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Checked and updated on February 26, 2021 by Aaron Barnett
The best keyless door lock has a lot to do with the functionality of the deadbolt vs aesthetics, no matter what keyless smart lock you go for you want to make sure to have great functionality. That is a lock that doesn’t require a key.
The other bells and whistles of a smart lock might sound cool but might not ever be used.
Best keyless door lock
#1 Keyless door lock with camera
Kwikset SmartCode 914 keypad smart lock + amazon cloud cam
- It comes with the Amazon Cloud Cam, to let delivery services access your house to keep your packages locked up while knowing you can watch what happens when you are not at home.
- Option to create up to 30 access codes.
- Cam works in conjunction with Alexa to provide remote access and to stream a live feed.
- Smart Key security feature protects against break-ins and allows re-keying.
- Durable tidy faceplate.
- Can be controlled only from a primary phone.
- The setup process takes a bit to figure out.
#2 Most durable keyless deadbolt
Schlage BE365CAM619 Camelot keypad deadbolt, satin nickel
- The mechanical keyless door lock can be pre-programmed with two access codes.
- Has a “low-battery” indicator.
- Back-lit keypad for easy nighttime viewing.
- Durable Finish.
- Long battery life.
- Very basic keyless lock, but all you really need.
- Have to take it apart to replace the battery.
#3 Keyless touchpad
Schlage FE575 cam 619 acc Camelot keypad entry with auto-lock
- Auto-lock feature allows for re-locking after five seconds.
- The illuminated keypad allows for nighttime use.
- Allows codes to be added or deleted easily via the keypad.
- All in one unit with a door handle.
- Durable finish.
- The absence of a lock on the inside makes it hard to. determine whether or not the lock is engaged.
- The door handle has to be removed to replace the battery.
- Complaints about the battery not lasting long.
#4 Internal keyless door lock
TurboLock keyless electronic keypad entry door lock
- Option to program a master code, a standard entry code, and eight user codes.
- Compatible with most door systems.
- Automatic locking system.
- No Backup key in-case the battery dies.
- Looks too cheap for the front door.
- Can be difficult to program.
Best touch screen keyless locks
#1 Best smart keyless door lock
Samsung SHS-3321 digital door lock, black, keyless, electronic, deadbolt
- The alarm system goes off when it detects an attempt to open it from the inside.
- Samsung keyless door lock has a random security code feature that prevents key code detection.
- Looks and feels modern.
- A double authentication system requires the use of a password and an RFID tag.
- The double-locking feature prevents unlocking from the outside, even with a key.
- It may not fit all existing lock holes due to the placement of the cylinder.
- Samsung doesn’t specify screen material.
#2 Best keyless entry door lock
Lockly PGD 728 keyless entry smart lock, pin genie door lock
- Secure digital keypad randomly scrambles numbers every time a key code is entered.
- Provides remote access via an Android or iOS app.
- Syncs to the Smart Lock system via military-grade Encrypted AES256 Bluetooth connection.
- Can be unlocked with a physical key.
- Entry via offline access codes.
- Looks awesome.
- Hard to see numbers in direct sunlight.
- Pressing an equally hard-to-see “unlock” button is required after keying in the PIN.
- Very sensitive bolt-strike plate alignment.
- Don’t know the screen material.
#3 Best fingerprint door lock
Ultraloq ul3 bt Bluetooth enabled fingerprint and touchscreen
- This keyless entry door lock has an advanced fingerprint identification system that allows entry only to you.
- Anti-peep password features prevent key code identification by onlookers or by ‘reading’ worn-out digits.
- Knock-to-Open features grant entry simply by knocking on your phone four times.
- The shake-to-Open feature allows entry simply by shaking your phone.
- All in one unit with a door handle.
- Not possible to send a key code to another smartphone.
- Lock engages too quickly.
- A bit difficult to program the sensor.
#4 Keyless touchpad door lock
Yale assure lock touchscreen keypad
- Comes with two physical keys for added entry options and security.
- Locks automatically and has an auto-relock feature.
- Built-in alarm for break-in.
- Doesn’t work well in bright sunlight.
- The screen scratches easily.
- Extrudes from the door too much.
- Easy for others to see your keypad when you type your pin number in.
Introduction
Keyless door locks provide a number of significant advantages over traditional doorknobs and bolt-locking systems. Initially utilized for car doors, they have since become widely used in residential RV and office entry systems. They provide easy entry and access to multiple users–even remotely–and without the need for bulky keys.
One of the most significant benefits of keyless lock systems is that they free you from having to deal with physical keys. Keyed systems have worked well for hundreds of years. But they have a profound disadvantage in that you are practically tied to them all the time. At the very least, you will always have to be aware of where they are.
Think about it: aren’t you always patting your pockets or feeling for your key ring just to make sure you haven’t lost your keys? When you step out of the house or out of your car, the first thing you probably do is check to see that you haven’t left your keys inside!
With keyless locks, you no longer have to worry about such things. You can simply pull your door shut and be assured that you can get in any time simply by keying in the combination or unlocking your door via your smartphone. It’s definitely a more convenient alternative to keyed systems, and you will appreciate it more the more you make use of it.
Keyless locks also make it easy for everyone in the household to gain entry or for you to allow access to other people. Simply by providing other people with your access code, you can let anyone enter your home in your absence, without having to make multiple spare keys. If you want to restrict access, simply change the key code.
Before you buy a keyless door lock…
Check the durability.
