Best Biometric Door Locks | 2022 Detailed Buyer’s Guide | Explaining the Technologies Behind
What is the best biometric door lock? Biometric door locks use fingerprint or facial authentication to grant access to the building to one or a number of individuals. Facial recognition door locks make it possible to open the door hands-free, with nothing but your face. All the authorized users need to provide samples of their faces to be enrolled in a database. However, the most common type includes models that use a fingerprint reader to unlock the door.
When choosing your biometric lock, make sure that it is made by a reliable company specializing in biometric technology. One of the most trusted brands is Samsung, a well-established manufacturer of electronics.
The company offers advanced biometric locks like the Samsung SHS-P718-LMK that have double authentication, an anti-theft mode, automatic locking, and a number of other beneficial features.
When it comes to smart door locks, another reliable brand is Yale, a Swedish producer founded as far back as the 19th century. Its product line includes safes, smart storage products, and smart locks. It’s smart lock Google Nest × Yale Lock for keyless entry, allows you to unlock the door with your smartphone.
Apart from a brand, another thing to consider is how long it takes for the lock to recognize the user’s fingerprint or face. This time period generally ranges from 0.2 to 0.3 seconds. The number of face or fingerprint samples stored by the system is essential as well. You can enroll as many users as you need, with each user having different levels of access.
Best Biometric Door Locks
| 1. Samsung SHS-P718-LMK Biometric Door Lock This is a premium biometric door lock made with an RFID feature and a push-and-pull design. It stores up to 31 codes and 100 fingerprints. Made from metal and plastic, the lock is super sturdy and can fit an 80mm thick door. It has an anti-theft feature, intrusion alarm, fire warning, and many more. | |
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| 2. Google Nest x Yale Lock with Nest Connect As an alternative, you can choose the smart lock which unlocks a door with a smartphone. Made with a tamper-proof design, this smart lock will alert you if someone tries to break it. The Nest app allows you to lock or unlock the door with your smartphone from anywhere and let your guests in. Or you can create unique codes for family and guests or check the status of the lock. | |
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| 3. Adel LS9 Keyless Biometric Fingerprint Door Lock This device recognizes fingerprints quickly (up to 120 fingerprints), is easy to install, and has a low-battery indicator. It allows for 3 ways to unlock the door: with a fingerprint, a code, and a key. You can set a guest password and manage different user groups. The handle can be installed to the left or right. | |
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| 4. Eufy Security Smart Lock Touch, Fingerprint Scanner This budget-friendly device works fast and recognizes the user’s fingerprint in 0.3 sec. and unlocks the door in just 1 sec. Apart from the fingerprint reader, you can use the security app, keypad, or an included key to enter your home. It features an IP65 weatherproof rating and can unlock the door automatically. | |
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| 5. ULTRALOQ U-Bolt Pro Smart Lock + Bridge WiFi Adaptor This 6-in-1 smart lock offers a whopping set of features and different ways of access. The lock can be opened through fingerprint identification, an anti-peep keypad, a mechanical key, or controlled remotely from your smartphone. It stores up to 120 fingerprints and has two-layer protection. | |
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What Are the Trusted Brands of Biometric Door Locks?
While biometric devices are pretty widespread now, it might be a challenging task to find the one that will work really well. That is why we recommend buying only products from trusted brands. What are these brands?
Perhaps the most trusted brand is Samsung. This South Korean electronic company is mainly known for its smartphones, refrigerators, air conditioners, and other electronic equipment. However, it offers a line of biometric door locks and security cameras as well. Samsung door locks feature a push-and-pull design, double authentication, an anti-theft mode, automatic locking, battery backup, and many more. There is a high-end Samsung SHS-P718-LMK Biometric Door Lock with RFID entry, a fingerprint reader, and a digital touchscreen keypad.
Another well-established brand is Yale, a lock manufacturer owned by a Swedish conglomerate Assa Abloy AB. With 180 years of history, the Yale brand is one of the oldest producers of locks in the world. It was founded in Connecticut in the 19th century by Linus Yale, a man who invented the pin tumbler lock. Today, the company is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden. It offers a variety of security solutions, such as locks, safes, and smart storage products. One of the most popular products is the Google Nest × Yale Lock allowing you to use your smartphone to control access to your home.
Alternatives to Biometric Door Locks: Code & Smart Locks
Besides biometric locks, there are other types of door locks that use modern technologies to provide you access to the building. Code locks require the user to remember the code, which should be changed on a monthly basis or even more frequently. With such a lock, you can grant temporary or permanent access to your visitors or employees. Unlike conventional locks, these cannot be bumped, making your house more secure.
