Many folks are swapping out their old house keys for fancier ways to lock their doors, and this shows a growing trend toward using high-tech security gadgets. Imagine locking your door with your phone, using a secret code, or even your fingerprint. Some doors even open automatically when you're close by.
What are fingerprint biometrics?
A fingerprint smart lock is capable of storing multiple fingerprint scans in its memory. This way, you can thoroughly select who you want to grant access to and who you do not.
Fingerprint scanning is a form of physiological biometrics. It analyzes your physical attributes to confirm your identity. Since all humans come with a unique set of fingerprints, your fingerprint can be used to identify you and no one else.
Which brand should I choose?
When it comes to the fingerprint door lock, there are many brands you can pick from. Samsung, UltraLOQ, Kwikset, Lockly – all of them have something different to offer. But at the core of it all, they all aim to give you robust security against theft and intrusion.
The Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro 6-in-1 Smart Lock comes in both black and satin nickel color. It has a zinc alloy coating around its body and a true 6-in-1 keyless entry smart lock. It also comes with a fingerprint, anti-peep keypad, smartphone compatibility, auto-unlock feature, safe to open, and a mechanical key. This smart lock will lock and unlock automatically as you leave and arrive home.
- 6-in-1 Keyless Entry Smart Lock.
- Dual Data Encryption for tighter security.
- Grant access to your family and friends via an eKey or a code.
The Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro 6-in-1 Smart Lock is a secure and versatile smart deadbolt. It offers a 6-in-1 keyless entry to your front door. It is the ideal smart lock for flexibility, security, and convenience, not to mention it comes with a smartphone app that lets you use e-keys for temporary access to your loved ones.
The anti-peep keypad on the Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro 6-in-1 Smart Lock lets you add random digits to protect your password. Thanks to its 360-degrees live fingerprint ID, you can rely on it for solid security. To shield against power outages, you can use micro USB for backup power.
Tech Specs
| DIY Installation |
| The mechanical key with U-Bolt Pro |
| Remote control |
| Compatibility with Alexa, Google, and IFTTT. |
| Deadbolt lock |
- Fingerprint access.
- Anti-peep keypad.
- Auto Unlock feature.
- Automatic lock when you leave home.
- eKey for temporary access.
- Some users have complained that the setup is complex.
The Kwikset Halo Touch Fingerprint Door Lock is available in three colors – venetian bronze, matte black, and satin nickel. This smart lock can store up to 100 fingerprints for as many as 50 users. This makes sharing access to your home with your friends and family easy. It is a Wi-Fi enabled fingerprint door lock that lets you connect it to your home network directly. Unlike other smart door locks, it does not require a smart home hub or a panel.
- Protects against advanced break-in techniques.
- Can be re-keyed within seconds.
- You can manage the deadbolt from anywhere.
The Kwikset Halo Touch Fingerprint Door Lock only takes 15 minutes for full installation. You only need a screwdriver to set it up. Furthermore, you will find a thorough step-by-step guide to install and configure it in its accompanying app.
This smart lock will easily fit in 1-3/4″ in. standard prep doors. The thick door kits are available separately. No matter how many keys you have at home, you can easily re-key them using the Kwikset Smartkey Security.
Tech Specs
| Easy 15-minute installation. |
| Fits any standard door. |
| Fingerprint scan for lock/unlock. |
| Compatible with the Kwikset App. |
| No hard wiring is required. |
- Remotely lock and unlock feature.
- Home security notifications.
- Access the lock event history with the app.
- Manage users and set schedules.
- Check the status of your front door using the app.
- Some users have complained that the setup is complex.
The Lockly Fingerprint Door Lock is compatible with both Android and iOS. It also features a 3D fingerprint reader. For added security, it is made of steel, whereas for ease of use, it uses 3D fingerprint sensors. Moreover, you can use PIN codes with this lock too. To prevent your pin from being peeked into, the keypad is Peek-proof.
- Is made using metal material.
- Comes with built-in advanced 3D fingerprint sensors.
- Uses a high-quality capacitive fingerprint sensor.
The Lockly Fingerprint Door Lock comes with enough storage for 99 fingerprint scans. Thanks to the patented PIN Genie technology, it makes it very difficult to guess the pin code. It always shuffles the number of locations on the backlit secure keypad.
