Digital Door Locks vs Traditional Locks: Which Is Best For You?

There are many differences between digital door locks and traditional locks, including whether the system can be accessed remotely, if it needs a power source or not, how entry is gained, and the initial cost.

Choosing between a smart lock or a traditional lock will depend on your personal preferences, location, security needs, and budget. 

Here, I’ll break down the differences between digital door locks and traditional locks to help you make an informed decision that fits your needs best. 

 

Quick Summary:

• A smart door lock connects your devices via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to enable remote access and monitoring of door locks and keyless entry
• A smart lock offers benefits such as flexibility, convenience, remote access, and a high level of security 
• Traditional door locks feature a physical key and lock that has been an effective security option for centuries
• Benefits of traditional door locks include the ability to function even in a power outage, high reliability, and lower initial cost
• Choosing between digital door locks and traditional locks will depend on your security needs, location, budget, and personal preferences

A locksmith can help you determine the security solution that will be ideal for your needs and help you decide between the different types of locks

 

Digital Doorlocks vs Traditional Doorlocks

 

What Is a Smart Lock?

A smart lock uses wireless technology to connect to your devices and enable you to remotely monitor and access your door locks. Also known as digital door locks or keyless door locks, smart locks eliminate the need for a physical key.  

A smart door lock is an incredibly convenient alternative to traditional door locks. A smart lock enables home or business owners to remotely access the lock via a variety of smart devices. The system can be monitored remotely, offering incredible convenience and peace of mind. 

Although a smart lock is similar to traditional locking methods, it differs due to the electric components that enable a connection to smart home devices and smart homes. Because it relies on an electrical connection, a reliable power source is important. 

Depending on the type of smart lock, it will rely on methods such as fingerprint scanning, numerical codes, or voice control to unlock a door. Some digital door locks can also be integrated with your security system, allowing you to remotely engage or disengage an alarm.  

Smart door locks are extremely convenient and functional, offering a wide range of benefits, which I’ll cover here. 

Pros:

• Remote Access — Smart locks allow for convenient remote access and control. You can connect remotely to allow service providers, friends, or family members access using your computer or smartphone. With a mobile app, you can lock and unlock your doors from anywhere. 
• Convenience — Eliminating the need for physical keys means there are no keys to keep track of or risk losing. You can also unlock or lock a door with a simple voice command, fingerprint, smartphone, or programmed numerical code.
• Enhanced Security Features — A smart lock can be upgraded to include additional security features, such as two-factor authentication, built-in cameras, two-way communication, facial recognition, or fingerprint recognition. Some smart locks can even be automated to trigger the lights to turn on anytime the lock is opened. 
• Activity Monitoring — A smart lock can send you a notification when someone unlocks your door and even tell you which access method or code was used. With activity monitoring, you can know exactly who is entering your home, how they entered it, and when. 
• Integration with Smart Home Systems — A smart door lock can be integrated with your security system or other smart home features, offering enhanced protection and convenience. 
• Professional Installation — Having a smart lock professionally installed offers immense peace of mind.

Cons:

• Power Dependency — A smart lock relies on a power connection, such as a wired connection or batteries, to operate. You’ll need to regularly check the batteries to ensure proper function. 
• Vulnerability  — A smart lock is vulnerable to hacking attempts. I recommend choosing a strong password and keeping up with software updates to ensure the strongest system possible.
• Compatibility Limitations — Not every smart lock will be compatible with all smartphones, making it important to check connectivity and compatibility before investing in digital door locks. 
• Higher Initial Cost — Digital door locks cost more to be installed than traditional lock systems.

What Is a Traditional Lock?

 

Traditional locks rely on a mechanical mechanism that is locked or unlocked using a physical key. 

The mechanical system consists of a pin tumbler, a series of short and long metal pins that keep the lock cylinder in place. If the correct key is inserted, it lines up to move the metal pins a certain distance and disengages the locking mechanism. 

Pros:

• Familiarity and Simplicity — Traditional locks have been used for centuries and are familiar, reliable, and simple to use. It can be an adjustment for some people to stop reaching for their keys and punch in a numeric code or say a voice command instead.  
• Not Dependent on Power — With no reliance on a power source, traditional locks will function reliably, even during power outages.  
• Lower Initial Cost — A traditional lock will be less expensive to install than a smart door lock. 

Cons:

• Risk of Losing a Key — A physical key can easily be lost or misplaced and put you at risk of getting locked out. It can also be stolen and duplicated, posing a security threat. If you lose a key, you’ll have to pay money to replace it. 
• Vulnerability — Traditional locks are susceptible to being picked, leaving your home vulnerable to security threats. 
• Limited Security Enhancements and Integration — A traditional lock cannot be integrated with smart home systems or upgraded with enhanced security measures. 
• Limited Access and Control — Traditional locks do not offer the added convenience of remote access. Want to grant access to someone when you aren’t at home? Want to check if you remembered to lock up your home? With a traditional lock, you can’t do that. 

Smart Lock vs Traditional Locks Comparison 

 

Here’s a quick breakdown of the biggest differences between a smart lock and a traditional lock: 

• Key — Smart locks can be locked and unlocked with a voice command, fingerprint, or numeric code. Traditional locks require a physical key. 
• Power — A smart lock requires battery or electric power. A traditional lock does not need a power source. 
• Cost — A smart lock will be more expensive to install than a traditional lock. 
• Convenience — With the possibility of remote access, keyless entry, and active monitoring, a smart lock offers incredible convenience. A traditional lock lacks the same level of valuable features. 
• Security Features — Unlike a traditional lock, a smart lock can be upgraded with advanced security features and integrated with your home security system. 
• Vulnerability — A traditional lock can be picked whereas a smart lock is susceptible to hacking risks. 

Tips on How to Choose Between a Traditional Lock vs Smart Lock

 

Here are some tips I recommend to help you decide between a traditional lock or a smart lock:

• Security Needs —  Do you live in a high crime area or have valuable jewelry or art in your home? A smart lock may be your best option due to the advanced security features you can implement.
• Home Size — If you have a large home with multiple points of entry, a smart lock can help prevent you from accidentally forgetting to lock one of the doors. 
• Budget — If you are on a tight budget but still want reliable protection for your home, a traditional lock will be the most budget-friendly option. 
• Convenience — If you want the ultimate convenience, remote access, and no physical key to keep track of, I recommend a smart lock.
• Power Source — What are your power sources? Before investing in a smart lock, evaluate your power connections and decide if you want to rely on batteries. If you need a lock that operates without power, I suggest opting for a traditional door lock. 
• Landlords — If you regularly need to change locks for new Airbnb guests or new tenants, I recommend a smart lock as a convenient solution. 
• Personal Preferences — If you hate the thought of remembering another code and prefer manual operation, I recommend sticking with traditional door locks. 
• Compatibility — Before you choose to invest in a smart lock, I recommend making sure all of your smart home systems, devices, and smartphones are compatible with it.

If you’re still wondering how to choose between a smart door lock and a traditional lock, I recommend booking an appointment with a locksmith. 

Our locksmiths at Diamond Locksmiths can analyse your location, setup, home layout, power sources, and personal preferences to tailor a security solution to your exact needs. 

Traditional door locks are tried and tested, reliable, and less expensive initially but do not offer security upgrades or remote access. Traditional locks are also susceptible to picking.  If you have questions about traditional locks, how a smart lock works, or which lock type is right for you, please contact us. We can analyse your location, home layout, and preferences to tailor a security solution to your needs.