The smart home access system allows you to lock and unlock the door using your smartphone. Moreover, you will know what is going on in and outside your house. One of the examples is the 4rd-generation August Smart Lock Pro that works with Alexa for voice control. You can keep track of visitors just with your phone and receive notifications when the battery is low.
Detailed Buyer’s Guide
This guide is designed to give you a tour of the features of a biometric door lock, answer the most frequently asked questions, and provide tips on what you should look for when buying a product. You will learn why biometric door locks cannot be fooled as well as about its other advantages over using a regular lock. And yet, this technology has weak points, also mentioned in the guide. A detailed review of TOP-7 best biometric door locks and a comparative chart of the products will make it easier for you to choose your best bet.
Security has never been a bigger concern than it is today. Of course, every generation opines that the moral fabric of society has declined since they were young. That’s debatable, the increase in crime being more likely due to population – the more people there are, the more bad people there will be, as a volume within percentages inflates with the containing total. Population, economic pressure, and of course, the prevalence of “valuable” goods even in lower-income homes just makes for a perfect storm of burglaries and other home invasion-based crimes.
That’s not to say that these factors remotely justify crime – they do not – but understanding these factors is critical in appreciating the need for security. You may live in an area that seems crime-free. Well, there’s a first time for everything, no matter your area. All it takes is one person with ill intent wandering into your neighborhood, determining it looks like a prime target and acting on this.
Statistically, independent of location, homes without security systems are 300% more likely to be burglarized, after all.
Unsurprisingly, technology has exploded in the security sector in recent years as a direct response to this increasing rate of criminal activity. A prime example is the availability of advanced technologies once reserved for high-security corporate, military or government installations. Biometrics, which we’ve all heard of, and have all seen in action and spy movies, is a technology that has become more than available for average consumers.
This technology still isn’t “cheap”, but it’s no more costly than other electronic security systems at the end of the day, and it can add a significant peace of mind. Most of these systems are basically impossible to get around or cripple from outside, as long as there’s power to them. Of course, that power supply is a bit of a hitch, but we’ll get to that.
What You Will Learn From This Guide:
- What is a biometric door lock?
- How does a biometric door lock work? Explaining the technologies behind
- What are the types and their differences?
- What to look for when buying biometric door locks?
- TOP-7 best biometric door locks
What Is A Biometric Door Lock?
Biometric locking mechanisms are unique. Where other locks use mechanical keys, RFID, swipe cards, key pads, or other digital/mechanical means of opening, biometrics scan a physical body in one of a number of ways.
The most common form of biometric locks use fingerprints, which are nearly as unique as someone’s DNA, to gain entry. Some biometrics use DNA, iris scans, or even breath analysis, but such measures aren’t used for commercial or residential locks, only by government and law enforcement for the time being due to the complexity of those technologies.
What is it made up of?
Generally, they are comprised of housing around the door handle, with an optical (and possibly capacitive) plate for pressing one’s thumb or finger. Along with this, some also include a traditional locking mechanism (usually only operational in a power outage), as well as a keypad. The latter two aren’t always present, depending on the door lock.
Inside is some fairly simple circuitry that can analyze the optical/capacitive data from the print, and match it to a database of people allowed to pass.
Are these devices secure?
There is a downside to biometric door locks, and it’s the same one that any electronic locking mechanism faces, and we’ll get to that soon enough. Under normal circumstances, they are indeed very secure. Where theft of a key/card/fob could allow a thief to break into your home with other lock types, they’d have to steal your fingers to pull that with biometric locks. If someone’s stolen your fingers, you have bigger problems than burglars, most likely.
How Does A Biometric Door Lock Work? Explaining the technologies behind
As we discussed a moment ago, these really are just a thumbprint scanner combined with an electric lock. Sometimes, it requires a thumbprint as well as a keypad combination, and maybe even a physical key all three, in order to open. It depends on your configuration, and the model of lock you have.
There aren’t really any major risks of people breaking in through a biometric lock. They’re basically impossible to pick, and trying to dismantle them will usually sound an alarm. The tricks done in movies to falsify thumbprints (making casts of prints etc.) aren’t real things that actually work, so if you’ve been hesitant to look into this technology due to what you’ve seen slick criminals do in those, you can rest easy.
Of course, you can further enhance the effectiveness of biometrics by adding a deadbolt to the door, and using locks that also take a key and/or a combination keypad.
What Are The Types And Their Differences?
When it comes to the actual biometric technology, there isn’t much difference across the spectrum, because there’s really only one way to scan prints. However, the additional security layers that can exist, such as mechanical keys, keypads, smartphone interfaces and so on can enhance the security, and provide alternate means of entry in an emergency.
