Neither is universally better; the right choice depends entirely on your lifestyle and security priorities. Smart locks are generally better for convenience, remote access, and activity monitoring, while traditional locks are ideal for maximum reliability, budget-friendliness, and simple operation.
If we had to give an edge to mechanical deadbolts or smart locks for the security category, it would probably go to our smart locks. All Schlage smart locks have the same security and durability features as our single cylinder mechanical deadbolts, but also provide additional safety and convenience features.
The Core Recommendation: BS 3621 Standard Locks
To spot one, look for the iconic British Standard Kitemark on the faceplate along with 'BS 3621. ' Protect your home by choosing a lock that meets these thief-resistant standards—your peace of mind depends on it.
While smart locks offer great convenience, they introduce several trade-offs. The primary disadvantages include battery dependency, which can result in lockouts; higher initial and maintenance costs; digital vulnerabilities like hacking; and reliance on stable Wi-Fi/Bluetooth connections.
Top Lock Brands Recommended by Locksmiths
The best smart lock brands depend on your preferred smart home ecosystem and entry style. Standout options include Schlage (best overall security), Yale (top-tier integration & touchscreens), Ultraloq (best for biometric fingerprinting), Lockly (best for anti-peek keypads and facial recognition), and August (best for invisible, retrofit-friendly installation).
Yes, smart locks can be hacked, but it is rarely the high-tech, "laptop in a van" scenario seen in movies. Most physical burglaries still involve smashing a window or kicking in a door, but digital vulnerabilities exist if you use poor cyber habits or cheap hardware.
Do smart locks void insurance? No, smart locks typically do not void insurance as long as they meet the security requirements outlined by your insurer. Many policies focus on the cylinder's security rather than the smart lock itself, so check with your provider for specific terms.
Myth #1: Keyless locks will fail during power outages.
Fortunately, this is not the case. Keyless locks operate on battery power, which means that even if you experience a power failure in your home or business, your keyless lock will still function as normal.
Burglars hate anything that makes a break-in noisy, time-consuming, or highly visible. Criminals look for the path of least resistance; if a target requires too much effort or poses a high risk of getting caught, they will simply move on to an easier home.
When deciding between Schlage and Kwikset, Schlage is generally considered better for overall security, durability, and build quality, while Kwikset is better for affordability and convenient features.
The easiest way to protect yourself is to use a lock that does not use a pin tumbler. Most mortice locks use levers and do not use pins on springs so are bump proof by design. We recommend British Standard Mortice Deadlocks.
Police typically recommend using high-quality deadbolt locks, specifically ANSI Grade 1 or Grade 2 deadbolts, for exterior doors.
It's a common misconception that a smart lock stops working when the internet goes down. In reality, well-designed locks handle offline scenarios seamlessly. But the core locking and unlocking functions happen locally on the lock itself.
Connectivity problems are one of the most common problems smart lock users have. Most of the time, these gadgets use Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Z-Wave to talk to smartphones, hubs, or other smart home systems. If the lock doesn't connect, locking or unlocking may take longer than usual, or the link may drop completely.
Watch out for unsolicited "FINAL NOTICE" letters or aggressive sales tactics using scare language. Key indicators of a predatory plan or poor provider include vague contract terms, unverified company reviews, and arbitrary maintenance clauses used to deny claims.
Smart locks can cost significantly more than standard lock-and-key systems and you may need a pro to install the lock and sync it to your Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Smart locks can also be pricey to fix if they malfunction.
Hackers hate anything that makes their attacks slow, expensive, or completely useless. Their ultimate kryptonite is a prepared digital environment: robust multi-factor authentication (MFA), long and randomized passwords, regular software updates, and air-gapped offline backups.
Locksmiths are trained and certified professionals with years of training in unlocking doors of any type. They are highly trained and can work with almost any range of smart lock types including electronic locks. However, unlocking an electronic lock is a bit more trickier compared to traditional lock types.
1. Smartphones. Smartphones are essentially mini-computers, storing a wealth of personal information like banking details, photos, and messages. With the rise of phishing attacks, malicious apps, and unsecured Wi-Fi networks, smartphones are prime targets for hackers.
Yale and Schlage are the two biggest heavyweights in residential door locks. Both offer exceptional hardware, but they cater to slightly different priorities: Schlage is the go-to for heavy-duty mechanical security and Apple ecosystem integration, while Yale excels in sleek, keyless aesthetics and flexible smart home customization.
A TS007 three star lock usually means a Euro cylinder that has been subjected to an attack test in addition to the testing performed on a one star cylinder. 3 star lock cylinders resist direct attack & offer a significant security upgrade to any door regardless of the material of door and handle.
Bottom Line. Even though Kwikset smart locks are not the smartest in the industry, they still provide solid features at better prices than most other options. We appreciate their solid construction and easy installation process. They also offer convenient access control features to help secure your home on a budget.