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Our CNET experts break down everything to know about buying a new smart lock for your home. home front door locks
Today's smart locks are packed with features: Here's how to choose the right ones.
Smart locks exist to solve the most common of problems: Forgetting whether you locked the door, losing your keys or needing to let a friend in when you're at work. A smart lock can handle all this and more via app controls on your phone, without jeopardizing your home security or leaving you vulnerable to hacking.
That said, not all smart locks are the same. There are keyless options, Bluetooth options, locks that use your fingerprint , locks that fit on your existing deadbolt and more. That can get complicated, especially with new locks coming out. Let's break down everything you should know about smart locks, the big choices you need to make and how to know if a lock is right for you.
The August Smart Lock clamps over your existing deadbolt and can turn it automatically whenever you want it to.
Smart locks give you two installation options, so consider this your starting place.
Your first installation option is a "retrofit," where the lock fits over and operates an existing deadbolt. Models like the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock and Kwikset Kevo Convert are designed specifically to clamp in place over top of your existing deadbolt hardware (working with most standard deadbolt designs, as August explains). They're generally cheaper, easier to set up and friendlier for renters or others who want to keep the existing deadbolt and their old keys.
On the downside, retrofits are usually pretty bulky and lack some features. They're less likely to have included keypads or fingerprint sensors. And they aren't much use if you really want to get rid of an old, malfunctioning lock.
Your other option is a full replacement. These locks come with their own deadbolt and both an inner and outer piece to install. Many lock brands including Level, Schlage, Yale, Lockly and Ultraloq prefer this design -- although some offer retrofits, too.
A full replacement typically costs more, but you usually get a slimmer lock profile, more features, better durability and a shiny new lock with new keys. If you're worried about installation, don't: It's typically a DIY project with a screwdriver, possibly a drill, and about half an hour of work for newbies. Installation guides are comprehensive, too.
One option isn't necessarily better than the other, especially if you want to save money, but if possible we recommend a full deadbolt replacement.
Aqara's smart lock deadbolt replacement looks and feels great.
How do you want to control your smart lock? Every lock comes with its own brand-created app, but smart locks also offer support for other methods of control based on what you use daily. Always investigate third-party compatibility and if the smart lock works with what you prefer, like these common options.
Amazon Alexa: Amazon's own Alexa voice assistant and Alexa app tend to have great smart home support. Almost every brand we discuss offers support for Alexa voice command controls, so if you prefer Alexa you won't have to worry about compatibility.
Google Assistant and Google Home: Google Assistant compatibility refers to the ability to command your smart lock with Hey Google voice commands. Google Home support means you can use the Google Home app to control your smart lock at any time, along with other home devices. Both often go together, but sometimes locks will only support Google Assistant.
Apple Siri and Apple Home: Apple's voice assistant and Apple Home/HomeKit support aren't quite as common as other app compatibility, but they're still easy to find on smart locks. That's partly because smart locks were an early part of the Matter standard adoption, which ensures Apple Home support and is (slowly) making it easier to control all your devices on one app.
An existing home security system: If you already have a home security system, it's a good idea to check and see if its app supports the brand of smart lock you want. Many security systems we recommend will support at least one or two lock brands, with systems like Abode offering some of the broadest compatibility.
Samsung SmartThings: While it's not as common as other platforms, smart locks may also support Samsung SmartThings control, so if you're a big Samsung fan watch out for this support, too.
IFTTT (If This, Then That): IFTTT makes it easy to whip up simple automations on your own, and may allow for workarounds with voice assistants or abilities that smart locks don't natively support. It's a great platform for those who want to tinker.
Fingerprint sensors are one of our favorite smart lock options.
Most smart locks will at least offer an emergency physical key, although the key slot may be hidden by a cover or panel. But one of the biggest advantages of a smart lock is that you have other ways to unlock it. Here's what to watch for and why it works.
Keypad codes: Simple and reliable, tap in a four-to-six digit code and the door unlocks. You can usually create as many codes as you want and delete them at will, so it can be a versatile way to hand out unlocking options on the fly.
Fingerprints: Many smart locks have fingerprint sensors that can hold dozens of fingerprints and unlock at a touch. We're particular fans of fingerprint readers and how easy they make smart lock operation. However, you do have to take the time to program in everyone's fingerprint and make sure they work.
Proximity unlocks: This unlocking option uses technology like Bluetooth or NFC to unlock the door when your phone draws near or when you wave or tap it over the lock. It's speedy and contactless, making it an especially popular modern option -- but you may have to dig your phone out of your pocket first.
Direct app control: You always have the option to go into the lock's app and directly unlock it from there. Some locks allow you to do this from anywhere via Wi-Fi, while other locks require you to be close to the door. It's time-consuming, but the Wi-Fi option is especially handy because you can remotely unlock while on vacation and other tricks.
Palm reading technology: We're also seeing some locks try a contactless method of unlocking that reads a palm like it would read a fingerprint from Philips and other brands. There's lower risk of germs and you don't have to fumble with a fingerprint scanner in the dark, but the tech is relatively rare.