A completely keyless, pure biometric solution actually can be troublesome in some circumstances, but again, we’ll get to that in just a bit.
What To Look For When Buying?
There are a host of things to consider when shopping for biometric door locks, and we’re going to go over some of the most important factors now, before going over our top five favorite models. Some of these may be more or less important to you, depending on your needs, but they’re all things to be aware of.
- Low Battery Indicator – If you have an isolated power source for your lock (a good idea), then you want advance warning for when the battery is low. You don’t want to find out when you can’t easily get into your house!
- Multiple Fingerprints – You really don’t want a lock that can only identify one fingerprint profile, or a single finger. Even if you live alone, being able to grant other people (family, friends) access is crucial.
- LCD Display – An LCD display showing time, access attempts, and a readout of perhaps why you didn’t get access on a given try is also very helpful. A stoic piece of metal with no indication but beeps and flashing lights is remarkably unhelpful in any circumstance.
- Built-In Alarm – An alarm system for attempted tampering, and that perhaps chirps whenever the door opens, can be helpful too. If someone somehow manages to pry this thing open, the alarm will likely scare them off. It also means nobody’s sneaking up on you if you’re home!
- Mechanical Key Option – You still want a way to get this open with a mechanical key, more often than not. If the battery is low, or it’s tied into the house electric, and the power goes out, you still want to be able to get in without any problems. These locks are very hard to pick, and while the presence of them slightly diminishes the effectiveness of the biometrics, sometimes compromises must be made.
- Live Finger Detection Option – While most of those tactics you’ve seen people use in movies to get past biometrics do not work, the use of silicon casts has succeeded if the right skill is applied. Live finger detection can tell if it’s a real finger, still attached to a living body.
- False Rejection Rate (FRR) – Technology can never be perfect, and you want to look for a biometric device that has a low rate of rejecting valid users. This is something I wish the biometric panels where I did security, had.
- Material of Locks – You’ll want to choose strong materials such as titanium or steel if possible, as they’re harder to drill or break by impact.
- Power Source – This is a big one. Some of these systems are tied into the house power, and the house power alone. This can obviously be a problem if the power fails, and you don’t have a mechanical way to open the door. Others are battery only, which is less disastrous, but means you have to stay on top of keeping them charged. If you can get a mix of both, it’s a good peace of mind.
TOP-7 Best Biometric Door Locks
The review covers 7 biometric door locks of different levels of complexity, ranging from a basic-feature fingerprint door lock at a price of slightly more than $100 to a sophisticated face recognition device worth over $500. They differ in design and the number of features. Some models have RFID while others come with a mechanical key as an additional method of access. An intrusion alarm is another important feature to consider as it will both deter a person with ill intent and notify your neighbors.
Modern-Style Biometric Door Lock | Samsung SHS-P718-LMK
When you’re dealing with Samsung devices, you know you’re getting years of experience in quality electronics and modern innovation. It may be surprising that Samsung would work in the security field, but they like to have their fingers in every tech pie around.
This is a touch-based multi-faceted biometric system but also offers RFID and code input for multiple access methods. With a sleek brushed steel design, it looks elegant and inviting, while also conveying serious business to anyone looking for trouble.
Features
- Biometric Type: Optical.
- RFID: Yes.
- Mechanical Key: No.
- Keypad: Yes.
- Intrusion Alarm: Yes.
- False Rejection Rate: Very low.
- Power Source: Battery. (8 AA alkaline). 12 months/10 uses per day lifespan.
- Fingerprint Capacity: 100 unique prints.
- Display: Touch screen.
Performance
Being battery-powered, you needn’t worry about power outages affecting this system. Its touch screen is very durable and provides full readouts of what’s going on. Along with key codes and RFID, you have multiple ways to get in, or multiple layers of security. This is like something out of a 90s science fiction movie, but with the elegance of modern design.
This system is definitely not cheap, but if you want top-of-the-line, you can’t go wrong with Samsung in general.
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Conclusion
If you don’t mind the cost, and you’re comfortable with no key option, then I’m comfortable recommending this solution. However, it honestly seems a bit overpowered unless you have a lot of valuables, and your house is pretty obvious in conveying your positive financial situation. But you definitely can’t go wrong with these, and if I were going to invest in a biometric lock for my house, I’d probably just bite the bullet and get these. Though, I’d probably modify them to use a power pack. I hate antiquated AAA/AA batteries in modern devices.
