What to look for when choosing a smart lock

As more and more smart products flood the home security market, homeowners are increasingly looking towards smart security to protect their homes. The smart lock market for example, was valued at $423 million in 2017 and is expected to be worth a mammoth $24.20 billion by 2024. Allowing you to open and close your door without a key, whilst rendering the fear of being locked out a thing of the past, it is easy to see why smart lock security has caught the public’s imagination.

However, if you are weighing up the idea of getting a smart lock yourself, you can’t just blindly buy the first one you find you need to know what features you’re looking for. Only then will you be able to choose the most secure, reliable and functional lock possible to keep you and your property safe. Below, we have listed some of the most important attributes to look out for when choosing a smart lock for your home.

  1. Robust physical security

The principal function of any lock, smart or not, is to keep your property secure. However, whilst traditional lock manufacturers are solely focused on making their locks as secure as possible, smart lock producers are prone to becoming sidetracked by the ease of use and making their locks as flashy as possible. You only have to look at the ill-fated Tapplock as evidence of this. Marketed as the “world’s first smart fingerprint padlock, the lock could simply be unscrewed using a screwdriver, rendering the contraption useless when it comes to protecting property. Most smart locks do have features that make them resistant to forced entry, but as the Tapplock proves, you still need to be wary that physical security can be deprioritised with some smart lock models.

Because of this potential vulnerability, security experts Banham have warned that smart locks should not be relied upon as your primary form of security, especially as many can be incorporated within an existing lock structure. In their guide on how to choose a smart lock, Banham state that “a smart security system should serve as something of a plan B, with high-quality traditional locks being the main means of your front door security”.

Therefore, to ensure that your lock system as a whole is as secure as can be, you should purchase a Grade 1 deadlock—the most secure type of deadlock available. These are highly resistant to methods used to breach a lock, like lockpicking. This will then inform what type of smart lock you end up buying, as there are many that Grade 1 deadlocks can work in tandem with. You should consult with a security professional if you are unsure whether you currently own this type of deadlock, or uncertain if a particular smart lock is compatible with your existing lock.

2. Strong cybersecurity measures

One of the main selling points of smart lock security is interconnectivity, and whilst this enables them to be used with smartphones and other smart devices, it can make them vulnerable to hacking. Researchers have identified various smart locks, including the Tapplock and the Amazon Key smart lock as easily hackable, with other studies finding that smart devices in general can be hacked in just minutes It is therefore imperative that you opt for a smart lock with secure authentication parameters and a strong automation protocol to protect you from this hacking threat. A professional locksmith should be able to help you identify whether certain products come with these features or not so that you choose the right smart lock.

3. Long battery life

Running out of power is not a concern with traditional locks, but with the majority of smart locks running on batteries, it is vital you pay close attention to the length of a smart lock’s battery life. You could find yourself in a real trouble if your lock powers down when you need it the most.

Make sure you look at what your lock’s expected battery life is and how exactly a smart lock consumes its power. Smart locks like the August Smart Lock 3rd Gen are favoured by consumers, but since both only have a three-month battery life, there are more durable alternatives on the market. Smart locks like the Danalock that utilise features like BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) are recommended, as they can perform the same functions as their counterparts but in a low power state, conserving battery power.

4. Smart home integration

If you already own other smart devices, buying a lock that can integrate with these is a wise move. For instance, August Smart Locks now work with SimpliSafe security systems, so those that own both can sync up locking and unlocking their door with arming and disarming their security system. Many Nest products also work together, so if a fire broke out in your home, for example, the Nest Protect fire alarm would automatically open your Nest door lock to let you out. Having a secure smart door lock that can integrate with other smart devices in such ways is hugely beneficial when it comes to keeping you and your home safe.

EAN Content

Content shared by this account is either news shared free by third parties or sponsored (paid for) content from third parties. Please be advised that links to third party websites are not endorsed by Estate Agent Networking - Please do your own research before committing to any third party business promoted on our website. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

You May Also Enjoy

LIVING BY THE SEASIDE 2022
Breaking News

Property market summer slowdown debunked

The latest data analysis from Yopa has revealed that the commonly held belief that the property market slows down during the summer months is nothing but a myth, with the market actually seeing some of the highest levels of activity throughout the summer season over the last four years. Yopa analysed* historic market data for…
Read More
Breaking News

Number of renters saving for a deposit hits six month low

Rent and mortgage spending sees highest growth since February, with renters disproportionately impacted More than half of UK adults believe renting a property is more expensive than paying a mortgage 17 per cent of renters report saving for a deposit in July, compared to 31 per cent in January Consumer spending on rent and mortgages…
Read More
Breaking News

80% of first-time buyers moved back in with parents to get on the ladder

96 percent of first-time buyers received financial help for their deposit – with 68% receiving help from family, and 57% from friends, survey finds Three quarters (75%) scaled back on their property to buy in a preferred location TSB customer data: Average age of first-time buyers up to 32 years from 31 The length of…
Read More
Breaking News

Cottagecore dreams on a budget: Zoopla reveals where to find your idyllic and affordable country retreat

New analysis from Zoopla reveals North Lanarkshire, Scotland, is the most affordable place to buy a cottage in Great Britain, with an average asking price of £83,500 Sunderland in the North East follows closely behind, with an average cottage price of £115,000 The South East commands the highest prices, with the most expensive cottages found…
Read More
Estate Agent Talk

Web Design for Estate Agencies: First Impressions Count

With the majority of property searches starting online, your estate agency’s website is likely the first interaction a potential client will have with your brand. And just like a beautifully staged property viewing, your website must present your business in the best possible light from the very first click. This is where a web design…
Read More
bricks rubble
Breaking News

Construction Sector Recovery Slows Pace, Yet Remains Steady

Construction starts grew 9% both in the three months to July and compared with last year. Residential work starting on-site was 10% up against the previous three months and grew 25% on a year ago. Although non-residential starts grew 7% on a quarterly basis, they slipped back 1% year-on-year. Civil engineering project starts fell 21%…
Read More