Smart locks and keyless entry — the practical guide

This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Local codes, regulations, and best practices vary by region.

Smart locks let you unlock your door with a code, card, fingerprint, or phone instead of a physical key. They’re convenient if you forget keys or want to give temporary access to visitors. But they’re also electronic devices with batteries, connectivity issues, and potential hacking vectors. Understanding the tradeoffs helps you decide if smart locks actually improve your life or just add complexity.

For most homeowners, a regular deadbolt is more reliable. But if you have legitimate convenience needs (frequent deliveries, guests without keys, remote access requirements), a smart lock solves real problems.

Types of Smart Locks

PIN code locks require you to enter a numeric code to unlock. You can change codes and give different codes to different people. Cost is $100 to $300. Installation usually requires removing your existing deadbolt and installing the new one.

Keycard locks let you unlock with a card (like a hotel key). Less common for residential use but available. Cost is similar to PIN locks.

Fingerprint locks read your fingerprint to unlock. They work well until you have dirty fingers or are wearing gloves. Cost is $200 to $500.

WiFi-connected smart locks integrate with your phone and smart home system. You unlock via app, receive notifications, and sometimes grant temporary access remotely. Cost is $300 to $600. These require a strong WiFi signal and sometimes a hub.

Hybrid locks combine multiple methods (PIN code, fingerprint, key override, Bluetooth phone access). These are more expensive ($400 to $800) but more flexible.

What Actually Works

PIN codes work reliably in all weather. They’re mechanical and fail less often than WiFi-dependent systems.

Physical key override is important. If the lock fails or battery dies, you can still use a key (or should be able to). Some smart locks lose this capability.

Batteries last months to a year depending on usage. Check battery levels regularly and replace before they die. Nothing more frustrating than a dead smart lock when you need it.

WiFi connection should be strong. A weak WiFi signal makes a smart lock unreliable. If your front door WiFi signal is poor, the app access might be spotty.

Hacking concerns are overblown for residential use. There are more valuable targets than residential homes. Use strong PINs (not 1234) and change access codes periodically.

Practical Considerations

Don’t install a smart lock if your house is very remote and help is far away. A mechanical failure with a regular lock is easier to fix than a smart lock failure.

If you rent, check your lease. Many landlords don’t allow locks that aren’t keyed duplicates.

If you have a keypad exterior lock already (many people do), upgrading to a smart lock is straightforward.

If you don’t have a deadbolt currently, adding one (smart or traditional) makes sense.

Convenience Features That Matter

Temporary codes for guests are genuinely useful. Give a contractor or guest a one-time code that expires after they leave. This is better than copying a key.

Notifications when someone enters are nice. You’ll know when a guest arrives or a contractor enters. This is helpful for monitoring access.

Remote unlocking from your phone is convenient if you’re away and someone needs access. This requires a strong WiFi signal and internet connection. It’s less reliable than in-person access.

When a Smart Lock Doesn’t Make Sense

If you never forget your key, don’t need to grant access remotely, and have no one borrowing your keys, a regular deadbolt is simpler and more reliable.

If you’re in an area with frequent power outages (affecting WiFi and connectivity), a mechanical lock is better.

If your front door WiFi signal is weak, smart lock app features won’t work well.

Cost and Durability

Smart locks cost more upfront than regular deadbolts ($100 lock vs. $40 deadbolt). Over time, battery costs and potential replacement add expense.

A quality smart lock might last 10 years. A quality regular deadbolt lasts 20 to 30 years with minimal maintenance.

For security value, a regular deadbolt provides more lasting security. For convenience, smart locks solve specific problems.

Making the Decision

If you’re considering a smart lock for convenience (guests, remote access, temporary codes), it’s a reasonable investment.

If you’re considering it for security improvement over a regular deadbolt, it’s not significantly better. Focus on the regular lock quality first.

Choose a trusted manufacturer with good reviews. Some smart locks have connectivity issues or poor app design. Read reviews from people who’ve actually used them, not just enthusiasts.

Install a solid regular deadbolt as backup. You want to be able to unlock your door without power or WiFi.

Test the lock thoroughly after installation. Make sure PINs work, batteries charge, and backup key access works.

© The Whole Home Guide