What are the best smart locks of 2022?

We rarely think about it and yet the lock is an essential element of our home. It is indeed the first contact one has with one's home when one returns home. Impossible to enter without going through her, and in fact, without having her keys. And if at the beginning, the classic lock/key system is useful to protect against burglaries for example, today there is a solution that secures your home without needing this sacrosanct key: the connected lock.

The principle of the connected lock is simple: instead of your metal key, you use your smartphone to lock and unlock your front door remotely. Creating temporary access for a relative or a housekeeper is even possible.

Connected lock: the latest newsAt the end of January 2021, the Somfy brand, known for motorizing shutters, gates and garage doors, announced the future release of its connected lock. Called Door Keeper, this connected lock will be compatible with most doors. In the event of an intrusion attempt, it will send a notification to its owner's smartphone and can even trigger the alarm system. It can also indicate whether the door is open or closed in real time and will offer 12 months of autonomy. Big weak point: it can only be installed by a professional. Already on sale, it is available from all Somfy pro partners for around €499. We have also recently added the Homematic IP HmIP-DLD to our selection. Manufactured by the German brand Homematic IP, it is based on IPv6 addressing and can be controlled remotely via a mobile application. Find out what we think about it in more detail at the end of our selection.

What is the best smart lock?

Nuki Smart Lock 3.0

WE LOVE✅ The ease of installation✅ The optional cylinder in case of incompatibility✅ The white color more in line with most doors WE DON'T LIKE❌ The optional remote access

This new version 3.0 of Nuki's Smart Lock is dressed in white this time. Technically, it's still a mechanical key driver, powered by four AA batteries and controlled by the smartphone's Bluetooth. The same optional accessories are supported, such as the keypad and the gateway (Bridge), allowing remote access and home automation interactions. Also available: a cylinder to replace the existing cylinder, in case of incompatibility. The more expensive Pro version comes with WiFi as standard.

Nuki Smart Lock 2.0

WE LOVE✅ The intuitive mobile application✅ The ease of installation✅ The magnet to indicate the status of the door WE DON'T LIKE❌ The GPS identification function can be improved❌ The noisy motor

The Smart Lock 2.0 has the advantage of sitting on the existing cylinder and is therefore intended to be a little more universal and less intimidating to install. Other assets: the magnet which indicates the status of the door (open or closed), the good home automation integration, the interesting functions (automatic unlocking thanks to the identification of the smartphone, etc.) and the pleasant mobile application. A rechargeable battery is available to replace the batteries. The Smart Lock 2.0 is now also available in a white version. With the arrival of version 3.0, it is destined to disappear, the time that stocks are up.

Delta Dore Tylock

WE LOVE✅ The choice between several cylinder lengths✅ The NFC card and the badges providedWE DON'T LIKE❌ The impossible remote control❌ The replacement of the existing cylinder

Signed Delta Dore, the Tylock lock replaces the existing cylinder and supports European format doors, symmetrical or asymmetrical. For this purpose, several cylinder lengths are available: 30×30, 35×35, 40×40, 55×45 and 60×30. In the absence of a physical key, this lock is controlled by Bluetooth, via the smartphone, or NFC (a card and three badges are delivered). It is powered by a CR2 battery. The mobile application allows you to manage access rights (administrator, user, guest, etc.) and to receive notifications. In the absence of an IP gateway, the Tylock cannot be accessed remotely.

Igloohome Smart Mortise 2

WE LIKE✅ The different access modes available, including the keyboard✅ The security functions (anti-tamper alert, etc)WE DON'T LIKE❌ The complex installation❌ The imposing size

Signed Igloohome, the Smart Mortise, here in its second version, is a complete lock, handle and mortise included, which replaces the entire existing lock. De facto, its installation is quite complex and requires the use of a drill. On the other hand, powered by eight AA batteries, it measures more than 30 centimeters high, a size used to integrate a keyboard. Other access modes are available: Bluetooth (via the mobile application), QR Code or even RFID card. We appreciate the alert in the event of sabotage, the automatic unlocking in the event of fire (detection of high temperature) or the possibility of using a physical key in an emergency. For security, this lock does not use any internet connection. Thanks to the Airbnb Connect service, it is particularly interesting for users who often rent out their residence.

Somfy Smart lock

WE LOVE✅ The 3 skins provided✅ The quantity of optional accessories, including bracelets for childrenWE DON'T LOVE❌ The installation requires changing the cylinder❌ The mobile application still requires some improvements

This lock (formerly Okidokeys) requires changing the cylinder and adjusting its length to the thickness of the door. We appreciate the three skins provided (chrome, brass, white) and the large quantity of optional accessories, including even bracelets for children. For those loyal to the Somfy brand, integration with the Tahoma home automation box is a plus.

Yale Entr

WE LOVE✅ The remote control included✅ The setting possible without a smartphoneWE DON'T LIKE❌ The absence of an IP gateway for remote control

This Yale model (Assa-Abloy brand) is available in several versions, depending on the length of the cylinder supplied. Its strengths are the included remote control, the possibility of setting it without a smartphone via the keypad on the lock, the automatic locking function and the optional fingerprint reader. We regret the absence of an IP gateway for remote control.

