Which smart lock is OK for you? This guide will help you to decide which smart lock to purchase. We have compiled a list of questions that you must ask before you get your credit card.
Why do I need a smart lock? This is a fundamental question. CNET’s popular technical review points five reasons why you might need smart lock:
- convenience
- stylish solution
- easy access for guests
- improved security
- access to the physical key as a backup
In addition, the traditional lock is, so to speak, “blind” and “silent”. It cannot “see” your guests, you must physically manage it and cannot receive notifications if something unwanted happens. Maybe smart locking is not for everyone, but most consumers still value the added security, convenience and control.
Should Smart Lock have a camcorder? Video allows visual verification — the ability to visually identify your guests. Smart locks can also be equipped with a motion sensor that triggers streaming video to a smartphone when a visitor approaches your door. A high resolution camera allows you to see exactly who is in your home.
The visual component of a smart lock can be especially useful for owners who:
- rent their homes and want to remotely greet guests
- want to let people serve them at home when they’re not around
- want to track how their loved ones enter and leave home to be sure of their safety
Another important factor when choosing a smart lock is fault tolerance and backup: will your smart lock work if something goes wrong?
- power outage
- low battery
- uncharged phone
- severe weather
All these cases are common, but if your smart lock lacks stability, you can be locked up at home. To avoid this, look for a smart lock that works in tandem with a backup of the physical key.
Another important aspect is flexibility. Will the device adapt to the many use cases it encounters?
What do we mean:
- Your hands may be full of products
- Your children may come home before you
- You may have to greet guests while not at home.
- In the end, you can sip a cocktail on the beach and receive delivery at this time.
Does your smart lock allow access when you need it most? The bottom line is that your smart lock should fit your lifestyle. Therefore, when you choose the best smart lock for yourself, try not to be distracted by all the bells and whistles and focus on what will truly make your life more secure and convenient. Has it access to the application? Or the opportunity to provide a unique PIN entry upon request?
The next important question is: is your door compatible with a smart lock? After all, the last thing you want to do is buy a beautiful lock and find out that it does not fit your door. Be sure to study the door size requirements of your smart lock before buying, or find an option that fits all physical doors.
What type of wireless connection should Smart Lock use?
There are various ways to connect your lock to the network, including WiFi, Bluetooth, Z-Wave and ZigBee. What makes sense to you?
WiFi: access from anywhere in the world, but this requires more battery power
Bluetooth: limited by short range but low power consumption
Z-Wave and ZigBee: less power than WiFi, longer range than Bluetooth, but requires additional technology to work
Finally, Bluetooth, Z-Wave and ZigBee require an additional control center, which you need to purchase and place in your smart home. So, with regard to wireless communications, consider your preferences for range and power, and this should help you make a decision.
Here are three quick ways to understand that you are making the best purchase decision:
- Read stories in customer reviews. Are customers satisfied with the convenience and safety of the device? Did the device break down, fail, or malfunction, leaving owners in a difficult position?
- Explore product design. What material is it from? Is the device tested in the field? If possible, order the device for a test period. One day of smart lock in your hands will tell you more than glossy photos.
- Explore who the manufacturer is. Does the product development team have experience developing hardware and technology products? A mixed team with security experts and technical innovators is a good sign.
Do I need to buy an All-in-One smart lock or a system with separate devices?
This last question in the decision-making process is whether you should purchase an all-in-one universal smart lock or break up a security system by buying one device at a time. The all-in-one device will be simpler: once installed — and use. But it will cost more. A phased system will make your first purchase easier, but ultimately you will need more money to build a home security suite. On the other hand, you can choose an individual configuration.