Smart Locks

Discover the Best Smart Locks for your Smart Home.

The future of home security has never been easier with the advent of smart locks. Upgrading your traditional locks will not only enhance security but also improve convenience by allowing homeowners to monitor and control access to their property from anywhere using a smartphone app or smart home platform – like Homey.

Smart Locks offer various features and functionalities, such as remote locking and unlocking, access control, activity logs, temporary access codes for guests and biometric authentication methods like fingerprint scanning.

In this comprehensive Best Buy Guide, we dig into the world of smart locks to provide you with expert insights and recommendations. Whether you're a tech enthusiast seeking the latest innovations or a homeowner looking to bolster your security, this guide will help you navigate the myriad options available, ensuring you find the perfect smart lock to suit your needs.

Things to consider when choosing a Smart Lock

When choosing a smart lock, there are many factors to evaluate. Some features are essential, while others can be considered obsolete in certain use cases. For example, you might not need an activity log of your smart lock, but you will always want a lock that uses a secure communication method.

Consider the following factors highlighted in our best buy guide for smart locks:

• Lock Type – Smart Locks can be found in various shapes, sizes and types, but in general they can be divided in two groups:
  • Retrofit – Locks that you install on your existing door lock or
  • Replacement – Locks that replace your existing lock setup
• Installation Involvement – No matter the type, some locks can be installed very easily while others require more skill, patience or alternatively, hiring a locksmith.
• Access methods – Some locks can only be opened with your phone, while others can be paired with a keypad or even rely on physical keys as a fallback access method. Choose the one most suitable for your use case.
• Power Source –  Check the lock's power source, whether it uses batteries, requires wiring, or has a combination of both. Consider the battery life and whether the lock provides low battery alerts or backup power options to ensure continuous operation and minimum downtime.
• Price and Value – Consider the cost of the smart lock against its features, functionality, and security benefits highlighted in our list to determine its overall value. Always prioritize security over cost to ensure your home remains protected and secure.

Brand	Model	Protocol	Lock Type	Price
Aqara	U200 Smart Lock	Thread	Retrofit	€249.99
Bold	Smart Cylinder	Bluetooth	Replacement	€199.99
Danalock	Smart Lock V3	Z-Wave	Retrofit	€199.99
Loqed	Touch Smart Lock	Wi-Fi	Replacement	€299.99
Nimly	Touch Pro	Zigbee	Replacement	€334.90
Nuki	Smart Lock Pro (4th Gen)	Thread	Retrofit	€289.99
Secuyou	Patio Smart Lock	Bluetooth	Replacement	€190.95
SwitchBot	Lock Pro	Bluetooth	Retrofit	€139.99
Tedee	Smart Lock Pro	Bluetooth	Retrofit	€399.99
Yale	Linus Lock L2	Bluetooth	Retrofit	€229.99

The Aqara U200 Door Lock is the latest and greatest security product from the company, utilizing the robust Thread protocol for a secure integration with your Homey Pro.

The U200 is equipped with an extremely accurate and ultra-fast fingerprint sensor, activating in under 0.5 seconds. You can record up to 50 different fingerprints on the lock itself, making it highly suitable for offices and businesses with numerous employees.

In addition to fingerprint authentication, the lock offers keypad entry with options for permanent or one-time access codes, as well as compatibility with NFC cards or keys. For added convenience, you can also utilize your phone as an NFC key for easy access.

The Aqara U200 is designed as a retrofit solution, ensuring easy installation onto your existing lock without significant hassle. It operates on a USB-C rechargeable battery, providing up to 6 months of juice, while the keypad is powered by 4 standard AAA batteries. The keypad is also IPX5 rated, capable of withstanding rain, high moisture and dust particles, making it easy to install unprotected outdoors.

If the lock runs out of battery, you can simply use your physical key to enter and recharge it. You never have to worry about getting locked out with the Aqara U200!

The Bold Smart Cylinder Lock is a replacement smart lock designed to be installed in place of your current deadbolt. It comes with all the necessary components for installation, including the cylinder, you just need to make sure it fits your door.

