There are three approaches you can take to get live footage of your front door, with your smart lock. We break down each option to help you choose which is best for your home!
Here's a quick summary of the approaches. Scroll down for details on each one.
Approach 1: Smart Lock With a Fully Integrated Camera
If you want to protect your home, getting a smart lock is a great idea. The smart locks you will see on the market today don’t only have a dedicated app, but also Bluetooth and Wi-Fi compatibility. Some of the modern smart locks also come with an integrated camera so you can see who is at your front door and decide if you want to remotely let them in!
The Lockly Vision Deadbolt Smart Lock with Camera is a smart door lock with HD video recording.
- Comes with a Live View feature from built-in HD cameras
- Supports both internal SD card storage and cloud storage
- Has a dedicated mobile app for iOS and Android
To prevent accidental break-ins, it comes with an advanced fingerprint feature. One problem with door locks is that if the battery runs out, you might lock yourself out.
To avoid such cases, the Lockly Vision Deadbolt Smart Lock with Camera has physical keys as well. To make your life simpler, it also comes with Bluetooth connectivity. If you fail to recognize the person at your doorstep just by looking at their face, you can use the two-way audio feature to talk to them.
The Gate Video Smart Lock Deadbolt gives you a single solution for all advanced security features that will simplify your life.
- Ability to create individual access codes
- Can replace any separate deadbolt lock
- For your peace of mind, it has real-time 24/7 app alerts
The Gate Video Smart Lock Deadbolt is a good security lock with a camera that comes at an affordable price.
This feature-packed door security lock comes with a two-way intercom, built-in Wi-Fi, rechargeable battery, HD video, keypad lock/unlock, backup keys, and many other top-notch features.
For remote controlling, it has a dedicated mobile app. You will receive instant alerts on this app. Furthermore, using the app, you can livestream the captured footage, check the activity log, and get in touch with an emergency dispatch in seconds. Also, you can set multiple access codes for all the members of your family. The app is available on both iTunes and Android.
After you receive this smart lock with a camera, you can set it up all on your own in minutes. You will find 4 administrator accounts and guest PIN codes in its package. However, you will need to get the paid service plan to enjoy the scheduled access feature.
- Supports individual access codes
- Triggers emergency dispatch
- Option to control the lock remotely
- Easy DIY setup
- Comes with an easily removable battery
- Does not work on mortise locks
- Does not work with metal doors
- Does not work with a few single-cylinder deadbolts
Tech Specs
| Made of satin nickel |
| Requires rechargeable lithium-ion battery |
| Comes with an LED-connected keypad |
| Motion detection |
| USB cable for fast charging |
| Comes with 3 replacement keys |
Approach 2: Smart Lock & Video Doorbell Combos
As opposed to an integrated smart lock and camera, you can get a smart lock and video doorbell which work in tandem.
Smart lock and video doorbell combos come with all the essential features of a smart lock and the ability to record videos at high resolution. Most of these security systems have mobile apps that let the user control every aspect of security for their home, starting from granting entry to a guest to locking the door remotely.
Both the eufy Smart Lock and the eufy Video Doorbell come with fingerprint scanners.
- For crisp video, it comes with cameras with 2K resolution
- Thanks to the two-way audio, you can talk to anyone who approaches the door
- It works with an advanced algorithm that can accurately identify body shapes and face patterns
After you program your fingerprint into this smart door lock, you can use it to enter your home. It takes only 0.3 seconds to read your fingerprint, and the smart lock will lock or unlock the door within only 1 second for you.
Thanks to the eufy Smart App, you can control this smart lock from anywhere. You can see who is at the front door or office. One of the best features of this gadget is that even if you forget to lock the door in the morning when leaving for work, it will detect when the door is closed or not. Once it has confirmed that no one is at home, it will automatically lock the door.
Along with your fingerprint, you can also enter your home using the eufy mobile app or using the keypad. Thanks to the stainless steel frame, if you use this smart lock with care, it will last you more than 60 years.
The Nest x Yale Lock & Nest Doorbell features a tamper-proof smart lock that ensures ultimate security for your home.
- Compatible with the Nest Secure Alarm System
- A quick and seamless replacement for your traditional deadbolt lock
- Along with passcodes, it also supports entry using LED keypads
The Nest x Yale Lock & Nest Doorbell comes in 3 color variations. You can get it in either polished brass, oil-rubbed bronze, or satin nickel. It can easily replace the traditional deadbolt you already have on your front door. It also allows the user to lock and unlock the door using the simple LED keypad. You will hear a sound when the door locks, unlocks, or activates the Privacy Mode.
If your relatives are visiting your place, do not worry. You can easily add some guest codes into this smart door lock, and you are good to go. You can also set a schedule so that the codes are deactivated once your relatives leave.
If you want the home to yourself, you can easily turn off the keypad. This way, no one will be able to enter your home using the passcode. If an intruder tries to tamper with the keypad, you will immediately get an alert on your phone.
If you forget to lock your door in the morning before leaving for the office, you can lock it using the Nest app from your car. Furthermore, this smart lock features an auto-lock feature that will lock the door after you leave for the office, without requiring any intervention from your end.
