Smart locks promise convenient keyless home access. But are these connected locks ready for prime time? Before you upgrade, understand the four compelling reasons you may want to stick with old-fashioned keys instead of smart locks in 2023.
Overview – 4 Key Reasons to Avoid Smart Locks Now
I‘ve tested and reviewed home security products for over 8 years. In my experience as a tech specialist and smart home consultant, internet-connected smart locks like August and Yale Assure aren‘t yet worth the high price for most homeowners.
These innovative locks seem appealing. But upon closer inspection, the downsides of cost, reliability, security vulnerabilities and required maintenance outweigh any benefits for most people I advise.
In this detailed smart lock buyer‘s guide, I break down the four most compelling reasons to avoid purchasing a new smart lock in 2023:
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High upfront costs – Smart locks cost over $200 for reliable WiFi models – at least 4X standard deadbolts from quality brands.
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Reliance on smartphones or fobs – Convenient "keyless" entry requires you carry another access device that can fail or get lost.
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Security compromise risks – Connectivity issues, weak passcodes, outdated firmware and sophisticated hacking attacks are growing concerns security analysts cite about internet-connected locking systems.
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Power and battery hassles – Smart locks depend on batteries which must be routinely replaced or continuous electrical supply via wiring.
I‘ll provide evidence backing each reason to skip smart locks along with suggested alternatives if you want enhanced security without the pitfalls. Let‘s dive into the specifics…
What Exactly Are Smart Locks?
Before explaining why you should think twice before buying one, let‘s quickly cover what makes "smart" locks different.
Smart lock is a catch-all terms for internet-connected electronic door locks that allow keyless entry. Instead of traditional metal keys, smart locks unlock via:
- Smartphones
- Wireless fobs/keycards
- Fingerprint scans
- Bluetooth proximity
- Keypad PIN codes
- Smart speaker voice commands
Once connected to your home WiFi network, you can remotely monitor and control your smart locks from your phone. Other touted features include activity tracking, virtual guest keys, geolocation-based automation (lock/unlock when you arrive/leave), integration with alarm systems and smart lighting, self-improving security protocols and more.
Leading consumer smart lock brands include:
- August
- Yale
- Kevo
- Schlage Encode
- Kwikset Halo
- Lockly Vision
Prices spans from around $165 for basic Bluetooth-only models to $280 on up for sophisticated WiFi locks bristling with sensors and connectivity. High-end "pro" models approach $500+.
Now that you understand the appeal and technology behind smart locks, let‘s examine why you may want to steer clear for now.
Reason 1: Smart Locks Are Very Expensive
Cost is the #1 prohibiting factors for most homeowners considering smart locks. While sounding like nice amenities, smart locks carry premium price tags, especially for better known brands you can truly trust. Here are some examples comparing smart locks versus standard deadbolts:
| Lock Type | Product | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Smart lock | Kwikset Halo WiFi Smart Lock | $249 |
| Standard deadbolt | Kwikset Dakota Keyed Entry | $12 to $75 |
| Smart lock | August WiFi Smart Lock Pro | $279 |
| Standard deadbolt | Schlage BE365 | $45 to $98 |
As you can see, you‘ll pay at least 3-4X more to step up to a connected smart lock. And cheaper smart lock models from untested or lesser known companies often have troubling reviews about performance, reliability and support.
You should also budget for smart lock installation unless you have proficiency working with door wiring, electrical systems, and WiFi networking. Install costs typically run $100-$200+.
So all-in with a quality smart lock plus professional installation, you could easily spend over $500. That hefty price demands significant benefits before making sense for owners. Unfortunately, lingering technology issues mar the current value proposition, as we‘ll explore next.
Reason 2: Reliance on Yet Another Access Device
Early pitches for smart locks tantalized consumers with visions of phones permanently replacing keys. But in reality, most smart locks merely substitute secure metal keys for yet another access device that can fail, get lost, or fall out of battery power:
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Smartphones – The majority of smart locks rely on a paired smartphone for proximity unlocking via Bluetooth and/or to remotely trigger unlatching. This means you MUST carry your phone anytime you want to enter your home. If you lose your phone, you‘re locked out!
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Key fobs / cards: Some smart locks use wireless key fobs akin to a car key remote or NFC-equipped cards for tap-to-unlock capability if your phone runs out of juice. But tiny gadgets get misplaced or forgotten just like old school keys.
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Wearables: A few advanced systems like Tapplock even support wearable trackers like smartwatches or fitness bands to unlock doors so you don‘t need separate accessories. But wearables carry their own hassles – wearing a watch 24/7, keeping it charged, and draining your activity tracker battery with yet more wireless access tasks.
The takeaway? Any device required for smart lock access – whether phones, fobs or wearables – carries inherent reliability and convenience trade-offs. You must safeguard against loss/damage/dead batteries and keep it on your person 24/7 in case you need entry.
That undermines the original goal – escaping dependence on externals keys!
Reason 3: Security Compromise Risks
With benefits come potential risks. This axiom proves true for smart locks, which open your home via the internet and remote apps instead of isolated metal keys.
While convenient, this online connectivity and reliance on credential-based access opens smart locks to various security threats standard deadbolts don‘t face:
WiFi and Bluetooth hacking
Professional hackers have demonstrated the ability to exploit vulnerabilities in common IoT communication protocols smart locks depend on:
- WiFi network credentials can be intercepted with traffic sniffers or cracked giving full remote access
- Researchers have shown Bluetooth can be infiltrated to send fake unlock signals
- Vulnerable firmware lets attackers bypass passwords and PINs
For example, in 2019, researchers tested 16 popular smart locks and managed to remotely hack into 14 of them gaining complete access in just 3-30 days – source.
