Review – 6 Great Electronic Door Locks for Your Home
The days of locking your keys in the house or forgetting to lock the
door can be a thing of the past, thanks to the variety of affordable
electronic door locks on the market. Once the domain of the wealthy for
entry to their multimillion dollar estates, an electronic door lock can
now grace your front door for a few hundred dollars.
Before we explore the features on some popular electronic locks, let’s learn more about how they work.
Entry Methods: RFID, Keypad, Biometric, and Bluetooth
Most electronic door locks come with one or more means of entry,
which include RFID, keypad, biometric (fingerprint), or Bluetooth.
Early electronic locks used keypads with a pin number for entry.
Keypads are still popular, although newer models use touchscreen panels
instead of buttons and include security features to help prevent
burglars from figuring out the code.
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) locks use a key fob or card for
entry. With RFID technology, you may not have to remove the key fob
from your pocket or purse, meaning no more fumbling in the dark or
trying to find your keys when your arms are full to enter your home.
Bluetooth-enabled locks operate in a similar way, sensing your
smartphone’s Bluetooth ID and opening when you approach. Most Bluetooth
and RFID locks also use a secondary means of electronic entry, in case
your battery dies or you lose your key fob or cell phone.
Biometric entry uses fingerprint identification to open the lock. If
you’ve used this feature on your smartphone or laptop, you understand
how it works. All you do is program your fingerprint, or those you want
to have access to your home, and the system knows this is an acceptable
person to unlock for.
When Electronic Locks Get “Smart”
Some electronic locks can open remotely via an app and can integrate
with your home automation system for added security and protection,
placing them in the category of “smart” technology.
For example, if your alarm system detects a flood in your basement
while you’re on vacation and sends you an alert, you can call your
neighbor to go check on the problem. While you’re sitting on the beach,
you can unlock the door for the neighbor and lock it again after they’ve
remedied the situation and left. By the time you get home, you hardly
realize there was a problem.
These electronic door locks could mark your first foray into building
a “smart home” or they may connect to and complement existing smart
devices in your home for added convenience. Here are six of our
favorites.
Kwikset is a well-known name in home locks, and their new keyless
smart lock combines the look of their conventional keyed locks with
high-tech functionality. The Kevo was one of the first smart deadbolts
on the market and uses both Bluetooth and Radio Frequency Identification
(RFID) technology, so users can unlock the door via their smartphone or
with the included keyfob.
The lock is iOS and Android compatible using Bluetooth technology,
which means no Internet access is required and your lock doesn’t live
“on your network.” With Bluetooth enabled, the lock can even sense when
your smartphone approaches and unlocks the door for you – no more
fumbling with keys when you’re in a hurry or your hands are full.
You can grant two devices with full access eKeys and share an
unlimited number of guest eKeys. The Kevo Mobile App lets you monitor
lock activity and manage the eKeys, but it isn’t necessary to unlock
doors. A “Lost Phone” reset option disables access to your lock from
your phone, should anyone with one of your eKeys lose their device.
Kevo also integrates with the
Nest Learning Thermostat,
a programmable thermostat that provides remote control and automation
of your home’s heating and cooling system. You can use this to
set your temperature preferences and optimize your energy usage.
Find it on Amazon
If you’re looking for maximum flexibility in connecting your smart
lock to your home’s other smart devices, or even a whole-home automation
system, the Yale Real Living lock is a strong contender. The lock
features the luxury look of other high-end Yale locks, with the choice
of a push button keypad or a modern capacitive touchscreen, in deadbolt
or lever lock designs. The lock holds up to 250 user-selected codes, and
also provides entry via a conventional key.
The Yale lock is compatible with Zigbee and Z-Wave independent mesh
networks, as well as Crestron’s proprietary mesh network, infiNET Ex,
and the user-friendly
Crestron Pyng hub.
By controlling the lock through an independent mesh network, the Yale
lock connects to your smartphone, tablet, or PC without using your Wi-Fi
bandwidth. Yale also integrates with Honeywell, Control4, Alarm.com,
Elk, and a number of other home automation and home security systems.
The features vary depending on which Yale partner system you have.