This Bluetooth-enabled cylinder smart lock can be easily paired to your Homey, providing you with an activity lock for access monitoring. It can be unlocked with your phone and even set to automatically unlock when you approach your home or lock it when you leave it.

What’s really interesting about the Bold Smart Cylinder is the emergency PIN unlocking feature. Basically, you teach it a rotating pattern (left/right) and use it to unlock the door without your phone. Kind of like opening a safe!

The Bold Smart Lock can operate for up to two years on a set of CR123A batteries and is built to endure harsh weather conditions, with an IP54 rating that allows it to withstand temperatures as low as -20°C.

With a diameter of 70mm, it’s not the smallest cylinder lock on our list, but it does look very good when installed in place.

The Danalock V3 is a very durable and reliable smart lock that integrates with your Homey Bridge or Homey Pro over Z-Wave. The same, identical model is also available as a Zigbee variant, if you prefer deploying Zigbee devices instead.

Being a retrofit type of lock, the Danalock V3 is very easy to install on your existing deadbolt. It has a diameter of 59mm, making it look good and unobtrusive. The case is made out of anodized aluminum and can withstand temperatures of up to 50°C.

You can pair Danalocks with their separately sold keypad, called Danapad, to add pin codes as an access method for family members, friends, and home service providers. The Danapad V3 is also weatherproof with an IP54 rating, capable of withstanding extreme weather conditions.

The cost can accumulate if you opt for both the Danapad and the Danalock, resulting in a significant investment when weighed against the features and access methods it provides.

It's worth noting that Danalocks integrate really well with Homey, you can calibrate and completely set up the V3 without using the Danalock app at all.

The Loqed Touch Smart Lock is a beautiful and elegantly designed smart lock, relying on Wi-Fi to communicate with your Homey. This model completely replaces your existing lock setup, which may result in an involved installation, a task that might not be for everyone.

Once installed and connected, you can use your phone to automatically unlock your door whenever you approach. Alternatively, just tap the compact touchscreen, and the lock will unlock, detecting your proximity. The touchscreen can also serve as a method for accessing the lock with an access code.

The Loqed Touch Smart Lock is powered by 8xAA batteries which can keep it going for up to a year. If the batteries happen to die, there’s a fail-safe jump start connector for temporarily unlocking your door.

Its case is made from hardened steel, making it a nightmare for burglars attempting to breach your home with drilling or brute force. The Loqed Touch Smart Lock is one of the most secure door locks on the market, obtaining the highest achievable security certificates in the EU.

Nimly is a Scandinavian brand from Norway, specializing in producing digital locks. The Touch Pro is a replacement type of lock, completely substituting both the indoor and outdoor lock/handle setup.

This model can be controlled through Homey via Zigbee, although you do need to get Nimly’s Zigbee Module and install it on the lock itself. The Touch Pro can record up to 199 fingerprints, 999 unique access codes or 999 NFC key tags, which also makes it suitable for organizations and companies.

The outdoor unit is water and dustproof (IP68) and can withstand extreme temperatures ranging from -35°C to +45°C. Both the indoor and outdoor units are equipped with a key touch pad, for controlling the lock from either side of the door.

The lock is powered by 3xAA batteries which can endure 1 year of active usage. As a fallback, your physical key can still be used in emergencies. If you are on the hunt for a top-quality smart lock that has it all, then Nimly is for you.

Being a leading innovator in the smart lock industry, Nuki never ceases to push the limits of smart access control. Their latest Nuki Smart Lock Pro relies on the cutting-edge Thread communication protocol for integrating with your Homey Pro. Alternatively, you can also integrate the lock via Wi-Fi directly to your Homey.

The Nuki Smart Lock Pro is very easy to retrofit on your door and is smaller compared to other locks of similar shape. It can be set to automatically lock/unlock when you are near, or toggled manually from your Homey.

To add additional access methods, you would need to pair the Nuki lock with one of their keypads, which will enable you to use pin codes or up to 20 different fingerprints. Since both are sold separately, costs can quickly rise above your budget, especially if you go for the pro models.

The base Nuki Smart Lock model can be powered by 4 standard AA batteries, while the Pro model uses a rechargeable power pack with a life of up to 10 months. The Nuki Smart Lock Pro is made from high-quality stainless steel and is available in black or white color.

