How to Select a Bluetooth Door Lock

Many smart locks use Bluetooth to let you in. They can be opened using a smartphone app, keypad, voice command or touch or fingerprint recognition. They also come with options like viewing entry and exit logs.

Some models, such as the Schlage Sense and Kwikset Premis work with Siri for voice control. Others, such as the Array by Hampton and Yale Assure lock have Wi-Fi built in and don’t require an extra hub.

They are easier to install than Wi-Fi locks

Unlike Wi-Fi locks, Bluetooth models don’t require an internet connection. Instead, they use a low-power radio (like Zigbee or Z-Wave) to communicate with your home’s smart hub. This makes them cheaper, more reliable and easier to install in a wide variety of homes. They’re also compatible with smart assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri. In addition, some models have built-in auto-unlock features that work when you’re within range of your phone or a Bluetooth key fob.

The Lockly Flex Touch is one of the best Bluetooth models we’ve tested, and it looks like a standard deadbolt from the outside. It uses a fingerprint sensor to unlock, but it also works with Alexa and Apple’s HomeKit. The only downside is that bluetooth door lock you have to buy a separate plug-in hub to connect the lock to your Wi-Fi.

Another option is the Eufy Camelot Touchscreen Deadbolt, which is compatible with any Z-Wave hub. However, it doesn’t come with a dedicated app. This can be a good or bad thing depending on your preferences. For example, some people may be happy to log in to a single app to control their lock, lights and cameras, while others might prefer more detailed, dedicated settings for each device. However, the Camelot does include a gyroscope to detect when it’s left open. This is a feature that many competitors lack.

They are less likely to be hacked than Wi-Fi locks

When selecting a smart lock, it’s important to consider security. Hackers are constantly looking for new ways to break into homes, and a smart lock is a great target. The good news is that Bluetooth-enabled locks are less likely to be hacked than Wi-Fi-enabled ones.

The main reason for this is that Bluetooth has a shorter range than Wi-Fi. This means that hackers would have to be close to your home to access the lock. It’s also worth noting that Bluetooth-enabled locks use encryption, so even if hackers were to intercept the signal between your lock and your phone, they wouldn’t be able to decipher it.

Wi-Fi-enabled locks, on the other hand, can be accessed from anywhere as long as you have internet connectivity. This can be helpful if you’re away from home and need to let in someone quickly, but it also increases the likelihood that your lock will be hacked.

Z-Wave locks are also more secure than Bluetooth-enabled ones, but they require a hub to bluetooth door lock connect to your router. This can be a problem if you don’t have a hub already, or if you want to integrate your lock with other devices. In addition, you’ll need to purchase a separate keypad if you choose a Z-Wave-compatible lock. There are many smart locks that are compatible with either Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, so it’s important to research your options before deciding which one is right for you.

They are less expensive than Wi-Fi locks

Many smart locks don’t connect to your home network at all, but rather rely on Bluetooth technology to communicate commands. These locks are often less expensive than Wi-Fi locks, but they won’t allow you to monitor or control your lock remotely and can’t be integrated with other smart home devices. We look for locks that connect to your network, as well as Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can unlock them by voice and link them to your lights and security system.

Wi-Fi-connected locks are more expensive than Bluetooth-only options, but they can unlock over a long distance and allow you to view entry and exit logs. Some also include a built-in camera to let you see who is at the door before you open it. They can also connect to your smartphone, so you can use it as a key or to grant digital keys to friends, family, and caregivers.

August’s latest version of its popular smart lock is 45 percent smaller than its predecessor, and it has Wi-Fi built in. This means it can automatically switch between Bluetooth and your home’s WiFi, and doesn’t require the extra August Connect bridge that previous versions did. In addition, this model doesn’t require a subscription and is more energy-efficient than Z-Wave or Wi-Fi locks that need an additional hub.

They are more reliable than Wi-Fi locks

Unlike Wi-Fi locks, Bluetooth smart locks don’t use the internet to connect to your home. Instead, they use low-energy radio waves like Zigbee and Z-Wave to communicate with a mobile app. This makes them less likely to be hacked by professional hackers, because the hacker would need to physically be near the lock to intercept the signal and decipher it. These smart locks are also less expensive than their Wi-Fi counterparts.

Smart locks are perfect for homeowners who want to improve their home’s security. You can lock and unlock your door with a smartphone, send digital keys to friends or family members, and receive notifications if someone tries to break in. Additionally, some smart locks can automatically unlock when you’re within range, and others let you open the door with voice commands or a fingerprint scanner.

Most smart locks work on two main connections: Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Some models even switch between the two, using Bluetooth if you’re at home and Wi-Fi when you’re away. This saves power and maximizes battery life. Moreover, you can integrate them with other smart devices to create an integrated smart home. For example, the Eufy’s smart lock integrates with its cameras and other smart devices, and you can operate them from a single app. Other smart locks, such as the August, have an opt-in feature that connects to your smartphone’s Bluetooth and uses your phone’s location to determine if you’re at home or not.

