Home Automation: Best Smart Door Locks 2021
If you are looking to give your home or office an extra layer of security, we recommend that you look into getting a smart lock. There are several brands of smart locks out on the market, and today in this post we will be comparing the best smart door locks out there for 2021!
August Smart Lock + Connect
There are several different models of smart locks that August has to offer, so let’s go over some of their most popular models. The first model will be going over is the August Smart Lock + Connect.
This lock will allow you to remotely lock and unlock your August Smart Lock while on the go through the August app for smart phone devices.
Installation
One really cool feature about this particular lock is that it attaches to your existing deadbolt lock so you it makes the installation of this lock much easier than other smart locks. You simply place the August Smart Lock on the inside of your door where your deadbolt is located to make your lock a smart lock. This allows you to still be able to use the keys that are used for your existing deadbolt lock.
Connectivity
This Smart Lock + Connect works by connecting to your WIFI by using the WIFIbridge that is included in the package. It is powered by four double A batteries which are included with the lock as well, and through a 110-240V power source.
Features
When it comes to features, this lock does not disappoint. It’s packed full of features, and this is why is it so highly rated. You can create digital access codes for whomever you want to like to enter your home, keeping you from having to worry about your guests misplacing your keys. You can also set the lock to automatically lock and unlock when you arrive and exit your home. You can also use your August Smart Lock with Amazon’s Alexa or Google assistant which will allow you to control the lock via voice commands!
August Smart Lock Pro
The next lock we want to go over is the August Smart Lock Pro. This lock does not need the a WiFi bridge for it to connect to your home’s WiFi network because it has this technology built into the lock.
Installation
The August Smart Lock Pro installation works the same as the August Smart Lock + Connect, in which you place the August Smart Lock Pro onto your existing deadbolt lock on the inside of your home. The August Smart Lock Pro is also powered the same was as the August Smart Lock + Connect which is through a 110-240V power source and four double A batteries.
Features
The August Smart Lock Pro has the same great features as the August Smart Lock + Connect, but also includes Z-Wave technology which makes it more compatible with security and home automation hubs. It also works with a wider variety of virtual voice assistants such as Siri, and it will work really well with the Apple Home Kit. Just like the August Smart Lock, the August Smart Lock Pro can be controlled on the go through the August app.
Door Sense Technology
There are some other great features that we would love to share with you that both of these locks have. One of these features is what August calls Door Sense. Door Sense is a technology that will always alert you to when your door is closed and when your lock is unlocked or locked. August smart locks also use a two-way authentication factor that will provide you with top level security. They also include a lost phone feature that will disable all your virtual keys and any associated August products.
August App
Control of your August Smart Locks will be primarily through the August smartphone app. With the August app, you will be able to create and control custom user coders, receive event alerts, and unlock and lock your door. The app is free to download and use with your August smart locks.
Availability/Alternatives
If you are looking to purchase these locks you can do so through the August website directly or through any major electronic retailer. The August Smart Lock plus Connect will cost you $179 through the August website. The August Smart Lock Pro will cost you $199 through the August website. Pricing for these locks are pretty average when it comparing them to smart locks of roughly the same quality.
However, we recommend taking a look at our door lock offers at Link Interactive. With Link Interactive, you can integrate door locks from different brands to a central security system. Yale, Schlage and Kwikset are the big three door lock companies that we are compatible with. In terms of features, all three of these locks provide many more features than August smart locks.
Pros and Cons
We really like August smart locks due to the fact that they are placed on existing deadbolts which makes installation really easy. We also really like the features that they offer with their locks. The automatic locking and unlocking of your smart lock is one feature we know you are really going to love (available with our Kwikset, Yale and Schlage locks). It is really hard for us to find a flaw in August Smart Locks, but if there was one thing we didn’t care for when it comes to these locks is the fact they need two power sources to work.
So in this section we covered some of what August has to offer you when it comes to their smart locks. August makes high quality locks that are extremely popular with home security enthusiasts. They are easy to install and would make the perfect addition to your home or office security setup. If you want to find out more information on these smart locks you can visit the August website directly. If you would like to explore alternatives, visit our door lock offers by getting in touch from here.
