Forget about the old and heavy keys you had to carry everywhere if you wanted to open the door of your house. Finally, technology is opening doors. Today we present a simpler method for when you want to enter or leave your home: a digital lock. Read on and find out how to buy the model you need.
First, what exactly is a Digital Lock?
No one thought that intelligent home appliances would reach this level, but luckily, they did it effectively and efficiently. What a digital lock gets you is control over the wave of your doors. Through your phone, you can open and close the front door of your house, for instance.
More than that, they facilitate things. For example, if you are carrying bags from the market or your minor child, it isn’t easy to search in your bag for the key. With digital locks, you just must take out your mobile and check the lock status to proceed. That’s what it does: Transform your entries and exits into a technological doing.
Characteristics of a digital lock
Many of these tools have a wide variety of distinctive features. Look at them and get closer to the future of house entrances.
- Home automation: They have a hub to provide this modern transformation.
- Compatibility with smartphones: Through the application, you can monitor, control and even receive a history of the digital lock.
- Remote control: Not all locks have this, so it’s crucial to ensure this feature is built in before buying one.
- Quick lock: This is a handy feature since you can open the door with a touch or while getting closer.
But it’s more important feature is the integration of a security system. With this system in the lock, you will obtain a more protected home.
What to look for in a digital lock?
To get your dream digital lock, you must learn about its diverse types. The question to answer is what method works best for you. Let’s see what they can offer us depending on the type:
- Bluetooth compatibility: With it, you can unlock the door automatically within a specific range.
- Biometric: Fingerprint entry, that’s all to be said.
- RFDI: It allows using a card or a special key ring to open the door.
- Keyboard: Basically, you only need a code to unlock the door. Besides, you can assign a unique code to differentiate the people who enter.
- Wi-Fi connection: A Wi-Fi connectivity hub produces statistics of who is opening or closing the door.
But the two big differentiative systems are Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Each method has its advantages. One main characteristic of the first one is that it doesn’t drain your battery as quickly. Also, you don’t need a hub. That’s a big plus if you want a smart home with all its conveniences.
On the other hand, Wi-Fi permits you to control the device from anywhere if you have an Internet connection. This translates into remotely locking or unlocking, generating new access codes or users, and checking the lock’s status. Finally, there’s integration with Alexa and Google Assistant.
The 5 best digital locks
There are many alternatives on the market, all of which are different. We understand how difficult it is to search through all the home technology gadgets today. For this reason, we bring you the best smart lock options available on the market.
Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro Wi-Fi Smart Deadbolt
This is one of the most reliable and versatile options you will get. The Ultraloq device is innovative as it only needs your voice or fingerprint to lock and unlock the door. You can also use the keyboard or your phone. It’s all in one.
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is a rather elegant version for users who want a modern, easy-to-install device. It has various functions within its framework, and an automatic lock/unlock. On the other hand, it is compatible with Alexa, Google, IFTTT, HomeKit, and many other services.
Schalge Encode Plus Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt
This option is for Apple users with Apple HomeKit devices. Thanks to this compatibility, it can unlock the door through an iPhone or an Apple Watch. It is sturdy, it has a built-in alarm, and its installation is simple and fast. In addition, this device comes with a touch screen that is just fantastic.
Eufy Smart Lock Touch & Wi-Fi
When it comes to multiple methods of opening a door, the efficiency of the Eufy will surprise you. This digital lock allows you to open the door with your voice, fingerprint, mobile device, or keys. As its name suggests, it also has built-in Wi-Fi, which works seamlessly with Google Assistant and Alexa.
Lockly Vision Doorbell Camera Smart Lock
And finally, we want to present you with a modern and safe option that will always protect your home. This intelligent lock comes equipped with a video doorbell, so you can see or talk to the person on the other end. You can use a fingerprint, touch panel, voice control, or access key.
Few things to consider before installing a digital lock
There are certain things that you must consider before acquiring any digital lock, presented (or not) in the upper list:
- Always check that you use quality batteries.
- Check that the new digital lock and knob have enough clearance, especially if the door has large moldings.
- If the house or apartment is for rent, remember to notify the owner to avoid any inconvenience.
Finally, consider that these smart locks won’t work in a power outage. Some of them, indeed, can create a backup in an emergency. However, it’s better to have a backup plan for you and your family, whether there’s no electricity or just a malfunction.
It’s all about the greatest security
It may seem like an unnecessary artifact, but digital locks make life easier and provide greater security. With them, it’s possible to know when your children arrive from school or if they forgot to lock the door. This technology keeps you both informed and protected.
