Keyless deadbolts, unlike traditional deadbolts, requires no key to be accessed. It offers more versatility, features, and ease of use. Gone are the days of looking under the mat for spare keys. Looking to buy one? We got you covered. Below are the best keyless deadbolts that you can buy right now.
Our Recommended Keyless Deadbolts For 2021
5) Hugolog Keyless Entry Deadbolt Lock
- No more keys under the mat; this digital door lock is here to make your day-to-day...
- Pick and bump proof; this keypad deadbolt is 100 percent key free, no keyhole to pick...
Last update on 2023-06-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4) Amazon Basics PL1S4910 Keyless Deadbolt Lock
- Electronic single-cylinder deadbolt with customizable keyless entry, 1-touch/timed...
- Create six customizable user codes plus single-use temporary codes for visitors or...
Last update on 2023-06-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3) Orangeiot Keyless Entry Deadbolt Lock
- Keyless entry; unlocking your door can be a lot easier than fumbling with a key when...
- Maximum convenience; give your pet sitter a one-time access code to your home while...
Last update on 2023-06-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2) Kwikset 92640-001 Keypad Cylinder Deadbolt
- Keyless entry with a motorized driven deadbolt for 1-touch locking, low battery...
- For use on exterior doors where keyed entry and security is needed.Customizable...
Last update on 2023-06-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1) Kwikset 99070-101 Keyless Entry Deadbolt
- Note: Measure your door's backset, cross bore and thickness to ensure you find the...
Last update on 2023-06-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Buying Guide for Keyless Deadbolts
If you still can’t decide which keyless deadbolts to buy, do not worry. Read along to learn more about the details of each different types of keyless deadbolts, and their respective features to help you pick the perfect keyless deadbolts for your needs, may it be business or home security.
If You Rent: For those who rent an apartment or house, you will first require permission from your landlord before swapping out locks. It’s best to get written permission instead of oral in the event that your landlord suffers from amnesia, just to avoid any legal troubles in the future.
What Are the Benefits of Keyless Deadbolts?
Well, for one, it is keyless. Imagine going back to the age where you have to unlock your car using a key. Painful, right? Well, maybe not. But it’s certainly more convenient to use a remote (or pushing a tiny button on the door handle).
Now, imagine the same convenience, except it’s the front door to your house—no more placing spare keys under the mat, or forgetting your key at work. You are the key!
Did You Know: That’s not to say that keyless deadbolt (or smart locks, potato – po-tah-to) are more secure than your traditional deadbolts. However, it certainly makes your life easier to just enter a pin combination, or scan your fingerprint, and some models even automatically unlock as you approach the door.
Types of Keyless Deadbolts
There are various types of deadbolts on the market, which you can choose depending on your needs and preference. Many products also offer multiple ways to unlock the door, regardless of the type.
Keypad & Combination Locks
One of the earliest and the most common type of keyless deadbolts comes with a keypad, which can be unlocked by entering a PIN (Personal Identification Number) combination. These are fairly easy to install, and you can also assign different PIN combinations to different users.
This type of smart locks usually comes in combination with another type of locks, such as a lever or a knob, or handles. There are also various connectivity features, meaning you can connect them to other integrated smart home equipment.
Did You Know: By assigning PINs to different users, the keyless deadbolt will keep track of who has accessed the door and at what time. So, if anything goes awry, you’ll know who came a-knockin’. Also, you can change the PINs remotely through an app to prevent a disgruntled ex-lover from barging into your home uninvited.
Wireless Smart Locks
Wireless smart locks are one of the most popular options out there since almost every modern household already has a Wi-Fi modem installed in their house. These offer even more convenience for their users since you can access your smart locks from anywhere around the world through an app on your phone.
However, you should keep in mind that most wireless smart locks only have a dedicated app if you purchase them as part of a home security package, i.e. you have to purchase a dedicated hub beforehand, or smart home systems such as Amazon Echo, or Google Home, etc.
FYI: Other than Wi-Fi connectivity, many wireless smart locks also have an integrated Bluetooth module. In short, by using Bluetooth connectivity, the device will be able to sense when you are within a certain distance from it, and it will automatically unlock as you approach the door. In certain models, smartphones that have NFC (Near Field Communication) module can also be used to unlock deadbolts by tapping your phone into the sensor.