Schlage
Now let’s take a look at Schlage and what they have to offer in the way of Z-Wave and WIFI enabled smart locks. Here’s a brief history of Schlage; Schlage has been in business for about 100 years now, with the company being founded in 1920. They main headquarters resided in San Francisco until about 1997. They decided to relocate their headquarters to Colorado Springs which is where they currently reside. Schlage started off making doorknobs, and have expanded since then to make a wide variety of locks, and now including smart locks.
Schlage Touch Keyless Touchscreen Deadbolt
The first smart lock we will be taking a look at is the Schlage Touch Keyless Touchscreen Deadbolt (with Century Trim). This lock has a deadbolt design that will easily fit between a front door that has a screen door. The Schlage Touch Keyless Touchscreen has a numeric touchscreen that has LED Down Lighting and will illuminate the numbers when needed. The touchscreen is fingerprint-resistant, and will work even if you’re wearing gloves. This lock is battery operated, with a 2-year battery life and comes with a 9V battery backup. Indicator lights on this lock will let you know when the battery is getting low. It is 100% pick-proof and bump-proof due to certified commercial grade 2 material. This locks allows you to create personalized user codes for different users of the lock.
Reviews
This particular model of lock is pretty highly rated. On Amazon users of this lock have given it a 4 out 5- star review with over 500 reviews posted about this lock. 71% percent of users gave this lock a 5-star review and seem to be happy with how easy it was to install along with the heavy-duty material that it is made of. Only 12% percent of users gave this lock a 1-star review and it seems that users had trouble with their locks failing after a certain period of time.
Schlage Connect Smart Deadbolt
The next lock we will be taking a look at is Schlage Connect Smart Deadbolt with Alarm. This lock has a built-in audible alarm designed to scare away any potential burglars. There are a few ways this smart lock can be locked and unlocked. Users of the Schlage Connect Smart Deadbolt lock can use a key or can unlock it by the touch of a button. This lock can also be controlled remotely and incorporates well with most security and home automation systems. The design of the Schlage Connect Smart Deadbolt lock is guaranteed to fit on existing, standard pre-drilled doors. Users simply just need to use a Phillips screwdriver to install this lock.
The Schlage Connect also includes a lever design which really gives a simplistic feel even though this lock is super smart. It has a touchscreen design with an illuminated keypad. It is made from grade 1 materials, which will give you the peace of mind that your smart lock isn’t easy to break. It is battery operated and powered by 4 double A batteries. It is wireless, so there is no need to run wires and disrupt the look of your home. The Schlage Smart Connect allows you to create multiple user codes so that you do not have to worry about sharing your personal code with whomever living or visiting your home.
Reviews
Schlage locks are highly rated locks, and the Schlage Connect Smart Deadbolt with Alarm is no different. This a newer lock so there are not so may reviews for it, but on Amazon this lock currently holds a 4 out 5-star review with about 100 reviews. 56% percent of users of this lock gave it a 5-star review and seem to be pleased with the numerous different features that this lock has to offer along with how long the quality of this lock last. Only 18% of users of this lock gave it a 1-star review and seem to be displeased with how this lock seem to go through batteries.
One of the reviewers also mentioned this specific model works really well with a Qolsys IQ Panel 2, which is a home security panel and one we use in our home automation packages at Link Interactive. To get pricing and more info on compatible door locks, check out our offer.
Apps and Voice Control
Now that we have a looked at some of the locks that Schlage has to offer, let’s briefly talk about some of the other features that consumers can do use/expect with their Schlage locks. Most of the newer models of Schlage locks work with Amazon’s Alexa. You can use Alexa to lock and unlock with a simple voice command.
Another really cool feature is the ability to remotely control Schlage locks through an app on your iPhone or Android phone. There are a few different ways you can remotely control these locks. You can incorporate them with compatible security and home automation systems, such as the Link Interactive home security system. With the Link Interactive app to remotely lock and unlock, get event notifications and check lock status in addition to just controlling your security system, all from the one place. If you’re planning to use the Schlage lock as a standalone device and do not wish to integrate it with a security system, you can download the stand-alone Schlage app instead.
Pricing and availability
In all, Schlage makes really high-quality locks. They have been in then lock making business for a long time now, which has given them time to perfect their locks. Pricing for Schlage locks vary, but if you’re looking for a smart Schlage lock you can look to spend anywhere from $100 to $300, depending on the model you are interested in. You can purchase Schlage locks online with any home supply story, sites like Amazon, or by visiting the Schlage website directly. You can also purchase a Schlage door lock together with a Link Interactive security system. At Link Interactive, we make integrated smart homes a reality, so contact us and get a quote today!