- Hear the chime sound to confirm responses
- Can be unlocked or locked using the smartphone app
- Allows the user to set multiple passcodes
- You can disable the Privacy Mode when you do not want to be disturbed
- You will get an immediate push notification when someone tampers with the lock
- Sensitive to positioning on the door
Tech Specs
| Tamper-proof smart lock |
| Along with a physical key, you also get to enter using a passcode |
| See the entire history about entry, and exit using the app |
| Comes with the Guest Access feature |
| Compatible with the Nest Home app |
Approach 3: Security Systems With Compatible Smart Locks & Cameras
If you’re looking to upgrade your alarm system, then a number of providers also offer smart locks and video doorbells as part of the package.
These security systems can be monitored from a smartphone, or the homeowner can also pay for 24/7 monitoring of their property. Some of them also come with integration for emergency contact for the fire department and nearby police station.
The Frontpoint Security System, Honeywell Skybell Camera, and the Yale Smart Lock are undoubtedly some of the best security systems in the market.
- You can seek any assistance from the customer support team 24/7, 365 days of the year.
- As far as post-purchase support is concerned, you will get a 3-year system warranty, as well as a 30-day risk-free trial on sign-up.
- Thanks to the voice control feature, this smart door lock can be customized to meet your needs.
With 24/7 support, you can customize these smart locks to fit your needs.
Unlike other smart door locks in the market, these products will learn and adapt to your timetable. Once they have a great understanding of actual threats, you will never have any intruders near your home. Using the Frontpoint app, you can quickly set home automation preferences.
Along with burglars, these smart doorbell security cameras can also withstand adverse climate conditions and hackers. To keep you safe, they also come with a long power backup. To date, no user has been hacked. If you face any technical difficulty, you can always get in touch with customer care.
With the SimpliSafe Security System, SimpliSafe Video Doorbell, SimpliSafe Smart Lock you can be always on the lookout for intruders.
- 24/7 HD video surveillance feature
- For solid security, they feature motion and intruder detection
- Instant motion alert on the mobile app
You do not have to gaze right into the feed all day long. As soon as your security system detects an anomaly, it will quickly alert you on your smartphone. Moreover, you will receive this alert even when someone does not ring the bell.
Thanks to the wide field of view, you can see every small detail in front of your house both in the day and during the night. They are also compatible with almost every type of doorbell.
Unlike other smart video doorbells, with the SimpliSafe Security System, and its add-ons—SimpliSafe Video Doorbell and SimpliSafe Smart Lock, you will never receive a false alarm. Thanks to the advanced motion detection and dual sensors, the system can differentiate between a driving car and an intruder who is slowly walking up to your front door.
This security system will work with any 8-24VAC. Unlike other security systems that do not work with all homes, this one will work perfectly with both old and modern homes.
The Ring Security System, with add-ons, such as Ring Doorbell and Schlage Lock puts the entire security of your home at your fingertips.
- Ideal for big apartments and condos
- Comes with contact sensor, motion detection, and range extender features
- With Ring Protect Plus, you get 24/7 professional surveillance
The package comes with a base station, keypad, contact sensor, motion detector, and a range detector. After you unpack this gadget, you can set it up all by yourself.
Unlike other home security systems, the Ring Security System comes with a solid fire and medical alarm. The intuitive keypad has emergency buttons. This way, you do not have to look for which button to press when an intruder lurks in the backyard.
As mentioned, this Ring Security System can be extended using different add-ons such as the Ring Doorbell and the Schlage Lock. Plug in the base, connect it to your Wi-Fi network, connect it with the Ring app, and you are all set.
Considerations When Choosing a Smart Lock With Camera
Integrated Camera, Security Camera, or Video Doorbell
When buying a home security system, you might get confused between picking an integrated camera, security camera, or video doorbell. If you buy a security camera, you will have more flexibility adjusting its angle. Also, it is a better option as it can capture higher quality video footage than a video doorbell.
DIY or Professionally Installed
When getting a security system, you should consider whether you should get a DIY model or an advanced model that requires expert assistance. A DIY security system might be the right option for you if you do not want to wait for the experts to arrive. Furthermore, in case your security system breaks down abruptly, you may not afford to wait for professionals.
Front Door & Deadbolt Compatibility
Many of the smart locks with cameras are compatible with traditional deadbolts. You do not need to replace them to install the new security system. But there are a few models that are not compatible with deadbolt setups. If you get one of those models, you might have to replace the entire front door.
Voice and Remote Control
When getting a security system, always try to get an advanced one with voice and remote control capabilities. Most of the security systems come with a dedicated mobile app that lets you see who is at your front door from miles away. Also, if you are at home, you can use voice simple commands to lock or unlock the door without having to get up from your couch.
The Verdict
Getting a smart security system is not that easy. There are just too many options out there. However, we hope this article will help you pick the right security system for your home. Do let us know what your priority is when it comes to home security systems. Leave a comment below and we will get back to you with an answer.
The Lockly Vision Deadbolt Smart Lock with Camera is a smart door lock with HD video recording.
- Comes with a Live View feature from built-in HD cameras
- Supports both internal SD card storage and cloud storage
- Has a dedicated mobile app for iOS and Android