Samsung SHS-P718-LMK: Check the current price
Fingerprint Door Lock | Lockly
Lockly’s keyless biometric door is a different take on the implementation. Similar to Samsung’s solution, it offers a touch screen system for readouts and keypad input, but uses a new generation of 3D print detection which is far more strict but also has a remarkably lower false-negative rate as well.
This one is less costly, which is a plus, and offers Bluetooth sync with iOS or Android as well as auto-lock.
Features
- Biometric Type: Optical 3D.
- RFID: No.
- Mechanical Key: Yes.
- Keypad: Yes.
- Intrusion Alarm: Yes.
- False Rejection Rate: Very low.
- Power Source: House power w/ 9v backup.
- Fingerprint Capacity: Unstated.
- Display: Touch screen.
Performance
The big advantage this one has, in my opinion, is that it has dual power sources, so you don’t have to mess with batteries as often. The interoperability via Bluetooth with mobile devices is a neat idea, but anyone who’s used Bluetooth knows what a pain it is to sync devices, and it takes a minute. Imagine getting home, needing the facilities badly, and having to do the bathroom dance at your front door while waiting for the sync.
Nonetheless, this is a solid design, if a bit utilitarian.
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Conclusion
This one’s a bit simpler in some ways than the Samsung offering, and the reduced price reflects this. I like the idea of integrating one’s phone into systems like this, but Bluetooth is actually kind of a crummy technology/protocol I anticipate being replaced in the fairly near future with something faster and more reliable. I wouldn’t use that feature of this thing, given my past experiences with Bluetooth. Nonetheless, everything else about this lock system is very solid, so I’m ok with recommending it.
Lockly: Check the current price
Stylish Fingerprint Door Lock | Ultraloq UL3 BT
This is a pretty standard OLED-enabled biometric locking system. What’s really interesting, aside from the affordability partnered with quality, is how this reflects modern technology trying to fit into an aesthetically-minded world. The aged bronze and matte black detail of this lock intrigue me.
Features
- Biometric Type: Optical 3D.
- RFID: No.
- Mechanical Key: Yes.
- Keypad: Yes.
- Intrusion Alarm: Yes.
- False Rejection Rate: Very low.
- Power Source: 3 AA batteries.
- Fingerprint Capacity: Unstated.
- Display: Touch screen.
Performance
This is a pretty run-of-the-mill lock, with standard features, and it works well enough. This is really a lock for someone who wants it to blend in with their antique-styled home. It’s interesting to see how these new technologies try to blend in with old architecture. I used to watch star trek, and wonder “how does all this future tech blend into the old houses we never see?”.
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Conclusion
Given this is pretty elegant-looking, and affordable, I’m alright with recommending this to average users. However, it’s not very feature-rich, so if you live in a home that needs absolute security, this is a bit underpowered. However, it looks tasteful, it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, and it does indeed look nice, so you’ll probably be happy with it.
Ultraloq UL3 BT: Check the current price
Best-Selling Biometric Door Locks | Comparison Table
Google Nest x Yale Lock with Nest Connect - Tamper-Proof Smart Lock for Keyless Entry - Keypad Deadbolt Lock for...
- Secure smart lock for your front door; replaces the deadbolt lock you already have
- Keyless entry on the LED keypad so you can lock and unlock your front door without a key; keypad chimes play sounds to confirm responses, such as locking, unlocking, or turning Privacy Mode on or off
- Let someone in from anywhere; unlock the door with your phone for easy guest access[1]
- Give unique passcodes to family and guests and set a schedule to control when they work; when you don’t want to be disturbed, Privacy Mode disables the keypad so it can’t be unlocked with a passcode
- Get alerts when someone locks or unlocks the door or tries to tamper with your smart door lock[1]
- Check the status of your door lock from anywhere and lock it with the Nest app; or use one-touch locking on your way out, or a passcode on the keypad lock; with auto-lock, it can lock automatically when you’re away from home[1]
- Works with the Nest Hello video doorbell and Nest Cams to help keep your front door secure
- Easy to install; just switch out your deadbolt or call a Nest Pro to help
- Comes in three metal finishes to match your front door; choose from Satin Nickel, Oil Rubbed Bronze, or Polished Brass
- Please refer to the product description section below for all applicable legal disclaimers denoted by the bracketed numbers in the preceding bullet points (e.g., [1], [2], etc.)
Smart Electronic Fingerprint Door Lock, Stainless Steel USB Charging Biometric Door Lock Security Locks
- The semiconductor fingerprint is quickly turned on. And the fingerprint recognition with high accuracy is high.
- Wiring-free design, integrated fingerprint handle, easy to install.
- 304 stainless steel material, anti-corrosion.
