Rating of the best smart electronic front door locks in 2020

For those who keep up with the times and care about protecting their own homes, the use of smartlocks may become relevant. These devices make life easier for the owner, and also cope with the prohibition of the admission of strangers into the room. The rating of the best smart electronic locks for the front door in 2020 will help you choose the right model.

How does a smartlock differ from a regular lock?

The classic version of the lock assumes that it opens if the grooves of the key coincide with the grooves in the cylinder. In this case, the mechanism turns, pushing the blocking bolt into the corresponding compartment. A smart lock or smartlock (from the English smart lock) differs from the usual one in that its opening does not require the use of a conventional key, but occurs through wireless interaction. The crossbar is driven by a special motor.

Smartlocks solve the following tasks:

• Remote door opening. Relevant if an unplanned guest has come and the owner is not at home.
• Accounting for all movements. The device records who exactly opened the door and at what time.
• No need to carry a bunch of keys with you.
• Automatic door opening. The owner of the premises can use both hands at this time to carry things or other actions.
• The ability to issue virtual keys to the necessary people and quickly block them if necessary. This is especially useful if access is required on a temporary basis (construction crew, nannies, etc.)
• Notifying the owner about opening a door, attempting to break in and other manipulations with the device. The lock usually has several security sensors (the presence of a key, opening the front panel, pressure on the handle, the position of the oblique, angular and rectangular tongue, as well as the locking tongue). The device monitors the indicators of these sensors, if they change and seem suspicious, sends a message to the owner.
• Voice interaction with the owner (for some models).
• The ability to be included in the "smart home" system.

Smartlock is used not only for entrance doors. It is also installed in the following cases:

• On the safe cabinets. This is the original scope of such devices, later they were extended to other doors.
• To protect gates (both automatic and suburban) and on barriers.
• Locks for bags, suitcases.
• With bike locks. Usually this option is water resistant, it is used in a set with a cable lock, which fastens the bike to a rack, fence, and other mounts.
• As protection for the office. In addition to the main function, the owner can track at what time employees left the premises, how long they were absent, and which offices they entered.
• For interior doors.Such models are installed if it is necessary to deny access to any room. For example, to prevent builders from entering another building during the renovation, or if the tenant rents only part of the apartment.

Operating principle

How the device is opened differs depending on the type of power supply and the mechanism inside. Electricity is most often not supplied and is triggered only when a signal to open is received. In some cases, the power is constantly present, and when interacting with the opening element, it is briefly turned off.

In general, it can be noted that a certain number of access codes are stored in the smartlock's memory, each of which is tied to the opening element (key fob, card, smartphone, key code, biometric indicator). When approaching the coverage area or interaction, the lock receives a wireless signal, analyzes it for coincidence with the ones in memory.

If the code is found, then the driving element inside the lock is powered (or turned off). This sets in motion a mechanism that moves or releases / retracts the deadbolt.

For interaction of the lock with the user, Bluetooth or Bluetooth Low Energy is most often used. The triggering radius is several meters. Some models provide Wi-Fi remote communication. Typically, in this case, there is an intermediary who connects to the Wi-Fi hotspot. The lock communicates via Bluetooth with this bridge, and that, in turn, contacts the smartphone via Wi-Fi.

Types of smart locks

Popular models of smart home locks differ from each other. The main types are differentiated depending on the criterion that underlies the classification. There are the following models for entrance doors:

At the place of attachment:

• Overhead locks. These are external devices that are fixed over the door leaf and the installed mechanical lock. Easier to install, cheaper than the second option.
• Mortise. The entire mechanism is located inside the door leaf, often requiring replacement of the entire larva. Such a model is more difficult to install on your own, it is more expensive, but more durable and more difficult to break.

Depending on the controller (method of interacting with a smart device):

• Code. To unlock the lock, you will need to enter the provided code. For this, there is a keyboard on the device (or on the wall nearby).
• Radio controllers. The signal is sent through a special key fob. The radius is about 10 meters.
• Biometric. The opening occurs after comparing the fingerprint, voice, retina. One of the safest options for doors, but expensive for the price. It is recommended to use multiple fingerprints at once to avoid problems after cuts, burns, etc.
• with NFC or RDIF card. The lock is provided with special cards, when interacting with which a signal to open is given.
• Smartphone signal. A program is installed on the phone, which gives an impulse when approaching the lock. It can operate both via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
• Combined. Several opening methods can be combined on one device at once. For example, the same lock can be opened from a smartphone, using a code and a fingerprint. Facilitates opening the door if one of the signaling options is not available (there is no telephone at the moment, forgot the code, etc.). Often, along with this, the locks are equipped with a cylinder for a conventional mechanical key, which is covered by a separate panel.

