Keyed Locks vs. Electronic and Smart Locks
A smart locking door can make a convenient update to any home. Imagine never having to worry about a physical key when you leave or come home. When deciding whether traditional, keyed locks or a lock with newer technology suits you best, consider the following questions:
- What’s your budget? Although individual prices vary according to finish and manufacturer, keyed locks often cost less than high-tech smart locks. If you want a top-rated smart lock with all the bells and whistles, you may have to spend more to get the lock you want.
- Is your door compatible with an electronic lock? If your door is misaligned so that your current locks don’t operate smoothly without you positioning the door (pushing, pulling, lifting, etc.) or if the latches or bolts don’t seat fully, your door or door frame will need some work before an electronic lock will function properly.
- What are your design requirements? Traditional keyed locksets sometimes come in more style and finish options that can be matched to existing door hardware for a cohesive look. However, you can retrofit some existing hardware with smart technology and get the best of both options.
- How often are you locked out? If you or someone in your household is prone to misplacing keys, a smart lock that operates with a smartphone or keyless lockset with a programmable access code can prevent expensive calls to a locksmith.
- How often do you need to grant access to your home? Some electronic locks allow you to create temporary access codes for guests and maintenance professionals or open your door remotely.
- Do you have a smart home system, or are you considering one? Smart locksets can be controlled through a smartphone app, and many integrate with other home-automation systems.
Get the facts on traditional locksets, knobs, handles and deadbolts and learn about different types, features and finishes with our door hardware guide.
Choosing a Good Smart Lock or Electronic Lock
An electronic door lock works by receiving a signal that causes an electric motor to extend or retract the bolt or latch. Depending on the lock type, the signal to lock or unlock can be delivered by different methods, including:
- An electronic device or fob near the lock
- A signal from a smartphone
- An access code you enter on a keypad
- A fingerprint
- A smart home system
Electronic locks are available in many types, including knobs, handles, handlesets and deadbolts.
When looking for an electronic lock, keep in mind that the term “electronic lock” can refer to either
a smart lock or an electronic-powered lock that simply operates without requiring a key but has no smart compatibility or smart features. Finding the best electronic lock for your home depends largely on the features and functionality you want.
If you have a smart home hub already, look for a lock that uses the same protocol. If you're considering other smart devices to build out a smart home, find out the technology those devices work with and shop for a lock that's compatible.
Standard Electronic Locks
A standard electronic lock is often a keypad door lock that operates when a user enters a numeric code. There’s often a button on the keypad that locks the door as well, but many models have a manual knob or latch on the interior of the door that you can use to operate the lock from the inside. You can usually operate the lock with a key as well. These locks don’t offer the options and flexibility of smart locks, like digital door locks, but they’re the more economical option and often easier to install since they require less configuration.
Smart Locks
Smart locks offer connectivity with other devices via Wi-Fi, Z-wave or Bluetooth. This means you can operate them with a smartphone or as part of a smart home system. A smart-compatible lock will have more features than a standard electronic lock but will cost more and have a more complex setup and configuration. A smart lock for doors might be a good fit for your home if you're already accustomed to using your phone to control your household's daily tasks.
Pros and Cons of Electronic Door Locks
Depending on the model, electronic smart locks offer features you won’t find in standard manual locks:
- They can operate as part of a smart home system.
- They can automatically lock your doors when the security system is armed.
- They can disarm your security system when you unlock a door.
- They can trigger the operation of lights, heating and cooling appliances, and sound systems.
- You can open the door with your fingerprint.
- You can keep track of who unlocks the door.
- You can remotely operate your locks from a mobile device or computer.
- You can set access codes for guests or service personnel that expire after a set period of time.
- You can receive text notifications when someone enters your home.
- You can get alerts when someone tampers with the lock or attempts forced entry.
However, there are some factors to consider when deciding if an electronic or smart lock is right for you:
- It’ll usually be more expensive than a traditional lock.
- It may be difficult for family members or guests to operate.
- The lock requires power, so you’ll need to remember to change batteries periodically. Models that connect to a smart hub or Wi-Fi router will lose some functionality during power outages.
- Some require periodic software or firmware updates.
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To get the full benefit of a smart lock, you’ll need a compatible smart home hub.
Safety and Security With Smart Locks and Electronic Locks
From a hardware standpoint, electronic locks offer a similar level of security as manual locks. Look for security ratings from the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) expressed in letters (A is best) and numeric ratings from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) (1 is best) to compare the security ratings among locks.
Electronic locks offer peace of mind you may not have with a standard lock:
- With smart locks for doors, you don’t have to worry about losing a key and an intruder finding it.
- You can provide access to guests without worrying about an intruder finding a hidden key.
Electronic locks have available features that help improve your safety and security, resisting hacking and attempts to crack a passcode:
- Some devices let you generate and cancel multiple codes easily. Different codes for different users allow you to keep track of who’s entering your home. Temporary codes allow you to provide access for guests or service personnel and expire the codes when they’re no longer needed.
- Some devices can integrate with an existing security system.
- Some devices offer security features to resist hacking, such as 128-bit advanced encryption standard (AES) encryption and software that uses two-factor authentication to access an account.
Finally, there are things you can do to minimize security risks:
- Use long, complex passwords and change them regularly.
- Change passcodes regularly. Aside from this being a generally good security practice, if you have a keypad door lock, changing the code frequently reduces the likelihood of creating a wear pattern that makes it easier to guess a code.
- Keep all software and firmware updated.
- Follow standard home-security practices with systems such as outdoor security lighting, security cameras and a security system.
Do Smart Locks Work Without Wi-Fi?
Some smart locks use your home Wi-Fi to connect to a smart home hub. To get full use of the functionality and features of these locks, they must be connected to Wi-Fi. However, while you won’t be able to operate them remotely or use automated features, there will still be a means to lock and unlock your doors if your power goes out or if there’s a problem with your Wi-Fi network.
Bluetooth smart locks usually don’t require a Wi-Fi connection, so you can expect these locks to work fully without Wi-Fi.
Standard electronic locks don’t require Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Since they operate by means of a keypad or manual interior knob or latch, they don’t require connectivity.