- Unlock by Fingerprint mechanical key.
- Package: 1 pc x Intelligent electronic door lock 1 pc x English manual 1 bag x Screws
DATO Smart Fingerprint door lock, Keyless Touchscreen Digital Door Lock, Secure Bluetooth, Easy Install, Great...
- 🔐【SMART LOCK TECHNOLOGY】– The DATO Ball Lock provides you with multiple highly-secure ways to instantly lock or unlock your door. You can do it remotely through the app or unlock it with a just a tap of your phone using the IR reader, using a passcode, Bluetooth, or magnetic card. The fingerprint reader is highly accurate and able to store up to 120 unique fingerprints.
- 🔐【EASY INSTALLATION】– Within minutes you can swap out your basic lock for the DATO Ball Lock. The wire free technology makes installation quick, easy, and secure. All it takes is a small screwdriver, and about 10 minutes to install.
- 🔐【ADVANCED AI LEARNING】– Each time you unlock the door the A.I. algorithm will learn to adjust to your needs, becoming more accurate over time. With the help of an artificial intelligence learning algorithm, the recognition rate is optimized and improved for the elderly, children, dry and wet hands, incomplete fingerprints, or other special cases.
- 🔐【 SECURITY AT YOUR FINGERTIPS 】– With the DATO app, you have full control of your locks from anywhere, allowing you to manage user access, send out passcodes instantly, and monitor access times 24/7 using the entry logs. This is the perfect solution to all your rental spaces needs. You can assign temporary passwords for specific time frames, allowing you to generate passcodes for short term rental spaces (such as AirBnB) without ever having to step foot on the property.
- 🔐【 MODERN LUXURY DESIGN 】– DATO smart home products never compromise design aesthetics with functionality. Each product is made with both form and function in mind and is guaranteed to add a sense of high-class luxury to any environment with its sleek design, and high-quality build.
Smart Fingerprint Door Deadlatch Lock, biometric keyless Entry, Backup Key,Suitable for...
- ♣ Smart fingerprint to unlock--keys is your fingerprint, No need to enter password to unlock, To make life convenient for you， Advanced biometric fingerprint technology, resolution 508DPI， the recognition rate is up to 98%, don't worry about not recognizing it multiple times， only need 0.5S to unlock. Maximum support 40 fingerprints.
- ♣ More secure and convenient for your life--Fingerprint Keyless Smart Door Lock, zinc alloy, Classic American ORB style， unique appearance with a novel design. Hidden hole with two emergency keys, Even if you forgot to replace the battery, you can unlock it directly with the key.
- ♣ Universal to install in left and right direction--Fingerprint Handle Door Lock, don’t be afraid the direction of the handle is not the same as the direction of the door after buying, only turn the direction of the screw according to the direction of the door, simple and easy to operate.
- ♣ Low voltage alarm --when the battery voltage is lower than 4.8V, the red LED lamps flashes continuously for 5 time still unlock about 10 times.4×AAA alkaline batteries(not included) for a long standby time, the battery will work about 1 year.
- ♣ Fingerprint door locks for homes--Single latch door, most people can install it by own. Applicable door thickness between 35mm to 50mm (1.4 to 2.0 in) and combined with the adjustable deadbolt mortise 60mm to 70mm (2 3/8" to 2 3/4").Alloy body perfect for Home Office Apartment Hotel Garage School Wooden.
Ultraloq UL3 Fingerprint and Touchscreen Keyless Smart Lever Door Lock (Satin Nickel)
- 3-IN-1 FLEXIBILITY: fingerprint + code + mechanical key
- ULTRALOQ ADVANCED FINGERPRINT TECHNOLOGY: Less than 0.5-second identification, Durable, waterproof and dustproof, Heal broken fingerprint lines, 95 fingerprints
- NUMERIC TOUCHSCREEN: User-defined 4-8 digit codes, Antipeep password, Touch wakeup, 95 codes
- HIDDEN KEY: Positioned especially on the bottom, the keyhole gives extra security in case of keyhole hackers
- LONG BATTERY LIFE: Up to 8,000 times access. Low battery alarm on OLED and smartphone app
- SOLID AND RESISTANT: The solid one-piece Zinc Alloy body is completely waterproof and dustproof. Ideal for both interior and exterior doors
- EASY SETUP AND DIY INSTALLATION: No wiring. No drilling. Fit interior doors prepped with single borehole and thickness between 1-3/8"~1-3/4". Reversible handle for both left-handed and right-handed doors
- SMART LEVER LOCK WITH SINGLE LATCH: Not deadbolt. Optional deadbolt cover plate available for replacing existing deadbolts on exterior doors
- THREE LOCKING MODES: Auto relock, privacy lockout, and free passage
- INTUITIVE OLED DISPLAY: Use the touchscreen to simply add or delete users on the device. An OLED screen with intuitive information will walk you through the whole process
Fingerprint Lock Electronic Cabinet Door Locks, Smart Biometric Hidden File Cabinet Lock Kit Replacement, USB...
