Top Smart Locks with Integrated Cameras

What is a Smart Lock with an Integrated Camera?

A smart lock with a built-in camera is a device that combines the security features of a traditional lock with the added benefit of video surveillance. 

It allows homeowners to remotely monitor and control access to their property using a smartphone app and also provides visual verification of who is at the door.

Approaches

There are a couple of ways you can set up a smart lock with a video feed. That’s either through: 

As you can tell, both methods have their pros and cons. For starters, standalone smart locks with integrated cameras are not that common, with only a couple of models on the market.

Setting up both a smart lock and security camera allows you to get the best in class from each category. However, setup can be expensive and the two might not cooperate well together, especially if they’re not from the same brand. 

Best Smart Locks with Integrated Cameras

For homeowners looking to add better video quality and a sleeker smart lock/video doorbell, the eufy Video Doorbell S330 is the next best choice. 

This smart device shakes up home security with a 2K HD camera, smart lock, fingerprint scanner, and smart functionality for remote and automated control.

2K HD Camera

The built-in 2K HD camera gives clear, HDR visuals for every visitor. It’s got a dual camera setup to monitor visitors and packages at the same time.

This helps minimize blind spots and make sure the camera records everything to a tee. 

Alongside that, the smart lock also includes dual motion sensors to make sure nothing goes unnoticed. 

Known Issues 

Despite its features, the device does lack in battery life and app performance since many users have reported rapid battery drain and a lack of polish in the mobile app.

  

Considering what it brings to the table, the Lockly Vision definitely earns the top spot. It’s got multiple access methods, a serviceable camera, and a microphone-speaker setup for two-way audio. 

Camera

With regular HD streaming, the camera is serviceable. It doesn’t lag and many users have found that it does get the job done. 

The camera is also tilted slightly upwards so it can get an easier look at whoever’s at your front door. 

Camera Drawbacks

However, the camera is not a wide-angle lens, so it’s not meant to cover everything that’s happening around your front doors.

It doesn’t have night vision, so it’s best to automate a porch light to capture faces and details. 

Also, the device doesn’t support motion sensors, so it won’t record automatically unless you stream via the app or somebody presses the doorbell button.  

Storage

The storage options are also a big plus. The device comes with a 32GB Micro-SD card without a cloud storage service that’s begging you to subscribe.

The footage is stored in the included hub and streamed directly from this device to the mobile app.

Other Options

Besides these two, there are a few other devices on the market that may provide the same level of functionality. 

However, due to poor reviews and the general lack of brand recognition, I cannot recommend these products.

Nevertheless, I’ve listed them below for reference:

Alternative Approach: Setting up Separate Smart Locks and Security Cameras

As reliable smart locks with integrated security cameras are hard to find, many people opt to go for a smart lock with a separate security camera or doorbell camera. 

Although this might be a hassle, especially since you have to maintain two separate devices, it can be more effective, especially if they are compatible with each other and can seamlessly integrate into home automation. 

So, with that said, here are my recommendations for separate smart locks and security cameras:

This is the best combination of smart locks and doorbell cameras thanks to their native compatibility with each other. 

This means that eufy has implemented the smart video doorbell’s app controls with the smart lock in mind, allowing you to toggle the lock instantly while you're monitoring the video feed through the smart doorbell. 

Considerations 

However, for this feature to work, you must ensure:

With these conditions set up, you can easily control the lock while directly streaming video from the doorbell camera.

Although these devices won’t necessarily work together, the convenience afforded by controlling both devices through the Nest app does make it a tiny bit easier. 

So although it’s not 100% seamless, you can easily swap between the video doorbell feed and Nest x Yale lock without keeping your guests waiting. 

Requirements

However, for this to work, make sure both devices are properly set up and connected to the same Google account. Otherwise, you might run into compatibility issues.

Also, they don’t need to be on the same Wi-Fi network, but it does help speed things up. 

All things considered, setting up these devices separately doesn’t make for the smoothest control, but they can be reliable and oftentimes, more affordable than a standalone smart lock with an integrated camera. 

Besides these two alternatives, you can also check out security cameras and smart locks from different brands. These might not mesh together, but you can still switch between the apps whenever necessary. 

So check out these guides to learn more about smart doorbells or smart door locks.

Buyers Guide for Smart Door Locks with Integrated Cameras

Regardless of whether it’s a smart lock with a built-in camera or a combination of security cameras and smart locks, there are a few specs you need to look out for. 

So in the case of these devices, you should be mindful of: 

Compatibility With Your Existing Door

Before you jump the gun on buying a smart lock and security camera, you must consider the compatibility with your existing door. 

So when doing so, look at the details: is it a deadbolt, mortise? How thick is the door thickness, and how wide is the hole cutout? 

