Smart Locks - Which type to buy?

Question

I see various posts regarding smart door locks.  The 4th generation of August Smart Locks have many negative reviews.  Has anyone used these and is there an issue with this version or should I buy the 3rd generation.  Comments on other door locks are welcome.  Trying to decide the best route to go.  Closing next week on my panhandle beach house.

John Underwood · Answer

I have wifi thermostats, wifi water heater, security cameras.

I still use a lockbox. It doesn't need batteries and has never failed me.

Michael Baum · Answer

Hey @Kenneth Garrett, I have a Schlage Smart Connect lock. I have it controlled by a Samsung SmartThings hub on Z-Wave.

It has been great for the last 4 years. I can add guest codes, unlock remotely etc. It hasn't failed me once. I have the thermostat controlled by the SmartThing hub as well. Easy to manage and fairly easy to setup.

I use a Emerson Sensi Z Wave thermostat. It is rather unique because if you have heat and dedicated A/C you don't need a C wire to provide power. This is a simple and easy to use thermostat for guests and remote management.

Carolyn Fuller · Answer

@Kenneth Garrett I also use the Samsung SmartThing hub with Z-Wave but with the Yale YRD120 T1L lock. The reason I would not use the August is that it requires that the guest have a smartphone with the app on it. You can get an add-on keyed apparatus but the reviews indicate it is both clunky and unreliable. Also, bluetooth locks require a hub that is within a very short distance of the lock. This means you must trust the guest to not unplug the hub by accident or otherwise. Z-Wave works at a much greater distance. We live over our Airbnb rental so we were able to place the SmartThing hub on one of our window sills over the rental apartment. It works like a charm. We are able to add and remove guest codes and monitor battery life remotely. Since we live in an urban neighborhood, I didn't trust a lockbox to be secure.

Brent Huling · Answer

I would agree with @Carolyn Fuller.  Keypad with the ability to use a key in emergencies is a much better set up.  With Yale, renters can download the app if they would like and use Bluetooth functionality, but not needed.  Most just use their 4 digit code.  If you integrate with Airbnb, it will automatically send them a code that works only for the length of their stay including check in and check out times.

Joey Morea · Answer

@Kenneth Garrett

RemoteLock

Kenneth Garrett · Answer

Thanks for all your comments and recommendations.

Glen Gregory · Answer

We have a solution that we developed in Poland that offers control of access (smart lock), monitoring events, sensors for smoking, and party (sustained noise) detection.  We are not in the U.S. yet but would be very interested to work with a potential reference client.  Currently, our clients are in Poland, as we seek to raise next funding. Let me know if you need more info. It is a cloud solution.  We can also integrate with your property management app, or upstream app, to fully automate from booking to access.  Thanks in advance.

Luke Carl · Answer

@Kenneth Garrett

Changes every 6 months or so but right now the encode

Brent Huling · Answer

I'm not sure which generation I have, but I think it is the newest one on Amazon.  Yale touchscreen and lock.  Has the wifi hub, works perfect, integrates with Airbnb automatically, etc.  Support at Yale/August is great and am very happy.  Got a $10 lockbox on Amazon and put it in the backyard with one of the included keys incase of power or wifi outage.  Just used the wifi lock today as the pool guy had to reset the modem for my Pentair system and was able to let him in and then lock the door a few minutes later.  Watched him enter and leave on the Nest doorbell.  Highly recommend Honeywell T5 Lyric thermostats too.  Can get them for $75 and sometimes less on eBay or Amazon.

Smart Locks - Which type to buy?

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