- 【Quick Unlock】: Circuit connection in drawer, quick unlocking in 0.5 seconds, automatic pop-up. Say no to the RFID lock that is insensitive due to the thickness of the cabinet door.
- 【Rechargeable & Humanized Design】: The cabinet lock adopts rechargeable design, USB charging interface, convenient and easy to use. USB interface is designed under the external fingerprint, convenient for emergency charging. Low power consumption, it can last for about 180 days after fully charging.
- 【AI Intelligent Learning】: The fingerprint lock is embedded with AI intelligent chip and has a self-learning algorithm. The fingerprint will be compared, spliced and recorded after each fingerprint identification. It can effectively improve the recognition probability, and the more it is used, the more sensitive it is.
- 【 Easy to Install and Set up】: Store and recognize up to 20 fingerprint, no need of App or PC .This electronic cabinet lock offers administrator fuction, it needs to verify the administrator's fingerprint before adding the new fingerprint or deleting all fingerprints. Ensure that the fingerprint is successfully entered, otherwise anyone can unlock. Easy to install, please read our English manual in detail for the installation process.
- 【wide application】: This cabinet locks can be used widely for Wooden cabinet, drawer, storage box , and etc. Say goodbye to The key! It can provide good safety protection of your personal items while protecting your privacy. It also can improve children's safety at home, avoid your children or kids free to open the drawers or cabinet doors.
Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt with Camelot Trim in Aged Bronze (BE489WB CAM 716)
- Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to lock/unlock from anywhere - no additional accessories required.
- Fingerprint-resistant, capacitive touchscreen with easy one-touch locking. Optional voice control offers hands-free convenience when using voice-enabled products
- Built-in alarm technology senses potential security breaches at the lock, while the low battery indicator offers advanced warning for battery replacement
- Easy to install with just a screwdriver. Unique Snap n Stay technology snaps the deadbolt onto the door so both hands are free during installation
- to fit standard doors. Comes with limited lifetime mechanical/finish and 3-year electronics
Ultraloq UL3 BT Bluetooth Enabled Fingerprint and Touchscreen Smart Door Lock (Aged Bronze)
- World's First 5-in-1 Keyless Entry Smart Lock, Fingerprint +User Code + Smartphone + Knock to Open + Key
- Competely waterproof and dustproof.Ideal for both indoor and outdoor installation. Single Latch (Optional Deadbolt Cover Plate Required for Replacing Existing Deadbolt)
- Reversible lever, fits both left-handed and right-handed doors. DIY Installation
- Stores up to 95 Fingerprints and 95 Codes at a time, perfect for visitors and service personnel.
- 18 Months Electronic and Lifetime Mechanical Warranty.
Smart Lock Front Door, Smart Deadbolt Lock, Keypad, Card Reader, App, WiFi, Bluetooth, RFID, Key
- SMART LOCK Replaces your existing deadbolt with a secure, elegant smart deadbolt lock, that has fingerprint, biometric entry, backlit touchscreen keypad, card reader, auto-lock, wifi, bluetooth, manual key entry and a custom app.
- FINGERPRINT DOOR LOCK: Unlock your door with just your fingerprint. Combining all of the best smart lock features, you will never worry about keys again. Holds up to 200 fingerprints, 200 Cards, 150 passcodes and unlimited eKeys.
- GUEST ACCESS; Keyless entry door lock allows for secure entry and lock from any location. Upgrade your house with our smart door locks.
- SIX UNLOCK METHODS: fingerprint, keypad, key card, smart phone app (both bluetooth and wifi), mechanical key and voice command: “Alexa, unlock the front door”.
- Powerful app allows you to manage numerous smart locks, lock and unlock the smart deadbolt using just one phone app. View history to see who entered and when.
Smart Keyless Fingerprint Lock,Cabinet Locks Biometric Keyless Wooden Box Furniture Drawer Fingerprint Locks
- This fingerprint Cabinet Lock Kit can be used widely for Wooden cabinet, drawer, storage box , and etc. Say goodbye to The key!
- It can provide good safety protection of your personal items while protecting your privacy. It also can improve children's safety at home, avoid your children or kids free to open the drawers or cabinet doors.
- Advanced unique Biometric Fingerprint Technology for better response and sensitivity.
