Key Takeaways
- Smart locks add convenience and remote access but require power, updates, and good network security.
- Traditional mechanical locks are simple, reliable, and often less expensive to buy and maintain.
- Hybrid smart locks with keyed backups offer a balanced solution for most homeowners.
- Evaluate security, installation complexity, cost, power/reliability, and privacy when choosing.
Smart Locks (Fully Electronic)
Best For: Tech-savvy homeowners who value remote access, guest codes, and smart-home integration and are comfortable managing updates and network security.
Price Range: Hardware $100–$350; installation $50–$150 if professional; optional cloud subscription $0–$10+/month
Pros
- Remote locking/unlocking and status checks via smartphone or voice assistant
- Temporary or scheduled digital keys for guests, cleaners, or deliveries
- Integration with home automation, alerts, and activity logs
- No physical key required for everyday use
Cons
- Dependence on batteries or mains power; lockouts possible if power fails
- Initial cost is higher and may include monthly subscription fees for cloud features
- Potential cybersecurity and privacy concerns if not properly secured
- More complex installation and software updates required
Traditional Mechanical Locks (Keyed Deadbolts, Knobs)
Best For: Homeowners prioritizing simplicity, reliability, and low cost, as well as properties where smart features or internet access are unnecessary or unwanted.
Price Range: Hardware $20–$150; professional installation $50–$150 depending on lock type
Pros
- Proven mechanical reliability and long lifespan with minimal maintenance
- Lower initial cost and no dependence on batteries or internet
- Easy to rekey or replace if a key is lost or a tenant changes
- Fewer privacy and cybersecurity risks
Cons
- No remote access or activity logs; physical keys can be copied
- Less convenient for temporary access management (requires key handoff)
- Fewer convenience features for modern households
Hybrid Smart Locks (Smart Features Plus Keyed Backup)
Best For: Most homeowners who want smart functionality but need the reassurance of a physical key and prefer balanced reliability.
Price Range: Hardware $130–$400; installation $75–$175 if a locksmith is used
Pros
- Combines remote access and smart features with a mechanical key fallback
- Better resilience for power or connectivity issues compared with fully electronic models
- Flexible access management — use app codes or physical keys as needed
- Often designed for easier retrofit to existing deadbolts
Cons
- Still more expensive than purely mechanical locks
- Can be bulkier and slightly more complex to install
- Retains some cybersecurity exposure and requires battery management
Our Recommendation
Hybrid Smart Lock With Keyed Backup
For most homeowners, a hybrid smart lock offers the best balance of convenience and reliability: you get remote access and temporary digital keys while keeping a mechanical key as a secure fallback. This minimizes lockout risk and reduces the impact of power or network failures while enabling modern features.
When to Call a Professional
Call a professional locksmith or certified installer when: you need exterior door upgrades that affect security or fire-code compliance; your door or frame requires modification for a new lock; you want professional rekeying or alarm/smart-home integration; you experience repeated lock malfunctions; or you prefer a warranty-backed installation. Also contact a pro if you are unsure about wiring for hardwired smart locks, or if you need advanced network security advice for integrated systems. A pro can advise on the best lock type, proper backset and strike plate reinforcement, and secure installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are smart locks less secure than traditional locks?
Smart locks are not inherently less secure, but they introduce different risks. Mechanical locks rely on physical security features like deadbolts and reinforced strike plates. Smart locks add attack surfaces such as wireless protocols, cloud services, and mobile apps. Choosing reputable brands, using strong Wi-Fi passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and keeping firmware updated significantly reduces cybersecurity risks. For maximum safety, pick models with a keyed backup and certified physical security ratings.
Will a smart lock work during a power outage?
Most battery-powered smart locks continue to operate during a power outage as long as their batteries have charge; hardwired models may fail unless they have battery backup. Even with battery power, if the smart lock relies on a cloud service, remote features may be limited if your home network is down. A hybrid model with a physical key gives a reliable fallback for entry if electronics fail.
How much does it cost to install a smart lock versus a traditional lock?
A basic keyed deadbolt can cost $20–$150 for the lock alone, with professional installation often $50–$150. Smart locks typically range $100–$350 for hardware, and hybrid models $130–$400. Professional installation for smart locks can cost $75–$175 due to additional setup and network configuration. Factor in optional subscription fees for cloud services and occasional battery replacements.
Can smart locks be rekeyed like traditional locks?
Traditional mechanical locks can be rekeyed by a locksmith so new keys work with changed pins, which is inexpensive and quick. Most smart locks with a keyed backup are built around a standard deadbolt and can be rekeyed in the same way. Fully electronic keyless models without cylinders cannot be rekeyed; instead, access is changed by updating digital credentials, which is convenient for revoking access but not a substitute for a physical rekey when needed.
What should I consider about privacy when choosing a smart lock?
Privacy concerns include how a manufacturer stores and shares access logs, whether data is encrypted in transit and at rest, and whether the company has a history of security issues. Read privacy policies and choose vendors that offer local control or end-to-end encryption and clear data retention policies. Disable unnecessary cloud features if you prefer to minimize data sharing, and keep firmware updated to patch vulnerabilities.