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Imagine it’s the end of a long week, and you’re finally arriving back home, bogged down with work bags, a water bottle, and a lunch box as you fumble at the front door for your house keys. Then disaster strikes \u2014 your keys are nowhere to be found. If you’re lucky, you may have an unlocked window you can crawl through, but otherwise, you’re stuck outside on an endless search for your keys. Your precious relaxation time is slipping away by the moment, and worse yet, you may have to shell out some cash for help from your local locksmith.\u00a0<\/p>\n
This scenario may sound all too familiar to those who frequently misplace their belongings. In the past, your only options to prepare ahead for this troublesome situation were giving your neighbor a spare key or hiding one in a fake rock on the lawn, but the modern-day solution is a smart lock with keyless entry.\u00a0<\/p>\n
What is a smart lock?<\/p>\n
A smart lock is an electronic locking device that doesn’t require a traditional key to unlock. Most come with a keypad, where you’ll type a code to gain access through the door. If you’ve ever stayed at an Airbnb or a rental home, you’ve likely seen one of these devices, as you don’t need to meet with the owner before your stay to enter the home. If you’d still like the option to use a physical key or want additional security with a fingerprint sensor, you can also find smart locks with multiple unlocking options.<\/p>\n
How much does it cost to install a smart lock?<\/p>\n
There are hundreds of smart locks on the market, and depending on what’s right for your home, you could spend anywhere from $60 to $400.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Currently, Amazon has an early Prime Day deal on one popular smart lock model. Discounted by 42%, the Eufy Security C220 Smart Lock is now available for just $99, which is a steal compared to its original price tag of $170. It comes with multiple unlock methods with a finger-print recognition sensor, keypad, or physical key. You can also control the lock through Eufy’s Security app, which can be accessed through your smartphone, Apple Watch, Alexa, or Google Assistant. According to camelcamelcamel, this is the lowest price it’s been since Black Friday, making now a great time to add it to your cart. Not only is it a smart move for home security, but it’s a smart move financially.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Eufy Security C220 Smart Lock<\/p>\n
Courtesy of Amazon<\/p>\n
Check price at Amazon<\/p>\n
Before purchasing a smart lock, you’ll want to ensure it is compatible with your front door. Typically, you’ll need a door with a standard deadbolt and a certain thickness for it to be installed correctly. With the proper smart lock, installation shouldn’t be too much effort, and it won’t require any drilling, so you won’t have to worry about any additional expenses outside of the original purchase.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Since installing a smart lock shouldn’t require drilling, they’re also an option for renters, as the door won’t become damaged. If you are a renter installing this on a condo or apartment door, just be sure to keep the old deadbolt and lock so you can put them back once your lease ends.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Is a smart lock worth the investment?<\/p>\n
No one needs a smart lock, but investing in one can potentially save you time and money. According to Angi, the average cost of hiring a locksmith for a home lockout ranges from $75 to $200. If it’s after hours or an emergency where you need them to arrive immediately, you can be charged an additional $50 to $150 for the visit. Since you can find smart locks for under $75, like the TP-Link Tapo Smart Door Lock, which is just $49 at Walmart, you can recoup the cost of your purchase the first time you misplace your keys.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Another huge benefit of investing in a smart lock is that there is no more time spent waiting around. You could wait hours for someone to arrive to let you inside a locked house, but a smart lock means getting in instantly, with or without a key. Smart locks are also helpful for those who like to carry around a large tote bag or backpack full of their belongings. While your keychain is inside your bag somewhere, you don’t have to rummage around all the pockets before gaining entry into your house. Plus, you won’t need to purchase additional house keys for kids, pet sitters, or family members who might need access to the place while you’re away.\u00a0<\/p>\n
TP-Link Tapo Smart Door Lock<\/p>\n
Courtesy of Walmart<\/p>\n
Check price at WalmartFeatures to consider when buying a smart lock<\/p>\n
If you’re on a quest to find a smart lock for your front door, you’ll soon find there’s a vast market to choose from. To help you find the best smart lock for your needs, think about what features are most important to you, whether that’s matching your home’s exterior or having the most advanced tech. Here are the characteristics to consider when shopping for a smart lock of your own:<\/p>\n
Unlocking method: Each smart lock will have its own method of unlocking, and most come with multiple options. The most popular options for unlocking a smart lock include keypad or PIN code entry, a fingerprint scanner, application control through a smartphone or smart home assistant like Google Home or Alexa, and palm vein recognition.\u00a0Finish color: You can find smart locks bundled with a door handle, but many are designed to match your existing door handle. To keep things looking nice, you can find a smart lock that matches your existing fixtures with chrome, nickel, gold, and black options available.Special features: Do you want added security at your front door? You can find smart locks with built-in video cameras or options that give alerts when the door is left ajar. Others will automatically lock after being unlocked for a prolonged period. If you have frequent house guests, you might want something that offers remote access to let them in without changing your passcode.\u00a0Battery life: Smart locks run on battery power. In general, they’ll last 6 to 12 months before requiring new batteries or recharging. If you prefer less frequent maintenance, you can find options with a longer-lasting battery.\u00a0Philips Palm Vein Smart Lock 5000<\/p>\n
Courtesy of Walmart<\/p>\n
Check price at WalmartVeise VE06-L Smart Lock and Lever Handle Set<\/p>\n
Courtesy of Amazon<\/p>\n
Check price at AmazonEufy Security E330 3-in-1 Camera Doorbell Smart Lock<\/p>\n
Courtesy of Amazon<\/p>\n
Check price at AmazonCan a smart lock really save time and money?<\/p>\n
If you’ve ever had to call a locksmith and wait for them to arrive, investing in a smart lock can definitely save you time and money the next time it happens. Even if you’ve never struggled with being locked out of your home, a smart lock can be incredibly convenient, giving you quick entry into your home with just a quick tap of the controls.\u00a0<\/p>\n
TheStreet Shopping is your guide for shopping insights and advice. We look beyond the price tag to find the best value in home, tech, and wellness gear based on product features and real-world use.<\/p>\n
#Now039s #time #invest #Amazon039s #smart #lock #here039s<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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