Top 5 Most Effective Smart Locks that will help you stay protected

Top 5 Most Effective Smart Locks that will help you stay protected Clapway

Look around your home. What do you see? Sure, there’s probably a light up there, a thermostat over there and a Macbook on your lap, but did you know all these things can work together in perfect harmony? Home products are evolving at a rapid rate and a new wealth of “smart” home products are on the market to make your house smarter and your life easier.

One of the more popular of these smart home products is smart locks. These devices go far beyond the average lock and key. In fact, forget keys altogether. These locks can be operated using a smartphone and can even be connected to a larger network to enhance your life. Imagine a world where your lights turn on when you unlock the door and your thermostat sets to your favorite temperature simply by coming home. Well, you don’t have to imagine this world, because we’re all living in it.

Before you go running to the nearest store to stock up on these brainy locks, just hold up for a second. Whether you’re choosing an ice cream flavor or buying a million dollar property, it always helps to think decisions through. So let’s start with the basics.

Smart Locks: A Beginners Lesson

You probably have all kinds of questions about smart locks. For example, do you need a smart locksmith to install smart locks? It’s certainly an option but why not make that smart locksmith you? That’s right, you can install your very own smart locks. It’s kind of a scary thought but deadbolts are easier to take off and replace than you think. All you need is some time and a screwdriver.

Now, on the topic of cost, obviously, a lock of this intelligence will be sturdier than average Joe lock. You’ll likely spend around $200 to $250 on smart locks  but it’s well worth the price. You only have one life to live so you may as well live it smart.

Like snowflakes, smart locks are all unique. There are smart locks out there that mimic the action of a key and others that just need a wave of the smartphone to unlock themselves. Some smart locks even open automatically when you enter a preset zone and others, by spoken word. It’s really up to you what to do with your personal space, so to help you along, here are five of the most effective smart locks to help protect you.


The Most Funded Smart Locks on Kickstarter: PIN Genie

If a lot of people are spending their hard earned cash on one product, it’s probably worth checking out. Hence, we have the PIN Genie Smart Door Lock, the most funded smart lock on KickStarter.

PIN Genie smart locks are the first peep-proof and hidden camera-proof PIN lock around. Equipped with a testing touchscreen pad, the PIN Genie shortens your passcode into just four, secure buttons for easy use. With each use, the PIN Genie reshuffles the numbers so no one can ever guess your PIN, eve if they’re watching. Like other smart locks, PIN Genie is easy to install and fits all standard door sizes. Be it home, office or wherever, you’ll be safe.

PIN Genie has a long history with app building and they utilize that experience here. With this device, you’ll be able to connect your smartphone through Bluetooth and open your door without even touching the lock.

Kickstarter: PIN Genie ClapwayPrice: $170

Smartphone compatibility: iOS and Android

Set Temporary Guest Codes: Yes

How it unlocks: Both touch and smartphone

Replaces entire lock: Yes

Available finishes: Black and Silver


The Smart Lock With the Highest IQ: Kwikset Kevo

Kwikset’s Kevo is the OG smart lock. They were the first on the market and it has since stood the test of time. Kwikset constantly shows up on the top smart locks lists and this list is no different. Users can opt for the classic or check out the newest addition, Kevo Plus. The Kevo Plus is smaller and added internet connectivity to your lock via Bluetooth. It’s also possible to lock and unlock Kevo smart locks with your phone from anywhere.

If you want to wait for the Kevo II, it should be out fairly soon. This edition will be 40 percent smaller than the first. It will also be a bit more stylish if that’s a thing you’re interested in. If you’re worried about how to install such a device, the Kevo is great due to its interactive app installer that is with you every step of the way.

What good are smart locks if it can’t even keep you safe from break-ins? Kevo thought this one though which is why it’s been redesigned to resist physical, break-ins (called torque attack). In the past, some Kwikset smart locks were vulnerable to this but no more.

