How to Choose the Best Bluetooth Gate Lock
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Often, we hear about how important it is to update our cybersecurity and protect our identity online.
But what about our daily life?
We are so consumed with our protection online that sometimes we forget about the real world. We still need to keep our families and possessions safe. With so many people working from home now, this is more important than ever.
Thieves can often be people that you already know, and they are more likely to know when you are home or not.
As you already know, locking things up properly is the biggest step you can take for your security.
In this article, I will give you a guide on what you should know before you purchase a door lock, and an overview on my favorite Bluetooth Smart Gate Locks to help you get started. So keep reading!
What You Should Know Before Purchasing a Lock
Not all locks are made the same.
When it comes to your home security, you should think about the most important functions for your family and what devices you already have at home.
Consider these:
- What style of lock are you looking for?
- Do you want it to only be Bluetooth compatible? Do you want it to connect to other devices you have?
- Do you have a budget in mind?
- Who has lock access right now?
1. Style
Most locks come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. While this is true, you may want to actually look at the different finishes to see if it matches what you already have.
After all, your neighbors and other people walking by will be able to see your lock. This could also be important if you plan on selling your home in the future. You will want to make sure your home furnishings have a nice look.
2. Compatibility
Locks also come with different levels of compatibility. Most of our favorite locks come with Bluetooth capabilities, while only some come with Wi-Fi capabilities. Some will only connect to Amazon Alexa and Google Home, while others offer connectivity to other devices.
You will want to consider this when buying your new lock and think about what devices you have or want to purchase in the future.
3. Budget
Bluetooth smart home locks come in at a variety of different price ranges.
They are definitely not all made equal, and to be honest, you are probably going to get what you pay for. You can find some cheaper locks coming in around the $100 range.
However, my favorite locks are usually between $200-$300.
When it comes to your home security, you canโt put a price on it. You truly want the best of the best, and this will bring you peace of mind.
4. Accessibility
The last important thing to consider is accessibility. Do you want your smart lock to have keys as well, or do you want it to be completely remote? Some smart locks now have fingerprint entry; is this something you would want for your family?
Some locks can also allow multiple people to have entry codes; do you have a cleaner coming in, a nanny, or a dog-walker? Would multiple people have entry access make your life easier while staying secure?
These are all very personal questions that only you can answer. This is why it is so important to consider what will work best for your family, as there are many possibilities for your home security.
My Favorite Bluetooth Smart Gate Locks
Now that I have shown you what you should consider when purchasing a Bluetooth Smart Gate Lock, I will show you my favorite locks to choose from.
I have researched the best smart locks that I could find and compiled a list of my top 4 locks.
These have been tried and tested. There are pros and cons to each smart lock, so remember the questions you were asked previously when looking at the following locks.
Wyze Smart Lock
Wyze is a fairly new company with only a couple of products right now. This smart lock is a simple yet sleek design, so it should fit in with most decor and styles of modern homes. The design is a deadbolt one, so it does not require or come with keys.
It is a Bluetooth lock. However, it does require the use of a wifi signal. It has recently become compatible with Amazon Alexa and can work with voice commands. It is still in the works for being compatible with other home systems. There is an app that it works with.
This Smart Lock comes in between $100-$130, so it is one of the most budget-friendly locks I have found. The only downfall with the budget is that if you want a keypad as well, that will be an additional purchase.
If you do decide to add the keypad, you can add unlimited codes so multiple people can enter your home or backyard. This lock also comes with several alarms, letting you know if you have left it unlocked by mistake.
View it here.
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is the new and improved version of the previous August Smart Lock. It is a deadbolt design, but with wi-fi integrated into the smaller, sleeker design. This design actually lets you use keys from your previous deadbolt as well.
It is compatible with most home systems, including Google Home and Amazon Alexa. This company does have an app as well that is very user-friendly. This lock has won several awards for being the best Smart Lock on the market. With that being said, it does come with a higher price tag. You will usually find this lock around the $279-$300 range.
However, keep in mind that you do not need to purchase a Wi-fi connector with this model. If you want to add a keypad, you can do that for around $80. With Augustโs app and system in place, you can have unlimited codes for everyone in your family to use. You can also give codes to anyone you authorize to come into your home.
While this model doesnโt come with an alarm, it does come with automatic locks, access logs, and an open door sensor. Rest assured that your home security needs will be covered with this lock.
View it here!
Yale Real Living Assure SL
Yale is part of the August family. The Yale lock has a very sleek and modern design. Being a part of the August family means that it gets a lot of the same features without any compromises. This lock is another deadbolt design, so again, no keys!
LIke the Wyze lock, this lock does require a Wi-Fi signal but can be run solely with Bluetooth afterward. With the backing of the August company, it will connect and work with most home systems.
I have seen this lock come in anywhere between $200-$279, which makes it right in the midrange of Smart Locks. Just like the previous Wyze lock, there is an additional piece, i.e., the Wi-Fi Connection adapter, that you have to buy with this as well. This usually costs around $50.
When going for this Yale Assure Lock, keep in mind that it is a touch screen. It can have some limitations with the weather, and in reviews, customers said sometimes the keypad could be unresponsive for a minute or two.
If the batteries run out, one nice feature is you can press a 9V battery to the bottom to get the boost you need to unlock the gate.
Check it out here!
Schlage Encode
The Schlage Encode is one of the best smart gate locks that has a built-in alarm that will go off when it is being tampered with. This gate lock is more of an old-school design and looks more like a standard lock than a new techy lock. It directly connects to your wifi and has Bluetooth as well.
There is no need for any additional connectors with this model. It can also connect to your Google Home and Amazon Alexa, but it does not support some Apple home systems at this time.
Have you heard of Amazon Key? This lock is also compatible with it. Itโs a service where Amazon delivery drivers can open the door and put their packages inside. Gone are the days of packages stolen off your porch with this model lock.
This lock does come in at the higher price point – usually between $250-$300. This is because of the built-in alarm system and offering services like Amazon Key Service that not all other models offer. The Amazon Key service does require a certain security camera, which does cost extra.
This lock does come with a keypad, can be opened using wifi or Bluetooth with the app, and can also be opened with a traditional key. This really is an all-in-one unit. You can program it to have up to 100 codes for any of your family or workers to use.
View it here.
So, Which One Should You Buy?
It all comes down to your decision. While taking my recommendations to heart, it is up to you to know which lock is best for your home.
It is important to take into consideration the style, compatibility, budget, and accessibility of the unit you are going to purchase.
Use this article as a guide to help you make an informed decision about your smart gate lock today!
Espen
Espen is the Director of ProPairing and has written extensively about Bluetooth devices for years. He is a consumer product expert and has personally tested Bluetooth devices for the last decade.