- Store and recognize up to 20 Fingerprint ,Easy to set up - no need of App or PC .
- Two mode for locking ,automatic and manual.Powered by 3 X AAA batteries (not included).12 month warranty.
My experience with biometric devices
I do not have a biometric door lock on my house. This is for two reasons – for one, I have cameras, I have a standard security system, and on the rare occasions, I’m not home for prolonged periods of time, my elderly neighbor across the street is, and she keeps an eye on the block. The other reason is, they’re a little costlier than I personally am willing to spend, when I have the previously-mentioned measures.
However, I have plenty of experience with biometric devices on laptops, my phone, and in commercial businesses from back when I worked security. I never had problems with the technology itself, but I will say it can be a nuisance at times if the build quality of a device isn’t of a decent standard.
The thumbprint biometric door locks I had to pass through on patrols when I worked security, they didn’t like any kind of motion while scanning your thumb. This is normally all well and good, but I happen to have somewhat shaky hands, and have had since shortly out of high school due to some minor nerve damage. I cannot hold my hand perfectly still for any length of time, which meant the then slow thumbprint scanner often required multiple attempts from me.
There was also a time when I suffered burns on my hands while working that job. The burns weren’t severe, but they were just bad enough that my hands were bandaged up for a couple days. This made the biometric scanner impossible for me to use.
Now, most biometric systems also have a keypad/combination system for such occasions, but let me tell you, I detest combination locks. Remembering numeric sequences is not something I have ever been good at, and that’s not uncommon. If I’m asked for my phone number, I have to look myself up in my contacts.
So, while this technology generally works pretty well, I have to say it can be a nuisance if your hands are shaky, or you’re temporarily unable to provide a thumbprint. On top of this, if you’ve got a combination pad involved, and you’re not one for memorizing numbers, you’re going to have a bad time.
RFID-Focused Biometric Door Lock | ZKTeco TL400B
This is another relatively standard system, but its focus on integrating RFID along with the biometrics makes it stand out. It’s a bit of an austere aesthetic, but it’s very secure and very reliable.
If you don’t always want to have to mess with the biometrics, the mobile (again Bluetooth …) and RFID features of this one are pretty well-refined.
Features
- Biometric Type: Optical 3D.
- RFID: Yes.
- Mechanical Key: Yes.
- Keypad: Yes.
- Intrusion Alarm: Yes.
- False Rejection Rate: Very low.
- Power Source: 4 AA batteries.
- Fingerprint Capacity: Unstated.
- Display: Touch screen.
Performance
This looks the most like the type of access panel you saw in old science fiction. Honestly, it reminds me of appliances from about five years ago, with the steel finish and black/blue display. However, it’s very secure, and I like the RFID feature, which is encrypted and shifted on a regular basis.
This is a simple solution, but it’s very secure and reliable.
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Conclusion
If you’re ok with a bit of an obvious appearance, this one’s definitely recommendable. Honestly, biometric digital locks being obvious isn’t necessarily a bad idea, criminals will take on look at it, and decide it’s not worth the trouble. Visible deterrents do work, hence the security signs many people place in their yards, after all.
ZKTeco TL400B: Check the current price
Basic Feature Fingerprint Door Lock | Ardwolf A1
If you’re looking for the most basic, affordable option, then this offering by Ardwolf will meet your specifications. It’s very lacking in features, being just a biometric panel, a physical keypad, and an optional mechanical key.
It works fine, but it’s pretty basic, being very similar to the ones I encountered when working security. It’s not very attractive, but the look of it, again, will likely be a solid deterrent in and of itself.
Features
- Biometric Type: Optical 3D.
- RFID: No.
- Mechanical Key: Yes.
- Keypad: Yes.
- Intrusion Alarm: No.
- False Rejection Rate: Average.
- Power Source: 4 AA batteries.
- Fingerprint Capacity: Unstated.
- Display: None.
Performance
This is a barebones biometric lock, but it’ll keep your home or other location secure, and that’s what counts. Honestly, for the price, this is a good, solid lock and if I didn’t get the Samsung, I’d probably go with this. I like no-frills solutions that work and don’t cut corners. It’s ugly, but I dare a criminal to look at this thing and think “Yeah, I can crack this lock!”.
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Conclusion
If you want biometric security on a budget, then I am very comfortable recommending this. It looks like it belongs in an office or on a storage shed, but honestly, if you’re that obsessed with aesthetics, you’re probably asking for a burglar to break in.
