Guide to Purchasing Smart Locks: Selecting the Superior High-Tech Lock

In today's digital age, smart locks have become an essential addition to modern homes. These innovative devices offer a variety of control methods, including apps, voice assistants, and integration with existing home security systems.

One of the key features of smart locks is the option for an emergency physical key, but other unlocking methods include keypad codes, fingerprints, proximity unlocks, direct app control, and even palm reading technology. Proximity unlocks use technology like Bluetooth or NFC to unlock the door when your phone draws near.

Smart locks can be installed as a retrofit or as a full replacement deadbolt. Retrofit smart locks, such as The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock and Kwikset Kevo Convert, are generally cheaper and easier to set up, making them a friendly option for renters. On the other hand, full replacement smart locks, like those offered by Level, Schlage, Yale, Lockly, and Ultraloq, typically cost more but usually offer a slimmer profile, more features, better durability, and a new lock with new keys.

Fingerprint sensors can hold dozens of fingerprints and unlock at a touch, but require programming. Battery life for smart locks varies significantly based on usage, quality of batteries, deadbolt performance, and weather conditions, but most batteries should last several months of frequent use without needing to be replaced.

Managing access for friends, petsitters, and other guests can be done through codes, digital passes, facial recognition, and unlock time periods, but not all smart locks support these options. Direct app control allows for unlocking from anywhere via Wi-Fi, but requires being close to the door.

Many lock brands offer features like automatic locking, geofencing, home security triggers, times of day, and smart light triggers to make smart locks more responsive to common conditions throughout the day and fit into overall home routines and automations.

Communication between smart locks and the rest of a smart home setup, as well as with a user's phone, is usually done using common communication protocols like Bluetooth, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi, Thread, or UWB. Z-Wave and ZigBee connect to smart home hubs that control devices, are secure, and can enable third-party device support more easily. Bluetooth has a range of up to 300 feet and doesn't require a separate hub, while Wi-Fi is familiar to most users and allows control from anywhere with a reliable internet connection. UWB frequency, used by some smart locks, is good at object targeting and adds accuracy to unlocking procedures.

Thread, designed for IoT devices, is secure, doesn't require a hub with compatible phones, and plays well with the Matter smart home protocol. Installation of a full replacement smart lock is typically a DIY project, while retrofit smart locks are usually bulky and may lack features compared to full replacement smart locks.

In 2025, CNET experts test and recommend smart lockboxes such as Master Lock Vault Enterprise, Igloohome Smart Lockbox 3, and LEVEL Lock+ for their security features and user convenience. However, "knock to unlock" features, such as those offered by Sesame and Poly-Control, are no longer common in new smart locks.

Palm reading technology reads a palm like it would read a fingerprint, but is relatively rare. Smart locks also often include jumpstart nodes on the bottom of the lock for emergency power.

In conclusion, smart locks offer a range of benefits, from increased security to enhanced convenience, and are an excellent investment for any modern home.