How to Choose Digital and Smart Door Locks in Singapore

While conventional locks afford decent levels of security for your property, digital and smart locks, thanks to their incorporation of various security technologies, provide a modern method of safeguarding your property while still looking great on your door. The combination of convenience and high-tech safety in a digital and smart door lock makes for an appealing choice, but is there a difference between the two? And how do you decide on the right choice for your property? We are here to help you make the right decision.

In this guide, we cover the key factors to consider when choosing a digital or smart door lock in Singapore, including compatibility, access methods, security features, budget, battery life, warranty and after-sales support.

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But before we get to the main topic, you might wonder if there is a significant difference between digital and smart door locks. Your first impression may be that they are the same, and while that is partly true, some minor differences set the two apart.

Digital locks allow users to engage or disengage the lock using electronic access methods instead of relying solely on a physical key. Many digital locks come with multiple access methods: some are standard, while others are optional add-ons.

● PIN codes.
● Fingerprint scanning.
● Facial recognition.
● Palm recognition.
● Radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags/cards.

A digital lock aims to provide maximum convenience, allowing you to freely enter and exit your home without needing a physical key; the keyless nature of the digital lock makes it so much easier to quickly enter and exit your home without compromising your property’s security. Each digital lock is purpose-built to give you plenty of security assurance thanks to its high-quality construction and security features and various extras that add to their ease of use.

A smart door lock is a digital lock with various additional smart integrations that further improve its functionality. One of the simplest smart integrations is the lock’s ability to connect to an app, which enables you to check the smart lock’s status and even disengage the lock remotely via the app. Most smart locks come with additional features, such as a log that tracks every time the door is unlocked and real-time notifications that inform you of these events. Some smart locks also enable you to set up one-time codes for temporary access to guests and visitors. With all their new tech integrations, a smart door lock’s additional functions make it a more substantial value investment for some buyers.

Not sure which one suits your needs? Read our detailed comparison of digital locks vs smart locks.

Extensive research can help you understand what you need for your property’s security when deciding which door lock to buy. We can help you with this by providing the essential points you need to consider to make the right choice.

There is no single digital lock that suits every home. The right choice depends on your door or gate, preferred access methods, security needs, smart features, budget and the level of after-sales support you require.

Your current door frame can influence your final door lock decision. Doors in different properties across Singapore may have different locking mechanisms, one of the most common being the mortise lock.

There is also the case of gate locks that serve as the main entryway to an HDB flat before you reach the front door. The distance between the gate and door, door or gate material, existing lock and available installation space can affect which digital lock models are suitable.

Not every digital or smart door lock will be immediately compatible with your door or gate. Some may require additional installation work, while certain doors may not be suitable for particular lock designs.

Before purchasing a digital or smart door lock, check with the seller or installer whether the model is compatible with your existing door or gate.

If you already have an existing door and are unsure whether it can support a new lock, read our guide on installing a digital lock on an existing door.

For homes with both a main door and gate, consider whether you need a digital lock on your door, gate or both.

Digital and smart door locks will have a few built-in access methods at specific price points; the more advanced versions can bundle as many as eight in one package. For most people, having three to four access methods will be sufficient for their security needs. Others like yourself might welcome the additional options, including using an RFID tag, just like waving your credit card for purchases.

PIN codes involve keying in a series of numbers that match the saved entry in your digital or smart door lock. While convenient, some people think it is a hassle because you need to input the code manually, and a passerby can easily see the code.

Access methods that recognise your facial or fingerprint pattern for more effective (and efficient) security are also available. Since these features are unique to you and cannot easily be replicated, you can ensure that no one can effectively gain entry into your property. In fact, many new digital and smart door lock models come with these as the standard access method for better peace of mind.

Smart locks may also provide access through mobile apps or network connectivity, depending on the model.

You can also compare the different types of digital door locks and access methods before deciding which one suits your household.

Your final decision also hinges on the security features you need in your brand-new door lock. Apart from the access methods a digital or smart door lock may have, other features can significantly improve the new lock’s quality of security. An easy example is the inclusion of built-in alarms for various purposes, such as an anti-intrusion system that causes an internal speaker to blare warning sirens to deter burglars that attempt to pry the door lock (or door) open.

Some models may also include heat or fire-related safety functions. As these features vary between models, check the manufacturer’s specifications to understand exactly how a particular lock operates.

If security is one of your main considerations, learn more about whether digital locks are safe and the security features you can look for.

Smart homes are becoming a topic of interest for modern property owners, especially as connected devices allow users to manage different functions from a smartphone or other device.

