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What are Smart Locks –

Smart locks are modern locking devices that can open your door remotely from a smart phone app. Most of the smart locks are compatible with both Apple and Android phones and make carrying keys a thing of the past. I have reviewed a few of the most common smart locks below that we have used to help identify the best and most suitable smart lock for your doors.

The first thing to identify is the type of door you are using the smart lock on. Each of the smart locks have been specifically designed to work with a certain type of lock in the door. Some work with the multipoint locks in a UPVC door and others only work with wooden doors.

UPVC / Composite Doors –

Most smart locks have been designed around this type of door to work with the current Multipoint lock you have in the door. There are some restrictions on this so you need to check a few sizes before proceeding. The main one is the lock centers, this is the distance from the center of the lever handle to the middle of the keyhole… this has to be 92mm and nearly all modern Multipoint locks will have this size. Then there is also the fixing screw centers and you have to match these to the smart lock so that you can securely fix the smart lock to the door.

Wooden Doors –

There are a few locks that have been designed to work with the wooden doors and these are stand alone units that do not require a separate lock in the door to operate like a Multipoint lock like the IGLOOHOME Smart Deadlock below, the other is the Yale Smart keypad but requires a suitable size nighlatch on the inside to operate with.

Smart Lock Product Reviews

Ultion NUKI SMART Handle and Cylinder 

Door Material 

This lock is suitable for use on both UPVC / Composite doors (Multipoint Locks) and wooden doors (Euro Mortice Cases).

UPVC / Composite Doors 

To operate with this type of door you need to use Ultion NUKI Smart handle. The internal handle and Euro cylinder comes with the lock and you can either reuse the external handle you have or if you would like to replace the external handle at the same time.

Operationally the door works the same as the current lock does so you still need to lift the handle before you lock the door. This lock works best on Multipoint locks like the WINKHAUS AV2 which automatically lock when the door closes so there is no external handle to lift.

Wooden Doors 

To operate with a wooden door you just need to use the NUKI Smart turn and the base plate that comes with the lock. The Euro cylinder is also changed to the ULTION WXM Star cylinder.

How it works –

This is the most versatile smart lock on the market. The Ultion NUKI Smart lock has been designed to work with most modern Multipoint locks but also comes with separate backing plates so that you can install this on any Euro cylinder Mortice lock as well.

If you currently need to lift the handle to double lock the door you will still be required to do this but to lock / unlock the handle you can do this from the APP.

The Ultion NUKI Smart lock comes with 3 different fixing positions for the screws so you can use this on 122mm , 211mm and 215mm multipoint locks.

This Smart lock unlike others has all the connectivity built into the unit from the start so you dont have to buy any extra modules to connect to Apple or Zigbee home hubs. The only thing you can pay extra for is the in-built BRIDGE which will make this smart lock work completely remotely so you can open the door or lock the door from anywhere.

The security on the door is not compromised as these locks come with the 3 star Kitemarked ULTION WXM cylinders which are the best around.

The ULTION NUKI Smart lock also has a few additional parts that can be purchased to make the door even easier to use and to allow coded access as well for AIR B&B properties or rentals. If you have the PLUS version you can remotely set up and send codes to anyone that needs access from anywhere.

The different parts you can get are =

Keypad ( code only)

Keypad with Fingerprint Scanner

Key Fob ( open the door from a press of the button within range)

Remote BRIDGE ( gives remote access if required if the standard NUKI has been purchased)

Rechargeable Battery Pack ( only required if you have purchased the standard NUKI version)

You can purchase bundles for these parts to reduce the cost slightly.

Summary =

Pros –

Most versatile smart lock with all the features built into the same unit.

Reliable quality. The NUKI brand is one of the original smart lock products which is a top quality product ( I use this at home and I am extremely happy with this)

High Security Cylinder externally – Uses the Ultion WXM 3 star rated cylinder so there is no better cylinder to work with a smart lock. Externally the handle and cylinder look just like a standard door so no one can tell you have a smart lock on the inside.

