Z Wave Door Lock
One of the greatest advantages of having a smart home is that you can control access to your home and be apprised of its security status no matter wherever you are in the world.
You also don’t need to worry about losing your keys or leaving the door unlocked because smart locks are completely keyless.
Z-Wave lets you upgrade your front door lock from outdated Bluetooth or Wi-Fi locks to a more reliable and secure smart lock.
Smarts locks like the August Smart Lock make it easy to welcome your guests and keep unwanted visitors out with a Wi-Fi device whether you are at home or not.
*TechImperatives.net is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
Types of Door Locks
There are several different features in smart locks, most of which depend on the communication method used to messages to and from your home automation to your phone, tablet or remote control.
Z-Wave Door Locks
A host of home automation systems support Z-Wave locks. The key difference between Z-Wave locks and other kinds of smart locks is that they don’t directly connect to your phone.
You need a central Z-Wave hub which in turn connects with your router. The hub facilitates communication between the smart lock, the router and your phone, so you can access it from anywhere in the world.
The hub can control doors at a distance of up to 120 feet. The more devices there are on a Z-Wave network, the more robust it becomes. The interference reduces and its reach increases because every device becomes an extender.
With more devices, the total range of Z-Wave hubs becomes 600 feet. If you do not like clogging up your home with multiple apps, some Z-Wave smart locks don’t require a separate app and you can just use the Z-Wave hub app on your phone for your smart lock as well.
The necessity of having a central hub becomes a disadvantage for some people, but it also enables you to connect to more 3rd party devices than other smart locks.
Her are a few top choices:
Kwikset 99160-020 Smartcode 916 Traditional Smart Lock Touchscreen Electronic Deadbolt Door Lock...
- Works with Alexa for voice control (smart home z-wave hub required, Alexa device and hub sold separately)
- Does not work via zigbee or Amazon key, and is incompatible with Xfinity
- Lock or unlock your door from anywhere with a supporting Z-Wave smart home system using your phone or web enabled device
- Works with Alexa for voice control (smart home z-wave hub required, Alexa device and hub sold separately)
- Does not work via zigbee or Amazon key, and is incompatible with Xfinity
- Lock or unlock your door from anywhere with a supporting Z-Wave smart home system using your phone or web enabled device
- Additional features include optional automatic door locking after 30 seconds for peace of mind, one touch locking, and Secure Screen patented technology
- Wake up the touchscreen by using the palm or back of your hand
- Program up to 30 custom user access codes for family, friends, or dog walkers and lock your door with the touch of a button
- Featuring Smart Key Security, which protects against advanced break-in techniques and allows you to re-key your lock yourself in seconds
ULTRALOQ U-Bolt Pro Z-wave Smart Lock with Door Sensor, 6-in-1 Keyless Entry...
- Control Your Ultraloq Smart Lock Anytime, Anywhere: Lock, unlock, share access and see a Log of who’s entered and exactly when they did remotely using smartphone App with Z-Wave. Share code remotely to your family, guests or service people for permanent access, specific dates or periods of time. Requires compatible Z-Wave hubs sold separately.
- Control Your Ultraloq Smart Lock Anytime, Anywhere: Lock, unlock, share access and see a Log of who’s entered and exactly when they did remotely using smartphone App with Z-Wave. Share code remotely to your family, guests or service people for permanent access, specific dates or periods of time. Requires compatible Z-Wave hubs sold separately.
- 6-in-1 Keyless Entry Smart Lock: Touch and Go 360° Fingerprint ID + Anti-peep Keypad + Smartphone + Auto Unlock + Shake to Open + Mechanical Key.
- Smart Auto Lock and Auto Unlock: Smart Lock automatically locks if your door closes with door sensor and unlocks when you arrive at your door with your smartphone in your pocket.Compatible with Apple Watch. Voice control with Alexa and Google Assistant. Requires compatible Z-Wave hubs such as Samsung SmartThings, Hubitat and Ezlo (Vera) etc, sold separately.
- Certified Highest Security and Durability: ANSI/BHMA A156.36 Commercial Grade 1. Proven for up to 35 times strength of standard residential locks along with a 7 times longer lifespan. IP65 rated dust and weatherproof external Smart Lock built to withstand heat and cold.
- DIY Installation: Replace your current deadbolt with just a screwdriver. Backed by Ultraloq, world’s leading smart lock brand with more than 1 million happy American users. Plus lifetime mechanical warranty and 18 months electronic warranty.
Bluetooth Door Locks
Bluetooth is one of the common protocols used in smart door locks. It doesn’t use up a battery as fast as Wi-Fi does and should easily last over a year.
The disadvantage to a Bluetooth smart lock is that it doesn’t have a very wide range—it only extends as far as 300 feet. You can easily control the front door while you’re at home but it is possible when you’re away from home.
You don’t need a separate central hub as you do with Z-Wave smart locks. But it doesn’t suit your needs if you want to be able to control the lock when you’re out of the house.
Wi-Fi Door Locks
Wi-Fi connectivity is available as an add-on feature for many smart door locks. It lets you control the front door from anywhere in the world. However, it will drain the battery way faster than a Bluetooth lock.
Having the door lock connected to Wi-Fi gives you access to a lot of features like Alexa or Google Assistant.
Parting Thoughts
Times are changing and it is very clear that having a run-of-the-mill deadbolt on your front door just doesn’t cut it anymore. Smart locks are more convenient, more secure and come with a wide variety of features.
The type of smart lock you choose should depend on the features you need. Several smart locks use multiple protocols to give you the best of both worlds in features, so make sure you consider all options before you settle on one.
