Smart locks are a great addition to any home, especially if you are renting and don’t want to make permanent changes to your door. They are also convenient for anyone with a home office, workshop, or studio space that needs constant access. There are even models that let you give guests access to your home using digital keys that they can keep on their smartphones.
Three main types of smart locks in the market
There are three main types of smart keyless door lock: mobile, keypad, and biometric.
- The mobile locks
Mobile locks use your phone as the key. All you need to do is download an app, and you’ll be able to lock and unlock your door from anywhere as long as you have Wi-Fi or a data connection. The main problem with mobile locks is that anyone who gets their hands on your phone can also gain access to your door.
- Easy to use key locks
Instead of using your phone, keypad locks let you enter a code to open the door. These are great if you are worried that someone might get a hold of your phone or you want extra security. Most smartphones can be used as keypads, which means that all it takes is a text message to open your door remotely. For example, if you live in an apartment building with a shared hallway, texting yourself from your home phone will automatically unlock your door when you arrive home.
- The biometric option
Biometric locks use fingerprint recognition to let you in (and out). These are considered more secure than other smart locks because no one can gain access without the right print. However, biometric locks tend to be more expensive than other models and are not entirely foolproof — fingerprints can wear down with age or become dirty over time.
Some of the popular smart locks
There is a smart lock for every type of door for every kind of home, from wireless models that require a hub to more traditional-looking deadbolts. These are the most popular kinds of smart locks, so you can decide which is best for you.
- Bluetooth
Bluetooth smart locks are a great way to keep your home or business secure without having to worry about losing your key or forgetting to lock up. These locks pair with your smartphone quickly and allow you to lock/unlock your door as needed, as well as receive notifications when someone opens the door or if the battery is low.
- Wifi Door Lock
Wifi smart locks are an excellent option for home or business owners who desire to have a lock that can be controlled remotely. These locks can be controlled via wifi, which means they can be accessed from your smartphone or even by making changes on a computer.
Most of these smart locks can be installed without being removed from the door. The most common thing that you will notice with these locks is that they offer you safety and security at all times and convenience when it comes to controlling access to your home or office.
- Z-wave
Z-Wave is a popular wireless home automation protocol, and it’s being used in more smart home lock system. Z-Wave allows you to control your smart lock with various connected devices. Users can control these locks remotely using a Z-Wave hub, an essential feature for the security-conscious. These can be controlled by Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit.
If you are wondering whether to get a smart lock or not, here is the answer: yes. Even if you aren’t sure if this is right for your home right now, knowing about the options will give you more information in the future. And if you do decide that it’s the right choice for you, remember the tips we shared above and make your experience as smooth as possible from start to finish.