio waves like Zigbee and Z-Wave to communicate with a mobile app. This makes them less likely to be hacked by professional hackers, because the hacker would need to physically be near the lock to intercept the signal and decipher it. These smart locks are also less expensive than their Wi-Fi counterparts.
Smart locks are perfect for homeowners who want to improve their home’s security. You can lock and unlock your door with a smartphone, send digital keys to friends or family members, and receive notifications if someone tries to break in. Additionally, some smart locks can automatically unlock when you’re within range, and others let you open the door with voice commands or a fingerprint scanner.
Most smart locks work on two main connections: Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Some models even switch between the two, using Bluetooth if you’re at home and Wi-Fi when you’re away. This saves power and maximizes battery life. Moreover, you can integrate them with other smart devices to create an integrated smart home. For example, the Eufy’s smart lock integrates with its cameras and other smart devices, and you can operate them from a single app. Other smart locks, such as the August, have an opt-in feature that connects to your smartphone’s Bluetooth and uses your phone’s location to determine if you’re at home or not.