Smart Locks Enhance Front Door Security
Smart locks provide homeowners with peace of mind by eliminating the worry of whether or not they remembered to lock the door. They are also a great addition to home automation systems.
Homeowners can easily create virtual keys for family, friends and trusted tradespeople via their smartphone app. These can then be revoked just as quickly as they were created.
Access control
Smart locks let you open and close a dead bolt without using a key, usually through a numeric keypad or touchscreen in conjunction with a smartphone app. They’re particularly useful if you have frequent guests or delivery drivers that need access to your home. You can create guest codes for them, so you don’t have to worry about forgetting to give them a key or getting locked out when they arrive.
Some models have additional security features, such as two-factor authentication and the ability to lock your door remotely. Others have a built-in alarm that will notify you if someone attempts to break in or tamper with the lock. Many of them also use encryption to keep your data secure.
While most smart locks are easy to set up, some require a little more work than others. The U-Bolt Pro, for example, has a very clever design. Its fingerprint-scanning front face folds down completely to reveal a standard keyhole backup for those times when you want to lock the door manually. It’s one of the few smart locks we’ve tested with a physical backup, but it still has a stylish finish and is easy to install.
Most smart locks have Wi-Fi built in, but some require a separate hub. The Array by Hampton Connected door lock, for instance, requires a Hubspace smart plug to connect it to your home’s Wi-Fi.
Security
With smart technology becoming ever-more widespread, it’s no surprise that these devices have made their way into the home security realm. Smart locks help to enhance front door security by allowing users to control their home lock from a distance and incorporating features like guest codes, door monitoring and automated rules.
A key feature of many smart locks is smart front door lock proximity unlocking, which allows a user to simply walk up to their home and open the door with the paired smartphone or Bluetooth device, or by entering a code on the touch-screen lock’s keypad. This eliminates the need to fumble through bags or search for spare keys under flower pots and can be an especially useful feature for parents who want to make sure their kids get home from school safely.
Another way that smart locks improve front door security is by sending entry and exit logs to the user’s smartphone or home hub (like Vivint’s Smart Hub). This helps homeowners keep track of who has been coming and going, giving peace of mind when you’re away from the house.
Adding to this is the ability to create and revoke virtual keys for guests, whether tradespeople or dog walkers, allowing them temporary access to your home without having to rekey your lock. These keys can also be set to automatically lock after a certain period of time or when other smart actions occur, such as arming the security system and turning off lights.
Smart home integration
Many homeowners find that a smart lock provides the perfect entry point into their full home automation system. Whether the lock is connected to a door sensor or paired with a smart video doorbell, a homeowner can be notified when a visitor arrives or if someone tries to tamper with the device. Some models even allow users to create and revoke virtual keys for guests, granting them temporary or long-term access.
Some smart locks are stand-alone devices, while others connect to a home Wi-Fi network using Bluetooth or a bridge like the August Connect. These models usually have a much simpler setup and installation process, and they’re compatible with most deadbolts. Some models can also be paired with voice assistants and smart home hubs, such as Amazon Echo or Google Assistant.
A smart front door lock is an excellent way to eliminate one of the most common worries for home owners: misplacing or losing a key. With most models, a smartphone doubles as the key and allows homeowners to unlock their doors remotely from anywhere, at any time. Some devices even let owners know who is coming and going, which is especially helpful for parents wanting to make sure their kids got home safely from school.
Design
With smart technology spreading into more areas of the home, it’s no wonder that there are now plenty of options to improve the security of your door. The majority of smart locks are simply upgrades to existing deadbolts; they physically fit over the cylinder, replacing your old key, and then use an electronic controller to allow access.
This controller can be in the form of a smartphone app that you can use to give guests temporary smart front door lock or long-term access, or it can work with a home security system to allow you to monitor who is at the door. Many of these locks also use biometric sensors to unlock, allowing you to open the door with your fingerprint or face.
Some models stand out for their unique design or functionality. For example, the Defiant Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt (sold at The Home Depot) is the best value for those looking to add a smart lock without spending a fortune. It isn’t the fanciest or best-looking, but it works well and has a few unique features, such as a door sensor that tells you when your door is ajar—a feature that could save you a lot of energy costs.
Other models go the extra mile to show off their tech-minded features, adding light-up touchscreens and color-coded LED indicators to the front of the lock. These can be a nice addition to your decor, but they can also draw attention away from the core features of a smart lock.
