Digital Locks vs Smart Locks: Is There A Difference?

More homeowners have begun to embrace digital technology, integrating it in various ways to make their lives more comfortable and convenient. Digital and smart locks are part of this shift, giving homeowners keyless ways to manage access to their property.

At first glance, digital and smart locks may look nearly identical, so why should you pay more for a smart lock? While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, a smart lock is generally a type of digital lock with additional connectivity features.

In this article, we look at the similarities and key differences between digital and smart locks to help you decide which may be more suitable for your home.

Given their electronic nature, digital and smart locks share some similarities and offer valuable features that you would love to have to keep your property safe and sound.

Digital and smart locks have several unique access methods that allow you to engage or disengage the lock conveniently. Where traditional key locks require a physical key to engage or disengage the locking mechanism, digital and smart locks allow you to use several keyless methods that provide plenty of convenience: no more fumbling for your keys while at the front door!

The best part is that you are not limited to one access method only: most, if not all, digital and smart locks will come with at least two or three access methods, giving you plenty of choice for whichever option you prefer.

• PIN code: Considered the standard issue access method for any digital and smart lock, you will key in a several-digit code using a keypad to engage or disengage the locking mechanism.
• RFID card/tag: Using radio-frequency identification, you can swipe a card or tag with an internal RFID transponder across the lock’s RFID sensor, automatically engaging or disengaging the lock.
• Fingerprint sensor: The lock has a dedicated fingerprint scanner, which scans your fingerprint when you place it on the sensor. If the print matches the one saved in the scanner’s memory, it engages or disengages the lock.
• Remote control: Much like a television remote, this portable device can automatically engage or disengage the lock from a short distance.
• Bluetooth/Wi-Fi connectivity: These operate similarly to a remote control, except the remote is your smartphone, which uses wireless technology to engage or disengage the lock from a short distance.
• Facial/palm recognition: The digital or smart lock has a built-in camera to scan your facial or palm features, ensuring they match the saved entries in its database before engaging or disengaging the lock.

If you want to understand the different lock designs and access methods available, read our guide to the types of digital door locks.

Digital and smart locks require power for their electronic functions. Depending on the model, this may come from replaceable batteries or a rechargeable battery system.

Battery type, expected battery life and charging or replacement requirements vary between lock models and how frequently their electronic features are used.

Many locks also provide low-battery warnings and some form of emergency access or emergency power option, although the exact backup method depends on the model.

Learn more about what happens when a digital door lock battery dies and the backup options you may have.

Besides the locking mechanism and access methods, digital and smart locks typically come with additional features for your convenience or to enhance overall security. Some models may feature built-in low-battery alerts, intrusion sensors, or even a fire alarm that detects sudden spikes in temperature. These features improve the lock’s functionality and offer you more peace of mind regarding your property’s safety.

Digital and smart locks are designed around general convenience and user friendliness, especially with keyless access methods that help you quickly enter and exit your property anytime while keeping it secure while you are away. Their design also ensures that anyone can quickly get used to the digital or smart lock’s functions and make the most of their features.

There are still various ways that digital and smart locks differ from one another, and that will inform your final purchasing decision based on the features you prefer.

While digital and smart locks offer plenty of convenience, smart locks have an advantage by incorporating wireless access methods via a dedicated smartphone app that connects to the lock via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Remote access can mean not needing to manually key in PINs, swipe access cards, or scan your fingerprint or facial pattern to disengage the lock. All you need is your app, and, at the press of a button or two, you will be in and out of your property in moments.

Moreover, some smart lock models can integrate with a smart home system, giving you further control over nearly every aspect of your property from a seamless interface. You can even view the smart lock’s access records, which record details such as when the lock was engaged or disengaged and even the person who engaged or disengaged the lock.

If connectivity is important to you, you may also want to compare Wi-Fi vs non-Wi-Fi digital locks before choosing a model.

Digital and smart lock prices depend on the features a model comes with; the more features it possesses, the higher its price. Comparing the two, smart locks typically have a higher price point than digital locks, primarily because of their advanced features and smart integrations, which tend to cost more to manufacture. As such, it is common to see some brands market their smart locks as higher-end purchases for property security.

A digital lock can cost anywhere from SGD 400 to SGD 1,000 and higher, while smart locks can cost from SGD 600 to SGD 1,200 or higher. Prices will still vary depending on the brand, among other criteria.

Instead of choosing based on price alone, consider whether you will actually use the additional smart features. Compare current options in our best digital door locks in Singapore guide.

Both digital and smart locks can include security features such as tampering alerts, multiple authentication methods or built-in cameras, depending on the model.

Smart locks with app or network connectivity may also receive software or firmware updates depending on the manufacturer. However, connected features introduce additional considerations such as app-account security, software support and network security.

Regardless of whether you choose a digital or smart lock, compare the security features, backup access methods, manufacturer support and installation quality of the individual model.

For a deeper look at this topic, read our guide on whether digital locks are safe.

Thanks to their impressive smart integrations, smart locks provide unprecedented flexibility. Viewing access logs from anywhere and anytime lets you stay on top of your property’s security, especially if you may be expecting visitors. Some smart lock models with a camera can also let you see who is outside the door, giving you even more peace of mind in knowing if a stranger or a family friend is waiting at the door. Some models can generate one-time passcodes that enable temporary entry for specific people you expect. Combined with other smart system integrations in your property, you can get a comprehensive view of your property whenever you need it.

Choose a digital lock if: you mainly want convenient keyless access through methods such as PIN, RFID or fingerprint and do not need app connectivity or remote functions.
Consider a smart lock if: you want additional connected features such as mobile app control, Wi-Fi connectivity, access notifications, temporary PIN codes or access records.

The better choice ultimately depends on how you plan to use the lock, your budget and whether the additional smart features would actually be useful for your household. If you are still unsure which features you should prioritise, read our complete guide on how to choose a digital or smart door lock in Singapore.

If you mainly want to compare digital lock models, see our best digital door locks in Singapore. If connected features are important to you, compare our best smart locks in Singapore.

Whether you choose a digital or smart lock, focus on the features that suit your household rather than simply selecting the model with the most technology.

If you mainly need keyless access, a standard digital lock may already meet your needs. If app connectivity, remote management or access records are important to you, a smart lock may be worth considering.

You can explore Eazea’s range of digital and smart locks in Singapore to compare the available models.