By type of power supply:

• Constant feed. Electricity is constantly supplied to the device, when it receives a signal to open, it is temporarily suspended, thus unlocking the mechanism.
• Short-term feed. Electricity is not supplied, only after the signal for opening is given, a short-term impulse passes, which sets the motor and the crossbar in motion.

By power source:

• Permanent external current source.
• Batteries that need to be replaced from time to time.
• A battery that needs to be recharged periodically.

By construction type:

• Electromagnetic.The line consists of a strong magnet, a metal counter plate that is attached to the door leaf and a control system. The current is supplied constantly, due to this, the magnet is attracted to the plate. After receiving the signal, the power supply is suspended, the magnet does not work, the sash can be opened.
• Electromotor. The device is equipped with a small electric motor and is often installed on classic locks. After comparing the received code, the power supply begins, as a result of which the motor drives the bolt.
• Electromechanical. It combines 2 opening methods - electric and with a conventional key.
• Electric transom. Consists of an electromagnet, return type springs and a control system. Instead of a motor, the action is controlled by an inductor.

Given the way of opening:

• With an electric motor. The movement takes place due to the motor, which changes the position of the crossbar.
• With power supply. Consists of springs holding the bolt and power unit. When power is applied to the block, the spring-type retainer releases the bolt, it can be retracted.
• Selenoid. The voltage coil is either under constant current, creating a magnetic field and keeping the canvas closed, or it is energized after a short exposure to power, creating a field and pulling in the crossbar.

Rating of quality locks

Entrance door locks are designed to provide complete security for the apartment from intrusion. A quality door lock is distinguished by its reliability and wide functionality. You can buy a smartlock door both in a regular market and order online in an online store.

The most common locks are Korean-made, as well as made in China, but other manufacturers can also be found. The best options for smartlocks are listed below.

H-Gang Guardian TR811

Manufacturer: H-Gang, South Korea.

Type: electronic, consignment note. The inner part consists of a deadbolt and a latch, the outer part is a touch panel.

Unlocking method: biometric (fingerprint), password entry. From the side of the apartment - a button or pressing a handle.

Number of codes: up to 4 passwords (4-12 digits), up to 100 prints.

Power supply: AA batteries (4 pcs.)

Material: zinc, ABS plastic, aluminum.

Door width: 30-75 mm.

Average price: 15 500 rubles.

• there is a reliable biometric unlock;
• Equipped with a durable touch screen made of impact-resistant plastic, water and fire resistant;
• relatively inexpensive for this type of device;
• you can install it yourself;
• closes automatically after 3 seconds, no need to worry that the apartment is not locked;
• there is a "night lock", at the specified time the device cannot be opened from the outside with either a code or a fingerprint;
• notifies about the impending discharge;
• there is a fire sensor and a built-in siren;
• in case of fixing blows or attempted burglary, the siren is triggered, light indication, the lock is blocked;
• withstands up to -60 degrees.

• there is no way to open it with a regular key (in the absence of power supply or blocking of other methods);
• a small number of password options;
• no remote opening;
• there is no SMS notification to the owner about a hacking attempt;
• the time of passage and who opened the apartment is not recorded.

Samsung SHS-P718

Manufacturer: Samsung, South Korea.

Type: mortise, electromechanical. Mortise part with 2 crossbars, external handle.

Unlocking method: fingerprint, RF card, code, mechanical key. From the inside - pressing the handle.

Number of codes: 31 (4-12 characters), up to 100 prints.

Power supply: AA batteries (8 pcs.)

Material: plastic, zinc, aluminum, tempered glass.

Door width: 40-80 mm.

Average price: 44,000-48,000 rubles.

• a large number of code and fingerprints options;
• several unlocking methods, including emergency mechanical opening with a conventional key;
• there is access to biometric data;
• there is a "quiet night" mode;
• automatic locking;
• it is possible to establish multi-level access (the device will open only when the correct data is entered for several indicators);
• there is an IR sensor;
• can be integrated with video intercom;
• fire detector and alarm for unauthorized access;
• there is a charge indicator;
• excellent quality according to buyers' opinion.

• high price;
• no remote opening;
• no SMS notification about hacking;
• data on movements is not recorded.

Xiaomi Aqara Smart Door Lock S2

Manufacturer: Xiaomi, China.

Type: mortise, electronic. Supplied as a larva (C-class drum system and threaded ring), pads with 2 handles.

