When it comes to buying a smart lock, you can’t use the same approach that you use when buying traditional door locks.
Smart locks are a lot different than conventional locks. So, you need to know how to buy the best product so that you don’t end up wasting your time and money on poor-quality locks.
Since there are so many smart lock brands and products out there, it gets quite hard for you to decide on a smart lock for the outdoor gate that you should purchase.
In this article, we are going to try and simplify things for you so that you can make your decision.
Here are the 6 most important features that you need to consider when buying a smart lock
1. Battery Life
Smart locks run on batteries, and this is the first factor that you need to consider when buying a smart lock. If the battery dies, you’d get locked out and won’t be able to get back in.
When looking at different smart locks, you need to compare their battery life and choose the one that suits your needs.
There are products that offer you alternative entry options in case the battery goes down. You can check out these smart locks as well.
2. Variety of Entry Options
Smart locks offer you locking and unlocking features based on Bluetooth or WiFi. Although these features are great, they are not always the most reliable option.
You need to purchase a smart lock that offers you a wide range of entry options. This way, if one doesn’t work for you, you can always go with another feature to unlock the door.
Smart locks come with alternative entry options including pin code entry, or the standard physical key entry. This gives you better control over the way your smart lock works.
3. Auto Locking and Unlocking Features
You need to get a smart lock for the outdoor gate that offers you features of auto locking and auto unlocking. These features allow you to lock or unlock your door remotely.
Smart locks with auto-lock and unlock features are generally more expensive.
But still, these smart locks are great as you can use them to control the door remotely. This gives you peace of mind in case you are in doubt whether you have closed the door or not.
You won’t have to go up to the door to confirm that. You can use the app to remotely lock the door or unlock it if you want to let someone enter the home.
4. Guest Keys
You need to make sure that the smart lock offers the guest key assigning feature.
Guest keys are a unique feature that smart locks have to offer. Using this feature, you can assign keys for accessing the lock, to the people that you know.
These people include your family or close friends. Anyone who you are comfortable with letting into your home, you can assign a guest key to them, and they can use it to enter your home.
The guest keys are temporary, and they get reset after a specified period of time. So, you get to share access to the lock, without giving in complete control.
5. Weatherproof Design
When buying a smart lock, you need to check its weatherproof rating. This rating is expressed in the IP. You want the rating to be in the standard range.
Buying a weatherproof smart lock will ensure that the product lasts for you for a long period of time. The IP rating is going to determine the ability of the smart lock to withstand water and dust. So, you need to buy a product with a good IP rating so that it delivers you long-lasting performance.
End Notes
Smart locks offer a huge range of features and benefits for homeowners. The features that we have talked about here are the determining factors that help you choose a good quality smart lock for your home.
So, make sure to consider the features we have talked about here when buying a smart lock. If you have any questions about smart lock technology, feel free to get in touch with us.
Read About: Moderator
