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Best Smart Locks Compared
Smart locks offer a simple solution to a variety of problems. Not only do they help avoid forgetting keys, but they also provide home automation, enhance home security, and keep you informed about who has access to your front door.
Smart locks are most effective when used with the best home security systems, but they can also be used as standalone products. However, when purchasing a smart lock, you’ll need to consider several factors; the type of door you have, your budget, and any desired features will all influence the best smart lock for your home.
With this in mind, our experts have compiled some of the best smart door locks available in the UK so you can make an informed decision about your home’s security.
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Best DIY Service
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Key Features for Smart Locks
Budget
Smart locks come with a wide range of prices. Consider the features that are important to you and how they will fit within your budget.
Features
Features like geofencing, auto-locking, biometric support, tamper alerts, and ease of use can enrich the user experience and make your home more secure.
Connectivity
Smart integration with smart assistants such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit can make your smart lock easier to manage and access.
Reliability
High-quality, reliable smart locks ensure peace of mind and ongoing protection, with confidence that the device will perform its job effectively.
Customer Support
Effective customer support can be crucial if you encounter troubleshooting issues or need assistance.
Best Smart Locks Compared
Yale Conexis L2: Best General Smart Lock
The Yale Conexis L2 lock can be purchased in five colors (white, black, polished nickel, chrome, and polished brass). Price: £289.99. Lock type: lever replacement. Keypad: No. Number of codes: five virtual keys, with the option to purchase additional credits. Unlock mechanism: key card, phone tag, and mobile app unlocking. App: Yes. Smart integration: Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
Pros: Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Supports multiple unlocking mechanisms. Sleek and mature design.
Cons: No manual override. Does not support Apple HomeKit. Not recommended for DIY installation if you are a beginner.
Overview of Yale Conexis L2
The Yale Conexis L2 provides a comprehensive smart lock experience, with multiple supported unlocking mechanisms for ease of use. Virtual keys can be sent for simple access, with a key card and key fob included in the box. There are no subscription fees required, so you are not tied to any monthly or monitoring fees, although you will need to purchase additional virtual keys if you need more than the five provided.
Yale has earned the British Standards Institution (BSI) Internet of Things (IoT) Kitemark for the Conexis L2, demonstrating that it has achieved the highest level of security for internet-connected products. It features encrypted Bluetooth technology and tamper alerts, providing an additional deterrent for anyone attempting to gain access to the door without permission. Through the Yale app – available for both iOS and Android – you receive instant notifications if the door is opened unexpectedly, as well as the ability to unlock the door from anywhere in the world when connected to the Yale smart lock unit, for an additional £39.
Solves
This smart lock replaces your current lock on your door, and our research has shown that the process can be challenging. If you’re uncomfortable installing the door handle yourself, Yale offers installation for the Yale Smart Lock, but it will cost you an additional £149.99. If you prefer, you can also hire a third-party professional to install the lock to reduce costs. The lock operates on four AA batteries but can be connected to a 12-volt battery if the battery runs out. It’s worth noting that there is no manual override option for the Conexis L2, meaning that if the batteries are dead, there’s no way to use the smart lock. We recommend using the Yale Conexis in properties with alternative access points, such as a back door, to avoid being locked out if something malfunctions.
Our View
Owners who value a high level of security will appreciate the various security features of the Yale Conexis L2; instant notifications, an integrated alarm, and multiple unlocking mechanisms provide a high level of protection and flexibility.
However, due to the lack of a manual override option, you will need to monitor the battery, as there is no way to use the smart lock with a traditional key. To mitigate this issue, we recommend having a 12-volt battery on hand in case the battery runs out unexpectedly or using it in a home that has alternative access routes.
Igloohome Deadbolt 2S: Best Smart Lock for Airbnb
The Igloohome Deadbolt 2S is specifically designed for wooden doors and sits above the door handle to increase the security of your home. Igloohome claims this is the world’s thinnest smart lock; at 17mm thick for the front panel, its sleek and mature design is an unobtrusive choice for any home. Although it is an outdoor product, Igloohome recommends installing this smart lock in shaded areas with limited exposure to rain, due to its IP65 certification for water and dust resistance.
