See if smart locks are so smart after all
Smart locks are about as safe as conventional locks.
You can make your locks more secure with home security technology.
Smart locks cost five to 10 times more than traditional locks.
Keep your Wi-Fi secure to avoid hackers.
If you’ve ever lost your keys or forgotten to give a spare to a housesitter while out of town, then you know the benefits of having a backup plan. Smart locks are one alternative to traditional locks that can come in handy regarding your home’s security—but are smart locks safe? Let’s find out.
| Smart Lock Pros | Smart Lock Cons |
|---|---|
| Ease of use | Higher price tag |
| Added safety | Dependent on stable wi-fi |
| Remote control | Can be hacked |
| Fewer belongings to carry | Typically requires a phone |
| Customizable | Replacement battery costs |
| No key replacement costs |
Smart locks have several advantages and disadvantages over traditional key locks, so it's important to know how they compare. Here are the biggest pros and cons of smart locks for homes.
Smart locks offer more advantages than disadvantages, but just how influential these benefits are to your decision depends on how much value you could gain from choosing smart locks. With this in mind, here's what you can look forward to with smart locks on your doors:
Ease of use
Added safety
Remote control
Fewer belongings to carry
Customizable
No key replacement costs
While smart locks come with many pros, there are several downsides to be aware of before you make a choice, including:
Higher price tags
Dependent on stable wi-fi
Can be hacked by those with access to your internet connection
Typically requires a phone to unlock
Replacement battery costs increase long-term expenses
With all the pros and cons in mind, the verdict for smart lock safety isn’t always clear-cut. Overall, the technology is sound and not much different from traditional locks in the sense that a determined burglar or criminal can break any lock. However, several factors can influence the safety of your smart locks, including your budget, type of smart lock, location, wi-fi stability, lifestyle, and other home safety features.
The average cost to change a lock to a smart lock is between $200 and $800. To put that in perspective, traditional locks cost between $40 and $80. If you don't have the budget for a high-quality smart lock, then you could put your house at risk for an easier break-in by investing in a low-quality product.
The type of door lock you choose plays a role in its safety. High-quality smart locks offer encryptions that make them difficult for hackers to access. When choosing smart locks for your home, be on the lookout for top brands and specs. A few specs to look out for include smart locks that come with fingerprint features, existing deadbolt compatibility, and deadbolt replacement features.
Smart locks that clamp over your installed deadbolt hardware tend to be the most secure because they add another layer of security to your door. Locks that use Bluetooth technology or Z-Wave technology have longer battery lives than built-in Wi-Fi smart locks, which means you’re less likely to have a dead smart lock. On the other hand, you can access locks with built-in Wi-Fi from any location—the other two smart lock types are limited in signal range.
Sometimes, the efficiency of smart locks depends on where you live. A home in an area with low crime rates might find that smart locks add an extra layer of protection to a home that is already at a low risk for intrusion. Meanwhile, homes in areas with high crime may find that smart locks won't fully deter crafty burglars.
As with any technology, your smart locks are only as good as the signal permits. If you live in a remote area with unstable internet, then a smart lock that uses Wi-Fi may not be that different than a standard door regarding safety. Any region that experiences frequent power outages or internet problems means you could have issues locking and unlocking your keyless smart lock.
Don't underestimate the power of your lifestyle when trying to decide if smart locks are safe and worth the investment. For homeowners whose phones are glued to their sides, having a smart lock that requires a smartphone makes sense. But if you frequently forget or lose your phone, this can set your home up for vulnerabilities. All it takes is for your phone to end up in the wrong hands, and your smart lock can be tampered with.
For maximum security, you can also use smart locks in tandem with other smart home technology. Installing doorbell video cameras, window and door sensors, motion sensors, and security cameras can all work collectively to increase your home’s security.
One way to boost smart lock effectiveness is to be aware of how to keep them secure. Follow these tips to make the most of your smart locks.
Always keep your home’s Wi-Fi private
Update your Wi-Fi password regularly
Secure your phone from prying eyes and hands
Make sure your phone is updated
Regularly update your smart lock app
Smart locks are hard to compromise if someone doesn't have access to your Wi-Fi connection, making them a solid investment for home security. While there are several factors to consider when determining if smart locks work for your home, smart locks are difficult to hack and break into overall—especially when installed professionally.
If you’re ready to install smart locks on your doors, knowing who to call to replace a lock can speed up the process. You should call a locksmith near you to handle this upgrade.
As with any computer, smart locks can be hacked by someone with the technical skills to do so, but most people do not have that ability, making smart locks relatively safe. If you have any concerns about a compromised smart lock, opt for an encrypted smart lock, change your Wi-Fi password, and make sure that you only give out your password to trusted family and friends.
Smart locks offer around the same level of safety as conventional locks with keys. The best way to secure your door locks is to combine routine locking mechanisms with other home safety features, like lighting, motion sensors, security cameras, and window and door sensors.
Smart locks have the upper hand when it comes to convenience—you won't have to worry about your key not turning in the lock or fumbling around in your bag for your keys—but beyond that, any door with deadbolts will offer a similar degree of security.