Yale
Yale has been specializing in making locks since 1868. They currently produce an array of smart locks that will work with a variety of different security products such as home security systems. In this post we’ll be going over some of their best known models!
Nest x Yale Lock
The first Yale lock that we want to go over is the Nest x Yale Lock. Yale and Nest decided to come together to produce this smart lock, and anyone who is reading this who has a Nest security system or other Nest products should definitely check this lock out.
The Yale x Yale Lock is a key free deadbolt lock that is secure and pick proof. You don’t have to worry about losing your keys because it uses keyless locking and locking technology. You can create up to 20 custom user codes, and the codes can easily be entered on the Nest x Yale’s illuminated push-button keypad. The Nest x Yale Lock can also auto lock when your Nest system detects that you are away from home. You can also unlock and lock the lock with a quick tap on the keypad or through the Nest app. You can also use the Nest app to check the event history of this lock. The Nest x Yale Lock is battery-operated, and installed by replacing your existing deadbolt lock. With it’s DIY style of installation it only takes a matter of minutes to have this lock up and running.
Yale Real Living B1L Lock
The Yale Real Living B1L lock is one of Yale’s Z-Wave compatible locks - this technology will allow you to connect your Yale lock to a multitude of smart home products, including home security systems (such as the one we sell at Link Interactive).
This particular lock is not a cylinder type of lock, and instead has a motorized deadbolt lock which gives the Yale Real Living B1L Lock a cleaner appearance. It’s also keyless, with the ability to create custom user codes for different people in your household or guests. The B1L is powered by 4 double A batteries, but also has a 9V backup battery. Normally Yale locks work with a variety of home security systems, and can be controlled from the same app as your security system. But if you do not have a security system, you can download the Yale’s own app to control your Yale locks remotely. The Yale app will also notify you of your Yale lock’s events such as when it has been locked or unlocked.
nexTouch Sectional Mortise Lock
The last lock we want to look at is the nexTouch Sectional Mortise Lock. This lock is the perfect lock for you if you have a business where multiple employees need access to your doors.
You can purchase this lock in either a touchscreen or push-button keypad design. You can create up to 500 custom user codes for this particular lock, and set the access for your access codes to only work during your business hours. The nexTouch is made from UL listed material so you don’t have to worry about wear and tear or damage from constant use. It is also a battery-operated lock that is powered by 4 double A batteries with a 9V battery backup. You also have the ability to have your nexTouch Sectional Mortise Lock hardwired to a power source. The nexTouch Sectional Mortise Lock by Yale works really well with security hubs like the Qolsys which is a great security panel that Link Interactive offers. This lock can also be remotely controlled with the Yale app or the app of your current security provider, such as Link Interactive’s Alarm.com app.
Reviews
These models are just some of the more popular ones Yale offers. The models we have discussed have been highly rated by the people who have used them, and they seem to integrate well with other major brands of security products such as Qolsys.
Pricing
The only area that we don’t care too much for is the price for Yale branded locks. They tend to be a little pricey which we understand, but still there are other branded locks that offer some of the same features as Yale locks but at a cheaper price. For example, Kwikset’s Z-Wave door locks are a lot less expensive, and are compatible with home security and automation systems such as ours as our Qolsys and Alarm.com system.
The Verdict
We didn’t go over pricing for these models due to the vast differences of prices in the places that sell these. You will probably find the best deal for a Yale lock by checking out what your current security provider’s pricing is for a Yale lock, or going through a major electronic provider like Best Buy to purchase a Yale Lock. All other locks reviewed in this post can be purchased directly from the manufacturers or a big box retailer like Best Buy. However, we highly recommend that you give our Alarm.com powered locks a try. With our Alarm.com automated door locks, you can control your door locks and all other connected devices from a single app! Check it out now!
In all, we really like what Yale has to offer. They have been in the business of making locks for a long time now so we know if you decide to go with a Yale lock you will be purchasing a lock that is going to last you for a long time. The variety of models of smart locks, and even the non-smart locks that Yale offers is pretty great, and you can find one that will fit your specific security needs without too much hassle.
We highly encourage you to take a look at our lineup of smart door locks which you can connect with our state of the art security system and control from one place.
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