Security is one of those non-negotiables regardless of whether you own or rent a home. Gone are the days where basic locks and keys were the only way to secure your doors. Today, there is an overwhelming number of brands and models to choose from, especially now that digital locks have been thrown into the mix.
So, which option is best for your home and how do you choose between digital vs traditional locks?
Digital vs Traditional Locks: The Basics
Traditional locks are self-explanatory – it’s the mechanism that’s installed in a door that locks and unlocks with a key. Some locks are better quality than others and there are also locks that are designed to prevent bumping and picking.
Then there are digital locks, which require some form of internet connection and a smart device to operate. You don’t need any physical keys to lock and unlock these systems.
Digital vs Traditional Locks: The Key Differences
Now, let’s look at the differences between these lock options based on what really matters.
Security
Both types of locks are secure overall, but they are both prone to tampering.
Since digital locks are connected to the internet, hacking is always a concern. However, since this takes a lot of effort, it’s not too common. Another risk is that because you no longer use a key, you may forget to lock your door when you leave the house. A digital lock is only as secure as you remembering to use it.
With traditional locks, there is always the risk of lock bumping and picking, or even brute force, all of which are common. On the plus side, there are locks such as high security locks that are designed to withstand some of the methods used by intruders.
Convenience
Not having to carry a bunch of keys around is certainly convenient and with a digital lock, you only need to have your smartphone on you. You can even unlock a door miles from home, which is ideal if there is ever an emergency. However, if your phone battery dies, you can’t get into your house.
With traditional locks, you always need to have a physical key with you. However, you can always rekey your locks so that you only need to use one key for every door. The only potential downside is that it’s necessary to have key copies if you ever need to go on vacation or get back into your house if you lose the original key.
Cost
As you can imagine, because smart locks are more advanced, they can be more expensive. With that being said, traditional lock costs can also rack up if you have a larger home and require more or many different keys. You should also keep in mind that installing smart locks drives up the total cost, but the maintenance is generally little to none, which isn’t always the case with traditional locks.
Choosing Between Digital vs Traditional Locks
In the end, if you aren’t a huge fan of technology and have a smaller budget, sticking to traditional locks might be a better option. If you are ready to upgrade, however, and would prefer to eventually shift to an automated home, digital locks are the ideal choice.