As far as the remote control is concerned, this smart lock comes with compatibility for both iOS and Android. You can lock and unlock the door of your home, office, and rental property using the mobile app. You can also check up on who is accessing and leaving your home from the app as well.
Tech Specs
| Easy DIY installation. |
| Compatible with both left- and right swinging doors. |
| Long battery life. |
| Most secure digital pad. |
| Offline access code and innovative app. |
- Peek-proof fingerprint sensor.
- Smartphone compatible.
- Patented PIN Genie technology.
- Stores every access event in its history.
- Grant one-time use pin codes.
- Some users have complained of a poor battery life.
The Samsung Biometric Door Lock is a signature smart lock from one of the most prominent tech companies – Samsung.
- It is a push-pull biometric touchscreen smart lock.
- The anti-theft alarm goes off when the lock is operated from inside.
- Comes with a double-authentication feature.
The Samsung Biometric Door Lock can store up to 31 user codes and RF-ID tags. As far as the fingerprint scan is concerned, it can store up to 100 fingerprint scans. Fits any standard 40mm to 80mm door. It is also compatible with certain NFC items.
This smart lock has a sleek and modern design. It will go well with any interior and exterior door in your home, office, or apartment. It works lightning fast and offers three ways of locking and unlocking your doors: fingerprint, a passcode, or an RFID scan.
Tech Specs
| Random security code feature. |
| Anti-tampering lockout. |
| Uses plastic and metal body. |
| Low battery warning. |
| Physical sensors enable automatic locking. |
- Polished finish.
- Solid construction.
- Bump- and pick-proof.
- Intrusion alarm
- PSD fire tested.
- More expensive than competitors on this list.
Other Fingerprint Biometric Door Locks
- Fingerprint identification is as fast as 0.4 seconds.
- Faster than key locks.
- Unlock using the electronic keypad, or the key.
The eufy Smart Biometric Door Lock can recognize your fingerprint in less than 0.4 seconds, which is faster than any smart lock on the market. It is faster than using a physical key too, obviously. There are 4 different ways you can unlock your doors using this smart lock.
As far as automatic locking is concerned, the eufy Security Smart Lock Touch comes with a built-in sensor. It detects when your door is locked, and it also automatically locks it. It will keep your home safe when you are away on a long vacation or at the office.
- Works with any standard door type.
- Comes with an interactive OLED display.
- Can be unlocked using a fingerprint and an access card.
The Harfo Fingerprint Keyless Lock is a fast and secure fingerprint recognition system. It was tested to have an accuracy of as high as 99.86%. Moreover, it is suitable for both the elderly and the kids. It comes with a deadbolt button that is only accessible by the admins.
The Harfo Fingerprint Keyless Smart Lock belongs to the line of Harfo smart locks that were created after 3 years of research and development. It is tested to give you the best access experience.
- Is ideal for Airbnb short-term rental hosts.
- There are multiple ways to unlock it.
- Easy to install in just a few minutes.
The Sifely Keyless Fingerprint Door Lock is ideal for short-term rental homes that include self-housing residents, and any kind of rental properties. You can generate a passcode for this lock remotely and share it with your friends or family.
This advanced 5-in-1 keyless entry smart lock is compatible with any smartphone and easy to install. You can set it up in minutes, as you will only require a standard screwdriver. If you are not satisfied with this smart lock, you can claim a refund within 60 days of your purchase.
- Comes with an irreversible right hand.
- Comes with a high-capacity semiconductor finger sensor.
- Anti-peep passcode.
The WeJupit V8 Smart Biometric Door Lock features a 3-in-1 keyless entry. You can use your fingerprint, a code, or a backup key for entry. It houses an interactive display that has over 200 fingerprint collection points. After you press your finger to the scanner, it will only take 0.5 seconds for the sensor to identify your fingerprint.
For added security, you can enter your actual key code with random digits both in front and at the back of the string. Just make sure you are not exceeding the 17-digit limit. The shell on this smart lock is made using stainless steel and it is collision-proof.
Should I Buy a Fingerprint Door Lock?
