Generally speaking, locks styles fall into two camps: traditional, with rounded edges, decorative trim, and curved handles and modern, with squared-off door plates and handles, and streamline touchscreens with sans-serif numerals. Your electronic deadbolt can be small and inconspicuous, or a decorative accessory for your front door and entry. Things like ease of installation, setup, and connection to home ecosystems are other features to consider, as is having an intuitive and easy-to-navigate app. Higher-end locks come with additional features such as bump- and pick-proofing, code customization, alarms, notifications, and double authentication. FeaturesĮlectronic deabolts come with a long list of features, the most basic of which include a backlit keypad, storage for multiple key codes, an auto-lock feature, and and a battery life sensor. Also, electronic deadbolts have backup batteries in case of a power failure. So, the highest BHMA certification is AAA. There's also the Builder's Hardware Manufacturing Association (BHMA), which provides residential security certification that uses an A, B, or C grading system that rates locks for security, durability, and finish. The most common is from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), which rates locks from most to moderately secure to least secure with Grades 1, 2, and 3, respectively. SecurityĪll locks are subject to one or more rating systems that measure their security level based on a range of metrics. Smart locks typically offer three or more access options, including touch ID with fingerprint scan. Smart locks connect via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Z-Wave (or a combination), and are available with a range of setup choices that pair with your smart home ecosystem (including third-party security systems, like Ring) or operate independently via app. As a general rule, they’re more than double the price, but there are also lower-cost “smart-ready” locks (we cover a few below), with basic functionality plus the ability to convert to wireless with a hub purchased separately. Smart locks feature all electronic deadbolt basics and add connectivity. The most basic electronic deadbolts have a keypad or touchscreen for access, plus or minus a key, depending on your preference. While knowing you can unlock the door the old-school way may make some people feel more secure, having to carry around an extra key may be seem like more of an inconvenience than a benefit to others. A good first decision to make is whether a key will give you peace of mind. There are electronic deadbolts that work with and without wireless access, called smart locks, and both styles are available with or without a traditional key. Below, we break them down the most critical considerations to make before making a purchase. Whether you're shopping for a basic, budget-friendly electronic deadbolt or a biometric smart lock, there are several important considerations regarding everything from security to aesthetics.
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