Due to the High security cylinder you have a key override feature so if all fails or you lose your phone etc… you can still get into the house. I always recommend having a high security police-approved key safe on the house as well incase of emergencies.

Easy to install – This lock takes minutes to install if you have measured the parts correctly and have the correct size cylinder.

Available in different finishes – The base handle is available in White, Black or Chrome finish to match your home furnishings. The External handle remains the same so will match what you already have.

Cons –

Slightly bulkier internal unit. Takes 4 x AA batteries so a long unit.

Noiser than the other smart locks – when the internal turn moves its a little noisy.. but you can turn the internal turn with your hand if its late at night to lock the door.

My Opinion 

This is my favorite Smart lock I have tried, I have had the NUKI DANALOCK ( below) and I think this is the better unit. It gives you more options to operate with all the smart home hubs and you can remotely access this and change codes from anywhere.

ULTION SMART LEVER HANDLE with DANALOCK 

Door Material 

This lock is suitable for use on both UPVC / Composite doors (Multipoint Locks) and wooden doors (Euro Mortice Cases) but you need to purchase different versions of this lock to work with either. The ULTION SMART handle is for UPVC and the ULTION SMART ESCUTCHEON is for wooden doors.

UPVC / Composite Doors 

To operate with this type of door you need to use Ultion Smart handle with DANALOCK turn. The internal, external handle and Euro cylinder comes with the lock.

Operationally the door works the same as the current lock does so you still need to lift the handle before you lock the door. This lock works best on Multipoint locks like the WINKHAUS AV2 which automatically lock when the door closes so there is no external handle to lift.

Wooden Doors 

To operate with a wooden door you just need to use the Ultion Smart Escutcheon and the base plate that comes with this version. The Euro cylinder is also changed to the ULTION WXM Star cylinder.

How it works –

The ULTION SMART Lever handle with DANALOCK Smart lock works with either the Multpoint handle or you can get a Euro cylinder only version to work with suitable multipoint locks like the Winkhaus AV2. They are separate locks so you have to purchase the correct model at the time of ordering.

The DANALOCK turn is fixed onto the Brisant SWEET handle design and operates the Multipoint lock the same was a standard handle would but the internal thumbturn is the SMART locking part. This can be controlled with the free DANALOCK APP or if you would like to link this to a home hub like APPLE Home or a ZIGBEE or ZWAVE system you would need to get the correct module installed into the DANALOCK turn.

This unit has an additional keypad you can add on afterward to operate this with a code externally if you would like.

DANALOCK Smart turn is operated by 4 x Batteries ( CR123A) which are shorter units than standard AA batteries so the Smart turn is a smaller more compact unit.

The DANALOCK Smart lock can be operated with other smart hubs but unlike the NUKI version you have to purchase the correct model at the time of ordering and it costs another £30 roughly for these modules so not as versatile as the NUKI. If you have the correct module in the unit you can operate it with your current home hub otherwise you can use the DANALOCK APP and control this via Bluetooth.

The external handle and Cylinder looks just like a standard handle so no one can tell you have the smart lock on the door from the outside. The cylinder is the top security ULTION WXM 3 Star rated cylinder.

There is a bluetooth Keypad that can be added to this smart lock and this will unlock the turn inside so you can operate the door with a key code. This is great for access to friend or family. Codes can be set from the APP and deleted when required. Unfortunately they have to be set / deleted on site within range of the keypad.

Summary =

Pros –

Nice compact smart turn

Works well if its a stand alone unit for personal residential use.

Works with the Ultion WXM 3 Star Euro cylinder so top level security externally

Cons –

Limited access to smart home hubs unless you pay extra for this.

Smart turn only comes in a plastic silver finish… no other finishes available

Can not be worked remotely so codes and access is done within bluetooth range

My Opinion 

This is a slimmer-looking smart lock to the NUKI Smart handle but it is limited with the operations. If you only want a Bluetooth smart lock with a satin chrome handle and don’t mind the plastic finish turn then it’s great but as it costs the same as the ULTON NUKI Smart handle I would personally ( and I have) go for the NUKI version as it gives you more unlocking options like a fingerprint keypad and fob access.

