Smart Locks Archives - Alarm Reviews

About ADT Door Locks

Isabelle Landau — Tue, 10 Jan 2023 07:35:00 +0000

Home security and all it entails has changed greatly in the last two decades, with tons of innovations and modifications to all its different sectors. The ADT Door lock is ADT proprietary modification to the good old door lock with lots of innovation like remote lock and opening from anywhere and a much-needed automation system that opens your doors in the incidence of a fire outbreak. A look at what it offers makes you wonder how you could have ever gone by without them installed in your home.

The company that made its smart locks is Kwikset, a well-known name with a solid reputation in the market. It integrates with other smart home devices with ease and is simple to install.

Pros

Easily connects to your ADT Pulse® Wireless Network
Illuminated keypad for low-light use
Keyless entry
Compatible with ADT smoke alarm and other devices
Lock or unlock using the keypad or any web-connected device
Full 128-bit security encryption for increased wireless security
Uses 4 AA batteries, eliminating the need for wiring
Notifies you of unlocked doors
Comes in three different color choices
Compatible with other ADT security cameras
24/7 monitoring

Cons

You may forget your Pin code
Requires professional installation
Requires ADT pulse monitoring package
Requires higher monitoring monthly fee for smart devices

Sale

Level Bolt Smart Deadbolt Lock - Convert Your Existing Door Lock Into...

TURN YOUR EXISTING LOCK INTO A SMART LOCK: Level Bolt replaces the deadbolt in your door to turn your lock into a smart...
KEYLESS ENTRY VIA LEVEL HOME APP: Lock and unlock your door with the Level Home App (iOS & Android) and share keyless...
WORKS WITH APPLE HOME: When paired with Apple HomeKit, this Bluetooth smart lock can be controlled from anywhere using...

ADT door lock and ADT Pulse

ADT Pulse is ADT’s own offering of home automation combined with home security. It offers a whole lot of gadget options complete with Z-wave technology to turn your home into a smart home. its range of gadgets include ADT thermostat, light switch dimmer, garage door control, deadbolt door etc. with ADT pulse, you can control all your equipment with your mobile phone via a mobile app.

How does an ADT door lock work?

An ADT door lock made by Kwiset functions just the same way as your conventional door lock. But it offers a lot of added benefit. Once installed, you need not worry about where you kept your keys or if you are home when your parents visit because with the remote access technology you can easily open and close your door from anywhere.

The ADT door lock comes equipped with an illuminated keypad for low-light use and is battery powered, so you never have to worry about being locked in or out in the case of a power failure.

ADT Door Lock Installation

An ADT door lock is part of the ADT pulse offering. To have it installed you would have to be subscribed for an ADT pulse package which comes with monthly monitoring fee. Call 888-285-0760 for $850 in free equipment.

The ADT technician will install the smart lock and remove your old deadbolt during your scheduled installation session. Although it’s not a very complicated process, it does call for certain exact stages. You may save time and effort by letting the experts handle it, and you can be sure that it will function as intended.

Conclusion

It offers users lots of added benefit far better than what a conventional lock offers. With its keyless entry, you never have to worry about duplicating your keys or a lost key. To have a system installed you need to be running the ADT pulse plan which offers a one stop solution to most of your home automation need.

You can make sure that your home is secure and well-protected with bulgars by including Kwikset 914 smart door locks in its Smart Home and Video & Smart Home packages.

Latest Posts

Isabelle Landau

Growing up with Law and Order and CSI shows taught Isabelle Landau one thing: if people back then had high-quality home security systems, those series would have been way shorter. In our modern world, technology helps us keep burglars away easily, and this is what Izzy studies and writes about: alarm systems, home security, protection systems, and more.

The post About ADT Door Locks appeared first on Alarm Reviews.

10 Best Smart Locks for Your Home

William Eames — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 00:59:37 +0000

Smart locks not only make accessing our homes more secure but also a convenient and easy task. This is because they use encrypted data to get information and instruction from us and, at the same time, involve little to no effort to get the job done.

If you struggle to keep your keys in sight or forget about them all the time and are always searching for them whenever you want to leave the house, smart locks could be the solution you have been waiting for.

In this article, we are going to see what these smart locks can offer, and we will give you a complete solution to what you have been yearning to know. We will give you information about the best smart locks, their prices, and why you should consider purchasing one.

No products found.

Product FAQ

1. What Are Smart Locks?

Smart locks are little devices that are either fixed to the door handle or replace it to offer better security and convenience for the owners. While smart locks may use different methods, commonly they have cards, chips, or Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity that allows them to connect with your phone.