Unlocking method: biometric (fingerprint), NFC card, code, mechanical keys.

Number of codes: up to 100 prints, 2 cards, code up to 20 characters.

Power supply: 8 AAA batteries.

Door specifications: 40-120 mm.

Average price: 20,000-24,000 rubles.

• several unlocking options, including emergency using regular keys;
• there is access by fingerprint;
• inexpensive locks of this type;
• high protection class;
• recognition of "live" touch;
• there is a "dummy" input that allows you to enter several false numbers in the presence of an outsider;
• there is a USB charging for emergency power loss;
• it is possible to integrate with the "smart home";
• the application can be installed or movement tracking through smartphones based on IOS and Android;
• there is an automatic closing;
• built-in alarm and SMS sending when trying to access without the owner's permission;
• there is a charge indicator.

• no remote control;
• according to user reviews, the configuration of the lock may be different, sometimes there is no larva or pin.

Xiaomi Sherlock Smart Lock M1

Manufacturer: Xiaomi, China.

Type: consignment note, electronic. Design features: an overlay on the inside of the door for a mechanical lock, equipped with a motor.

Unlocking method: bluetooth dongle, standard dongle.

Power supply: battery.

Material: polycarbonate.

Average price: 5,000-6,000 rubles.

• ease of installation;
• integration into the "smart home";
• control using a smartphone or movement along the touch panel;
• distribution of keys to authorized persons and their blocking;
• battery charge indication;
• with the function of turning on the reverse, closing, anti-theft mode (partial rotation), protection of the panel from opening by a child;
• you can track the statistics of door openings;
• budget smartlock models;
• can be emergency opened with a conventional key.

• no multi-layered protection;
• only 1 unlocking option;
• no remote control;
• small functionality;
• burglary and fire are not recorded.

Selock universal

Manufacturer: UNIVersal, China.

Type: consignment note, electronic. Discreet escutcheon without touchpad and keyhole.

Unlocking method: radio-controller, using the remote control (up to 50 m radius).

Number of codes: 16 remotes.

Power supply: 4 AA batteries.

Door width: from 8 mm.

Material: zinc, aluminum, plastic.

Average price: 8,000 rubles.

• inconspicuous, it is difficult to understand how to open and hack;
• large radius of action;
• budget model;
• there is a charge indicator;
• with "night lock" function and automatic closing;
• very easy to install on your own.

• only 2 options for opening the door;
• small set of functions;
• no remote control, SMS notifications, fire and burglary sensors.

How to choose the right lock

When determining which smartlock is better to buy, it is worth considering the following selection criteria:

1. Device functionality. The simplest models only open and close the door automatically, the more complex ones record the time, key number, and send messages to the owner about the status of the sensors and possible penetration.
2. Unlocking method. It should be selected depending on the level required to protect the premises. If the room contains really valuable things, you can choose expensive biometric models for the front door. Code options are suitable for office doors and entrance halls.In other cases, simpler unlocking methods will suffice. It is desirable that the lock has the possibility of combined access, in case an electronic key of the same type is lost.
3. The popularity of models and reviews on them.
4. Design features of the device, door and existing lock. It is worth considering whether the replacement of the larva is required, the thickness of the canvas, as well as the possibility of integration with the existing lock.
5. Is it possible to combine the model with the “smart home” system (if available).
6. The strength of the device body.
7. Average purchase and installation price.
8. What the installation is supposed to be. If you intend to do it yourself, it is better to choose the invoice option.
9. The number of keys (access codes) that the lock can issue. For smartlocks with key chains and cards, it is better to choose those that offer the purchase of additional parts if lost at a lower cost.
10. The quality of the material from which the crossbar is made. In cheap models, it is made of an aluminum alloy that is not strong.

Smartlock service life is also determined by the reputation of the manufacturer. Which company is better to buy locks:

• Samsung;
• Xiaomi;
• H-gang;
• YouSmart;
• Digma;
• VOCOlinc.

How to install

Mounting a smart device varies greatly depending on the type and model. Some options can be installed independently, others can only be connected by a specialist. In the first case, the smartlock kit includes step-by-step installation instructions and all accessories.

In some cases, the device is fastened with double tape, sometimes it is necessary to drill a hole and secure the lock with screws. Complex models involve a complete replacement of the "filling" of a mechanical lock, laying of electrical wiring, fastening parts and adjusting the electronic filling.

A smartlock is a useful device to help keep your home safe. A large number of models of different price categories allows you to choose exactly what is suitable for a particular apartment and front door. When choosing the best option, you should pay attention to the type of device, its functionality, opening method and quality.