Key Cards/FOB Enabled Locks
I’m pretty sure most of you have been to hotels before. There, you will be given a card to access the floor in which your room is located and to unlock the door to your room as well. Essentially, this is what a FOB enabled locks are. The main benefit of using this type of lock from a conventional deadbolt lock is, the key cards/FOB can be programmed to access multiple locks in your house. Basically a master key for every door, like the one that Mr. Prescott has on Home Alone 4.
Biometric Locks
A few short years ago, using biometric or fingerprints as a means to unlocking seems futuristic. Nowadays, you can find them in every modern smartphone. Newsflash, deadbolts have them too! Among all the types, this is arguably the most secure one, in the sense that a fingerprint is unique to only one person (however, a lock is still a lock and if you try hard enough you can still bypass it). And, well, can’t lose or forget your fingerprint, can you? So it is also (again, arguably) the most convenient option.
However, this doesn’t mean it’s a perfect system. There could be potential issues, in which case there is no possible way in which you can reset your fingerprint, unlike a password. Furthermore, having wet fingers, or worse, a fresh cut or scratches may render you unable to have access unlocking altogether.
For Your Safety: It is wise to look for a model that has a keypad or traditional lock to avoid these unforeseen circumstances. Make sure to not cheap out when choosing these types as well, since cheaper ones might have a high false rejection rate, so instead of making your life more convenient, it only adds unnecessary headaches.
Other Things to Consider
Well, now you have known the different types of keyless deadbolts offered in the market. However, it may still be a little bit confusing because each product from different brands offers different features. Make sure you choose based on what you really need.
For example, keypad locks are the most reliable, foolproof, and cheapest option compared to the rest. So, if you don’t need features such as wireless connectivity, or one access key to multiple locks, or the sci-fi feel of a fingerprint scanner, this is the way to go.
Another thing to keep in mind is the presence of an alternative analog unlocking mechanism (traditional key), henceforth in the event of electrical failures, you are still able to access your house. Moreover, durability is also an important factor, so make sure that you picked a product that has water-resistant or similar features, and also with a long warranty in the event of damage.
Finally, pricing is the most crucial factor. Each product’s pricing varies based on their functionality, feature set, connectivity, and more. Make sure you picked the best, most reliable, and most durable model for your budget, and avoid picking something only because it looks cool.
Pro Tip. Just because your front, back, and garage doors are secured with a keyless deadbolt does not make your home entirely intruder-proof. Other forms on smart home security technology can complement a keyless deadbolt, such as wireless security cameras, smart doorbells with a built-in camera, and intelligent floodlights.
FAQs
1. Do you need to replace your existing deadbolts?
Some model is available as an add-on that sits on top of a traditional deadbolt, while others require you to replace your existing deadbolt altogether. Again, it’s entirely your choice to pick either one. However, keep in mind that the models that serve as an add-on might not fit in your existing deadbolt, so do some research beforehand about the specific product that you are choosing.
2. What do I do if there is a power outage?
Most electronic locks operate by using batteries, so, in the event of a power outage, it would still work. If the battery dies, simply replace them. However, keep in mind that models that use Wi-Fi connection might stop working altogether (since the Wi-Fi is turned off). Again, it is best to pick a product that provides an alternate analog unlocking mechanism, so you can still unlock it by using a traditional key in the event of failure.
Pro Trip. Even though a keyless deadbolt’s battery can last up to five years per charge, you should check how much battery power is left regularly, just to be safe. Some models come with a low-battery indicator, so you’ll know when to swap the batteries with fresh ones.
3. How difficult is the installation process?
It varies from product to product. But in general, it should be pretty straightforward to install, as manufacturers try to make the products as easy to install as possible. Read the provided instruction carefully, or you can look for YouTube Videos as popular products tend to have various installation guides on YouTube, along with the review.
4. Is it guaranteed to be safer than a regular deadbolt?
Logically speaking, it cannot be guaranteed which one is safer than the other. After all, the majority of smart locks can still be hacked. While it is true that it can generally be safer than traditional deadbolt (such as using a fingerprint model ones), the main selling point of keyless deadbolt is not the better security per se, but the convenience, versatility, and ease of use.
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