The 8 Best Smart Locks of 2022
Smart Lock – Buying Guide, Opinions and Analysis
Smart locks, smart lock in English, are the evolution of lifelong locks. In this case, they incorporate the latest technology to ensure that your home is always safe from thieves. These locks usually have a wireless connection, either by WiFi or Bluetooth, which allows users to have real-time information on their smartphones. In this article, we will review some of the best smart locks such as the Tesa Assa Abloy with automatic locking and encrypted communication or the Nuki Combo 2.0, which connects with Amazon Alexa or the Google Assistant.
The 8 Best Smart Locks – Opinions 2022
Thanks to the advancement of technology, the Internet is present in a wide variety of products. Locks could not be less and, thanks to wireless communication, today it is possible to open, close and control home security from our phones and devices thanks to smart locks like the ones we present below.
Tesa smart lock
1. Tesa Assa Abloy Motorized Smart Lock
The Tesa Assa Abloy smart lock offers a revolutionary solution for all those users who are looking to improve the security of their home in an intelligent way. Thanks to its wireless connection, it allows you to control the lock from a smartphone, a tablet or any device that has a Bluetooth connection.
It is the best smart lock for doors of all sizes, as long as they have a European-type cylinder. It is easy to install, since you only have to remove the original mechanical cylinder and insert the Tesa ENTR cylinder and you will have controlled access to your home. The cylinder is available in several sizes, so you only have to choose the most suitable for your door.
For access, the Tesa Assa has different options, such as the electronic devices with Bluetooth already mentioned, a remote control, a touch keyboard or the fingerprint, thanks to the built-in biometric reader.
Pros
Installation: It is a very simple lock to install, since you only have to remove the original cylinder from the door and install the new one, something that can be done with little effort.
Credentials: The Tesa Assa has several security credentials that allow you to open the door with your smartphone, a remote control, a keyboard, a fingerprint reader and also with a key.
Automatic lock: The door has an automatic lock, so it will close itself if you forget to put the key.
Cons
App : The app is a bit outdated and may not work with newer phone models like iPhone 11 or higher.
Wi-Fi smart lock
2. Nuki Combo 2.0 Smart Lock Smart Lock and Bridge
With the Nuki Combo 2.0 Smart Lock with WiFi, your mobile phone will become your key. But not only that, but you can open the door remotely, to let the cleaning staff or pet sitter pass. If you are wondering which is the best smart lock to forget about your keys forever, this could be the one you are looking for.
It is easy to install as it only needs to be attached to the top of the lock cylinder. It has two different fixing devices, depending on the original cylinder, to adapt to any type of lock. Once installed, it is possible to open and close with just a swipe of the app. In addition, it has an option to create authorizations, which allows you to give access to your home to family, friends, guests or workers. The Nuki app provides comprehensive information about who has entered or left your home.
Pros
Integration: The Nuki app is available for all kinds of electronic devices, from smartphones to smart watches, through Amazon Alexa, the Google Assistant or Apple Homekit.
Connectivity: Thanks to the WiFi and Bluetooth connection, it allows you to manage the entrance to your home from anywhere. In addition, to receive information in real time about who opens or closes your house.
Automatic opening: The app detects the lock and when it is close to it, it automatically opens the door and closes it when you are away.
Cons
Size: Some users complain that the size and aesthetics of the lock are somewhat cumbersome and that they do not fit well at all.
motorized smart lock
3. WE.LOCK Bluetooth Dual Motor Smart Lock
The WE.LOCK motorized smart lock has a complete security system, with a double motor and password, which guarantees maximum security at all times. In addition, it has security credentials to use the mobile app, which will allow you to unlock the door from your smartphone, manage up to 10 different passwords or 20 RFID cards so that your friends and family can open the door too.
It is easy to install, since it does not require making changes to the door body, so you will not need a locksmith to install it. Plus, it’s designed to fit and work on most doors on the market. It is very resistant, so it could be the best smart lock of the moment for exterior doors, as it withstands high temperatures and rain, thanks to its IP44 protection.
Pros
Protection: Thanks to the IP44 certification, the lock is able to withstand temperatures between 30 and 60 ºC, as well as rain, dust and pollution wear.
Credentials: From the app, it is possible to create passwords and configure RFID cards so that your friends, family or workers have access to the house.
Double motor: The double motor of the lock offers a greater protection factor, offering greater peace of mind when leaving your home.
Cons
Cards: Some users have reported that RFID cards do not work well, which can be a problem. However, passwords are not a problem.
Other products
4. Ultraloq UL3 BT Bluetooth Keyless Smart Lock
The Ultraloq UL3 BT smart lock offers great versatility, thanks to its 5 ways to open and close. The first one is through its smartphone app, which allows you to create credentials and keeps a record of all openings and closings. The second is through a key, the third through biometric fingerprint registration, the fourth is the complete password registry, with a capacity for 95 codes and, finally, 3 mechanical code keys.
This could be the best value for money smart lock, thanks to its Bluetooth 4.0 connection system, with double data encryption and low consumption, which allows you to save on batteries.
