Best smart locks to secure your home with
Never worry about misplacing your keys again. We’ve looked into the best digital locks to protect your home with.
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If your key ring looks anything like mine, it’s laden with a mailbox key, the key to your parents’ place, the key your boyfriend-now-husband first gave you to his place when you started dating - no, just me? - and a gym pass, all making locating your house key a mission at the end of the day.
Fortunately, there is another, more convenient, more secure way.
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Digital or smart locks use either security codes, fingerprints, your smartphone - or a combination of all three - as a means for locking or unlocking your door. Not only do you never have to utter, “have you seen my keys?” ever again, but innovative features like activity logs, built-in alarms and more make them an added layer of security for peace of mind.
BEST SMART LOCKS GUIDE
ULTRALOQ U-Bolt Pro Smart Lock, Amazon Australia, $249.99
As far as smart locks go, there’s not a feature that hasn’t been thought of when it comes to the ULTRALOQ U-Bolt. A fast and accurate fingerprint reading capability means that entry to your home is possible with ease; while an anti-peep keypad allows you to hide your passcode in amongst other digits, so any onlookers will be unable to make out the number and order of digits that count. Hands full? Another brilliant feature of this lock is that when your paired smartphone is near, the lock will automatically unlock; and when you depart, automatically lock.
With dozens of five-star reviews, you can be assured of this lock’s effectiveness. One reviewer loved that multiple fingerprints can be registered, saying, “So convenient to unlock doors without a key and to be able to give access to friends who stay over without having to work out how to give them a key.”
Their review ended with a resounding vote of confidence, saying, “Would buy more if I had more doors to install them on!”
Samsung Deadbolt A30 Smart Lock, Bing Lee, $569
If you’re looking for seamless smart home integration, it’s hard to look past this fingerprint-recognition model from tech innovators, Samsung. This smart lock can be controlled via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Samsung SmartThings; so even when your partner is pulling into the driveway, it’s possible for you to unlock the door for them without getting up from the couch.
Guests crashing over late? Send or schedule one-time-use PIN codes to be sent to their phones; and monitor from your phone in real-time, to ensure they, and only they, have used it.
Nuki Smart Door Lock & Sensor, Dick Smith, $499
Boasting a minimalist design that is easily installed and coexists with your existing lock set up, the Nuki Smart Door Lock and Sensor turns your smartphone into a smart key. Simply pair with your phone - or smartwatch! - and tap for entry into your home as you would tap onto public transport ie. with ease. Hands full? Turn Auto Unlock on and gain entry just from being nearby.
This smart lock can be controlled via Amazon Alexa, Google Home and other smart assistants - offer access to guests remotely - and even keeps an activity log of when your door has been accessed, and by who.
A peek at reviews on Google reveal the extent of this lock’s popularity. Sitting just shy of a five-star rating with dozens of reviews, this innovation in home security has secured glowing reviews like, “...it bridges the gap between convenience and security that most modern locks neglect.”
“With so many interesting features and an app that makes the transition so easy, this is a product that will stand the test of time.”
Samsung Smart Bluetooth Mortise Lock, Bing Lee, $399
Another winning entry from Samsung, this top-rated smart lock replaces your run-of-the-mill door handle with enhanced security and convenience in one. Never worry about onlookers guessing your security code, with the ability to hide the sequence in amongst random digits; and keep track of children’s coming and goings with push notifications and an activity log alerting you to their whereabouts (parents with teenagers, I’m looking at you).
With the security of your home and family on the line, you’ll be comforted to know that every Samsung Digital Doorlock is put through extensive safety and quality certification tests, including for strength, fire escape - even electric shocks.
One five-star review stated, “Great that you can go out without keys or allow access for your kids without the hassle of them losing a key. Notifications are great too, especially when kids use it to let you know that they’re home.”
Ultraloq UL1 Bluetooth Fingerprint & Key Fob Smart Lock, Dick Smith, $385
Be still, my minimalism-loving heart. This streamlined smart lock provides one-touch fingerprint access to any door its affixed to; also featuring a contactless key fob which enables access for any children or guests without smartphones or Bluetooth connectivity.
Constructed from weather resistant, zinc alloy-cased metal, this door handle is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Plus, unlike many other smart locks, this smart handle is easily installed without the cost and inconvenience of hiring a professional tradesperson.
CAN SMART LOCKS BE HACKED?
A cause for hesitation when installing a smart lock is the perception of possible hacking by intruders. Fortunately, smart lock engineers and manufacturers have come a long way from the first days of this innovation hitting the market. Features including the ability to hide security codes in a randomised sequence of digits; the thorough testing against electric shocks; and push notifications to alert of failed entry attempts, ensuring the security of your home against unwanted intruders.
ARE SMART LOCKS EASY TO INSTALL?
The ease of installation relies on the model you choose. All-in-one locks and handle are often easiest to install, with deadbolt and handle lever already in-line with existing latch bores.
Secure your home further with the latest innovations in home surveillance cameras; then up the cosy factor with the best electric heaters to save you money, and the top stick vacuums to keep things spick and span.
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