The next smart lock on our Best Buy Guide is a specialized lock for tilted doors and windows, which are very common in European homes. The Secuyou Patio Smart Lock is of Danish origin and seamlessly integrates with your door or window frame, mirroring the appearance of your current handle for a sleek and unobtrusive design.

The Secuyou Smart Lock can be remotely controlled with Homey or set to automatically lock/unlock based on your phone’s proximity. An activity log is available for tracking individual entrances and exits as well as the current state of the lock.

This lock uses Bluetooth to connect to your Homey and is powered by just two AAA batteries. These can power the lock for 2 years, which is very impressive considering their size.

What’s great about the Secuyou Patio Smart Lock is the fact that the company is releasing a Matter update in the near future, converting the lock to Thread for a more secure communication method.

The SwitchBot Lock Pro is the new and improved version of their well-known first generation model, simply called the SwitchBot Lock. The Lock Pro is a multi-point smart lock, designed to fit US, EU, UK and Swiss Oval cylinders.

This model is a highly versatile smart lock, available with an optional keypad for code and fingerprint access. Without the keypad, you can use your Homey for remote control, your phone or smart watch as an access key or your physical key as a fail-safe option.

The SwitchBot Lock Pro features an interesting click-to-unlock feature called Quick Key. Instead of a thumb turn to lock and unlock your door, the Lock Pro has a button you press to engage the device. You can press the button for two seconds to stop automatic locking on the fly.

If you happen to own one of SwitchBot's hubs, you can add the Lock Pro to Homey with Matter support. The device is powered by four AA batteries with a maximum life of 9 months, but this can be expanded to a full year if you also get the rechargeable SwitchBot Dual Power Pack.

The SwitchBot Lock Pro is a very affordable smart lock, currently retailing for €139.99 without the keypad. With it, it jumps to €219.99 which still offers the best price-to-features ratio on our list.

The Teedee Smart Lock Pro is a great pick if you are looking for the smallest and least noticeable smart knob on the market. Being a retrofit door lock, the Tedee installs on your existing cylinder, latching your key to be turned on demand.

This is the easiest lock type to install on your own, without sacrificing any features or security. Paired to your Homey Bridge or Homey Pro over Bluetooth, it’s easy to control remotely and keep tabs on an activity log. You can add PIN unlocking with the Tedee Keypad, an outdoor mounted unit which can store up to 100 different codes for unique user access.

The Tedee Pro is powered for 10 months by a 3000mAh rechargeable battery, which can be juiced up with the magnetic Micro USB cable included in the package. Its outer case is made from solid aluminum and can withstand temperatures of up to 40°C.

Its high-quality build comes as a premium, as the Tedee Smart Lock PRO is the most expensive smart knob on our list. The Tedee GO is a more budget-friendly version made out of ABS plastic with a larger footprint, but it does offer the same features.

The Yale Linus Smart Lock L2 is the latest advancement in the company’s digital lock portfolio. The Linus L2 is quieter, more durable and twice faster than the previous generation of Linus Smart Locks.

Paired to Homey through the Yale Home app, you can remotely lock/unlock your lock, monitor entry and exit logs and know when your door is open or closed. You will need to also get Yale’s separately sold keypad if you wish to enable PIN code access.

The Linus L2 is powered by a set of Li-ion 18650 rechargeable batteries with an average battery life of 6 months. Using USB-C and an adapter, you can completely recharge the lock in under 2 hours and keep downtime to a minimum.

This lock is offered in both silver and matte finishes as part of the company's initiative to complement a wider range of door colors for homeowners.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're opting for a retrofit add-on or a complete replacement, smart locks are not devices you can allow yourself to skimp on when it comes to cost. A malfunctioning motion sensor may result in minor inconveniences like lights failing to turn on, but a failure in your smart lock could potentially compromise the security of your entire home.

Investing in a reliable and high-quality smart lock ensures protection and peace of mind for your household. Hopefully, our best buy guide makes things clear, highlights most wanted features and ultimately helps you choose the best smart lock for your Homey-powered smart home.