A keyless lock should be able to hold up to daily use for years on end. Systems with physical pushbuttons instead of touchpads tend to be more durable. Some touch-pads particularly those with plastic screens–tend to get scratched up too easily.
Over time, this could make the numbers difficult to see. Although glass touch-pads tend to be more resistant to scratching, the same problem may occur over time as well.
Does it have Bluetooth or NFC?
Some keyless locks utilize Bluetooth and near-field communication (NFC) technology to activate proximity sensors. These systems typically unlock automatically when it detects the presence of an authorized smartphone nearby.
These technologies also make it possible to lock and unlock doors remotely, or to provide access to multiple users via mobile apps.
Do you need a lit touchpad?
Touchpads with illuminated numbers are becoming more and more common with newer keyless locks. Although they are less prone to mechanical damage and dust entry than keypads with physical buttons, they are more likely to get scratched, as mentioned previously. Over time, the numbers may be practically impossible to read.
In some cases, key presses may not even register. Glass touchpads are usually more reliable than plastic, but they will almost surely exhibit the same problems over time.
Is a built-in alarm good for you?
Some of the best keyless locks provide additional security features such as built-in alarms. These can alert you to potential intrusion and attacks. Some ‘smart’ systems even identify the type of activity at your door, determining whether someone is attempting a forced entry or is tampering with your door.
Other advanced systems will even sound an alarm upon the first contact when the door is actually opened.
Is the security of a connected live camera for you?
Keyless locks with built-in cameras provide an added measure of security. With such systems, the camera is activated as soon as it detects activity in front of your door.
It then begins recording as the person approaches. This way, you can determine who is trying to gain entry into your home.
What price are you willing to pay.
Keyless locks are now more affordable than they were a few years ago. Buying online can be noticeably cheaper than the shelf.
You might also want to consider a lock system with physical keypads. Although not as modern looking as touch-pad equipped systems, it will, however, be more durable and more cost-effective.
Other things to consider with a keyless lock system.
The best keyless door locks make entry easier and more secure. Features such as built-in alarm systems and cameras further enhance their ability to prevent unauthorized intrusion and attempted breaches, and even make it possible for you to identify intruders.
Some alarm systems can be set to send an alert when an exit is attempted, letting you know that someone is trying to leave the premises.
Touchscreen systems may seem like the way to go, they look sleek and modern but the screen can scratch easily and no longer look so good, a standard keypad with only physical buttons could be better as they are mostly durable.
You might also want to consider systems that come with physical keys as a backup in case you don’t replace the batteries when needed.
Comparing the top keyless locks
Kwikset SmartCode 914 | Schlage BE365 | Samsung SHS-3321 | Lockly Smart Lock
| Ultraloq UL3 BT | Yale Assure Lock | Schlage FE575 | TurboLock | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Keypad: | Key pad | Key pad | Touchscreen | Touchscreen | Touchscreen | Touchscreen | Key pad | Key pad |
Screen material: | n/a | n/a | Glass | Not specified | Not specified | Plastic | n/a | n/a |
Camera: | Yes Included camera | No | None | None | None | None | No | No |
Connectivity: | Bluetooth/Wi-Fi | None | NFC | Bluetooth | Bluetooth | Has bluetooth ad-on | None | None |
Security: | SmartKey Security | Up to 19 access codes | Alarm | Secure Digital Keypad | Fingerprint Technology | All-code lockout | Turn lock feature | Safe automatic locking |
Tips to install a keyless door lock
Installing a new keyless entry door lock will help improve security, and can add value to your home as well. It’s actually pretty easy to install on a new door look, and even easier to change your old one out for a new one using just a Makita brushless drill and your chisel set.
- The first step is to measure out the new lock. If you are replacing an existing lock, you could simply select a new lock that fits into the hole that is already cut into your door. If you have to cut a new hole using the right sized hole saw, mark out the ‘setback’, which is the center of the hole you are going to cut. This is typically 2 3/6” or 2 ¾” from the edge. The hole itself should measure 2 1/8” in diameter in most cases but the exact measurements will come with your lock.
- The next step is installing the latch. If there is an existing latch, you will first have to remove the doorknob screws from the door’s interior side. This will enable you to pull off the knob from both sides of the door. Then, remove the screws from the latch plate and pull out the latch.
- The new latch should be placed with the tapered side facing the direction in which the door will close. Make sure that the latch plate fits into the recessed area and is set flush with the door’s surface.
- To install the knob, first find the ‘spindle’, which is the metal piece that sticks out of the exterior knob. This turns along with the knob and makes the springs of the latch slide the bolt into the door so that it can be opened.
- Install the knobs by inserting the spindle through the latch slot. After aligning the two long screws of the inside knob with the cylinders of the exterior knob, you can then tighten the screws.
- You will probably need to replace the strike plate as well. Remove the two screws that secure the strike plate onto the door jamb, and install a new one in the same spot.
- Make sure that the latch is aligned with the strike plate by opening and closing the door a few times. Check to make sure that the knob turns smoothly as well.
Conclusion
There you have it if you want smart security with a camera and phone integration consider the Kwikset SmartCode, If a simple but durable keyless deadbolt is what you are considering for household access with or without your set of keys look at getting the Schlage BE365CAM619.
And for the best-looking smart lock, you cannot look past the Samsung SHS-3321 digital door lock.
Hi, my name is Jessica, thank you for reading my article.
As an architect and interior designer, my goal here at Bangingtoolbox is to provide my readers with unique ideas for their home and DIY projects.
If you want to ask me any questions about the world of design, you can find out more about me here.