Bluetooth Door Locks

Bluetooth locks pair directly with your smartphone, allowing you to control the deadbolt from a distance. They also work with voice assistants like Alexa, Siri and Google Assistant.

They offer many keyless entry options, including proximity unlocking with your phone, keypad entry and remote unlocking, custom code numbers for housesitters or pet riders, and touch or fingerprint recognition.

Range

Bluetooth smart locks communicate with your smartphone or other devices to lock and unlock the door from a distance. They often pair with voice assistants like Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Google Assistant for hands free control. You bluetooth door lock can also use Bluetooth to send other people digital keys for a secure way to enter your property, ideal for house guests or kids who are away from home.

The downside of Bluetooth connectivity is that it only allows you to operate your smart lock within range, so you won’t be able to access your home remotely. For this reason, if you want to monitor your smart lock from afar you’ll need one that supports Wi-Fi or works with a compatible hub that does.

Some Bluetooth models are battery powered and won’t need to be connected to a power source, which can be helpful in the event of a power outage. These products include the Array by Hampton and the Kwikset Kevo.

Most Bluetooth locks connect to the internet via Wi-Fi or another protocol, such as Z-Wave or Zigbee. These options are a good choice for homeowners who want to set up a full smart home system that includes other devices. They work with a variety of smart home hubs, such as Samsung SmartThings and the Amazon Echo. In addition, they support integrations with the most popular apps and smart home devices.

Battery Life

A smart lock is a great convenience, but it can also be a power guzzler. There are a few things that can affect battery life, including the type of connection and usage format. Some features can also waste a lot of energy, and this is especially true when working over a WiFi connection.

For Bluetooth-based locks, the battery will typically last between three and six months. This is much shorter than the six to one year promise for older AA models. The team at August suggests that the number one factor in determining battery life is how often the lock reconnects to its access point and wakes up due to polling. The more often you use the feature, the faster you’ll see your battery drain.

If you want to avoid changing your batteries frequently, there are a few steps you can take. First, ensure that you’re using high-quality AA batteries. This will make a significant difference in how quickly the battery will run down. It’s also important to keep the battery clean. Make sure that it’s free of dirt and dust on a regular basis, which will increase the efficiency and length of its lifespan.

Some brands of smart locks have additional features that can make the battery last longer. For example, the Array by Hampton Connected Door Lock uses solar-powered backup and built-in Wi-Fi, which helps to reduce energy consumption. In addition, the Array is compatible with HomeKit and works with the Google Assistant.

Security

With a smart lock you can unlock your door using your smartphone, key fob, or a keypad. It also gives you a much more secure way to monitor who comes and goes, and revoke access as needed. They are a great choice for residential and commercial buildings.

Some Bluetooth locks have a slot for standard keys so you can still use them if bluetooth door lock your phone dies or you lose your Bluetooth connection. Others, like the Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro Wi-Fi lock allow you to open your door with a mobile app, a keypad, or your fingerprint. You can even set up custom passcodes for guests, cleaners, or caretakers to use.

Bluetooth locks tend to be cheaper than other types of smart locks because they don’t require a hub or home automation system to work. However, you do need a good Wi-Fi connection in order to use the features that come with them.

You should always check to see how well a smart lock works with your other smart devices. At a minimum, a Bluetooth lock should work with Alexa and Google Assistant. It’s even better if it also integrates with other smart home gadgets such as lighting and security systems. In addition to this, you should look at how easy it is to set up and whether it has any other features that will make your life easier.

Installation

Bluetooth smart locks are a newer technology, but they’re gaining popularity for their convenience and security. They don’t require a WiFi connection to work, and they can be installed easily. They can also be used with smart home hubs to offer more control over your door lock from afar. Considering key details like whether or not you want to keep your key and what connection method lines up with your home’s system will help you narrow down your options and find the right smart lock for your needs.

Some of the most popular Bluetooth models are compatible with Apple’s HomeKit, meaning that you can unlock your door using Siri. The second-generation Schlage Sense deadbolt and August Smart Lock both work with Apple’s voice-control platform, so you can lock and unlock your door just by saying “Hey Siri” or “Open the door.”

If you’re planning on using your smart door lock with a smart home hub, consider getting one that supports Z-Wave or ZigBee. These types of locks work with many systems, and they’re also more likely to be compatible with third-party apps that you might already be using. These locks may also be less expensive than Wi-Fi models, and they don’t require the installation of a router, so you can get started with them sooner. They’re also typically easier to set up than Wi-Fi smart locks, and you won’t have to worry about installing software or troubleshooting connectivity issues.