Best Smart Locks

A smart lock, like all the smart devices we have nowadays, are locks that you can regulate from your mobile device. Depending on the specifications, they can add extra layers of security to your home, by supplying a personal identification number to enter the house. They can also be a convenience, allowing you to open and lock your door by means of your phone--or even with a voice command--instead of having to fish around for your keys all the time. Also, many smart locks will lock automatically after a fixed amount of time, even if you forget yourself to lock the door when you leave. And of course, you’ll always want a backup to be able to enter your house--so the best products will still let you use a key to open the door when necessary.

We’ve composed this buyer’s guide to help you make the right decision when selecting a smart lock. It'll help you:

• Choose the right type of smart lock,

• See useful tips about that particular type of smart lock,

• Read reviews of different smart locks, and what customers are saying,

• Select the right brand of smart lock, and

• Compare prices and find the best deals.

• Smartphone controlled: This lets you lock and unlock your front door with your phone, by means of a smartphone app. An example is the August Smart Lock. This lets you remotely lock or open your door from anywhere. You won’t have to duplicate keys--you can share the code with family members, friends, or even neighbors, to allow them access if necessary.

• Doorbell Cam: Besides functioning as a smart lock, it will also let you see who is at the front door. You can then know if you’re expecting someone or not.

• Fingerprint smart lock: Some smart locks can be activated by your fingerprint! Since no two people have the same fingerprint, that’s one key that can’t be duplicated. The Ultraloq UL3 Fingerprint and Touchscreen Keyless Smart Lever Door Lock uses just such a mechanism. You can program up to 95 fingerprints as well as 95 codes. The sensor is scratchproof, dustproof, and waterproof--which ensures that the fingerprint identification will work for a long time.

• Touchpad electronic deadbolt: This will use an electronic touchpad, where you enter the code in order to unlock the door. An example is the Kwikset 99130-002 SmartCode Deadbolt Lock. It also allows you to use a key to open it mechanically, as a backup.

• Anti-peep password: After a while, a keypad will start to show some wear. A potential burglar can look at the keypad and have an indication of which keys you press the most often. That will give away the access code. But, there is a way around this: The Ultraloq Fingerprint and Touchscreen lock lets you enter a random code. As long as you press the 4 digit code somewhere in the slew of digits that you enter, it will open the door for you.

• Low battery alert: You probably are wondering what will happen if the batteries die out. Some models, such as the U-tec Ultraloq, have a low battery alert which beeps, as well as an LCD prompt to remind you to change the batteries. And even if the battery does die out, you can still use mechanical keys to open the lock.

• Check if you can use an electric screwdriver or electric drill: You should read the installation instructions for the lock, to make sure you don’t damage the device during installation. The Kwikset SmartCode Electronic Lock cannot be installed using an electric screwdriver or drill. Even so, people say that even people that are not so handy can do the installation in 15 minutes.

• Can track everyone exiting or entering: A smart lock that uses a phone app can track all entrances and exits of your home, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

• Can it be used with your present lock?: If you don’t want to remove your existing lock, the August Smart Lock Pro can be installed on top of a physical deadbolt lock that uses a key. That gives several layers of security. If necessary (like, if the batteries on the device suddenly die on you), you can still open the door manually.

• Autolocking: Some locks, such as the U-tec Ultralock, have an auto-lock feature after a few seconds. It will lock the door in 4 seconds after the door is opened. But, you can modify this feature and turn it off. That way, you can keep the door unlocked if necessary.

• What if I forget the code?: You may also wonder what will happen if you forget the code to enter to open the lock. The best smart locks will have a work-around for that as well. The Ultraloq Smart Lock has a reset button. That will allow you to reset the code.

• Voice commands: There are smart locks that can receive commands using Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant for voice control. It might require some further installation. For example, the August Smart Lock Pro will accept voice commands, after you install the August Connect Wi-Fi Bridge.

• August--is a home security company located in San Francisco, California, and founded in 2013. They are makers of smart locks, doorbell cameras, smart keypads, and more. Their devices let you control who you let in the house from your phone or computer.

• Kwikset--are makers of electronic locks, which you can set with a personal code and smart security systems. They were founded by Adolf Schoepe and Karl Rhinehart in 1946, who invented a tubular lock that can be inserted and installed easily.

• Yale Security--was founded in 1868 in Berlin, Connecticut by Linus Yale (the inventor of the pin tumbler lock) and Henry Towne. Besides locks, they now make fire alarm systems, burglar alarms, and glass break detectors.

• Ultraloq--is a brand of the UtecGroup, an electronics company located in Fremont, California. The Ultraloq allows you to open your door either by means of your fingerprint, a key fob, or Bluetooth.