How to Pick and 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.

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 do not require a physical key to engage or disengage the lock (or bolt) but feature multiple access methods, including using your fingerprint pattern and facial features. 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.

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.

Your current door frame can also influence your final door lock decision. Doors in various properties across Singapore also come with different door locks, one of the most common being the mortise lock. This type features a durable metal construction embedded within the door frame. There may also be older doors that have a traditional door handle and locking mechanism with an additional deadbolt for additional security.

Then, there is also the case for gate locks that serve as the main entryway to an HDB flat lot before you reach the front door. Given the distance between the front gate and the front door, specific digital and smart lock models cannot adequately fit that gap or are not actually tailored to home gates for other reasons (including general compatibility).

Not every digital or smart door lock will be immediately compatible with your door, as some may require extensive work to mount and support your door lock of choice properly. Some doors might be unable to support new door locks, whether because they are old and need to be replaced or because of obstructions that prevent proper installation of the new digital or smart door lock.

Whenever you are planning to buy a digital or smart door lock, it is vital that you ask the seller if it is compatible with your front door or gate. Ideally, you want something similar to your current conventional door lock to make things easier; if you have a mortise lock, a push-pull digital lock will do just fine. Alternatively, you could retain the existing deadbolt while installing your new digital or smart door lock for added security.

You will need to provide the seller with as much information as possible so they can recommend a compatible option that also checks other boxes on your list. It does help to do your homework beforehand so you can ask other pertinent questions before you finally agree to a purchase.

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 are the most common and reliable access method. They 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.

Then there are the integrations in your smart locks via apps and network connectivity, another keyless avenue of access to your property. Ultimately, you now have several unique access methods to enter your property.

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.

Another valuable feature is a fire alarm that can detect unnaturally high temperatures when a fire breaks out. When it detects such an incident, the lock will immediately disengage, allowing you and everyone on your property to escape quickly. Pay close attention to the features such as these and others that may be essential to you.

Smart homes are becoming a topic of interest for modern property owners, especially since they allow you to conveniently manage nearly every electrical and electronic item in your property from a single app or device. That also includes your smart door lock: when you reach your property, all it takes is a single tap on your smartphone screen to unlock the door immediately. No hassle whatsoever! The sheer convenience of having an accessible and interconnected system is hard to pass up today, what with the benefits it confers, so that can greatly inform whether a digital or smart door lock makes sense for your property.

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.

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. It can give you an idea of what to expect from the model, especially its overall quality and durability. You can even discover alternative models of similar quality with your preferred security features but at a more accessible price point.

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.

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.

These benefits also extend to the customer care support you will receive. Having heard horror stories where companies refuse to assist their customers, having a brand that actively supports your product with servicing, qualified technicians, and other benefits can be a huge relief and ensure you remain a loyal customer.

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.

Enjoy peace of mind, high-quality home security, and more, thanks to Eazea’s wide selection of digital locks. Take your pick from our Korean-engineered digital locks at affordable prices, or opt for something fancier or more high-tech with select picks from Samsung, Philips, and Midea. Going keyless has never been Eazea!