8 hours Ago
A sturdy smart lock is one of my favorite gadgets for home security, offering truly useful options to control front door access in ways everyone can appreciate. If you're looking for a bang-for-your-buck smart home upgrade, a smart lock is a great place to start -- and makes a good gift, too. The problem is we're a bit spoiled by choices: With keypads, Bluetooth, fingerprint readers, facial recognition, Wi-Fi -- not to mention an incredibly broad array of designs -- it can be tough to find the lock that works for your and your smart home apps.
My guide is here to help navigate your most important decisions. Keep or replace: Retrofit vs. new deadbolt The August Smart Lock clamps over your existing deadbolt and can turn it automatically whenever you want it to.
Tyler Lizenby/CNET Smart locks give you two installation options, so consider this your starting place. Your first installation option is a "retrofit," where the lock fits over and operates an existing deadbolt. Models like the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock and Kwikset Kevo Convert are designed specifically to clamp in place over top of your existing deadbolt hardware (working with most standard deadbolt designs, as August explains).
They're generally cheaper, easier to set up and friendlier for renters or others who want to keep the existing deadbolt and their old keys. On the downside, retrofits are usually pretty bulky and lack some features. They're less likely to have included keypads or fingerprint sensors.
And they aren't much use if you really want to get rid of an old, malfunctioning lock. Your other option is a full replacement. These locks come with their own deadbolt and both an inner and outer piece to install.
Many lock brands including Level, Schlage, Yale, Lockly and Ultraloq prefer this design -- although some offer retrofits, too. A full replacement typically costs more, but you usually get a slimmer lock profile, more features, better durability and a shiny new lock with new keys. If.
.. Tyler Lacoma , Ry Crist.