This allows them to unlock immediately when they sense you are near. Other devices use password protection in which you are prompted to enter a combination or PIN to unlock them.

2. What Are the Benefits of Smart Locks?

Security

Since most smart locks use encrypted data, security is highly enhanced. This makes it one of the safest ways to protect your home against break-ins or other situations you wish to avoid.

Another security feature is the ability to notify you when some unusual activity is occurring at your door. This might be a thief trying to break into your house or any other unauthorized persons trying to access your premises. The lock can also be set to trigger an alarm whenever this happens. This makes it a perfectly safe option if you are away from home.

For more enhanced security, you can also set it up to prompt you to enter a password or pin code to unlock the door. This is very convenient while ensuring maximum security and safety. Smart locks are also able to detect the time you are most likely to arrive by tracking your location and thus will be ready for that unlock.

Convenience

Just imagine getting to your door and finding it open just for you. This is great, right? Smart locks use WiFi connectivity and Bluetooth to sense when your phone is nearby and prepares for your entry by unlocking itself.

3. What Are Some Types of Smart Locks?

Bluetooth locks

Bluetooth is one of the most common types of smart lock. This is because they are very convenient as you can set them to open the door with a tap of your phone or the key fob once you are near your house. Bluetooth locks also support multiple devices, meaning you can add more people to your door. This is enabled by seamlessly adding different phones to the lock. Bluetooth locks also use very little energy and have a long battery life.

Biometric locks

These use registered fingerprints to open the door. Most locks allow up to 100 fingerprints, making them a solution to managing security and access to not only homes but also sensitive information and work areas.

Keypad locks

Whether on a touch interface or physical keys, these locks use a PIN to unlock. This is very convenient as you can set different passwords for different people, change passwords within minutes, or even limit access to specific users.

4. Where Can You Buy Smart Locks?

Smart locks can be found online on websites such as Amazon. Their prices have a broad range but usually start at $50.

5. Can Smart Locks Make My Life Easier?

Yes, the high security and convenience means the smart locks make your life easier.

Image via Unsplash

How We Reviewed

Basing our review on features, price, pros & cons, where to buy, and warranty, we came up with a list of some of the best smart locks available on the market.

Overall Price Range of Smart Locks

The price of the best smart locks ranges from $$ to $$$.

What We Reviewed

August Smart Lock Second Generation
Kwik Set Kevo
Next X Yale
Luckily Bluetooth Keyless Entry Door Smart Lock (PGD 728)
Schlage Smart Sense Deadbolt
Kwikset Obsidian Smart Lock
AKASO Smart Lock
Danalock V3 Bluetooth & Z-Wave Smart Lock
U-max Fingerprint Smart Lock
Gate Labs Camera Smart Lock

August Smart Locks Second Generation

No products found.

Using Bluetooth technology, August Lock uses battery technology to connect with your phone. This makes it a perfect solution as you no longer need to use keys or even a key fob. August Lock also informs you whenever you need to replace the battery, meaning you will never get inconvenienced.

PROS	CONS
Connects with more than 1 Bluetooth device	No alarm to warn you in case of a break in, apart from notification on your phone
Can create virtual keys for guests and track their activity	Uses battery technology which adds to the cost of recurring battery purchases
Locks the door automatically once you step out of the house and unlocks once you are nearby
Uses your existing door system thus no need to replace

Price

This product can be found on Amazon for about $$.

Warranty

This product has a customer warranty of 12 months after you make your purchase.

Kwikset Kevo

No products found.

Another great smart lock for your home is the Kevo lock which comes packed with Bluetooth technology to connect seamlessly with your phone and allows you to unlock it by simply tapping on it. This device can also track your location for better precision. With easy-to-install instructions and a smartphone app, Kevo will ensure that your security is at par.

PROS	CONS
Touch to open, you don’t need to take out your phone	Requires a complete change of your door handle
Senses your location and automatically locks and unlocks to ensure security	Quite expensive
Fire resistant and break-proof	Does not work with all types of doors and door locks
Easy to install or mount with instructions from the Kevo App	Short warranty period
Optional use of either touch unlock or the use of e-key for family and friends

Price

This product can be purchased from Amazon for around $$.

Warranty

This product has a warranty of only 90 days.

Next X Yale Lock

No products found.

The Next X Yale Lock is a password-prompt lock that lets you not only encrypt your access to your house but also allows you to create different accounts with different passwords. This lock also allows you to schedule times for your guests to be allowed in and can notify you once any activity occurs.