"Knock to unlock" features: In the past, some locks we've tested from brands like Sesame and Poly-Control that have "knock" features where you rap your phone to unlock the door. They didn't always work properly and we no longer see this option on new smart locks.
The Kwikset Kevo Convert connects directly to your phone via Bluetooth.
A smart lock needs to be able to communicate with the rest of your smart home setup and with your phone. Most do that using common communication protocols like Bluetooth, Z-Wave or Wi-Fi, and most use a combination of them. Here's what you need to know.
Bluetooth: The Bluetooth standard currently reaches up to 300 feet or so and doesn't require a separate hub to enable, so it's quite versatile. You can also use it to auto-unlock as you pull up to your home. Almost every modern smart lock supports Bluetooth.
Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi is one of the more vulnerable communication options, but it's safe with a robust password and everyone is familiar with it. It also allows the massive benefit of controlling your lock from anywhere with a reliable internet connection. Native Wi-Fi support is becoming more common in smart locks, but other locks require a separate hub, adding cost and complexity.
Z-Wave and ZigBee: These protocols connect to smart home hubs that control devices. They have a bit less range in a direct connection than Bluetooth, but they also have a couple of advantages. The "Z" technologies are secure and can enable third-party device support more easily on things like home security system hubs or Samsung SmartThings, etc. They've been around a long time so they're easy to develop for, but disconnecting and reconnecting can be a pain if you want to switch devices.
Thread: Thread is similar to technologies like Z-Wave and Bluetooth, but is newer, more feature-rich and easier to use. Since it's specifically designed for IoT (Internet of Things, aka home devices), Thread is made to be very secure, doesn't require a hub with compatible phones and plays very well with the Matter smart home protocol. However, adoption is still slow and it often needs to work alongside Wi-Fi.
UWB (ultra-wideband): We are starting to see smart locks appear that use the UWB frequency, which is particularly good at object targeting. That makes it like an advanced version of Bluetooth that can tell exactly when you're standing in front of the door, adding accuracy to unlocking procedures.
Schlage locks, among others, support Apple's Home Key and similar tricks.
What happens when someone else needs to get inside? It's easy to share codes and add fingerprints for immediate family, but what about more casual friends, petsitters, distant relations or unexpected old college buddies? You have several options to manage these cases, but not ever smart lock supports them.
Codes: One of the easiest methods is to simply create a new access code, message it to your friend, then delete it when they leave. It's direct and easy to understand.
Digital passes and Home Keys: Digital passes like Apple's Home Keys essentially give users a proximity-based unlock option on an app that they (hopefully) already have. You can create and delete these passes a lot like codes, as well as get notifications whenever they're used.
Facial recognition: Facial recognition has come to doors in conjunction with security cameras or even locks that have their own built-in cameras. You can add face profiles for guests for identification and unlocking when they approach like ADT does with its Trusted Neighbor platform, but privacy concerns remain and the tech isn't legal everywhere.
Unlock time periods: You can also set periods of time, windows where the door is unlocked but locks itself again when the time window is over. These windows can also apply to the options we listed above, so for example a code or Home Key will only work for a certain hour in the afternoon, but otherwise won't function.
Yale's Assure Lock two.
Another general concern is battery life, but this will vary significantly (for all smart locks) based on how much you lock or unlock your door, the quality of the batteries you're using, if your deadbolt occasionally sticks and requires extra effort from the built-in motor, and even the weather -- colder temperatures can hurt battery life. Expect most batteries (often AA or AAA) to last for several months of frequent use without needing to be replaced.
Battery power shouldn't deter you from buying a smart lock you love. In fact, almost all keyless smart locks now include a pair of jumpstart nodes on the bottom of the lock. Grab a 9V battery and connect it to the nodes for just enough power to enter your keypad code and unlock the lock.
App automations can save you a lot of time when it comes to lock management.
Finally, smart home fans should consider how the lock can fit into their overall home routines and automations. This makes smart locks more useful and responsive to common conditions throughout the day. Extra features to think about include:
Automatic locking: This simple feature automatically locks the door if it's left unlocked for a minute or two, an ideal way to stop worrying about unlocked front doors where thieves may enter. It's one of the most common smart features and you don't need any other devices to enable it.
Geofencing: Geofencing is a more advanced version of proximity controls that make sure the door locks or unlocks when people with clearance enter the radius of a specific address or area. It can be combined with options to open a garage door, among other tricks.
Home security triggers: Compatible home security systems often allow you to set up locking if an alarm is triggered, or unlocking if a security system is disarmed so that your lock and the system always work together.
Times of day: You can also set smart locks to always lock around sunset, for example, or always unlock when schoolkids usually get off the bus.
Smart light triggers: A common automation that works with many smart lights is arranging for lights to turn on (either inside or outside) when a door is unlocked, useful for seasons where daylight is in short supply.
russia door handle For more on access control and home security, stop by our guide on how to deter burglars, see why your smart home is safe from hacking and review your best options for home security as a renter or when you're on vacation.