![]() That module can handle multiple locks, so it’s a great low-cost pick for adding remote control to several doors at once. Note that you will also need the August Connect module (about $60, sold separately) if you want to control and monitor the lock remotely. And, when you move out, you can quickly and easily remove the lock and replace it with the old one, keeping your deposit safe. There’s no need to replace the cylinder it will continue to work with your existing keys, keeping your landlord happy. If you rent your home, the August Smart Lock is the best smart lock, as it’s very simple to install on top of an extant deadlock without replacing the cylinder or key. You can pick up this smart, full-featured lock for less than $100. If you want to add some smarts to your home without spending too much, the August Smart Lock has most of the features you'll need, at a reasonable price. ![]() There are advantages and disadvantages to both, which we cover in our "what to look for when buying a smart lock" section. The former replaces your entire deadbolt, while the latter requires you to only swap out the part of your deadbolt that's inside your house. ![]() Generally, there are two types of smart locks: deadbolt replacements and deadbolt adapters. After all, a smart lock should be easy enough to install and use for any homeowner, and safe enough so that they'll feel secure, no matter where they are. That's why we've tested a number of models, evaluating them for their ease of installation, security features, compatibility with other smart home systems, and more. You can continue to use a standard key from the outside or open the lock via a smartphone app.These are just some of the benefits of smart locks, but all are not created equal. Instead, they are installed on the inside of the door only, replacing only the interior part of the deadbolt. A sizeable number of smart lock products don’t require you to replace all your existing hardware. Replace or retrofit? You’re forgiven if you don’t want to replace your antique doorknob on your vintage Victorian with a metallic device that looks like it would be more at home keeping people out of a strip mall bank branch. That’s fine if you’re looking to get rid of the keys in your pocket, but less impressive if you want to make your entrance portals a true part of your home network. These work with a smartphone app, but can’t be monitored remotely or via a smart home system. One step up from that, you’ll find Bluetooth-only locks. How smart is it? An important caveat to consider first: Some “smart locks” don’t work with a smartphone app or any smart home networking hubs at all they’re really just electronic locks that use a code instead of a key to open up. That said, here are some key considerations to take into account to help you narrow down your shopping list. The bottom line is that it’s tough to declare that any product is universally perfect for every home. Even top products can balk when dealing with old or stiff deadbolts, doors that don’t shut well, or environments where non-standard fixtures are in use. How do you pick a smart lock? (No pun intended.) This is a young and wildly immature space, and many products on the market are still extremely rough around the edges. ![]() ![]() Consider these factors when shopping for a smart lock In a more advanced setting, different keys can be generated for the same lock, so a homeowner can tell when each member of the family came in, or when the housekeeper arrived. Digital locks can be changed at a moment’s notice (which is why that old hotel key card in your wallet isn’t good for anything), and the property owner can generate a record of when each door was opened. But the biggest benefit of electronic entry systems is that they are highly configurable. ![]()
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