PROS	CONS
Allows remote access	The touchscreen interface can get a glare on a sunny day, leading to difficulties in entering the password to unlock
No lost keys or key fobs	Expensive
One tap on the lock when you leave and you are done locking the door	Different interface
Fits on a standard door so that you don’t have to replace it
Support active alarm

Price

This lock is available on Amazon for around $$$.

Warranty

Two-year limited warranty.

Lockly Bluetooth Keyless Entry Door Smart Lock (PGD 728)

No products found.

With a great variety of options to consider, Lockly allows you to either use the one-touch feature to lock and unlock, use the pin option which allows up to 8 users with a master account, or use Bluetooth. Lockly is a great option for a house with family and friends who access the premises individually and would like timely access.

PROS	CONS
Beautiful design embedded with recent technology for security	The touchscreen interface may be difficult to operate on a sunny day as it may have a glare
Easy installation, only takes about 15 minutes	Since the key interface keeps changing, inputting the pin may be difficult
Versatility—uses Bluetooth, key, or pin code to unlock	Built on aluminum which is not dust and water resistant
	Does not support Alexa

Price

Lockly can be purchased at around $$$ on Amazon.

Warranty

Lockly has a 16-month warranty from the time of purchase.

Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt

No products found.

The Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt offers another great option with versatility and security being key strengths. This smart lock offers a great option if you need an almost entirely warranted product as it has a lifetime warranty.

PROS	CONS
Compatible for both Android and iOS	Not easy to mount on the door
Uses Bluetooth, WiFi, or touchscreen interface to unlock	WiFi adapters and Alexa compatibility must be purchased separately, making an increase in the cost
Long battery life, up to a year
Low battery notification weeks before the battery dies
Emergency unlock

Price

This product sells on Amazon for around $$$.

Warranty

This product has a lifetime warranty. It also has up to 3 years of electronic warranty.

Kwikset Obsidian Smart Lock

No products found.

Named after a rock, this lock takes simplicity to the next level. It has a simple square, stylish design that immediately blends with your interior décor.

PROS	CONS
Simple, stylish modern design	Not easy to integrate into the standard door locks
Emergency power with an additional battery in case the battery is dead	Not as versatile as other locks in its price range
Changes placement of number pads to prevent someone from tracking your password
Auto lock, locks after 30 seconds

Price

This product costs around $$$ on Amazon.

Warranty

This product has a one-year electronic warranty from the time of purchase.

AKASO Smart Lock

No products found.

AKASO Smart Lock is another cheap yet versatile smart lock.

PROS	CONS
Ability to create customized passwords for guests for one time use or a specific time period	Communicates with your phone only when it’s within 10 meters
Smart interface with both white and blue display touchscreen	Only has one person as an administrator user who can decide whether other persons can access the lock
Instant alarm in case of suspicious activity	Limited color and design options
Get control by instant addition or removal of users with access

Price

Going on Amazon for about $$$.

Warranty

3 year warranty

Danalock V3 Bluetooth & Z-Wave Smart Lock

No products found.

With a relatively simple design, the Danalock V3 Bluetooth & Z-Wave Smart Lock uses both passwords and Bluetooth connectivity to provide access to your house lock.

PROS	CONS
Support hands-free unlock	Does not support Siri commands
Monitor your lock from anywhere, giving you control	Short warranty period
Works across a wide range of devices
Smart, stylish design

Price

On Amazon, Danalock V3 Bluetooth & Z-Wave Smart Lock costs about $$$.

Warranty

90 days from the time of purchase

U-Max Fingerprint Smart Lock

No products found.

This is a 5-in-1 keyless entry that increases the convenience of entering your home. The lock can be controlled using your smartphone via Bluetooth technology.

PROS	CONS
Accepts up to 100 fingerprints	Difficult to manage the many accounts
Bluetooth, WiFi, and password-prompt unlock	Has no administrative accounts to manage control, thus lacks control
Simple design

Price

This product goes for around $$$ on Amazon.

Warranty

One-year warranty

Gate Labs Camera Smart Lock

No products found.

This lock combines the power of a biometric fingerprint reader and password prompt with Bluetooth technology, making it a versatile smart lock option.

PROS	CONS
Simple, stylish design	Difficult to manage accounts as it allows access of up to 100 users
Easy to install	Does not support emergency power up with batteries
Has a camera for better security	No instant alarm in the device

Price

This product goes for about $$$.

Warranty

One-year warranty

The Verdict: The Best Smart Locks

Using this review, you may find it easy to choose a smart lock that matches your needs. For an individual household where convenience and security are the key issues, a lock such as August Smart Lock should do very well. In offices, however, where access is required by some staff, you can consider getting much wider access with the Kwikset Kevo which allows up to 100 users. Either way, getting a smart lock will not only ease the way you interact with your door but also your sense of security, control, and confidence as a whole.