On the other hand, it has an OLED screen, a free anti-panic exit system, a resistant zinc alloy body and IP65 protection for outdoors.
Pros
Installation: It is easy to install, since you do not need to make any changes to the door. It has no cables and the handle is reversible to fit 99% of the doors on the market.
Bluetooth 4.0: Bluetooth 4.0 offers a fast and stable connection, so the door reacts to app commands quickly. Double data encryption ensures security.
Batteries: The batteries are long lasting and have autonomy for more than 8,000 openings and closings.
Cons
Orientation: The smart lock is designed for doors that open to the right, so mounting on doors that open the other way is a bit tricky.
5. Samsung SHS-2920 EX Smart Door Lock
Samsung could be the best brand of smart locks on the market, since it adds, to the quality of its products, its innovations in wireless technology and connectivity. The result is one of the safest and cheapest products you will find on the market.
It has a slim and shiny black design, very elegant. With a thickness of 16.5 mm, it can be installed on doors between 35 and 80 mm thick. The battery has an emergency power supply system, so you are never left lying on the street.
The Samsung lock includes six cards, 2 key rings, 2 opening stickers to stick on your smartphone and two different types of cards. Thanks to the automatic RF polling system, the cards are easily configured and with the random code function, it is guaranteed that no one will be able to enter your home without your permission.
Pros
Alarm: The lock has an audible alarm that is activated if the entry is forced or if the “emergency” button is pressed from the inside.
Random code: The random security code generates two digits each time the password is entered, which increases security.
Double password: With double authentication, the door only opens after entering the password and swiping the card.
Cons
Configuration: The configuration system for double authentication and the random code can be a bit complex, since the instructions are not in Spanish.
6. OWSOO Smart Fingerprint Lock lock
OWSOO might have the perfect product for all of you who are wondering which smart lock to buy to improve your home security and prevent break-ins and break-ins. It is a simple installation device, which you can install yourself in less than 5 minutes and which is suitable for doors on the right or left hand, as long as they have a single cylinder.
The smart lock works by biometric fingerprint reading, which offers maximum security, since each fingerprint is unique. Thanks to the semiconductor reading system, it is almost impossible to duplicate a fingerprint. The system has reading capacity for up to 100 different fingerprints, so you can offer your friends and family access to your home. The reader is placed in a natural position, which makes it easier to read the fingerprint and improves opening.
Pros
Reader: The biometric fingerprint reader has security systems to avoid duplication and is located in a natural position that facilitates reading. The whole process takes less than 1 second.
Materials: It is made of a zinc alloy that makes it very resistant to the elements, but also very hard, to prevent it from being forced or breaking the door.
Cons
Options: The lock does not have a Bluetooth or WiFi connection, or any type of application, so in this sense, it falls a bit short in terms of certifications.
7. YALE motorized cylinder ENTR Yale-Starter Kit
YALE’s could be one of the best smart locks of 2022, since with it you can forget about the keys forever. Thanks to its Bluetooth connectivity, you can open and close your house from your mobile phone or tablet. In addition, it has an automatic locking system, which will close the house when you move away from it.
It is easy to install, so you will not need to drill holes, run cables, or make major changes to the door. It is easily placed on any door with a European-style cylinder, so you can install it in less than five minutes, saving you from spending money on professional locksmiths.
The Bluetooth communication system has double encryption, to guarantee security. It works with batteries and has an autonomy of 8000 openings and closings, much more than cheaper options.
Pros
App: The ENTR app offers full control over the lock. It allows you to create virtual keys to allow access to your guests, friends and family and control in real time who opens or closes.
Automatic lock: The door automatically locks when the user moves away from it and automatically opens when the user approaches.
Cons
Cylinder: In some doors, it will be necessary to change the cylinder for one of the brand itself so that the lock adapts, which means an extra outlay.
8. SQL Bluetooth Electronic Keyless Smart Lock
The SQL smart lock allows users to open and close their doors using their smartphone thanks to its Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity, with ES 128 Bit data encryption technology that offers maximum security. It has offline mode, which allows you to open and close the door even when there is no Internet. There are four types of unlock: fingerprint, password, IC card and mobile app.
From the application you can configure passwords, activate double authentication and create credentials so that visitors, friends, family or workers have access. It also allows you to see who opens and closes the door and when, all in real time, so you have total control over access to the home.
It has a silent system to disable the sound of the lock, perfect for those who work at night and do not want to disturb their family or neighbors. The useful life is more than 300,000 openings.
Pros
Battery: The lock has batteries that are charged via a USB cable, which allows you to save money on batteries.
App: The app is very complete, available for smartphones and tablets, it allows you to open and close, create credentials and see in real time who has access to the home.
Silent system : The silent opening and closing system makes it perfect for places where silence is necessary.
Cons
Installation: Installation is somewhat complicated, especially on exterior doors, since the design is intended for interior doors.
