5 Best Smart Door Locks

Buying Guide forSmart door lock

The smart door lock system can transform your old and traditional lock system into a modern keyless portal. However, do not underestimate the system after just hearing the word keyless, as it is more robust and reliable in terms of security.
You can easily integrate your Wi-Fi, and operate it remotely. Its enhanced security features can notify you in case of burglary attempts.

Understanding the Different Types of Smart Locks

Although there are several variants, all smart door locks can be broadly classified into two types:

Touchscreen operated: As the name suggests, you can operate it like your smartphone touch screen for entering password or security code. The best touchscreen smart locks are even featured with biometrics scanning. This scanning makes it impossible for any one else to access your door.

Mechanical keypad operated: On the contrary, if you have a mechanical keypad smart lock, you need to press buttons to enter security code to unlock your door. With time, the numbers may wear out. In such a case, guessing your code for someone will not be difficult.

Buyer’s guide for smart door lock for your home

Selecting the best smart door lock is not as easy as selecting your favourite pastry. Without knowing properly, selecting a smart door lock system will be everything but a wise decision. Would you dare to keep your valuables and hard-earned money, relying on a cheap smart door lock?

That would be just a foolish decision and nothing else. So, to save yourself from being a fool, follow this smart door lock buyer’s guide. We have compiled all the essential factors to consider before buying your smart door lock.

Factors you must consider before buying the best smart door lock for your home:

Connectivity

Connectivity should be one of the key factors to look for while buying a smart door lock. Based on what connectivity you have or plan to install with your smart door lock. In most cases, smart locks communicate well with smart home equipment like Google Home or Alexa, and also with your phone. Without connectivity, a smart door lock is actually a smart door lock. Hence, thoroughly check the connectivity of the lock.

Smartphone integration

Before you invest your money on a smart door lock, check what level of integration it offers. Almost all the smart locks systems have smartphone compatibility these days which is a big relief. Smartphone integration can do a lot of work for you. Starting from setting access code, pin, password and patterns, you can also lock and unlock your door remotely.

Google and Alexa compatibility:

A lot of smart locks have the features to integrate them with Google home or Alexa. Once you integrate, you can access or control your smart lock through voice commands using Google Home or Alexa. However, this is just an add on and not necessary criterion to select the best smart door lock.

One-Touch Lock

One-touch lock allows you to open the lock in simply one touch with a corresponding keychain fob. This keychain can be Bluetooth operated or can be paired with your smartphone. This a convenient feature which you need to choose to enable the one-touch lock facility. While this is a convenient feature, it can make your purchase a bit expensive.

Installation

Smart locks are different from conventional locks, for the fact that they need both physical and software installation. An electronic lock that can be installed easily cannot be called a smart lock. A smart lock is more than a simple electronic lock. There are more steps involved such as physical installation, software installation and integrating with the operating app or home automatic system.

Power Supply and indicators

All smart door locks are independent of the central power supply of the house as they run on batteries. Most of the smart lock manufacturers provide lithium-ion batteries, with a few brands providing supercapacitors as well.

A longer battery life should be the preference while you buy a smart door lock. Along with that you must choose a smart door lock which also provides a low battery indicator. Locks with a low battery backup might stop working before you can replace the batteries. In such a case, you might have to sustain damage to the door.

Brand

Choosing a brand that fulfills your requirements at your budget is essential. The better the brand, better is the service you can expect. Renowned brands in the market not only have better quality products but also better customer support service. Hence, choose a brand wisely.

Durability

Next, durability of your smart door lock is the next factor you must prioritize. After all, your entire home’s security depends upon it. That is why the build quality of smart locks have evolved over the years.

Instead of the traditional steel and die-cast zinc, modern smart locks are built with tougher elements. Along with toughness, these smart locks also have elasticity, thereby making the lock not easily breakable. Do not make a mistake if the lock does not feel hard. More than hardness, toughness is essential to consider.

Customer Service

The customer service by the smart lock brands have a great importance in selecting the best smart door lock. You must thoroughly check what services the companies offer. These services include installing the lock system, assistance in case you are facing some issue with the lock or helping you out if you forget the code or pattern.

Price

Before buying a smart door lock, you must fix a budget and research about the price. Based on the specific features and smart door lock models, you will find a great variety in price range. Hence, select a smart door lock model which has your required features and comes under your budget as well.

Reviews and Ratings

Reviews and ratings are a great way to know about the product and service quality. You SInce users post their reviews after using the product and aret it accordingly. While you can select shortlist the product with positive reviews and ratings, do not go solely by the product ratings and reviews.

Warranty

Never forget the warranty service that the manufacturers provide. The minimum smart door lock warranty of 1-year is common. Some smart lock brands may even offer 2 years or more. Hence, choose your product carefully after a thorough market survey. More is the warranty, the more the company claims on its quality. Hence, you can go with a higher warranty period along with other essential features.

Security

Smart door locks are meant to be secure than the traditional door lock. Thus, check the security advancement of the lock before buying it. In this regard, you can trust on renowned brands like Godrej which focus greatly on security enhancement. For a couple of thousands, do not compromise with the security of the lock.

Additional Features

Many smart lock companies these days are offering additional features like smoke detection and alarms among others. These additional features are cool and add value to the lock system. However, you should not be prioritising these features as they are just add ons.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. What is a smart door lock?
A. A smart lock is an electromechanical lock system that works to lock and unlock a door based on the pre programmed access code, RFID or biometrics. It is completely different from a traditional lock system as you do not need a physical key to open this lock. Instead, you can use a mobile app to control such locks as well.

Q. How do smart locks work?
A. Smart locks work on either unique numeric code, patterns, biometrics or RFID. Some latest smart door locks can have all the above combinations. You can lock the door by setting a unique access code or a pattern or your fingerprints. Similarly, to unlock the door, you have to enter the same access code or unlock pattern or fingerprint.

Q. Are smart door locks safe?
A. Yes, smart locks are absolutely safe. It is not easy to break these locks as shown in TVs, and movies. As compared to a traditional or a conventional lock system, it is more robust, secure and safe.

Q. How can you disable a digital lock?
A. Most smart locks can be operated through mobile phones or they have their apps. Remember that to turn off the digital lock, you need to have it unlocked. After that you can disable the smart door lock feature from the control app on your mobile phone.

Q. Which are the best smart door brands in India?
A. It can be difficult to choose as the best brands will be the one that fulfills your expectation as per your budget. Still there are brands like Godrej, IPSA, amiciSmart, Evotech and Open Door provide some of the best smart door locks.