If you’re looking to modernize the locks you currently have, we highly reccomend taking a look at the top smart locks that are on the market today.

Keys are something that belongs only to the 20th century. Today, an intelligent locking system offers both the security and flexibility and allows you to control access to your home with your Smartphone. Additionally, installation of a smart lock is usually quick and easy.

A smart lock is possibly the most important part of a really smart and connected home. Not only will it allow you to come and go at any time, it will also control who enters and leaves your home while you are away.

Some models also give you the possibility to use your Smartphone to open and close doors. Some of the best smart locks today even allow you to assign special privileges to friends, family or maintenance staff.

Others can be activated by voice commands or through other devices and home automation services.

There are certain times where owning a smart lock is ideal. For example if you have properties you rent out, you will be able to give tenants access without too much work.

Here are some of the main things to consider when deciding to purchase a smart lock, along with a review of the high end models we have tested:

Price

One of the first things you will want to keep in mind is how much it will cost you to update your traditional lock.

After all, an intelligent lock will most likely cost a lot more than a standard lock, which can be found at any hardware store. You can find some clever locks in the $ 100 range (but no minimum specifications to enter this list), so if you want a lock that can be controlled from anywhere, with features such as Voice, email and email notifications, along with sabotage alarms, you should consider a price range that ranges from $200-$300.

Installation

None of the smart locks we tested are especially difficult to install, but some are easier than others. If your new lock comes with an inner shield (the housing mounts inside the door) and an exterior component (usually a touch panel or a cylinder with a key). you will probably have to completely remove the old lock.

This includes the locking mechanism and the door plate before the new device can be installed.

The good news is that most smartlocks use pre-drilled holes so you do not have to worry about drilling new ones. In addition, there are clever locks available that attach to the inside of the door and are designed to use the cylinder and key lock installed previously. Either way, you should not take more than 10-25 minutes to install a smart lock.

Characteristics

Features vary with each smart lock. Many smart locks offer a mobile application that allows them to lock and unlock the doors with a simple touch of an icon.

Some offer a web application that allows you to control the locks from your desktop computer or your laptop.

Most applications allow you to add users permanently, or temporarily, and set access times for certain days and times.

Technology

If the smart lock is enabled with Bluetooth, it will have to be within range (about 40 feet) to connect with it and unlock it. While the locks with Wi-Fi function can be controlled from almost anywhere as long as it is connected to your router.

Another thing you can do is make sure your smart lock provides activity logs, so you can check who has entered your house and at what times and days.

The latest smart locks offer features like voice activation, geofencing, and self-locking features.

Voice activation, locking and unlocking the doors is as easy as it sounds; Simply tell the phone “open the door”, and the lock will be deactivated. However, you will have to pronounce the words clearly so that voice activation is effective.

With the geofencing system, you will never have to worry if you closed the door of your house. Once the mobile app is used to set up a perimeter around your house, the location services of your phone will track your exact location. When you leave the perimeter the lock will automatically lock behind you. Similarly, an automatic lock function will lock the lock automatically after it has been unlocked for a specific period of time.

Other features to keep in mind include keyless touch panels for those times when you do not have your phone or keys, forced entry alarms warn you of possible theft, and text and email notifications let you know what is Happening in real time.

Integration

Some locks are also integrated with other home devices, such as Amazon’s Alexa, Apple’s HomeKit. For example, you can program locks to open doors when a smoke alarm is triggered, or certain smart lights turn on when a door is unlocked.

Below, we present the smart locks that we have selected in this opportunity as the best on the market today.

The Smart Locks:

August Smart Lock

Rating: Excellent

Advantages

Easy to install. Elegant. Direct application. It works as advertised.

Disadvantages

Expensive. Certain delay in unlocking the lock.

Conclusion

The August Smart Lock is a door lock that uses Bluetooth technology to lock and unlock the door using your smartphone. It is very easy to install and easy to handle.

It is one of the best alternatives present in the market today.

You can find the August Smart Lock on Amazon here.

LockState LS-500I RemoteLock Wi-Fi Door Lock

Rating: Excellent

Advantages

Easy to install. Notifications via email and SMS. Supports web, iOS and Android.

Disadvantages

Expensive. Mobile applications have limited functionality. Requires a small monthly subscription.

Conclusion

The LockState LS-5001 RemoteLock Wi-Fi Lock smart lock lets you lock and unlock the door, manage access, and control the comings and goings from almost anywhere using your existing Wi-Fi network. It is easy to install and works beautifully, but its mobile applications are not at all optimum, it also requires an annual subscription fee.

You can find the Lockstate Remote Lock on Amazon here.

Schlage Sense

Rating: Excellent

Advantages

Easy to install. It has a very well designed application. Includes an anti-tamper alarm. It is compatible with the Siri voice assistant.

Disadvantages

Expensive. It only works with IOS devices.

Conclusion

The Schlage Sense Smart Lock lets you use your iPhone to lock and unlock access doors, program codes, and set access lists. A very good choice.

You can find the Schlage Sense on Amazon here.

Schlage Century Touchscreen Deadbolt Lock (BE469NX CEN619)

Rating: Very good

Advantages

It allows the opening with a key and without a key. It incorporates a sound manipulation alarm. Easy to install and program.

Disadvantages

Expensive. Requires third-party driver for Z-Wave remote access. Noisy.

Conclusion

The Schlage Century smart touchscreen lock is a stylish electronic lock that offers Z-Wave wireless capabilities, and keyless entry and keyless entry. It’s a bit noisy, and like most smart locks, it’s expensive.

You can find the Century Touchscreen lock on Amazon here

Yale Real Living Z-Wave Touchscreen Deadbolt Lock (YRD 240)

Rating: Very good

Advantages

Easy installation. Nice design. Voice guided instructions.

Disadvantages

Expensive. It does not have a dedicated application.

Conclusion

The smart Yale Real Living Z-Wave touchscreen lock is a stylish looking motorized door lock with plenty of easy-to-use features, but it’s expensive and requires a third-party application and a network driver to handle it Remote

You can find the Yale Touchscreen Lock on Amazon here.