Yale Linus Smart Lock

WE LOVE✅ The installation on the existing or spare cylinder✅ The optional accessories (keyboard, Bluetooth gateway)✅ The wide interoperabilityWE DON'T LIKE❌ The absence of a rechargeable battery

Yale's new connected lock is a key turner that fits on the existing cylinder, but the manufacturer has the good idea to offer a spare cylinder as an option in the event of incompatibility. The choice of finish (black or silver) and the possibility of adding a keyboard or a Bluetooth/Wifi gateway which increases the functions tenfold (remote control, Google/Alexa/Homekit/IFTTT interoperability, etc.) are significant. Too bad that the power supply is supplied by batteries and not a rechargeable battery.

Danalock V3

WE LOVE✅ The compactness✅ Z-Wave compatibility✅ The optional accessories (keyboard, gateway, etc.) WE DON'T LIKE❌ The somewhat complex installation

The Danalock lock, powered by four CR123 batteries, stands out for its compactness. It fits on the supplied cylinder, the length of which is adjustable. The installation is however a bit more complex than normal. The choice of the Z-Wave protocol, in addition to Bluetooth, is interesting because the lock can be controlled through a compatible home automation box. There are also Homekit and Zigbee versions, as well as several accessories, such as a keyboard and an IP gateway.

Homematic IP HmIP-DLD

WE LOVE✅ The installation on an existing cylinder✅ The optional remote controlWE DO NOT LIKE❌ The mandatory gateway

Designed by the German brand Homematic IP, this lock, powered by three AA batteries, is installed on the existing cylinder, European profile. It uses a proprietary 868 MHz protocol, based on IPv6 addressing, and therefore requires the specific Access Point control unit to operate. A blessing in disguise, since it is possible, in this way, to control it remotely via the mobile application. Eight access authorizations can be configured. An optional remote control is also available.

What is the interest of a connected lock?

Fixed inside the front door, a connected lock, usually via Bluetooth, locks or unlocks under the action of an iOS/Android mobile application. Thus, the smartphone replaces the traditional metal key. For a single person, the usefulness is not obvious. On the other hand, it is a relevant system when it comes to assigning "virtual" keys, which are easier to share than physical keys, to many people requiring access to housing, permanently or temporarily: the family sure, and also the nanny, the house staff or Airbnb tenants.

Is it complicated to install?

These locks, for the most part, are supplied with their own cylinder, European profile, and require the removal of the existing door cylinder. All you have to do is unscrew then retighten a small screw located on the edge of the door leaf. However, many configurations (rosette, wall lamp, etc.) exist and some are restrictive. Compatibility should be checked on the manufacturer's website. At worst, a photo can be sent to technical support. The thickness of the door is also a point to check. The length of the Somfy cylinder is adjustable and those of Yale, for the Entr model, and Delta Dore, for the Tylock, are available in several sizes.

The Smart Lock 2.0/3.0 from Nuki and the HmIP-DLD from Homematic IP fit over the existing cylinder. They are in fact key turns activating the key which remains engaged in the lock. However, for those who are put off by such an operation, Nuki offers an installation service by a professional, typically a locksmith. The service costs at least €69, if the cylinder is not to be changed.

With the Linus Smart Lock, Yale offers an interesting alternative: installation on the existing cylinder or an optional cylinder (39.99 €), in the event of incompatibility. For version 3.0 of the Smart Lock, Nuki also offers an optional cylinder (79 €).

Is the smartphone essential?

Most manufacturers offer more practical accessories than a smartphone for controlling the lock: RFID badge reader, remote control, bracelet or even “smartwatch”… But these are options that cost several tens of euros each time. Delta Dore's Tylock lock comes with NFC tags. The Smart Mortise 2 incorporates a keyboard.

Can the door be opened remotely?

Yes, provided you acquire the Bluetooth gateway, if it exists, which connects via Wifi to the Internet box. Typical use: controlling the opening of the door when a delivery person or a repairman arrives and you are absent. This gateway also makes it possible to manage remote access authorizations and to obtain a logbook (who entered/exited and at what time). The Homematic IP gateway uses a proprietary 868 MHz protocol.

What autonomy?

It depends on two variable factors: the power required to operate the locking/unlocking mechanism and the frequency of use, which itself depends on the number of residents. Yale indicates an autonomy of three months, Nuki six months, at the rate of eight to ten locking/unlocking daily… The mobile application signals when it is time to charge the battery or change the batteries. In case of forgetfulness or breakdown, the metal key provided can always be used as an emergency key. The Nuki Smart Lock 2.0/3.0, however, requires a disengageable cylinder (or emergency function), which allows one key to be used on the outside while another key is engaged on the inside.

Is it compatible with the Smart Home?

This is a possibility of the IP gateway mentioned above: interaction with other connected objects or even home automation boxes, with the aim of establishing scenarios, triggering alarms, etc. In addition, the Danalock lock offers Z-Wave or Zigbee versions, protocols often supported by home automation boxes. Controlling the lock by voice is also possible, thanks to the Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa. At Nuki, the unlocking function requires you to state an additional PIN code, as a precaution.

Is there a risk of hacking?

As with any connected object, the risk of hacking cannot be ruled out. And it is all the more difficult to tolerate when it affects an electronic device controlling the front door. Researchers have already uncovered many vulnerabilities, first of all insufficient or misconfigured Bluetooth encryption: the signal can be intercepted and then replayed. This is the reason why the Havr star-up sought to free itself from Bluetooth with the Brightlock lock, which is activated from the flash of the smartphone. But this model is above all intended for the professional world.

However, manufacturers are seeking to strengthen the security of their products (AES256 encryption) or obtain certifications (AV-Test for the Smart Lock) intended to reassure users. Nothing is infallible, however. It should also be borne in mind that an experienced burglar will probably not waste time “hacking” a lock, while there are other faster and more effective ways to break in.