As of: April 4, 2024, 5:10 p.m
By: Julia Bencker
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Smart lock and electronic door handles in comparison © aa-w/PantherMedia
In this buying guide you will learn everything about the advantages of smart locks and electronic door handles.
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Overview: What are the benefits of smart locks? - What they bring and what you should pay attention to
Electronic door handles - the elegant alternative - if a smart lock is too bulky for you
FAQ: Smart locks and electronic door handles - The most frequently asked questions about electronic locks
In a world where technology and security are increasingly merging, smart locks offer an innovative solution for accessing your rooms. The electronic locks allow doors to be unlocked using our smartphone, a code or a fingerprint, offering a new level of convenience and control. This buying guide to smart locks and electronic door handles gives you a comprehensive overview of the options available - from how they work and the benefits to important selection criteria.
Overview: What are the benefits of smart locks?
Smart locks lock and unlock a door without traditional keys. They use technologies such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or Z-Wave to communicate with a smartphone, tablet or a special key fob. Some models also offer remote access via the Internet, allowing users to lock and unlock their doors remotely. Functions such as auto-unlock detect when the user approaches the lock and open the door automatically.
What are the advantages of smart locks? One of the biggest advantages of smart locks is that you no longer have to worry about lost keys. Remote access and temporary access codes also make it easier to manage guests and service providers. Many smart locks offer advanced security features such as input logs and unauthorized access notifications. They can also often be integrated into existing smart home systems, enabling automated scenarios such as turning off lights when locking the door.
How to choose the right smart lock for your home
Make sure the Smart Lock is compatible with your door and existing locking mechanism.
Consider which technology (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Z-Wave) best suits your needs, especially in terms of range and remote access.
Look for features like encryption and security protocols to ensure protection against hackers.
Find out about battery life and how the Smart Lock notifies you when the battery is low.
Our Smart Lock recommendations
The Nuki Smart Lock Pro is Europe's market leader © nuki
The Nuki Smart Lock Pro (4th generation) is the market leader in Europe: Users control the smart lock directly via the app and can lock and unlock their door remotely. The Nuki Smart Lock unlocks doors automatically and without a bridge, a device that communicates between the Smart Lock and the Internet. Time-controlled access authorizations and monitoring the door status in real time also work with the Nuki Smart Lock.
Installing the Nuki Smart Lock Pro is easy and requires no special tools or modifications to the door, making it easy for both renters and homeowners to install. The Smart Lock is also compatible with the Matter standard, which enables seamless integration into smart home systems.
Order Nuki Smart Lock Pro
The tedee Go Smart Lock scores with quiet operation and minimalist design © tedee
The tedee Go Smart Lock impresses with its compact design, works quietly and is compatible with Euro profile cylinders. The Bluetooth Smart Lock can be easily operated via the app. Installation is simple and possible directly on the existing lock. Users can grant access permissions via the app and see who came home and when via the activity log. A separate tedee bridge is required for integration into smart home systems such as Amazon Alexa and Google Home. The battery lasts up to six months with average use.
Buy tedee Go including bridge
The eqiva Bluetooth Smart door lock drive also communicates via radio © eqiva
The Eqiva Smart door lock drive is another, slightly cheaper smart lock. It works via Bluetooth and app control with the option of operating the device directly. Using individual access profiles, the Eqiva door lock drive controls who used the lock and when and allows time-controlled locking. Up to eight smartphones per lock can register. Communication between the smartphone and the door lock drive is separately encrypted and possible via radio in addition to Bluetooth. The Eqiva door lock drive can be used universally for doors with standard locking cylinders if the existing cylinder protrudes 8 to 15 mm on the inside.
Eqiva Smart door lock drive for €79.95
Electronic door handles – the elegant alternative
Electronic door handles replace conventional handles and offer security and convenience. They close and open with PIN codes, fingerprint scanners, RFID cards or via smartphones. Some models are also equipped with Bluetooth, which allows control via smartphone. Electronic door handles work either completely analogue or as part of a smart home that allows remote control and management. Many models can be installed without major modifications and can be easily removed again if necessary. Modern electronic door handles also enhance the external appearance of a door.
How to choose the right electronic door handle for your home
Consider which access methods (PIN, biometrics, RFID, smartphone) are most practical for you.
Check whether the door handle is suitable for your door type and thickness and whether it can be installed without major adjustments.
Consider products with long battery life.
Our recommendation for electronic door handles
The SOREX FLEX EASY door handle is an elegant alternative to the Smart Lock © SOREX
The SOREX FLEX Easy Fingerprint & PIN Code Door Handle offers a secure, keyless entry solution controlled by fingerprint or a smartphone app. Installation is easy and can be done in just 10 minutes without drilling or sawing - ideal for retrofitting existing doors. The integrated battery lasts up to a year. This electronic door handle is particularly suitable for indoor use and allows controlled access to apartments or offices. This makes the SOREX FLEX Easy ideal for people who need temporary access, such as tradesmen and cleaners.
Buy SOREX FLEX Easy
FAQ: Smart locks and electronic door handles
What happens if my smart lock or electronic door handle runs out of battery?
Most smart locks and electronic door handles are equipped with a warning system that informs you in good time before the battery is completely empty. Many devices also offer an emergency power supply that you can use to temporarily activate the lock to unlock the door.
How secure is a smart lock or electronic door handle?
Smart locks and electronic door handles use advanced encryption technologies to protect communications between the lock and your smartphone or other access methods. In addition, many manufacturers offer security features such as burglar alarms or tamper warnings. Nevertheless, it is advisable to choose products from reputable manufacturers and to carry out regular software updates. We have already reported on the topic of Smart Lock security here.
How do I manage access permissions for a smart lock or electronic door handle?
Access authorizations are usually managed via an associated smartphone app. You can create individual access codes, grant temporary or permanent access and revoke them at any time. This is particularly practical for granting access to guests, cleaning staff or tradesmen without having to hand over physical keys.
Can I install a smart lock or electronic door handle on any door?
Most smart locks and electronic door handles are designed for standard doors and can be installed without major modifications. However, it is important to check compatibility with your door and existing locking mechanism before purchasing, especially for special door types such as sliding or fire doors.
Can smart locks and electronic door handles be integrated with smart home systems?
Yes, many smart locks and electronic door handles can be integrated into existing smart home systems, enabling centralized control via a single platform. For example, you can link the lock to light switches, alarm systems or thermostats to create automated scenarios. Check compatibility with your smart home system before purchasing.
How do I react if my smart lock or electronic door handle has been hacked?
If you suspect a security vulnerability, you should immediately change the password of your associated app and contact the manufacturer. Many manufacturers offer support in securing the system and resolving potential vulnerabilities. It is also advisable to regularly check for software updates and install them promptly
The editor wrote this article and then used an AI language model for optimization at his own discretion. All information has been carefully checked. Find out more about our AI principles here.