IGLOOHOME SMART DEADLOCK S2 

Door Material 

This lock is suitable for use only on wooden doors and will not work on UPVC / composite doors.

UPVC / Composite Doors 

Not suitable

Wooden Doors 

Comes complete with all the components to operate as a stand alone lock so does not require any additional parts to work. Perfect for bedroom or external rental properties like AIR B&B.

How it works –

This is the best smart lock product for wooden doors. Unlike the other smart locks this is a stand alone unit so you do not require any other lock to work with this IGLOO Smart Deadbolt as it comes with all the components required.

IGLOOHOME have released some brilliant quality smart products and are constantly upgrading and improving its locks so this is the newest version of this lock which is a great, reliable smart lock for wooden doors. This can be used on rental bedrooms or external doors to Air B&B properties as the IGLOOHOME APP has been set up so you can remotely give access via a passcode to guests for a limited time or even set up permanent codes for cleaners etc…

The installation is very simple as well, requires some wood drills and chisels but doesnt require any specialist tools.

The IGLOOHOME Smart Deadbolt S2 also comes with magnets to auto lock the bolt when the door closes. You can set up a locking time so 1 or 2 seconds is best as once the door closes and the magnets line up the bolt automatically locks in to the frame.

You can open this Smart lock from the free IGLOOHOME APP, by the keypad with the code or a key override ( lock comes with 5 x keys)

Slim design feature looks great on most wooden doors. The say its the slimest smart deadbolt on the market. You can see this fitted on a door below.

Summary =

Pros –

The neat looking product looks great on the wooden doors

Remote codes can be sent to friends or family and has all the features required for AIR B&B requirements.

The magnet relocking feature will auto lock the door when closed

Top quality product from a reliable brand.

Cons –

Only available in Black finish

Not a BS rated lock so does not meet insurance requirements on UK doors

My Opinion 

This is the best stand alone unit I have come across for wooden doors. You can still have a 2nd 5 lever BS3621 rated deadlock if you wanted additional security for when the property is empty for extended periods of time to meet the insurance requirements.

YALE Keyless Connected Smart Lock

How it works –

Summary =

Pros –

Easily replaces Rim Cylinder locks on doors to make keypad access easy

Comes in 4 nice finishes – Black, Chrome, Brass, Satin Nickel

Cons –

Doesnt come with internal lock so this needs to be purchased separately unless you re-use your current one.

Not a SMART lock unless the YALE module is purchased

No key override to gain access if the unit fails

requires a 60mm nightlatch on the inside to operate with so not a complete unit.

My Opinion 

This is a good unit which can make any basic nightlatch into a smart lock or at least a keypad access lock. Unfortunately its a bit limited with the operations unless you send more money to get the Yale Module to access it with the APP.  I would be a little wary of using this on the door unless I had access from another door as if the lock fails there is no way to open it unless you break in or drill the lock off the door.

YALE Conexis L1 British Standard Smart Door Lock

How it works –

The YALE Conexis Smart lock is a nice neat unit, available with or without a home module to connect to your home hubs. This lock is unlocked with the YALE APP.

This unit has 4 different entry methods. (Yale App, Key Card, Key Tag and Phone Tag),

It comes in a range of nice finishes and would be a great unit BUT this has a major design flaw … it has no cylinder externally to open the door incase you lose your phone or the unit breaks… this has caused some serious issues for residences that have no other point of access.

We do not sell this unit solely due to this design issue with the other smart locks on the market offering the same type if lock but with a key override its not worth the risk in my opinion to use this and run the risk of being locked out and having to drill off this £200 smart lock if you lost your phone or it breaks.

My Opinion 

Nice looking unit but unfortunately let down by not having any key override access…also the Yale customer service is not very good so to get any sort of help with this lock is near impossible from them. We do not sell this unit and have others that I would recommend over this.