Featured Image via Unsplash

Latest Posts

William Eames

William is a tech buff and former corporate security officer turned cybercrime analyst. Computers have few secrets left for him, but home security and alarm systems… Well, those have plenty of secrets for their users, which William is now uncovering and explaining. His articles on home security helped many people take the matter seriously, invest in highly performing systems, and avoid becoming victims of burglaries.

alarm-reviews.net

The post 10 Best Smart Locks for Your Home appeared first on Alarm Reviews.

August Smart Lock Reviews

William Eames — Tue, 22 Mar 2022 20:02:58 +0000

Smart Home Locks that are always ‘Hot’

This review is not to be confused with the month of August… Home automation is constantly changing the way we live and interact with our homes in ways we never imagined. The August Smart lock is a modern innovation to the good ol’ dead bolt. While lots of Smart lock are currently available in the market, the August Smart Lock differs significantly in its ease of installation and features packed up in the product which is expandable by its ease of integration with other home automation kit like Nest.

This review focuses on the August Smart Lock complete with Home kit enabled. Here’s a glance at the good and bad.

Pros

DIY, Easy to set up
Voice unlock via Home kit
NO need to change Deadbolt
Remote access
Geofencing feature (not exclusive, any Alarm.com or 2gig and newer system also has this)
Mobile App Access
24 hours Activity log
Bluetooth connectivity
Auto lock door after a specific time frame.

Cons

Expensive. You could lease one for less with Vivint when signing up
Requires additional purchase to enhance feature usage.
Not compatible with some deadbolts

Home Kit Explained.

Wondering what Home Kit is? Home Kit is a proprietary framework by Apple for home automation. It affords users the ability to control their home kit compatible devices in their home via their mobile device. With Home Kit, users can lock and unlock their August Smart lock with their voice via Siri by just simple phrases hassle-free.

Design and Features

The August Smart lock is available in Silver and dark gray finishing. It measures 3.2 by 2.2 inches and has a round distinct shape like a hockey puck. It’s battery powered by four AA-sized battery that comes included in the box. The battery goes right under the lid and is held in place by magnets.

The Smart lock is equipped with a led indicator that changes from green to red when the door is open or closed. the smart lock is home kit enabled and takes command via Siri. You can easily confirm if a door is open or close by inquiring of its status via a voice command.

The August smart lock easily integrates with other IFTTT compatible systems. Not many home security companies have added it to their security system lineup yet. Unlike the Nest which integrates with several home automation systems, the August is a bit limited but can still work great with GE alarm systems.

How to Install the August Smart Door Lock

Installation of the August Smart Lock is relatively easy. A typical installation takes less than 30 minutes for the most inexperienced. It doesn’t require any professional installation knowledge as the installation manual is pretty straight forward. You could also follow the steps listed below.

Confirm that you have a compatible deadbolt as not all unit are compatible with the August smart lock.
Remove the screws on the thumb latch with a screen driver.
Attach the smart lock mounting plate to the dead bolt and screw it in place with the existing screws from the thumb latch
Attach the adapter that works for your deadbolt from the provided options to the back of the lock.
Attach the lock to the mounting plate and feel it snap into place. Ssecure in place with latches.
Remove the battery slab and confirm its properly installed
Install the August App
Good and ready to go!

Sale

Kwikset SmartCode 955 Keyless Keypad Door Auto Lock with Handle,...

SECURE KEYLESS ENTRY: Fast and quiet motorized deadbolt with illuminated keypad provides keyless door entry to your...
EASY PROGRAMMING: Setup keyless door entry with up to 30 programmable unique user codes, perfect for small businesses,...
3 LOCKING MODES: "Auto-lock" locks after entry and exit, "Passage" stays unlocked, "Disable Passage" auto-locks every...

Security and performance.

Having your front door installed with the August Smart lock doesn’t pose any security threat far more when compared to the standard deadbolt. Rather it gives users more flexibility with its range of security features like being able to check if a door is locked or open, not being locked out if you lose your keys. Auto lock features and smart lock. Being able to provide timed guest access through the door and a 24-hour log on usage makes it a secure option.

Our Final Say on the August Smart Locks

Although Pricey, the August Smart Lock is a very convenient gadget to have in the home, its range of features and ease of installation sets it apart from other smart locks. The home kit feature requires an iPhone or any other apple gadget to work but it comes highly recommended by us.

>> Buy here for 10% OFF + Free Shipping <<

Latest Posts

William Eames

alarm-reviews.net

The post August Smart Lock Reviews appeared first on Alarm Reviews.