Ardwolf A1: Check the current price
Face Recognition Door Locks
We see much more advanced biometric identification technologies in use, in even realistic science fiction movies, and these technologies do in fact exist, albeit rarely as consumer products. Some facial recognition technologies are becoming available, and other things such as voice print, thermal imaging, and even DNA are possible, moving forward. Better sensors, faster computing, and all of that being cheaper, are the barriers to those being commonplace right now.
Facial recognition is available if a few costly units, though. However, facial recognition has a few issues, such as eyewear, facial hair, complexion changes, and so on potentially confusing them. Optical recognition doesn’t like subtle movement, or ambient light being difficult either. Better cameras (passive scan and three dimensional imaging) becoming possible, along with faster data processing, is gradually making these more and more practical.
Full-Featured Face Recognition Biometric Door Lock | ZKTeco
This unit offers pretty much every type of security measure possible, short of some impractical technologies not yet available. It has a three-dimensional facial analysis system, a thumbprint identification system, RFID sensors, a touchpad, an alarm, the works.
Features
- Thumb Panel Type: Optical.
- Facial Recognition: Stereoscopic Camera.
- Key Pad: Touchscreen.
- Display: Touchscreen.
- RFID: Yes.
- Mechanical Key: Yes.
- Power Supply: 12v Power Port/Power Pack.
Performance
This is a next-generation biometric lock, complete with every type of access layer available right now, including USB, smartphone compatibility, 3D face recognition, you name it. The optical is a bit fiddly, meaning you may often resort to bypassing it, as is the case with optical recognition in general for now.
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Conclusion
This is an interesting unit, and while it looks a bit industrial, that look itself would be a good deterrent. This is proof that facial recognition could be a practical ID system across the board one day.
ZKTeco: Check the current price
Next Generation Face Recognition Door Lock | Corum Security Face
This one looks like something out of a science fiction movie. With a mobile-styled display, it offers all the layers of security except for thumbprint. This has a potential issue, which we’ll get to in a moment.
However, the camera on this one, as well as the optical processor, are very fast, making this the least fiddly/fickle one on the market for now.
Features
- Thumb Panel Type: None.
- Facial Recognition: Stereoscopic Camera.
- Key Pad: Touchscreen.
- Display: Touchscreen.
- RFID: Yes.
- Mechanical Key: Yes.
- Power Supply: Rechargeable.
Performance
The one downside with this one is, it doesn’t have fingerprint, and facial recognition is something that can mess up if you change anything about your appearance (even age can do this), while prints really never change. While it offers other methods (card, key, passcode), this defeats the point of biometrics.
This is something of a trade-off, but this is probably the most reliable face scanner on the market, and its dummy-proof recognition means you’re not fooling it easily.
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Conclusion
This looks to me like the type of form future locks will often take, though I see fingerprint capabilities remaining in play, which this one doesn’t have. However, capacitive fingerprint scanning (which some phones do) doesn’t require a special screen, merely the right software to analyze the tough. This means these locks could be updated, potentially, to remedy this at some point.
Corum Security Face: Check the current price
FAQ On How To Use
Are they safe?
The only instances where they wouldn’t be is if you’re being chased by a killer and need to get inside in a second or less.
What is the best fingerprint door lock?
For the money, probably the Ardwolf. If you want bang for your buck, the Samsung.
How to install it?
It’s generally a lot like installing a deadbolt or a fancy doorknob.
Can a fingerprint door locks be hacked?
No. Not at the moment, at least.
How to reset it?
Your manual will come with a series of keystrokes to do this. It varies from lock to lock.
Pros & Cons Of Using Biometric Door Locks
Pros
- Keys and combination locks can be stolen/snooped. Biometrics really can’t be, practically.
- Thanks to live finger detection, even elite “spy” methods for fooling biometrics really don’t work. You can’t fool these systems.
- The sight of these systems is usually enough to deter most criminals.
- The key locks, where present, are pretty much impossible to pick.
Cons
- These systems rely on power. If it goes out, you could be locked out, or stuck with a simple mechanical lock.
- If your fingers are cut or otherwise damaged, the biometrics don’t work well (I can vouch for this one!)
- They’re very expensive for now.
- Some of these feel fragile in the sense that, out of spite, a criminal will break the screens.
Conclusion
Biometrics have their advantages. It’s pretty much impossible to fool modern biometrics, and they make an excellent deterrent. Also, when it works, it’s great to not have to fumble for your keys or RFID card to get in. However, this technology still has a ways to go, and the fact that most of them rely on old battery technologies instead of modern power packs baffles me. Honestly, nothing should use these old battery form factors in the second decade of the 21st century, and that’s a big detracting problem for me. If you don’t mind that, then any solution on this list should work excellently for you.