While vendors develop patches, new exploits continually emerge with serious consequences if exploited on your smart-secured home.
User errors
You are also jeopardizing security by configuring complex credential-based access settings like:
- WiFi passwords
- Master PIN codes
- Adding/deleting temporary PINs
- Guest access
- Integration with other IoT platforms
Compare this to basic keys. Any family member can securely operate keys regardless of tech proficiency. But if you flub PIN management or hardware settings on a smart lock, you create openings for opportunistic intruders.
Power and cellular failures
Unlike a passive mechanical design, smart locks fully depend on continuous supply of electrical power to even function at all. Running out of battery juice completely locks out authorized owners.
And if your internet or cellular connection goes out from hardware failures, storm damage, unavailable towers, etc, remote smart lock access also fails.
While touting advanced security protocols, you‘re often introducing MORE potential failure points. That‘s why cybersecurity experts like Gary McGraw argue network-enabled devices fundamentally trade security for convenience.
Next let‘s examine another practical downside of smart locks – the electrical foundation powering all those intelligent features.
Reason 4: Power and Recharge Inconveniences
On top of usage issues, smart locks also create ongoing power and recharge burdens keyed locks don‘t incur.
Frequent battery replacement
Bluetooth radios for proximity detection, WiFi/LTE networking, touch sensors and display screens – these capabilities demand copious power. So smart locks constantly drain batteries needing fresh AAs or coin cells on average every 1-6 months.
Recharging requirements
Some locks with especially power-hungry components require direct electrical wiring into nearby outlets or USB ports. This avoids battery swaps, but forces you into potentially complicated rewiring.
compare this with typical keyed deadbolts which need zero power or maintenance once installed.
Operational gaps
Each battery change or recharge outage causes complete smart lock failure until you restore power. That means regularly dealing with periods where your smart-secured doors essentially revert to "dumb" unusable locks out of your control.
Alternatives to Balance Security and Convenience
Must you resort back to old fashioned metal keys given the smart lock pitfalls we‘ve covered? Not necessarily. You can upgrade your exterior locks with convenient keyless access options that avoid the large cost, risk and maintenance downsides of fully smart locks.
Let‘s examine two leading alternatives:
Keypad Deadbolts
Keypad deadbolts retain physical keys yet add illuminated numeric touchpads for punch-code access. Homeowners gain customizable alternative entry while avoiding complete reliance on remote smartphones.
You can program unique 3-8 digit PIN codes for family, guests, staff etc. Many models hold 30+ codes usable for scheduled durations. Common features include backlit numbers, tamper alerts, activity logs, and one touch locking.
Our top recommended keypad deadbolts come from trusted locksmith brands:
| Product | Price | Highlights | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Schlage Camelot Keypad Deadbolt | $116 | Grade 2, 19 keys, slim design, 3 year warranty | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.7/5 |
| Kwikset Contemporary Electronic Keypad | $65 | 30 keys, auto-lock, tamper alarm, 1 year warranty | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.6/5 |
With quality keypad deadbolts costing just 15-30% of comparable smart locks, you gain flexible access at far lower prices.
The main limitation is lacking app-based control or automation. But for many homeowners, sacrificing remote management is worth eliminating the cost and security uncertainties still plaguing consumer smart locks today.
Bluetooth/Fingerprint Deadbolts
Bluetooth smart locks take a different approach than WiFi models – only unlocking when an authorized user physically nears the door by detecting their phone or scans their fingerprint:
This avoids relying on smartphones for access yet retains advanced capabilities. Fingerprint data also remains safely encrypted locally rather than riskier cloud servers.
Our recommended Bluetooth/Biometric deadbolts balance smarts with security:
| Product | Price | Highlights | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| ULiC Fingerprint Smart Lock | $169 | Auto-unlock 10 ft., phone/fingerprint/PIN entry, activity logs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.6/5 |
| Igloohome Biometric Deadbolt | $247 | Fingerprint and app access, offline encryption, unlimited PINs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.4/5 |
These minimize reliance on phones and wireless connections vulnerable to hackers. Prices sit reasonably midway between basic deadbolts and costly WiFi smart locks.
Of course you still contend with battery maintenance, moderately increased costs, potential Bluetooth exploits, and lack of full automation. But for homeowners seeking smarter security without the giant price tag or connectivity risks, Bluetooth/Biometric deadbolts split the difference nicely.
Conclusion – Maybe Wait on the Smart Lock Dream
Smart locks undoubtedly represent the future with conveniences like remote access, virtual keys and integrated home automation. But the reality today in 2023 is smart locks remain luxury gadgets with tangible downsides outweighing potential benefits for most property owners.
Before taking the plunge, weigh your risk tolerance given legitimate security analyses demonstrate vulnerabilities in even top-rated consumer brands.
And consider lower cost intermediate options like keypad deadbolts and Bluetooth/biometric locks offering stepping stone upgrades. Thanks to steady innovation, smart locks will only get smarter, safer and more affordable soon.
Alice Webb is a technology specialist and smart home consultant who created SmartLockGuide.com to provide trusted insight into home access systems. Contact Alice at [email protected] with any questions on finding your perfect lock match.