Find it on Amazon
The
SoHoMiLL YL 99 Keyless Electronic Keypad lock
is as simple as they get and, with a price tag of just $50, is the
perfect “starter” electronic door lock. While it doesn’t offer Bluetooth
connectivity or “Internet of Things” compatibility, it is a highly
rated lock (4 stars on Amazon). It easily replaces most standard door
knobs and holds eight user-programmable passcodes, which you control
from your original, master code. It has a low-battery indicator so you
will know when it’s time to replace the batteries and it can
automatically lock from the outside after three seconds.
Don’t let the name fool you – there are no keys involved. No access
codes either, so a thief can’t use a key logger to copy your code and
then sneak in when you’re not home. The August Smart Key lock discretely
replaces most single cylinder deadbolts to provide secure access to
your home via iOS or Android devices. The August Smart Key lock works
independently, via a secure BlueTooth connection or over your home’s
Wi-Fi. The app sends a reminder if the lock’s AA batteries are low so
this lock keeps working, even if your power goes out.
Issue “virtual” keys to family, friends, and service providers as
needed. Maybe your housekeeper’s key only works for three hours on
Tuesdays and Thursdays, while your child’s key works all the time. Log
records show you who entered and left your home and when. Teenagers
can’t sneak in after curfew and the cleaning lady can’t stay for one
hour but bill you for two.
Coupling the August Lock with August Connect, a smart device that
allows you to access the lock from any Internet-enabled device, provides
additional features. Rather than simply referring to a log of activity
over the past week, you’ll receive real-time notifications of who
accessed your lock and when. You’ll also be able to lock and unlock the
door via any Internet-enabled device and connect your lock with other
smart devices in your home.
Find it on Amazon
Samsung offers several IoT items, including Smart TVs, refrigerators,
and washer/dryers. As a result, their smart lock can be used as part of
a complete Samsung smart home system. The lock integrates with
Samsung’s smart home solutions, including video cameras, security
sensors, and more. Gain access to remote entry functions, event
notification, visitor check and more by connecting the system to your
smartphone.
If you’re using it as a standalone lock, you’ll still enjoy a variety
of options and features. It can be unlocked via passcode, RF card,
finger print (with the top tier model), smart tag, or via a conventional
key. For added security, users can select two options (passcode plus
finger print authentication) for access. The door locks automatically
when users leave, because even the strongest, safest door lock isn’t
effective if you forget to use it.
Find it on Amazon
Schlage also manufactures RFID, keyless entry door locks, which use a
keyfob containing a user-specific radio frequency chip for entry. But
the touchscreen model means there’s no app to install and no keyfob to
carry (or lose). For users who want convenience combined with security,
the Schlage Connect Camelot delivers.
Schlage locks boast
BHMA/ANSI Grade 1 certifications.
This is the highest lock security rating available on the American
National Standards Institute grading system developed by the Builder’s
Hardware Manufacturers Association. This rating system applies to
electronic and mechanical locks, and measures lock longevity, toughness,
and latch length.
This rating, combined with the other security features of the Schlage
Connect Camelot Touchscreen Deadbolt, makes this one of the most secure
locks on the market. The lock features an audible alarm sensor that
lets you know when someone opened the door, even if you’re across the
house. A fingerprint-resistant touchscreen prevents unwanted guests from
detecting your code and the deadbolt can be set to lock as soon as you
close the door. Whether you’re safe inside or heading out for the day,
the lock will help protect you and your belongings.
Schlage integrates with
Z-Wave home automation products for
remote management and monitoring capabilities. To use this, you have to
purchase the Nexia BR100NX Z-Wave Home Intelligence Bridge and pay the
monthly service fee. Products can also be automated via Z-Wave, so you
set up IFTTT recipies, like turning on your kitchen light when you
unlock your door. You can use the Z-Wave service to interact with your
lock online, program multiple codes for entry, and track who
entered/exited and when. You can also program codes that work only at
specific times or on specific days of the week, allowing entry to
service providers.
Find it on Amazon
Adding an electronic door lock to your home security is a great
additional step to take to keep your home secure, all while making your
life a bit easier. To compare electronic door locks and other home
security options, take a look
here.
Reference: http://www.safewise.com/blog/finding-the-perfect-electronic-door-lock-for-your-home/