If these specs don't match, you might have to make some adjustments or even replace the door, which can add to the expenses.

Optional Hardware that Improves Compatibility

That being said, you won’t find a lack of options since most standard U.S. doors are adaptable and both the mentioned smart locks are designed to cater to most lock types and dimensions. 

Take the eufy S330 for example, it comes with the option to pick the desired faceplate and you can also get in touch with their customer service to switch if necessary. 

On top of that, they include adapters, additional screw holes, and spacers that fit the most common dimensions. This helps you easily switch things up without having to remodel your door. 

Integration With Your Home’s Smart Security System

Ideally, look for a smart lock that can seamlessly link up with your current system, allowing you to access all security features from one platform. 

For example, the eufy S330 can seamlessly integrate with the eufy app, Alexa, and even other eufy cameras and bridge devices. 

This improves its ability to send real-time alerts to your smartphone, keeping you in the loop about your home's safety without the need for additional apps or devices. 

Similarly, the Lockly Vision has a dedicated app that allows for seamless remote control, no matter where you are.

Quality of the Camera’s Resolution

Your camera's resolution can dramatically impact the clarity of images, directly affecting your ability to clearly identify people or objects. 

High-definition (HD) resolution, as found in the Lockly Vision, can provide sharp, clear visuals for better security monitoring. 

However, if you need to track a wider area, you can go for the eufy S330. This device has two cameras with 2K Ultra HD resolution. 

One can help you focus on people’s faces while the other can keep track of any packages left on your doorstep.  

Additional Security Features

Any lock collects sensitive data. This information, if fallen into the wrong hands, poses a severe risk. Therefore, data encryption and any other means to prevent others from getting your information is vital. 

The Lockly Vision is secure because it stores data locally and encrypts it via a non-Wi-Fi wireless network. On top of that, it includes a shifting keypad with random digits that prevent bystanders from reading your keycode. 

The eufy S330, on the other hand, uses bank-level AES-128 data encryption to protect the data transmission between your device and the lock, preventing would-be hackers from gaining access

How I Tested

For this lineup, I conducted extensive online research on smart locks and cameras to determine the best options for this guide. During my research, I focused on factors such as camera quality, lock performance, security level, ease of use, design, and additional features.

Research for this was pretty easy since very few devices managed to hit the mark. However, once I created a list of potential options, I whittled them down further by considering subtle aspects such as durability and advanced security features, night vision capabilities, and lock functionality. 

After this, I was left with four options, two of which I couldn’t actually recommend. Regardless, I decided to mention them while highlighting the top picks. 

FAQs

Can I Access the footage in a Smart Lock With an Integrated Camera Remotely?

Yes, smart locks with cameras typically come with a mobile app that allows you to remotely control the lock and monitor the camera feed in real-time. 

So as long as you have an internet connection on your smartphone, you can easily access and manage your smart lock from anywhere.

What Happens if the Smart Lock with Camera Loses Power or the Internet Goes Down?

Most smart locks with cameras usually run on batteries to ensure the lock remains functional. 

When it comes to internet connectivity issues, some models will disconnect from the Wi-Fi, so you might not be able to monitor it remotely.

Whatever the case, there’s always a method to manually unlock a smart lock, whether that’s by using a physical key or jump-starting it with a battery or power bank. 

Are Smart Locks with Cameras Secure and Hack-Proof?

While no technology is completely hack-proof, reputable smart locks with cameras employ encryption protocols and secure communication channels to protect against hacking attempts. 

Therefore, it is important to choose a trusted brand and regularly update the lock's firmware to ensure optimal security.

Can Multiple People Access a Smart Lock that Has an Integrated Camera?

Yes, many smart locks with cameras allow you to create multiple user accounts, so family members, friends, or trusted individuals can have their own unique access codes or digital keys. 

This way, you can grant and revoke access to different people as needed, and track who enters your home and when.

Also, certain models will allow you to set up one-time codes or temporary codes for guests. 

Can I Use Voice Commands to Unlock My Door?

Because of security concerns, unlocking a smart lock via voice commands is not recommended, not to mention such a feature is not implemented by these devices themselves. 

However, they will provide many other secure alternatives, such as fingerprints, RFID key fobs, PIN codes, and in-app control.  

Verdict 

References

• https://support.eufy.com/s/article/S330-S300-eufyCam-eufyCam-3-3C-FAQ-Before-You-Buy
• https://us.eufy.com/products/e8213181
• https://support.eufy.com/s/article/Video-Doorbell-and-WiFi-Smart-Lock-Integration
• https://support.google.com/googlenest/answer/9242083?hl=en#:~:text=The%20Nest%20Cam%20(wired)%2C,events%20when%20they're%20offline.