Highest IQ: Kwikset Kevo LockPrice: $150

Smartphone compatibility: iOS and Android

Keyfob: Yes

How it unlocks: Touch, Smartphone

Replaces entire lock: Yes

Auto Lock: No

Available finishes: Venetian Bronze, Polished Brass, Satin Nickel


The Easiest Smart Locks to Install: August

You can’t have a discussion about smart locks without mentioning August. It’s essentially the first lock everyone thinks about these days. Perhaps the best part of August smart locks is that you don’t have to replace your entire lock. Keep your front door keyhole in place while August replaces the latch inside.

The technologically inept will love August because it can still work with a key. For those that want more, though, August has it. Users can unlock August with Bluetooth connectivity. Furthermore, the second gen model comes with Apple HomeKit support so iPhone owners can lock and unlock doors using Siri. If you want to get real “James Bond” with it, Apple Watch users can control the lock with their watch.

The only downside here is the August smart locks don’t include a remote control. However, you can get the external Connect Box for $79.

Easiest Smart Locks August SmartLockPrice: $201

Smartphone compatibility: iPhone and Apple Watch

Keyfob: 

How it unlocks: Key or Bluetooth with smartphone app

Replaces entire lock: No

Auto Lock: Yes

Available finishes: Silver, Dark Gray


Standard Smart Locks: Schlage Sense

From the outside, Schlage Sense smart locks look like any old lock, but it’s the inside that really counts. The Schlage Sense gets you into your home by entering an access code on your iPhone or with the built-in touchscreen. Schlage Sense is a deadbolt setup and will require a screwdriver install, but it’s easy.

Like the August, Schlage Sense smart locks have a keyhole as a backup and they fit the majority of door sizes. Also like August, this one has Apple Home Kit and has Siri support. Simply talk (or scream) into your iPhone to unlock the door. Furthermore, the Apple HomeKit support allows you to pair the lock with other smart home devices.

Let’s say you have a smart thermostat, smart lights, and a smart stereo system. By pairing everything together, you can have the room at a perfect temperature, the lights dimmed and Marvin Gaye playing on the stereo the second you walk through the door with a date. As for security, Schlage Sense has a built-in alarm sensor that detects intruders. This can even be controlled away from home.

Like most other smart locks, the Sense only works within a certain range of its Bluetooth signal. For those wanting to open and close from further away, you’ll need an Apple TV for a control hub.

Schlage Sense Smart LockPrice: $229

Operating system compatibility: iOS (Smartphone/Apple Watch)

Keyfob: no

How it unlocks: Bluetooth with app, key for backup

Replaces entire lock: Yes

Auto Lock: No

Available finishes: Matte Black, Satin Nickel, Aged Bronze


Budget Friendly Smart Locks: Lockitron Bolt

The Bolt is the second generation product from Lockitron. Their first generation had mixed reviews but the update addressed previous complaints, giving us a fine product here. The Bolt works wirelessly with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi meaning that you can have the joy of a proximate opening experience and even the highly valuable ability to remote unlock (or lock) your house for any surprise guests.

Perhaps the best part of Lockitron Bolt smart locks is the cost. They’re cheap. Usually, when something is cheap, that affects the overall quality of a product but not in this case. Lockitron is extremely effective and you don’t have to break the bank to experience that. Besides being cheap, the Lockitron is easy to install and even easier to use. Users can add and remove guest access in seconds on the Lockitron App.

When it comes to smart locks, safety trumps style but it never hurts when both are included. Simply put,  Bolt smart locks look sharp. On top of that, it has a vibrant developer community out there offering support from Android, Pebble, and iOS. There’s no need for an expert locksmith here, Lockitron is easier to install than other smart locks. No calibration is needed and due to the KeyMatch feature, you won’t need to change keys as well.

Lockitron Bolt SmartlockPrice: $99

Operating system compatibility: iOS, Pebble, and Android

Keyfob: yes

How it unlocks: Bluetooth with app, key for backup

Replaces entire lock: Yes

Auto Lock: No

Available finishes: Quick Silver, Modern Gold, and Piano Black