Shifting from your old traditional ways and embracing new, modern ideas and things isn’t easy. You must have given it a good long time and thought before deciding to go for electronic doors. This manual will tell you everything about electronic door locks. As you reach the end of this guide, you will be well prepared to buy your own digital lock. Let the exploration to find the best electronic door lock begin!
Why Go Electronic?
Upgrading your security systems to electronic functionality is not just a need of the advancing world but also a requirement for better protection.
Choosing the best electronic door locks for your property has the following benefits:
- Enhanced Security
Electronic doors are equipped with advanced features such as biometric authentication, remote access, and secure encryption. With them, you don’t have to worry about unauthorized access through breaking or decoding traditional locks.
- Convenience and Efficiency
There is no need to go through the lengthy process anymore of finding the right keys, adjusting them in the keyhole, turning them around, and unlocking your entry. Electronic doors come with keyless options where you just have to enter a code, use an electronic card, or provide your thumbprint to open it. It ensures a smooth and congestion-free movement.
- Easy Monitoring
Having an electronic locking system allows you to combine it with other set-ups, such as surveillance cameras and alarm systems. It centralizes the management, saving you a lot of time and effort in controlling these systems.
- Cost-effectiveness
You may find it hard to believe, but electronic security systems can be inexpensive. They may be pricey to install but are cost-effective in the long run. It is because they need low maintenance, and you don’t have to worry about replacing stolen keys.
- Detailed access records
There are types of smart locks that register entries and exits. With them, you get a detailed account of the in and out movement of people.
Types of Electronic Doors
Having digital door locks does have its perks. But do you know there are many types of them? You need to figure out what will work best for you.
- Keypad Locks
As suggested by their name, these locks require a numeric code to open them. Hence, only those can access entry who know the correct sequence.
Best Applicable Scenario: These are the best electronic keypad door lock systems for places that need multiple access, such as offices and homes.
- Biometric Locks
Digital locks that come with biometric authentication use a person’s biological characteristics to identify that individual. These locks only grant access when your fingerprint, facial expression, or other registered biometrics match. This type of electronic lock is said to have the highest form of security.
Best Applicable Scenario: Biometric locks are mostly considered for research labs, rooms procuring sensitive documents, and luxury homes.
- Smart Card/RFID Locks
In the RFID locks, its unlocking pattern is registered inside a radio frequency identification card. It is a type of wireless key that, when it comes in contact with its lock, i.e., the RFID reader, the door unlocks. It offers convenient and smooth access to the premises.
Best Applicable Scenario: It’s commonly used in places like hotels, guest rooms, administrative offices, hospitals, clinics, apartment complexes, and retail stores.
- Bluetooth/Wi-Fi Locks
Certain locking mechanisms can be unlatched with a smartphone. You just need to download its mobile app, and then you can monitor and unlock your gateway even remotely.
Best Applicable Scenario: For smart homes and businesses that need flexible access to their headquarters, it is the best electronic door lock system.
- Magnetic Locks
Does the idea of magnetic lock doors sound appealing to you? These types of locks have two components: an electromagnet that is mounted on the door frame and an armature plate that is attached to the door. It makes them highly strong to be force opened and are used in combination with other locking mechanisms. They are used in high-security places.
Best Applicable Scenario: You can see them in hospitals, university labs, factories, and government agencies.
Brands To Buy Electronic Door Locks From
When it comes to buying anything electronic, especially security locks, you need a reliable and reputed company. Here are some of the top brands to deal with.
- Google Nest x Yale
Google is a well-accomplished and recognized business that sells smart home products. It has partnered with Yale to bring a highly secure, user-friendly smart lock system. It involves smart features such as remote access, automation, and energy efficiency.
- Kwikset
If you want reliability and security without compromising on style, Kwikset is the way to go. They offer a range of stylish and versatile electronic door locks with smart unlock options as well. One such product is their Halo Touch Fingerprint Smart Lock. They are equipped with amazing features, including keyless entry, remote access, privacy mode, and low battery alerts, with a sleek and tamper-proof design.
- Ultraloq
If you prefer trustworthiness when buying electronic door locks, Ultraloq is what you should go for. It is a leading brand in the smart lock industry that can provide you with the reliability you are looking for. Its key characteristics involve multiple unlocking methods, advanced fingerprint technology, smart home integration, along with durability and security.
How To Choose The Best Electronic Door Lock?
You are now aware of the many types of electronic door locks and the best brands to pick for yourself. But when it comes to actually buying one, you must watch out for certain factors. Have a look at them.
- Security Features: Your digital lock should have advanced features such as tamper alarms, encryption, and an anti-pick mechanism for enhanced security.
- Access Method: See how you want to access your property. Select a method, whether it’s a fingerprint lock, using an RFID card, or remote app unlock, as per your convenience and security needs.
- Compatibility: Make sure the electronic lock you are opting for suits and fits the doors you wish to apply to.
- Power Source: Automatic door locks come in a range of power options. Some are battery-operated, and others are hard-wired or both. For the former, you must look for low battery alert and backup options in the lock. For the latter, you must have an emergency supply in case of power cuts.
- Durability: When finding the best electronic lock for front door, you need to look for features such as water resistance and high durability power to combat various environmental conditions.
- Aesthetics: You must not overlook the overall design of the lock you are choosing. A lock that matches your door and home decor gives a finishing touch and character to your house.
- Budget: Electronic doors can be as cheap and expensive as you want. You need to choose how much you would like to invest in it. The more features, complexity of installment, and strong security, the more it will cost.
How To Keep Your Digital Locks Last Long
Buying an electronic lock for your doors can be a huge investment for you. Hence, it is essential that you take good care of it for its smooth and effortless functioning. You can take note of the given tips to keep your locks fresh and new.
- Clean the locks regularly with a soft, damp cloth.
- Don’t apply abrasive substances like detergents for cleaning.
- Check their battery within a few months of usage and replace them when required.
- Lubricate the locks with silicone-based oil.
- Keep its software updated with the latest upgrades.
- Do periodic inspections of the lock to ensure it is working properly.
- Stay aware of backup options and keep a spare key for unlocking in emergencies.
- Reset the code from time to time to prevent theft.
Lock Your Option
A single lock is responsible for the overall safety of your place. Hence, it is essential to be well-informed about them when choosing one. This guide covers all the necessary information you need to know about electronic door locks. Herein, you learn about its various types and leading brands, as well as how to choose your ideal lock and take care of it. With this, you are prepared enough to go out on lock exploration.
Get ready to safeguard your establishment with an advanced, modern electronic locking mechanism. Secure your future by choosing the best electronic door lock today.
Customer’s Inquiries
Electronic doors come in several types, such as fingerprint recognition, keypad system, RFID card, Bluetooth enabled, and shear locks.
Yes, some electronic doors can be operated with their mobile apps. So you can unlock them even from afar.
Try to reconnect the electronic door from the internet or reboot it by reinserting its batteries. You can also ask their customer support for further assistance.
Choose an electric door lock based on the features you need in it and where you are going to install it.
Electromagnetic doors operate with batteries. Hence, even if power cuts, they will work.
For the smooth functioning of digital door locks, make sure to check and replace their batteries as required. You may also need to update its software regularly for it to operate optimally.
Magnetic locks, proximity key card locks, and biometric locks are best for commercial purposes.
Google Nest, August, Yale, Kwikset, and Ultraloq are some great brands for buying electronic front door locks.
