Test House

WE TESTED SMART DOOR LOCKS & VIDEO DOORBELLS

- Tasneem Larney

Ever lost your house keys? Or had to rush home to let in a guest? Welcome to the world of the smart home lock, where secure digital keys allow you to open doors from wherever you are. We tested two video doorbells too.

FACTORS TO CONSIDER

Compatibility: Consider any existing smart home devices you have, such as security cameras and an alarm system, and check whether your chosen smart lock is compatible with them. Most locks work as standalone units, but the real benefits come when they're integrated into a smart home system.

Lock types: Some locks have a latching feature that can be released with a door handle. Others use a deadlock, which requires a key or thumb turn on the inside to open the door.

• Wi-Fi enabled locks connect directly to your home internet, allowing you to lock and unlock your door remotely via an app.

• Some locks use Bluetooth to save battery life. For remote access, they must connect to a plug-in Wi-Fi bridge (usually sold separately), or a smart home hub such as Apple TV, HomePod or Amazon Echo.

• If your lock integrates with Apple Home or Amazon Alexa, you can control access remotely through those apps.

Security tip: Because remote unlocking requires an active internet connection, ensure your home Wi-Fi network is secure, and use a strong, unique password or biometric login for your app.

Video doorbells: Battery-operated video doorbells require routine charging. Consider a spare battery so you're not left without a doorbell during recharging.

BBL SMART DOOR LOCK (BBLS31B)

R4 466; DOORS DIRECT