What are the best HomeKit door locks?

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Sep 26, 2016

Last
Updated

HomeKit is Apple's up and coming total smart home solution. It has deep integration with Siri, making it one of the easiest methods to control your smart home.

Here’s the Deal

2 Options Considered

Best HomeKit door locks	Price	Last Updated
-- Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt	$230	Sep 26, 2016
-- August Smart Lock	$229	Jul 25, 2016

Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt

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Top Pro

3 methods to lock/unlock the door allows flexibility

There are 3 ways to unlock the door. First is the old fashioned way with a key, second can be done through the backlit touchscreen panel by entering your code. Lastly, you can use your smartphone to unlock the door. Between these 3 options, you can choose which is most convenient for you, and each other member of your family. See More

Top Con

Apple TV required for extended range

Without an Apple TV, you'll be limited to Bluetooth range. An Apple TV will allow you to control the door lock from anywhere that has an internet connection. This is still a secure connection however, as the Apple TV will check the ID of the incoming messages to be sure somebody else isn't trying to hack into your house. See More

Top Pro

Personalized unlock codes are very configurable

You can give each user a specific code unique to them, and these codes can be configured to expire after a set amount of time, or only active during certain hours of the day. For example, if you had contractors doing some work in your house or any other temporary workers like house-sitters or dog walkers, you can give them a numeric code instead of a key. You can store up to 30 codes at once, and codes can be anywhere from 4-8 digits (although all of the codes must be the same length). See More

Top Con

Very bulky protrusion on the interior of the door

The portion of the lock that rests on the inside of your door is needlessly bulky. While not an eyesore from the outside, it's very noticeable from the inside that your door lock is massive. See More

Top Pro

Very strong deadbolt

This door lock has earned the ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 rating. The grade 1 rating this deadbolt lock received is the highest available for home systems. In addition, there is an optional reinforcement plate to add to the strength of the lock. This helps prevent intruders from breaking down/kicking in the door. See More

Top Con

All codes must be the same length

On the numberpad on the outside of the door you can enter a code to unlock the door. The problem is that each code has to be the same length, which can make it harder for some to remember. See More

Top Pro

Easy installation

As long as you have a regularly sized door, the only tool you'll need is a screwdriver. Pairing with the app is very easy as well - just use the app to scan the code found on the front of the manual. See More

Top Pro

All Homekit apps are supported

You can use the default Schlage Sense app, or if you prefer you can use the iDevices or Insteon+ apps. See More

August Smart Lock

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Personal unlock codes

You can give out personal codes which will unlock the door, and you can have an unlimited number of these codes. However, if you don't have the optional wireless keypad ($79) each user will need to download the app and enter their code there. These codes can be configured to have a time duration where they will expire, or they can be permanent. See More

Top Con

Wi-Fi requires additional hardware

With just the Smart Lock itself, the range is limited to Bluetooth, which means you need to be physically close to the lock. To control your lock using Wi-Fi (range is unlimited as long as you have internet access), you will need to purchase additional hardware (August Connect which costs $79, or an Apple TV which costs $99). These act as an in-between device, using a bluetooth signal to communicate with the lock and using Wi-Fi to connect with your phone. See More

Top Pro

Doesn't change the outward appearance of your door

This smart lock is installed only on the inside of your door, and doesn't replace your existing lock. This means that you keep your current keys, and installation is a bit easier as you don't have to disassemble your door. See More

Top Con

Lacking extras

While the Schlage Sense includes a numberpad, and an alarm, the August Smart Lock doesn't come with any extra features in the box. See More

Top Pro

Detailed history available

Every time the door locks or unlocks, it will record the data in a logbook. This entry includes who performed the action, and there is space to write a note as well if you wish. See More

Top Pro

Automatic locking an unlocking

This lock has enough smarts to automatically lock and unlock. Depending on your settings, you can set it to unlock automatically when it detects your phone is near, and automatically lock a few seconds after you leave. See More

Top Pro

Compatible with Nest devices

This is one of the few products that works with both Apple's HomeKit and Google's Nest devices. For example, when you unlock your door it can automatically trigger the Nest thermostat to turn on, and the Nest cam to turn off. See More

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