The Igloohome app – available for both iOS and Android – can be used to unlock the door, set PIN codes, and manage active users. One drawback is that the app does not indicate when the door is unlocked, and there is no option for re-locking the mechanism or geo-fencing to configure the lock based on your location. However, it can be used to create PIN and Bluetooth keys, with the ability to generate up to 199 keys, and it can automatically re-lock once the door is closed.
There is no support for Google Assistant or Apple HomeKit – though Amazon Alexa is supported via Wi-Fi interface – and there’s no way to know who used the door due to the lack of push notifications. However, it can be connected to an Airbnb host account, allowing you to create access for guests without needing to meet them in person.
Our View
The auto-lock capability, guest access, and Airbnb integration make the Igloohome Deadbolt 2S a reliable option for Airbnb hosts. However, the lack of specific features – such as tamper alarms or geo-fencing – may make it underwhelming for homeowners seeking a high level of security.
Ultion Nuki Review: Best Smart Lock for Security
The companies Nuki and Ultion, the two biggest names in the door security industry, have teamed up to create the Ultion Nuki smart lock, which can be installed on existing fixtures without the need for drilling or wiring, making it ideal for DIY enthusiasts. It comes with a traditional key but can also be opened via geo-fencing – a type of GPS technology that can detect when your phone is nearby – and a manual override. Fingerprint and key add-ons can also be purchased for an additional £166.
Design
- the owners who prefer DIY installation and actual keys appreciate the Ultion Nuki smart lock. Although the keypad and key attachments increase the starting price from £348 to £514, they enhance accessibility by offering more unlocking features and the ability to store up to 100 fingerprints, creating an overall user experience.
- It works with Apple HomeKit and IFTTT – although it requires a wifi bridge to access Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant – allowing control from other smart home environments. If you are comfortable with the high price, the Ultion Nuki is one of the best overall smart door locks for those who place a high value on security.
Nuki Smart Lock (4th Generation): Best Smart Lock for DIY Installation
The fourth version of the Nuki Smart Lock is also available in a Pro version, which comes with additional features but raises the price from £149 to £245. The applicable style can be installed on existing European fixtures without the need for drilling or wiring, making it ideal for DIY enthusiasts. It comes with a traditional key but can also be opened via geofencing – a type of GPS technology that can detect when your phone is nearby – and a manual thumb turn. The fingerprint keypad and key can also be purchased for an additional £166.
The design of the Nuki Smart Lock is sleek and refined, resembling a traditional lock, so it will not attract any unwanted attention. The lock operates with an Ultion three-star PLUS lock system with the highest AV security rating, ensuring a safe experience when using a traditional key. The Nuki center features a thumb turn that can lock or unlock the door, with the option for manual operation via the disc.
When using the wireless fingerprint keypad, you can set up to 100 different codes and lock the door with a single button press. Codes can be set to expire at specific dates and times for an extra layer of protection, with access via fingerprint recognition. The key fob is set to unlock the door after two or three presses, ensuring the door does not accidentally open. The app – available on iPhone and Android devices – sends instant notifications when the door is opened or locked, featuring a clean and user-friendly interface, with options for auto-locking and granting guest access. It can also be used by Airbnb hosts to send guest access codes that expire at the end of their stay.
Our Opinion
Make ## the most of your security with the Ultion Nuki smart lock, which combines contemporary design with robust features for a seamless user experience.
support for Matter Nuki Smart Lock is a highly versatile device; with the integration of more devices and brands with the program, users will be able to link many devices to their smart lock and control them better than can be found in the traditional app.
However, due to the limitations of the basic model, homeowners would be better off investing in the Smart Lock Pro version, which costs £245. Compared to other smart locks, such as the SwitchBot Lock and the Yale Conexis L2, it has limited functionality but provides a straightforward way to enhance your home security.
SwitchBot Lock: Best Affordable Smart Lock
Owners looking to upgrade their home security at a reasonable cost will want to consider the SwitchBot Lock. While it lacks luxury features like geofencing and tamper alarms, the app – available on iPhone and Android – offers other customizable features that enhance the safety and security of your home.
