Smart Digital Door Lock
A smart digital door lock is a great way to let workers and dog walkers in without worrying about lost keys. They can also be integrated into a home security system to monitor who comes in and out.
However, many homeowners have concerns about these devices. They worry about data security, whether they can operate if the internet connection goes down, or what happens if the batteries die.
Keyless Entry
A good smart lock can eliminate the need to keep physical keys on hand. You can open a door with a PIN entered on a keypad or an electronic “key” that lives in an app on your smartphone and communicates wirelessly to the lock. These virtual keys can be created, revoked and limited to specific time periods with the tap of a button or swipe of your phone.
To make a lock truly smart, it should also be compatible with your home’s Wi-Fi network without needing an external hub or bridge. This ensures your door always has a direct connection to the internet and allows you to remotely manage it from anywhere in the world. Look for a model with built-in gyroscope technology that relays the position smart digital door lock of your door, alerting you if it’s left ajar — a common concern with traditional locks.
For a cheap option that’s easy to set up and works well, check out the Wyze Smart Lock. It uses an external gateway (a small white plug that connects to your home’s Wi-Fi) to communicate with the lock, but it’s a much simpler setup than other models we’ve tested. You can install it directly over your existing deadbolt and it works with a variety of other home security systems to provide additional monitoring. It also integrates with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant and doesn’t require a subscription to use.
Remote Control
Whether you need to let a houseguest in or give your dog walker a virtual key, the best smart digital door locks allow you to grant temporary access to people who aren’t listed on your contact list. Ideally, the best options will also let you schedule those keys so that they work only during certain times of the day.
Increasingly, we’re seeing smart locks that integrate with smart home systems and voice assistants, so you can use your voice to unlock the door or turn off lights from anywhere. For example, if you tell Siri “goodnight,” Apple’s voice assistant can automatically lower your thermostat, turn off the lights and lock your doors.
Some of the best smart locks can integrate with HomeKit, which works with your iPhone and Apple Watch to let you in when you’re close by, or by pressing on the Touch ID sensor on your Apple Watch or iPad to open a locked door. Other models can integrate with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa or other smart home hubs for remote control.
Most smart locks upgrade ordinary mechanical locks and work by replacing the existing deadbolt, but you’ll still need to install and connect a power source. The most popular models are battery-powered, and some have a backup power source such as a 9V battery terminal or a USB port for emergency charging. Others connect to a smart hub, such as a Z-Wave or Zigbee device, which in turn communicates with a mobile app.
Real-Time Monitoring
A smart digital door lock lets you monitor who is coming and going at your home. For example, it can send you a notification when the dog walker or cleaning service arrives at your house. Some models can even detect if the door is left ajar and alert you with a loud noise. This feature is especially helpful for homeowners who rent out their property as a short-term rental.
Smart locks that rely on Wi-Fi can be controlled remotely with a smartphone app or smart home hub. They can also be enrolled into smart home routines like turning off lights, locking the doors at night and more. These devices may use different technologies like Bluetooth, Z-Wave and gyroscopes to connect with your home network but most use some form of encryption to keep your data safe.
If you’re building an integrated smart home, look for locks that work with popular virtual assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant. These can allow you to unlock your door hands-free or if you’re running late for your flight, let a friend in with a temporary code. Other features that streamline daily tasks include status notifications and guest key codes for visitors. Some brands even have a built-in alarm that can warn of attempts to tamper with your lock or force open the door.
Security
Many smart locks are rated ANSI/BHMA, meaning they have been put through rigorous tests to see how well the lock holds up under repeated use and attempts at forced entry. They also have digital security features like smart digital door lock encryption to keep your wireless communication between the lock and your smartphone or home network secure.
These features make smart locks more secure than traditional locks. Even so, smart locks still aren’t immune to hacking, which is why it’s important to look for a reliable manufacturer and encryption on your wireless connection to the lock. Most, if not all, of the options on this page offer this feature.
Another way to ensure your smart lock is secure is to choose one that works with your other smart home devices, such as a smart doorbell or the app for your home security system. This makes it easy to lock the door from anywhere and lets you know who is at your doorstep before opening it.
The Eufy Touch smart lock is a good choice for this because it connects to your home’s Wi-Fi and can work with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit. It also has a simple interface and is incredibly durable, with an IP65 rating against intruders and the elements. It’s also a great option for homeowners who don’t want to pay for a subscription but want all the features that smart locks have to offer.