Depending on the digital lock model and smart-home system, users may be able to access features such as remote unlocking, notifications, access records or temporary access codes through an app.

Consider whether you actually need these connected features before choosing a smart lock, as they may affect the price and setup requirements.

Even if security is a concern, setting yourself back a few hundred (if not thousand) dollars for the latest digital or smart door lock would be a waste of funds, especially if you are not maximising every single feature it possesses. Most importantly, a door lock’s price can vary based on the number of security features it possesses, further cementing the loss in value if you are not making the most of it.

It never hurts to be reasonable with your purchase by opting for a model that covers the basic requirements for securing your property and does it reliably and consistently. Additional features will be based on whether they are as important to you as others; you may like having a lock with a built-in fire alarm, while others may prefer a different feature.

If you are comparing different models and price points, see our guide to some of the best digital door locks in Singapore based on different homeowner needs.

A brand’s reputation can greatly influence your digital or smart door lock purchase, especially if that brand has a largely positive reputation for making quality products. That can also affect other essential factors such as price, but luckily, you can choose from a wide range of models that suit your budget and security needs. It also helps if they offer comprehensive warranties and other helpful features to make using your door lock effortless and with the technical support you need when needed.

Reviews will be your best friend when narrowing down the right door lock model at your desired price range. However, you should also consider whether the lock is supplied through an authorised local distributor and what warranty or technical support is actually included.

Before buying, you may also want to understand the differences between imported and locally authorised digital locks in Singapore.

Where quality is concerned, battery life is easily the top-most concern for any digital or smart door lock. Even the most well-equipped models will not do much if it has a short battery life. For the most part, many models still rely on AA batteries for power, with some models boasting a lifespan of a few months with just two batteries. Other models come with a built-in rechargeable battery, much like the ones used on your smartphone. These are rechargeable using a power bank or a nearby electrical outlet, ensuring you have a perpetually functioning lock (as long as it is sufficiently charged).

It never hurts to ask the seller for recommendations on a long-lasting door lock for your needs. You can also note the general lifespan of your digital or smart door lock and see if it meets your expectations.

You can learn more about choosing and maintaining suitable digital door lock batteries in our battery guide.

A brand lives on its customer support, and the best brands pay close attention to their customer’s needs to ensure they have the best experience using their products. A solid warranty and returns program means you can easily replace a faulty digital or smart door lock with a brand-new one with little difficulty, allowing you to enjoy uninterrupted security with peace of mind, knowing the brand is looking out for you. That also means complimentary repairs and other after-sales service throughout the warranty period.

Check what the warranty covers, how long the coverage lasts, whether on-site support is available and whether servicing or technical assistance is provided if you experience an issue.

It is also useful to understand who will provide the after-sales support locally and whether replacement parts or servicing are readily available.

Besides functionality, the design of a digital lock may also influence your decision. Consider how its size, handle style and colour complement your door and the overall look of your home.

If appearance is an important consideration, read our guide to choosing the right digital door lock style and colour for your home.

For homes with more than one entry barrier, consider whether you need to replace every existing lock or only the main one. This may depend on your home layout, security preferences, convenience and budget.

Read our guide on how many door locks you may need for your home before deciding on your setup.

The general cost for either door lock varies based on your desired model and its features. The rule of thumb is that the more advanced a door lock is, the higher its cost will be. For example, an entry-level Eazea Tab Glass digital door lock will cost SGD449 with PIN and RFID access and optional Wi-Fi connectivity for an additional SGD100. It also has a low battery indicator, a two-year on-site local warranty, and lifetime 24/7 technical support. The Tab Glass is a simple but robust starter choice if you need a basic digital lock and are on a tight budget.

Mid-range models are also available if you have a higher budget. Take the Eazea Ola digital door lock, which features four access methods, including fingerprint recognition (five if you opt for the optional Wi-Fi connectivity), a modern vertical handle design, and built-in intrusion and fire alarms, all for the price of SGD899 (SGD999 with Wi-Fi connectivity). You can also enjoy the same warranty and support coverage as when you purchase the Tab Glass model.

Smart locks are at a higher price point due to their additional tech integrations. One example is Samsung’s SHP-DR708 model, which features smart integrations via app or NFC access, allowing you to conveniently disengage the lock with a single button press or wave of your smart phone.

Choosing the right digital or smart door lock comes down to understanding your home’s requirements and identifying the features that are most useful to you. Consider compatibility, access methods, security features, smart connectivity, budget, battery life and after-sales support before making your decision.

Once you have identified your requirements, you can compare Eazea’s range of digital door locks, digital gate locks and door-and-gate bundles to find an option that suits your home.