The SwitchBot Lock can be purchased with multiple upgrades, notably the keypad and controller. When used with the controller, users can benefit from voice commands via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Watch, and Samsung SmartThings, remotely control the lock, and receive notifications whenever the lock is used. Purchasing the lock and controller together costs £164.99, rising to £264.98 with the touchscreen keypad.
Installing the SwitchBot Lock is a straightforward process; it is compatible with multiple door lock brands, including Baldwin, Kwikset, and Jimmy proof, without the need to update the current keyset. When using the keypad, it can be unlocked via an access code or fingerprint scan. Multiple passwords can be added to your account, and temporary passwords can be created to expire at a set time, along with one-time codes and emergency codes.
The SwitchBot Lock won the Red Dot Award 2022 for its easy installation, smart integration support, and instant notifications. The notification system uses bank-grade encryption (AES-128) to ensure your data’s security and prevent it from falling into the wrong hands.
Our Opinion
The SwitchBot Lock, when purchased as a standalone product, is an affordable smart lock that enhances security. If you’re looking for more protection and control, the keypad and controller are worthwhile additions that allow for more unlocking alternatives and insight into who enters and exits the home.
How Do Smart Locks Work?
Smart locks vary in features, but essentially they function like any regular lock with added smart functionalities. This is typically accomplished through built-in wifi or Bluetooth support, allowing users to connect their smart lock to their phones and potentially smart home systems.
Most smart locks offer multiple ways to access the home, such as digital keys, fingerprint sensors, NFC tags, cards, and passcodes. Some of the best smart locks take it a step further, offering instant notifications via smartphone, tampering alerts, and time-limited codes that expire upon use. Support for smart assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant/Google Home, and Apple HomeKit adds further functionality, enabling users to control their smart lock using various devices.
Overall, smart locks provide an additional layer of security while offering users more control and convenience.
What to Consider When Buying a Smart Lock?
There are multiple factors to consider when choosing a new smart lock. Here are some key features to keep in mind.
Cost
Prices vary
The costs of smart locks, unlike other smart home devices, smart locks rarely come with monthly subscriptions, meaning you’ll only need to consider the initial expenses when budgeting for your smart door lock.
Types
The type of front door you have will greatly impact the types of smart locks you can purchase. Check for smart locks that serve as a replacement for regular locks, lever locks, and whether they can be placed over regular locks or existing locks on your door.
Security
Smart locks come with a range of access solutions, including physical keys, fingerprint readers, digital keys, keyless entry, NFC tags, mobile passcodes, and more. Consider which access methods will best suit your home.
Compatibility
Some smart locks are compatible with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant/Google Home, Apple HomeKit, and Samsung SmartThings, giving you more control over your smart lock. Some locks can also integrate with smart home systems like Ring or Nest, making them ideal for anyone with existing smart home devices.
How to Install a Smart Lock
When installing a new smart lock, you’ll need to consider whether you want to get help from a professional or if you’d like to take a DIY approach. Some smart locks are easier to install than others, so check the manufacturer’s website for recommendations.
Before purchasing the lock, you’ll also need to understand the installation requirements. In some cases, this may require a deadbolt or a specific door material, such as wood. Some brands may require their smart locks to be tied to a home security system, so check if your current security system is compatible.
The exact process of installing a smart lock will depend on the brand and model, but in general, you’ll want to follow these steps:
- Prepare your current lock/lever
- Remove the existing mechanism if necessary
- Install the new mounting plate
- Install your new smart lock
- Connect any necessary wiring
- Use the appropriate app or home security system to ensure everything is functioning as expected
Some models, like the Nuki Smart Lock (Gen 4) and SwitchBot Lock, can be installed over the existing lock and secured with adhesive or a set of screws, making the process simpler. If you encounter issues installing your smart lock, check the manufacturer’s website for instructions and contact customer service if you need further assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Smart Locks
Can smart locks be hacked?
Like other types of technology, smart locks can be hacked under the right conditions. However, you can reduce the risk of your smart lock being hacked by following the same steps you would for other home security devices: trusted brands: While it may be tempting to choose the cheapest smart lock on the market, if the deal seems too good to be true, it may be from an untrusted brand. Make sure to buy a smart lock from a trusted brand; you can check this by looking
Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/advisor/home-security-systems/best-smart-locks
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