Convenient Keyless Entry
Carrying a key with you all the time is a hassle. Not everyone is good at that. Moreover, just the sheer weight of a key can make many people apathetic towards carrying one.
This is where keyless entry comes into play. With the advancement of technology, you can now enter your home using a pin or your fingerprint scan. You are now the key to your home.
Advanced Fingerprint Identification
Fingerprint recognition is a fairly new technology. It is now being used to access all sorts of things, the most obvious of which is our smartphones. Unlike a number code, your fingerprint is unique and difficult to mimic.
Moreover, every person is born with a different set of fingerprints. This makes fingerprints a good and reliable biometric identification method.
Easy Installation
These smart locks come with a lot of advanced features, starting with fingerprint scans to sensors that detect intrusion. But the ease of use with these smart locks is very important, too.
Most smart locks only require a screwdriver for installation. Also, they do not require hard wiring, which makes them super easy to mount.
Access for Multiple Users
If you have a physical lock at home, you will have to make multiple copies of the key to give every member of your family access. If you forget to carry your key one day to the office, you will have to wait for your spouse to arrive back from work.
But with these smart locks, you do not need a physical key. Moreover, you can grant access to anyone in your family. Most of these smart locks have storage for over 100 fingerprint profiles.
Remote Access
If your friend or a distant relative is visiting your town for a few days, you can give them access to your home using the mobile app that most of these smart locks come with.
Many smart locks come with an app that can be used to lock and unlock the door at your will, any time.
Common Features to Consider
Access Mechanisms
There are two popular access mechanisms with these smart locks. First, they come with fingerprint scanners. They can store as many as 100 fingerprints.
And secondly, they come with digital keypads. For preventing peeking, these keypads can jumble the position of the digits randomly.
High Security Grades + Encryption
To ensure no one can break into your smart lock remotely, you must get one with high encryption. There are many safety certifications these smart locks go through.
Moreover, to ensure they can prevent theft, they are also tested for intrusion. If you are getting a smart lock with Wi-Fi compatibility, try and go for one with standard encryption protocols.
Battery-Powered
Most of these smart locks do not require hard wiring. But they do need power to run. Another big concern when using a smart lock is, will it erase all your fingerprint profiles after a power outage?
When buying a smart lock, try to get one with backup batteries. This way, you will be able to retain all your user data during a power outage.
Geo-Fencing
Geo-Fencing refers to the technology of creating an electronic fence around a certain boundary. This technology is used to make smart locks aware of the location. As geo-fencing educates smart locks about the structure of your home, it can trigger an alarm when it detects any anomaly, too.
Common Questions About Biometric Door Locks
How do I install a biometric door lock?
There aren’t many complex steps involved in setting up a smart lock. All you need is a standard screwdriver. Moreover, as they do not require hard wiring, the setup of smart locks will not take more than 5 minutes.
Most of these smart locks come with detailed user manuals. Besides, you can also get installation help from their apps.
How often do you need to charge the battery of a fingerprint door lock?
It depends on the model of the smart lock you have at home. Some come with long battery life. On the other hand, many smart locks have poor battery life, thus requiring frequent charging. A smart lock with a 300mAh lithium battery has a 2-year standby time.
How easy is it to break into a fingerprint door lock?
It is pretty difficult. Most of these locks are made with stainless steel and use deadbolts to lock your doors. More than this, as many of them have built-in security alerts, you will be notified about intrusion attempts immediately.
The Verdict
So there you go. Now you have the knowledge to make a decision on which biometric door lock is right for you. Our top pick is the Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro Keyless Door Lock, however there are plenty of great options in the list.
Let us know what you think! Leave a comment below with your feedback!
The Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro 6-in-1 Smart Lock comes in both black and satin nickel color. It has a zinc alloy coating around its body and a true 6-in-1 keyless entry smart lock. It also comes with a fingerprint, anti-peep keypad, smartphone compatibility, auto-unlock feature, safe to open, and a mechanical key. This smart lock will lock and unlock automatically as you leave and arrive home.
- 6-in-1 Keyless Entry Smart Lock.
- Dual Data Encryption for tighter security.
- Grant access to your family and friends via an eKey or a code.