Different Types of Smart Home Door Locks

While traditional deadbolts are mechanical, smart locks lock and unlock digitally and wirelessly through a keypad, key fob, mobile app, website, or some combination. There are a variety of ways that smart locks communicate with mobile apps, key fobs, home security systems, and other smart home devices. Most use Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, or Bluetooth wireless technology.

The sudden arrival of these lock-and-key replacements has been primarily due to the rapid growth of home automation. Still, another factor is the emergence of startup companies focused solely on smart lock development. Here is a brief overview of some big names in the smart lock and key market, as well as information on how their products differ from the rest.

Yale is one of the best-known names in the lock industry. Founded in 1840, the company began by making handmade locks for New York banks. Yale continues to provide a variety of traditional locks and now also specializes in smart door locks. Yale’s Compatibility Checker helps you find the exact lock you need for your home or business.

Frontpoint combines the Yale touchscreen with a deadbolt. The touchscreen is backlit for easy use, day or night. With simple installation and the fact that they arrive preprogrammed for Frontpoint security systems, this smart lock replaces your existing deadbolt in minutes.

Shop the Frontpoint Smart Door Lock.

The Lockitron is one of the more affordable smart lock options on the market. If you’re just beginning to try out home automation and smart locks or are on a tight budget, it’s a good option.

The lock is compatible with every major smartphone operating system, so you can lock/unlock your door using almost any phone. However, Lockitron’s method of keyless entry, Sense, is only supported on newer models of the iPhone, iTouch, and iPad. It should be noted that this is a technical limitation of the other platforms since they have been slow to adopt Bluetooth 4.0. Lockitron promises plans to support Sense on other platforms soon.

Lockitron also features the cool ability to be modified to play chiptunes. We’d love to be able to hear nostalgic video game themes every time someone came home.

At first glance, the August Smart Lock appears the same as any other smart lock: sleek, compact, easy to install, and easy to use. However, August’s iteration stands out because it focuses on the social aspect of the lock, something other brands have ignored.

How can a lock have a social aspect? It becomes a “bouncer” for your home—allow me to explain.

A real bouncer holds a guest list, only allowing those with their names on the list into the venue. Similarly, you create a guest list on the August Smart Lock, and it will only allow accepted guests to enter by issuing temporary keys. After the get-together is over, the keys are erased and become useless. The smart lock can also act as a virtual guestbook, allowing you to leave instructions and for guests to write thank you notes or comments.

The August Smart lock also features proprietary EverLock technology, which automatically locks the door after sensing it is closed. This technology is compatible with iPhone and Android, and there are plans for BlackBerry and Windows Phone 8 versions.

Brilliant name aside, Okidokeys separates its smart lock from competitors with its many customization options.

Okidokeys can be used with any home door, including garage doors and gates. It also comes with a built-in alarm that will go off when an intruder tries to enter. And, so you don’t mistake a welcomed guest for a burglar, a welcoming bell will chime instead for accepted users.

The lock also features a hands-free option using your smartphone, but the option will only work on Bluetooth 4.0-enabled smartphones. If you don’t have one of these phones, don’t worry, you’re not out of luck. Okidokeys also makes hands-free door opening available with key fobs, smart tags, and RFID cards.

The Goji Smart Lock features video recording, something we haven’t seen from any other smart lock company. Whenever the lock is activated, the built-in camera will begin recording. All images captured will be kept in a log so you can access them to see who’s been coming and going.

Also, the camera will take pictures of who is at your door and send them to your phone. You’ll have immediate knowledge of who is knocking, trying to enter, or messing with your lock.

The smart lock has captured our interest with its innovation and the possibilities for home security. The brands mentioned here are just a few of the many smart lock options. When shopping for smart locks, make sure the lock is 1) compatible with your door, 2) provides multiple access codes for added security, and 3) integrates with your home security system.

Looking for more information about smart locks? Read our blog on weatherproof smart locks.

Frontpoint keeps families safer and more connected in their everyday lives. We've been revolutionizing the home security industry for over a decade. And we're just getting started. To shop DIY home security systems, check out our Security Packages. If you have questions or would like to discuss a quote, contact us at 1-877-602-5276.