With the best smart locks, you can leave home without worrying about losing or misplacing your keys. You may even be able to enter with just a few swipes from your phone. These high-tech devices ensure that all of our necessities are within arm’s reach when we need them most.
The future of home ownership just got easier with the introduction of smart locks, which means that you no longer need to worry about losing keys or fumbling for them when reaching your front door. Simply hold up your smartphone and enter without any hassle.
A smart door lock is an electronic locking device that replaces the traditional key-and-lock system used on most doors. Smart door locks can be opened and closed using a mobile app, a keycard, or a key fob. They can also be configured to send notifications when someone unlocks or locks the door.
Smart door locks can be operated via a centrally located keypad or touchscreen, and typically come with push buttons that allow temporary access to visitors. The lock can also be configured to work with an existing smart home system like Google Home and Amazon Alexa. Some models may include features such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, geofencing capabilities, and integration with IFTTT.
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What to consider when buying a smart lock
When looking for a smart lock, you’ll want to consider the following:
Bluetooth vs. Wi-Fi connectivity: Many people own smartphones, but it isn’t always guaranteed that your smartphone will connect to your home internet via Wi-Fi. If you opt for a standard Bluetooth smart lock that does not rely on Wi-Fi to work, it means the lock won’t be able to connect to your home Wi-Fi network. This is especially an issue if you have an Android smartphone as it doesn’t support Bluetooth Smart Ready technology, whereas Apple iPhones should work with most locks.
Wi-Fi locks with bridge: If you opt for a smart lock that uses Wi-Fi, it’ll work best if you also purchase a bridge. A bridge enables the lock to connect to your home internet network even though it is outside of Bluetooth range, allowing it to be controlled through an app on your smartphone even when you’re not physically at the property.
Remote control: Whether or not a smart lock can be controlled remotely is another feature to consider. Some locks depend on Wi-Fi connectivity, which means you’ll need to purchase a bridge as well. However, if you opt for Bluetooth technology and do not purchase a bridge, the lock can only be controlled remotely when it has a direct line of sight to your smartphone.
The Bluetooth signal is not strong enough to travel through walls, meaning that you might not be able to control the door from another room in the house or outside in the garden.
Battery power: Many smart locks are powered by batteries, but some also support mains power. If you opt for a smart lock that uses batteries, it might not be ideal if the batteries run out and need recharging when you’re away from home. This is because some locks do not support rechargeable batteries; instead, they require disposable batteries which will need to be replaced once they go flat.
Digital assistant: Some smart locks also come with a digital assistant built-in, such as Apple’s Siri or Amazon’s Alexa. Although this might not be an essential feature for some people, it could be very useful if your hands are full and you want to ask the lock to open without having to use your smartphone.
There are a lot of different smart locks on the market, so it can be tough to decide which one is the best for your needs. We’ve compiled a list of the top five smart locks, based on features, convenience and price. Check it out to see which one is right for you.
The Best Smart Locks NZ
1. Lockly: Vision Smart Lock + Video Doorbell 
The Lockly Vision Smart Lock is a high-definition video doorbell that streams real-time, high-resolution video to your smartphone. It features 3D fingerprint access and is iOS and Android compatible. It works with iOS and Android devices. The touch screen makes it easy to unlock the door, and the DIY installation means you can have it up and running in no time.
2. Lockly: Secure Plus Deadbolt lock
The Lockly : Secure Plus Deadbolt lock is a top-of-the-line security solution that offers a variety of features to make your home as secure as possible. The lock is Bluetooth-enabled and can be activated or deactivated with your smartphone. It also has Wi-Fi Hub compatibility in case you want to use it with other smart home devices. You can also use your fingerprint to unlock the door, and the lock will automatically unlock when you approach it.
If you need to give someone access to your home for a short period, you can generate a temporary code that they can use. You can also control the lock remotely if you need to let someone in while you’re away.
3. Yale Smart Assure SL Smart Hub & Door Sensor
The Lockly Secure Plus Latch Lock is a high-security lock that can be controlled with your smartphone. It features fingerprint ID, Wi-Fi hub compatibility, and Bluetooth connectivity. You can also use the included Pin Genie keypad or the hidden mechanical key to unlock the door. The Smart Home Integration feature allows you to control who has access to your home and when they are away. You can also give temporary access codes to guests, or grant them full remote access from anywhere in the world.
4. Lockly Secure Plus Latch Lock
The Yale Smart Assure SL digital lock deadbolt is a great smart lock. It has a sleek key-free design and being battery powered it doesn’t require any hard-wiring. It’s also very robust and secure, with a touchscreen keypad that makes it easy to access. Installation is simple, and one-touch locking ensures your security.
5. Schlage: Encode Smart Lock Deadbolt
The Schlage Encode offers easy setup, compatibility with Amazon Alexa voice activation, and an array of security features including WiFi-enabled keyless entry that allows you to lock or unlock your door from anywhere. It also has a low battery indicator and a built-in alarm.
FAQ’s
Do smart locks have a monthly fee?
No, there is no monthly fee for the use of a smart lock. The Smart Lock can be added to an existing system and accessed through the app without a subscription.
Can you break into a smart lock?
No, but only if the lock is installed correctly, its software has been taken care of and you keep your passwords safe. As always, wireless technology comes with potential risks due to hacking. Not so with smart locks! They can be hacked but are near impossible to break into if they have the latest firmware updates and are installed accordingly.
Do smart locks work without Wi-Fi?
Smart locks are designed to work without Wi-Fi, but they may not be as effective. Wi-Fi is used to connect the lock to your phone or another device, so if you don’t have Wi-Fi, you won’t be able to use the lock.
Can I install a smart lock myself?
The installation process will depend on what type of lock you’re installing and where you plan to install it. For example, if the door doesn’t pose any difficult issues like front doors with sidelights or transoms; pocket doors; side-swinging garage doors (ones that open inward); or sliding glass patio doors (if there are no corners) can all be installed easily. You may also want to install an additional keeper bolt above your door for added assistance in holding the weight of the frame, eliminating sagging due to heavier security locks.