Seeking Recommendations and Experience for Durable Long-Lifespan Smart Door Lock

mshanann on 24/09/2024 - 14:27
Last edited 25/09/2024 - 10:08 by 1 other user

Hi all, I'm seeking recommendations and/or experiences positive/negative associated with people's usage of smart door locks.

I'm trying to locate a lock that is durable and long-lasting (multi-year) that supports:

1) Fingerprint or keypad (to negate the need for a device or physical key to enter)
2) Has full-size physical key support (to allow conventional key entry)
3) Optionally supports Bluetooth or Wi-Fi (to potentially support device-based entry)

My budget is flexible provided the lock/device will last multiple years. I'm ok with switching out batteries.

Has anyone found a device that meets above criteria and have had it actively in use for more than a year?

Thanks.

UPDATE

Thank you everybody for all the suggestions and experiences! There is some very useful information in this thread.

We need the equivalent of a rtings.com longevity test for these smart door locks :)

Electrical & Electronics Door Lock Lock

Comments

  • mshanann on 24/09/2024 - 14:27

    A key-safe could potentially work too!

  • sumyungguy on 24/09/2024 - 15:01
    +1

    I've have two of these Yale Keyless Oct-2020 & Nov-2021. Trouble-free and keyless so can't be picked; but only suit 60mm back-set rim locks. If you have deadbolt hardware I recommend this low-cost option from Wyze. Do you really need a key?

  • wikimee1 on 24/09/2024 - 15:07
    +1

    Not a long time as reference but I've been using Samsung SH-DHP538 for almost 3 years. It doesn't have WiFi or Bluetooth, just Z-Wave (the less popular IoT communication protocol) which requires a separate module that I cannot buy anywhere in Australia or ship it here. Samsung smart door lock is only sold through one distributor in Australia, so they have monopoly.

    I've had to replace the mortise once, so not good. The pain of changing this smart door lock is you probably need to change the door as well because the location of drilled holes are different. If I were to start from scratch, I would try my luck with Aqara smart door lock.

    • sumyungguy on 24/09/2024 - 15:10

      Z-wave frequencies vary by country so not worth bothering with a module.

  • 87percent on 24/09/2024 - 15:26

    Yale Assure? but i've been looking at the McGrath range

  • boomramada on 24/09/2024 - 16:05

    I had Yale and Samsung, they both good.

  • pegaxs on 24/09/2024 - 16:42
    +1

    I have the Eufy smart lock and it does all of those things you mentioned. Fingerprint, keypad, physical key override, app to access, multiple user accounts, one time passwords, battery operated and have had it installed for about 3 years so far.

    Only downside is there is no sensor for the door open or closed, it just seems to work on a timer. After 2 mins or so, it will just lock itself even if the door it wide open to let some sun/breeze into the house, the lock will actuate and throw the bolt.

  • apple2016 on 24/09/2024 - 17:33

    Yale. I have them for few years without any issues

  • Worf on 25/09/2024 - 06:47
    +1

    I have a Lockwood 001 touch… uses a number pincode or swipe pass. I’ve had it for about 10 years, the glass keypad shows micro abrasions (probably noticeable after about 5 years). Takes 4 AA batteries which I change annually.

    I’ve been happy with it and I would buy again. Available at Bunnings. Easy diy install.

    25 year warranty on the lock mech.

  • geekcohen on 25/09/2024 - 06:55

    What sort of door are you using it on? Is it for a front door or some other door? I got KGLF Smart Door Lock for my garage door during a OzB deal and it is great. Bluetooth can be a bit hit-and-miss, but otherwise, it is great.

    • mshanann on 25/09/2024 - 10:13

      I've got a couple of doors I can choose from as far as entry. Both Mortice lock and Rim Lock styles. My main concern is buying one of these locks and the thing break and I have to repair the door due to some customization that was required as part of the smart-lock installation.

      • geekcohen on 02/10/2024 - 06:33

        It was a straight swap out from an existing door lock. Just removed the existing one and slotted in this KGLF one.

  • davidoh on 25/09/2024 - 07:43
    +1

    I have had an Aqara U100 from a previous deal for nearly a year that meets all your requirements:

    • Both fingerprint and keypad entry + comes with NFC tags
    • Has physical key entry hidden behind a sliding cover
    • Has bluetooth built in, or can be exposed to Wi-Fi using an Aqara Hub
    • Also supports Apple HomeKit/HomeKey, the Aqara app (via BT) or Matter (via Hub) for device control

    I've only had a couple of issues:

    • I can't get Apple HomeKit integration and Matter to work simultaneously, so have it connected to Home Assistant via Matter only.
    • It takes 4x AA, and using Eneloop Pro's I was having all kinds of issues with the lock becoming randomly unresponsive. A reddit post suggested using better batteries, tried Energizer Lithium batteries and all the issues went away.

    I've been very happy with it otherwise. Would definitely recommend it.

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