Smart Locks vs Traditional Locks: Which One Is Right for You?

Door locks play one of the most important roles in home security, the first line of defence against break-ins and protecting the privacy of your home. Traditional mechanical locks are rapidly being replaced with smart locks as a result of technological advancements. In this blog, we will show the differences, advantages, and disadvantages of the two and help you choose which is best for your needs.

What Are Traditional Locks?

Traditional locks, also known as mechanical locks or key locks, require manual locking and unlocking.  When the right key is inserted, the drive pin is aligned with the key pin, then opens the lock. These locks have been in use for centuries, and common types include mortise locks, padlocks, and deadbolt locks. Conventional locks are purely mechanical and don't need any electronics, making them simple and reliable, bbut they are also vulnerable to theft, duplicate keys, and lock picking.

What Are Smart Locks?

Smart locks, also referred to as electronic locks, are advanced and innovative security devices that are unlocked using a PIN code, fingerprint, or smartphone etc. Unlike traditional locks, it can be controlled remotely via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or other smart home devices. Smart locks provide keyless entry, remote monitoring, and share temporary access and can be integrated with smart home security systems to improve convenience and security.

Advantages of Traditional Locks

Simple and reliable: Traditional locks have been around for hundreds of years and are still widely used today. They have proven to be very reliable over time, and they're simple in design and very easy to use.
No reliance on power: No batteries or network connections are required, so don't worry about dead batteries, technical failures, or hacker attacks.
Affordable: Traditional locks are typically not very expensive, many families choose them first.

Disadvantages of Traditional Locks

Keys can be easily lost or stolen: You can be locked out of your home, creating an inconvenience for entry and compromising home security.
Easy to pick: Traditional locks are vulnerable to physical attack, being picked, bumped, or forced open with tools.
Limited access: traditional locks must be unlocked with a key, so it's difficult to allow temporary access or unlock the door remotely.
Inconvenient: when someone comes to visit your home or your family member loses their key, you need to rush back to open the door for them, which is very inconvenient.

Advantages of Smart Locks

Keyless Convenience: No more carrying keys, you can unlock with a smartphone, passcode, fingerprint, or even voice command.
Remote Access: Use your smartphone to lock and unlock doors from anywhere while you're away.
Integration with Smart Homes: Easily integrates with home security systems, like Alexa, Google Assistant, and other smart home devices.
Real-Time Monitoring: The mobile app will notify you when your door is locked or opened, letting you monitor access in real-time.
Customised Temporary Codes: Easily provide temporary access to visitors, cleaners, or service providers without requiring a physical key.
Durability: Many smart locks can be used outdoors in extreme weather conditions, like the WELOCK smart lock, which can be used in temperatures from -25°C to 60°C and is waterproof to IP65.
Cost Savings: Avoid having to replace misplaced keys or rekey locks, and because of the increased security, you may be able to lower your home insurance rates.

Disadvantages of Smart Locks

Power dependency: smart locks require power to operate, so you'll need to check and replace batteries regularly in case you get locked out.
Costly: smart locks are generally more expensive than traditional locks, so choose carefully before you buy to determine if they meet your needs and if the lock cylinder is compatible with your door.
Possible technical faults: smart door locks can have technical faults or be hacked.
Complicated operation: smart locks have more functions, and some people may not be able to install or set them up without professional guidance or help.

Which One is Right for You?

Door locks are meant to keep your home safe. Choosing between smart or traditional locks depends on what you value - convenience, integration with your smart home system, aesthetic preference or purchase budget. You can combine the pros and cons of both to make your final choice.

If you're looking for a smart door lock, the WELOCK smart lock could be a great solution.