The Pros and Cons of a Bluetooth Door Lock

When it comes to smart locks, there are several different options. Some work over Bluetooth, while others use Z-Wave or Wi-Fi to communicate with your smartphone.

Some of our picks include a keypad bluetooth door lock that allows you to enter the house even without your phone. Other models are retrofit smart locks that replace only the interior side of your existing deadbolt.

They are easier to install than Wi-Fi locks

If you want to upgrade your existing door lock to a smart version, there are several options available. The most popular is a Wi-Fi lock, which connects to your home’s wireless network and allows you to control it from anywhere. You can also create different passcodes and give them to family members or guests. However, if you are on a budget, a Bluetooth smart lock might be more suitable.

These locks connect to your smartphone using Bluetooth and typically have a shorter range than Wi-Fi models. They’re also less expensive and require fewer batteries than other types of smart locks. Bluetooth smart locks offer hands-free capabilities and can be used with voice-controlled devices such as Amazon Alexa or Apple HomeKit. They’re also less likely to be hacked because they don’t use a password, which hackers often try to break into.

Most Bluetooth-only locks have a built-in auto-unlock feature that pairs with your smartphone. But for more advanced features, such as remote access and the ability to add digital keys, you’ll need a hub device, like a Z-Wave or Zigbee bridge or August’s $79 August Connect. These devices plug into a power outlet and act as a translator to communicate with your lock’s built-in Bluetooth connection. Alternatively, you can purchase an inexpensive smart lock that’s Wi-Fi-free, such as the Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro. It’s durable and has the most unlocking options of our top picks, including a keypad, app, and fingerprint.

They are more likely to be hacked than Wi-Fi locks

Although they offer homeowners convenience and security, smart locks are susceptible to hacking. Criminals who know about these technologies can take advantage of them to break into homes and steal valuables. In many cases, this happens by hijacking the homeowner’s Wi-Fi connection and using it against them. However, burglars can also use Bluetooth to gain access to a home. Bluetooth is a wireless protocol that uses a low-energy radio signal to communicate with devices. It’s also not as power-hungry as Wi-Fi, and it doesn’t burn through batteries.

One common method for hackers to break into Bluetooth-enabled locks is by recording the communication between the lock and the smartphone. They then replay the data to open the door. This is easy to do and requires little hardware. Another method for hackers to attack Bluetooth-enabled locks is by analyzing the lock’s network traffic and finding patterns in it. These patterns typically consist of a constant start string, the serial number of the lock, and an end string.

Despite these limitations, Bluetooth-enabled locks are still more secure than Wi-Fi locks. But, it is important to understand how these locks are vulnerable so that you can keep your home safe from hackers.

They require your smartphone to be within range

This is a downside if you want to be able to lock and unlock your door from anywhere. But it’s not as big of a problem with Bluetooth smart locks as it is with Wi-Fi models. You can also pair them with a security camera to track who is coming and going.

Another advantage of Bluetooth is that it doesn’t burn through batteries as quickly as Wi-Fi. Plus, many Bluetooth models can work with your voice control system and connect to a hub like an Alexa device or the Apple HomeKit. The Schlage Sense and Kwikset Aura are two examples of Bluetooth smart locks that can work with your voice and connect to a hub.

Unlike Bluetooth, Wi-Fi models can work with your bluetooth door lock smartphone regardless of whether you’re in range. They also allow you to create and share e-keys with people who are not in your phone’s contact list. This makes them ideal for homes with guests.

Wi-Fi smart locks have a long battery life and can be easily programmed from a smartphone. You can also use an app to monitor activity and receive alerts when your door is opened or closed. Some models can even be locked and unlocked remotely, so you don’t have to worry about losing your keys. You can also find models that work with a variety of third-party devices, like Ring or Amazon’s Echo.

They are less reliable than Wi-Fi locks

Whether you’re trying to keep your home safe while you’re away or give a friend or family member access to your house without giving them keys, smart locks offer a variety of conveniences that can help you feel more secure. However, it’s important to understand how they work and the different types available before you decide to purchase one.

Wi-Fi-enabled smart locks connect to your home’s internet connection and are able to be controlled remotely. This is important because burglars are constantly looking for new ways to break into homes. Many of these methods involve breaking into Wi-Fi networks, so it’s important to protect your wireless network.

Bluetooth-enabled smart locks connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth and don’t require an internet connection. They’re usually less expensive than their Wi-Fi counterparts and may be easier to install. They’re also more compatible with other smart home devices, such as Alexa and Google Assistant. Some even have built-in theft-deterrent features.

There are a few different types of Bluetooth smart locks, but most use a retrofit setup that allows you to keep the existing hardware that defends your door and simply adds connectivity on top of it. This includes options like the Schlage Sense Bluetooth deadbolt, Kwikset Kevo, and Yale Assure SL Touchscreen Deadbolt. This is also the simplest way to make your home smarter, as it doesn’t require replacing your entire lock system.