Smart locks offer a range of access options and security features beyond the classic key and deadbolt. Our experts look at offline, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled units to help you find a smart lock that suits your home security needs.
How we choose what we test
Our priority is to test what you’ll find in stores and online retailers. This includes a combination of big brands with strong name recognition, and smaller manufacturers from specialty outlets. We also look for smart locks made by brands that sell other home security devices, such as security cameras and smart doorbells.
Scoring
The CHOICE Expert Rating for smart locks is an overall score that’s based on the following criteria:
ease of use (50%)
unlocking (30%)
unlock range (Bluetooth) (10%)
app privacy and security (10%).
Range testing isn’t conducted for units without Bluetooth. For these, the CHOICE Expert Rating is based on:
ease of use (50%)
unlocking (40%)
app privacy and security (10%).
How we test smart locks
All locks are mounted on temporary blocks, following the vendor guidelines for hole dimensions and setback. Once we’re satisfied that the mechanics of the lock are working smoothly, we install the batteries and then set up each lock using its preferred method: either using app, or its onboard menu system (accessed via a keypad).
Ease of use
We look at the physical installation instructions, steps involved and whether they were clear and easy to understand. After that, we assess the setup process for creating an admin account, additional user accounts and general navigation around the lock and app.
Then we test how easy it is to unlock and lock the mechanism using the primary method (app, biometrics, pin code etc). Finally, we look at how easy it is to access the backup system to gain entry when the lock loses power.
Unlocking
This is a straightforward test that looks at the speed of the primary method of entry, followed by the speed of a secondary method of entry. We also consider any issues using the app if one is available, such as poor performance or complicated navigation.
Unlock range
We attempt to open the lock at three distance intervals – 20, 30 and 40 metres.
App privacy and security
To assess this, we consider five things.
Can the lock be set up without an app?
Is an online account needed for the app?
What personal details are requested for the online account?
What are the online account password rules?
What app security is available when launching the app?
Note: We don’t attempt to break into or hack the locks in any way.
We gather important specifications for each smart lock so you can easily compare functions and features without having to visit every manufacturer’s website. These include:
mount type (key turner, deadbolt, mortice and barrel only)
We also note which models can be used offline, including those that require Bluetooth or Wi-Fi during setup.
Tester comments
Our expert tester summarises their experience of using each lock. This is to highlight any notable features, benefits or shortcomings they encountered, which don’t quite fit into our comparison table. It provides some real world context as to what each lock is like day to day to help you make an informed purchase.
When I first walked through the doors at CHOICE, my job was to write about tech for CHOICE Computer magazine. Since then, I've covered everything from home entertainment to personal safety devices, tech for your car and even mattresses. If you want to find the best combination of a bed, 4K TV, soundbar, GPS unit and food delivery app, I'm your guy.
The one thing I've noticed across all the product tests I've organised it's that nothing is simple.
Mattresses can be just as complicated as computers, and manufacturers as well as salespeople don't make things easy. They either use complex jargon that you just want to ignore, or they
oversimplify things to the point where you don't know what you're paying for.
My goal isn't just to help you find the best TV, mattress or soundbar, I also want to cut
through the nonsense and help you fully understand the products you're considering. That way, you
can make an educated, informed decision when it's time to buy without falling prey to a sly
salesperson.
Plus, when you understand the product, you know how to set it up in a way that best suits your
home and can look after it. Nothing is plug and play anymore, and if a complicated smartphone or
Bluetooth speaker feels less intimidating after you've read my content, then I know I've done my
job.
Outside of work I'm very into gaming, I love
watching retro classics at the cinema, I enjoy getting up early to spend hours smoking a tasty cut of
meat and I'm deeply into home hi-fi. Any music genre from laidback jazz to the loudest, screamiest,
most brutal heavy metal ticks all my boxes. I also had a stint as a live music photographer for a number of years.
You can find me on LinkedIn.
When I first walked through the doors at CHOICE, my job was to write about tech for CHOICE Computer magazine. Since then, I've covered everything from home entertainment to personal safety devices, tech for your car and even mattresses. If you want to find the best combination of a bed, 4K TV, soundbar, GPS unit and food delivery app, I'm your guy.
The one thing I've noticed across all the product tests I've organised it's that nothing is simple.
Mattresses can be just as complicated as computers, and manufacturers as well as salespeople don't make things easy. They either use complex jargon that you just want to ignore, or they
oversimplify things to the point where you don't know what you're paying for.
My goal isn't just to help you find the best TV, mattress or soundbar, I also want to cut
through the nonsense and help you fully understand the products you're considering. That way, you
can make an educated, informed decision when it's time to buy without falling prey to a sly
salesperson.
Plus, when you understand the product, you know how to set it up in a way that best suits your
home and can look after it. Nothing is plug and play anymore, and if a complicated smartphone or
Bluetooth speaker feels less intimidating after you've read my content, then I know I've done my
job.
Outside of work I'm very into gaming, I love
watching retro classics at the cinema, I enjoy getting up early to spend hours smoking a tasty cut of
meat and I'm deeply into home hi-fi. Any music genre from laidback jazz to the loudest, screamiest,
most brutal heavy metal ticks all my boxes. I also had a stint as a live music photographer for a number of years.
You can find me on LinkedIn.
I am the test coordinator in the computer lab. I joined CHOICE in 2015 because I wanted the opportunity to test products in a rigorous fashion, to highlight the good and the bad for the benefit of the consumer.
In the CHOICE computer lab, I test everything from established technology such as laptops, right up to the latest smart home innovations.
Prior to CHOICE, I spent 17 years working for Australian PC World, testing and writing about PCs, PC components, and other related consumer and small business gear. Over the years I've tested almost everything in the PC realm, from 56K modems to network printers, as well as more mainstream consumer gear such as media players and PVRs. Those days are long gone. Now it's all about the smart home and interconnected devices. LinkedIn
I am the test coordinator in the computer lab. I joined CHOICE in 2015 because I wanted the opportunity to test products in a rigorous fashion, to highlight the good and the bad for the benefit of the consumer.
In the CHOICE computer lab, I test everything from established technology such as laptops, right up to the latest smart home innovations.
Prior to CHOICE, I spent 17 years working for Australian PC World, testing and writing about PCs, PC components, and other related consumer and small business gear. Over the years I've tested almost everything in the PC realm, from 56K modems to network printers, as well as more mainstream consumer gear such as media players and PVRs. Those days are long gone. Now it's all about the smart home and interconnected devices. LinkedIn
