Locks are essential for ensuring the safety and security of our homes, offices and belongings. But in recent years, digital locks have become increasingly popular due to their convenience and added features. Smart technologies are constantly evolving and IoT is expanding to give us more choice when it comes to security, yet traditional door locks have been around for centuries and are still widely used.
If you want to secure your property, which should you choose? Here, we will discuss the pros and cons of digital locks versus traditional locks to help you decide whether you should keep to standard locks or upgrade to the smart alternative.
The benefits of digital door locks
A digital front door lock, also known as smart locks, uses technology such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or a keypad to unlock doors. The main advantage of using an electronic door locking system is the convenience it provides. With a keyless lock, you don’t need to worry about losing or forgetting your keys – simply type in a code, use your fingerprint or a smartphone app, and you’ll be able to access the property just as before.
This enhances security, since digital door locks use encryption technology which makes it harder for anyone to hack into the system. Many digital locks also have features such as multiple access codes and temporary access codes, which means you can grant access for a short period of time while still keeping the property secure later on.
Remote access is another benefit to consider with smart lock systems – with digital locks, you can lock and unlock your door from anywhere using your smartphone or computer. This feature is particularly useful when you need to let someone in when you are not at home. Some digital locks can send you notifications when someone enters or leaves the property, so you have complete visibility over who is in your home.
The cons to digital locks
Digital door locks aren’t faultless, and there are some reasons why they may not work for you. Firstly, the cost can be an issue – digital locks are usually more expensive than traditional locks and might require professional installation, which adds to the overall cost.
Naturally, they also need power to operate so if there’s a power outage, you might have difficulty unlocking your door. However, some digital locks have a back-up battery which gives you some protection against this for a short period of time. Some smart locks might also not be compatible with older doors, so you might need to modify the door to make the lock work.
The benefits to traditional locks
Traditional locks have been around for centuries and are still widely used today. One of the main reasons why is the affordability they offer. Traditional locks are generally less expensive than digital locks, and they don’t require any additional equipment or installation fees which keeps the cost down. They’re also durable and built to last, so with proper maintenance, you can use the same keys for many years. Since traditional locks are widely available, they’re easy to replace and install, with no power needed to operate them.
The downsides to traditional locks
Traditional locks may be affordable and easy to replace, but they do come with negative points too. Firstly, they offer limitations in terms of security. Traditional locks are more vulnerable to picking and bumping, and if someone gains access to your keys, they can easily unlock your door which leaves your property at risk of theft.
You don’t have remote access capabilities with a traditional lock, so you can’t let people in or out when you’re not physically at the property which can be inconvenient. Traditional locks don’t have the ability to send notifications to your smartphone when someone enters or leaves your home. And, if you lose or break your keys, you won’t be able to get in or out of the building and will need to replace the lock or have it rekeyed which can be time-consuming.
Are smart locks worth it?
Smart locks certainly have their advantages when it comes to security, convenience and control over your home. But with the increased cost, are they worth it? The answer is yes, providing you choose a lock from a reputable brand and ensure it is fitted properly. Smart door locks need to be encrypted to protect them against hacking and unauthorised access, and they should have security features such as notifications to keep you alerted to any suspicious activity.
Many smart locks work via biometric authentication, such as facial recognition or fingerprint scanners, which delivers a high level of security and more control over who can access your property. But as with any type of security technology, you need to be careful how you manage potential threats and keep the firmware updated with strong passwords.
Smart locks can be incredibly useful for those who want to be able to lock or unlock their door remotely, or who have people coming and going such as a babysitter or cleaner who they want to grant access to. Leaving a key under a doormat is not a secure way to let people you trust into your home and could leave you vulnerable to a break-in, so smart locks offer much more control. Similarly, for commercial buildings where there are numerous people entering and exiting the building, a smart lock is much more convenient.
Final thoughts
Both digital locks and traditional locks have their pros and cons, as we’ve seen, and it depends on your budget and your requirements as to which to choose. A digital front door lock offers convenience, improved security and remote access, while traditional locks are affordable, durable and readily available. When choosing between the two, it is important to consider your specific needs and budget, and look for reputable brands that will deliver the security you need, but also to consider the door you’re installing the lock onto to make sure it’s compatible.