Shopping guide
There are many security devices on the market, so it will not be easy to choose the most suitable one for you. In the previous comparison of smart locks we have shown you several of the best on the market and now, we will explain the main factors that you should look at when choosing the one that best suits your needs.
opening type
The first point of our guide to buying the best smart lock starts with the types of opening. Although most of these locks have some type of interaction and connectivity with the mobile phone, they also usually have other opening methods that should be known before choosing.
Some have fingerprint access. They are usually the most used in spaces where a lot of security is required, such as banks, offices or public centers with restricted access. These locks have biometric readers that record people’s fingerprints and create credentials so they can gain access just by touching the lock.
Other locks have access through coded keys, key fobs or RFID cards. These usually have options to configure several cards or keys, allowing access to several users. There are those that retain the traditional lock, which allows the user to combine his lifelong key with one of the other opening systems.
The locks that have a mobile application allow you to open and close the door from anywhere using the phone. These models also usually have automatic locking and opening, which open or close the door when we move away or approach it.
Other opening systems are passwords. In this case, you should look for a lock that has some kind of application with which you can control passwords, create and configure them. It would also be a good idea to have some kind of double authentication as passwords can be hacked and this system improves security.
Finally, some smart locks have some kind of remote control that allows you to easily open and close the door.
connectivity
Smart locks must have some system that allows them to communicate with other devices, be it a mobile phone, a tablet, a key fob, an RFID card or a remote control. Usually, how much the lock costs will depend on the connectivity, since the most expensive ones will be those that have several options such as WiFi and Bluetooth.
The most common and what you should look for in a good and cheap smart lock is that it has, at least, a Bluetooth connection. It is a type of low consumption connectivity, although it has less range, since it will not work beyond 20 meters, although it is enough distance to control a door lock. Bluetooth is also usually the best option to connect with the smartphone.
The most modern ones have WiFi connection. In this case, you will be able to control the lock from anywhere, as long as your phone has an Internet connection. They work with the home router and are perfect for managing who enters the house at all times or opening from work.
Finally, some smart locks have a Z-Wave connection. This is a rather rare type of connection, which requires a special repeater that converts the Z-Wave signal into Bluetooth or any signal compatible with the phone. It is not entirely recommended, since it requires an extra investment.
Compatibility
Some smart locks have compatibility to work with virtual assistants like Google Assistant, Siri, or Amazon Alexa. This compatibility allows you to manage the lock through voice commands or by creating routines, for example, you can ask your assistant to close at a certain time and open at another.
It’s also possible to connect the lock with services like IFTTT to create routines like opening the door when you’re coming home from work. Keep in mind that the Internet of Things is very dynamic and changes very quickly, so you have to be careful when choosing one of these locks, as it could become obsolete very quickly.
Programming and access control
Continuing with the previous point, some smart locks allow you to program the closing and opening, either through a digital assistant or through their own applications. This is an interesting factor, for doors of commercial premises or public places that always open at the same time.
Others include systems to configure passwords, cards or store fingerprints to create access. This is like being able to give a key to a family member or friend, so it may be convenient to choose a lock that offers you this possibility.
Frequently asked questions
Q1: How to install a smart lock?
In most cases, smart locks are designed to be easily installed. To do so, all you have to do is remove the original door cylinder, which can be done with just a screwdriver and in less than 5 minutes, and replace with the new lock.
When carrying out the installation, it is advisable to read the user manual carefully, to familiarize yourself with each part and with the assembly process. Some products include all the necessary tools as well as the appropriate screws, but others do not. In the case of not having all the material, do not disassemble your original cylinder until you have all the screws and parts necessary to assemble the new lock.
Once installed, check that it works well and that the cylinder closes well. Try a couple of times, opening and closing the door, to make sure everything works correctly.
In case the lock has cables or a more complex installation system, the best thing you can do is to have a locksmith who will be in charge of the installation. Remember that a lock must be perfectly installed or else they could break into your house or, worse still, it could malfunction and leave you out of the house.
Q2: How to open a smart lock?
Each lock has its opening and closing methods. The best smart lock will be the one that offers you more than one option, for example, one that allows you to open using a mobile application, a password and a key or RFID card. Some allow opening through a biometric reading of the fingerprint and others do it using numerical passwords.
Some smart locks allow you to keep the traditional key, thus offering an extra layer of security to your home.
Q3: How does a smart lock work?
Although, as we have just explained, each one has its own opening systems, almost all smart locks have a similar operation. They have an electric or electromagnetic mechanism that is responsible for keeping the door closed until it receives an opening indication from the device controller.
Electronic or intelligent locks provide an identification system or “credential” which is what authorizes the electromagnetic lock to open or close. To open the door, the user must show that credential. In reality, it is a system very similar to a smartphone lock, since the door is opened through a unique PIN, password or fingerprint.
Q4: How to make a smart lock?
A smart lock must be very secure, since it will be in charge of the security of your home, so we do not recommend making one, but it is much better to buy it.
In any case, it is possible to make a smart lock with a Raspberry Pi, creating a deadbolt -type system that, installed on the door and connected to the smartphone, allows you to control the closing and opening of any door. This is a complicated process, but you can find video tutorials online that will explain how to do it.
