Rating of the best smart electronic locks for the front door in 2022

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 to the premises. The rating of the best smart electronic locks for the front door in 2022 will help you choose the right model.

What is the difference between a smart lock and 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 larva. In this case, the mechanism rotates, pushing the locking bolt into the appropriate 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 bolt is driven by a special motor.

Smartlocks solve the following tasks:

• Remote door opening. It is 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 do other things.
• The ability to issue virtual keys to the right people and quickly block them if necessary. This is especially useful if access is required on a temporary basis (construction team, nannies, etc.)
• Notification of the owner about the opening of the door, attempted hacking and other manipulations with the device. The lock usually has several security sensors (the presence of a key, the opening of 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 performance of these sensors, if they change and seem suspicious, sends a message to the owner.
• Voice interaction with the owner (for some models).
• Possibility of inclusion in the "smart home" system.

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

• On safes. This is the original scope of such devices, later they were extended to other doors.
• For protection of gates (both automatic and country) and on barriers.
• On locks for bags, suitcases.
• With bike locks.Usually this option is waterproof, used in conjunction with a cable lock, with which the bike is fastened to a rack, fence, and other fasteners.
• As a 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, so that during the repair the builders do not enter another room, or if the tenant rents only part of the apartment.

Operating principle

How the device opens differs depending on the type of power supply and the mechanism inside. Electricity is most often not supplied and only works when a signal is received to open. In some cases, power is always 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 memory, each of which is tied to an opening element (key fob, card, smartphone, keyboard code, biometric indicator). When approaching a coverage area or interaction, the lock receives a wireless signal, analyzes it for a match with those in memory.

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

Bluetooth or Bluetooth Low Energy is most often used to interact with the lock with the user. The operating radius is several meters. Some models provide remote interaction via Wi-Fi. As a rule, in this case there is an intermediary that connects to the Wi-Fi feed point.The lock communicates via Bluetooth with this bridge, which, in turn, contacts the smartphone via Wi-Fi.

Types of smart locks

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

Place of attachment:

• Overhead locks. These are external devices that are fixed on top of 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 the replacement of the entire larva. Such a model is more difficult to install on your own, it is more expensive, but stronger and more difficult to hack.

Depending on the controller (the way it interacts with the smart device):

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

Type of power supply:

• Constant supply. Electricity is constantly supplied to the device, upon receipt of a signal to open, it is temporarily suspended, thereby unlocking the mechanism.
• Short term submission. Electricity is not supplied, only after the opening signal is given, a short-term impulse passes, setting the motor and bolt in motion.

By power source:

• Constant external current source.
• Batteries that need to be changed from time to time.
• A battery that needs periodic recharging.

By design 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 constantly supplied, due to this, the magnet is attracted to the plate. After receiving the signal, the energy supply stops, the magnet does not work, the sash can be opened.
• Electromotive. The device is equipped with a small electric motor, often installed on classic locks. After comparing the received code, the power supply starts, as a result of which the motor sets the bolt in motion.
• Electromechanical. It combines 2 ways of opening - electric and using a conventional key.
• Electric crossbars. It consists of an electromagnet, return type springs and a control system. Instead of a motor, an inductor controls the action.

Given the opening method:

• With the help of an electric motor. The movement occurs due to the motor, which changes the position of the crossbar.
• With power supply.It consists of springs holding the crossbar and a power supply. When power is applied to the unit, the latch in the form of springs releases the crossbar, it can be retracted.
• Selenoid. The voltage coil is either under constant current, creating a magnetic field and keeping the curtain closed, or excited after a short exposure to power, creating a field and retracting the bolt.

Rating of quality locks

Locks on the front door are designed to provide complete security for the apartment from penetration. High-quality door lock is reliable and wide functionality. You can buy a door smartlock both in a regular market and order it online in an online store.

Most often there are locks made in Korea, as well as made in China, but you can find other manufacturers. The best options for smartlocks contain the rating below.

H-Gang Guardian TR811

Producer: H-Gang, South Korea.

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

Unlock 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 fingerprints.

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 display made of impact-resistant plastic, protected from water and fire;
• relatively inexpensive for this type of device;
• can be installed by yourself;
• automatically closes 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 of an approaching discharge;
• there is a fire detector and a built-in siren;
• in case of fixation of strikes or attempted burglary, a siren is triggered, a light indication is activated, the lock is blocked;
• withstands up to -60 degrees.

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

Samsung SHS-P718

Manufacturer: Samsung, South Korea.

Type: mortise, electromechanical. Mortise part with 2 crossbars, equipped with a handle on the outside.

Unlock 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 options and fingerprints;
• several unlocking methods, including emergency mechanical opening with an ordinary key;
• there is access to biometric data;
• there is a "silent night" mode;
• automatic locking;
• it is possible to set 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 a video intercom;
• fire detector and alarm in case of unauthorized access;
• there is a charge indicator;
• excellent quality according to buyers.

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

Xiaomi Aqara Smart Door Lock S2

Manufacturer: Xiaomi, China.

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

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

Number of codes: up to 100 fingerprints, 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 conventional keys;
• there is fingerprint access;
• inexpensive locks of this type;
• high class of protection;
• 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 USB charging for emergency cases of power loss;
• possible to integrate with "smart home";
• it is possible to install an application, or track movements through smartphones based on IOS and Android;
• there is an automatic closure;
• built-in alarm and sending SMS when trying to access without the permission of the owner;
• there is a charge indicator.

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

Xiaomi Sherlock Smart Lock M1

Manufacturer: Xiaomi, China.

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

Unlock method: bluetooth key, standard key.

Power: battery.

Material: polycarbonate.

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

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

• no multi-level protection;
• only 1 unlock option;
• no remote control;
• little functionality;
• burglary and fire are not fixed.

Selock Universal

Producer: UNIVersal, China.

Type: consignment note, electronic. Discreet pad without touchpad and key hole.

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.

• imperceptible, it is difficult to understand how it opens and hack;
• large range;
• 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;
• a small set of functions;
• there is no remote control, SMS alerts, 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, more complex ones record the time, key number, send messages to the owner about the state of the sensors and possible penetration.
2. unlock method. It should be selected depending on the level required to protect the premises. If really valuable things are stored in the room, you can choose expensive biometric models for the front door. Code options are suitable for office and entrance doors. In other cases, simpler unlocking methods will suffice. It is desirable that the lock has the possibility of combined access, in case of loss of an electronic key of one type.
3. The popularity of models and reviews on them.
4. Design features of the device, door and existing lock. It is worth considering whether a replacement of the larva is required, the thickness of the web, as well as the possibility of integration with an existing lock.
5. Is it possible to combine the model with the "smart home" system (if any).
6. The strength of the body of the device.
7. Average purchase and installation price.
8. What installation is expected. If you intend to install it yourself, it is better to choose the invoice option.
9. The number of keys (access codes) that the lock can issue. For smart locks with key fobs and cards, it is better to choose those that offer the purchase of additional parts in case of loss at a lower cost.
10. The quality of the material from which the crossbar is made. In cheap models, it is made of aluminum alloy, which is fragile.

The duration of the smartlock service is also determined by the reputation of the manufacturer. Which brand of locks is better to buy:

• 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 required to drill a hole and fix the lock with screws. Complex models involve a complete replacement of the "stuffing" of a mechanical lock, laying electrical wiring, fastening parts and setting up an electronic filling.

Smartlock is a useful device that helps to ensure the safety of your home. 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, method of opening and quality.