Smart Locks for Home Security and Automation

Keeping our homes and businesses safe has become a lot easier with smart devices that provide us with real time notifications and constant remote connection no matter where we are. Smart locks in particular have become a popular innovation that can make a big difference towards how we access and secure our homes and businesses. Unlike traditional locks, smart locks and smart deadbolts offer enhanced features including anti-intrusion designs, remote access, and integration with home automation systems. There are many types to choose from boasting a slew of features and a variety of finishes to match just about any interior or exterior color and decor. To learn more about smart deadbolt locks, we've put together this guide to help you understand the benefits of having a smart lock and the various features and models to look at so you can install the right one that fits your needs.

Smart Lock and Smart Deadbolt Benefits

Sturdy Hardware and Secure Software: Smart locks and smart deadbolts offer advanced hardware and software that make them more secure than traditional locks. Anti-lock picking or lock bumping keyholes or fingerprint resistant keypads prevent physical entry, while advanced encryption or unique authentication codes protect from wireless hacking or unregistered remote access. Many smart locks are constructed with durable materials, which make them rated to withstand harsh weather conditions for long-lasting use.

Convenience at Home: Many smart lock models sidestep the need for physical keys, even if a keyhole is included in the lock’s design. Alternative entry methods can be used to unlock your door using a smartphone, a PIN code, or voice commands. Some models even support temporary guest access via Bluetooth connection with smart devices, which makes it easier to grant entry to visitors, housekeepers, delivery personnel, or others. Instead of worrying about family members accidentally losing their keys, you can have peace of mind knowing that your loved ones will always have easy access using passcodes or automatic unlocking via Bluetooth.

Easy Remote Access: Being home is not necessary to lock or unlock your door, which is why remote access control is one of the best advantages of installing a smart lock. Whether you're at work, on vacation, or just out running errands, you can check on the lock’s status and lock or unlock your door from just about anywhere using a mobile app. Plus, most smart lock apps send notifications anytime the lock has been accessed so you can keep track of when your lock was accessed and by whom. The benefits of remote access control is a perfect solution for Airbnb hosts, rental properties, and frequent travelers.

Compatible with Smart Home Systems:

Most smart lock models can easily be added to smart home security systems to deter break-ins and notify homeowners of unauthorized access attempts. Most smart locks use a wireless protocol such as Z-Wave, Zigbee, Apple HomeKit, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Matter, to communicate with other smart devices. As part of your smart home security and automation system, you can create automation scenes such as unlocking the door when you arrive home or locking it automatically when you go to work in the morning. Many smart locks can also be controlled using voice commands with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, and Samsung SmartThings.

Smart Locks to Consider

There are a wide range of smart deadbolt locks available, all of which offer various features to consider. From pushbutton keypads to touchscreens to lever locks or retrofit keyless deadbolts, there are plenty of smart locks to choose from. Most smart locks utilize wireless protocol communication such as Z-Wave, Zigbee, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth, and voice assistants such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Sir to connect with associated mobile apps or smart home systems. Smart locks can be used for front doors or interior doors of other rooms, if you are planning on keeping certain rooms more secure than others.

Below are several recommended smart locks that provide various finishes, features, and smart lock technologies that will vastly improve your home security all while adding another smart device that can be integrated into your smart home automation system.

Notable Smart Lock Features:

Yale Smart Locks (model features vary)

• Touchscreen keypad, pushbutton keypad, lever designs, optional key backup, and pincode access with the Yale mobile app
• Contemporary and Traditional designs in a wide range of finishes
• Compatible with Z-Wave, Zigbee, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Samsung SmartThings, and others
• Two-factor authentication and fingerprint resistant keypad ensure access
• DoorSense Sensor reports lock and door status and enables Auto-Unlock/Auto-Lock when entering or leaving Bluetooth proximity
• ANSI/BHMA Grade 2 for strong, reliable security

Kwikset Smart Locks (model features vary)

• Touchscreen keypad, pushbutton keypad, optional key backup, and pin code access with the Kwikset mobile app
• Contemporary and Traditional designs in a wide range of finishes
• Works with Z-Wave, Zigbee, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Samsung SmartThings, and others
• SmartKey Security Design prevents lock bumping, lock picking, and forced entry
• Re-key technology is compatible with KW1 or SC1 keyway options
• Auto-Lock feature that automatically locks the Smart Lock after a selectable timed delay

August Smart Locks (model features vary)

• Designed for installation on the interior of your door allowing you to keep your original deadbolt and key; secure key access with the August mobile app
• Contemporary, sleek design in matte black or silver finish
• Works with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Samsung SmartThings, and others
• DoorSense sensor alerts you when your door is securely closed and locked
• Advanced encryption protects your data using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) encryption and TLS security protocols for enhanced mobile app security
• Lost phone protection allows you to quickly disable the August app and all virtual keys from another device by visiting lostphone.august.com

Danalock Smart Locks (model features vary)

• Designed for installation on the interior of your door allowing you to keep your original deadbolt and key; digital key access with the Danalock mobile app (Danalock Danapad also available for pushbutton access)
• Contemporary, sleek design in a silver finish
• Z-Wave, Zigbee, Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Samsung SmartThings, and others
• DoorSense sensor alerts you when your door is securely closed and locked
• Supports a wide range of integration options for third-party applications (SDKs and APIs are available)
• Lock uses AES 256 (Advanced Encryption Standard) when transferring data

Alfred Smart Locks (model features vary)

• Touchscreen keypad with PIN code access, standard keys, Bluetooth ekeys via the Alfred Home mobile app
• Contemporary, sleek design in Black, Chrome, or Gold
• Compatible with Z-Wave, Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, or Google Assistant
• The keypad locks for 5 minutes after 10 consecutive incorrect code attempts
• Away Mode disables all PIN codes except the Master PIN or eKeys from the Alfred Home app
• Status LEDs display when the door is locked, unlocked, or when a setting is successfully updated

Ultraloq Smart Locks

• Pushbutton keypad, fingerprint ID, optional key backup, Ekey access with the U-tec mobile app
• Contemporary, sleek design in a Black finish
• Compatible with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Samsung SmartThings, and others
• Magic Shake allows you to hold your phone near the lock and shake it to unlock the door
• Auto unlock automatically as you approach, making it perfect for hands-free entry when carrying groceries or other items
• Emergency micro-USB power allows you to connect an external battery via the Micro-USB port at the bottom of the lock to restore power

For more questions about Smart Locks, or any other home automation or home security topics, check out other entries in our blog or talk to our team over the phone at (858)-693-8887 or email us at service@homecontrols.com.