I initially wrote this submit again in 2021, when my prime advice was the Yale Linus Good Lock. It was an incredible lock on the time, however not one thing I’d advocate now, and it has been outmoded by the Yale Linus Good Lock L2.
Within the years since, quite a lot of wonderful choices have launched, and this submit is lengthy overdue for an replace.
Once I initially wrote the submit, the sensible lock market was nonetheless in its infancy, comparatively talking, and looking on Google for the very best sensible locks within the UK revealed quite a lot of poor recommendation that was not tailor-made to the UK market.
Previously, most sensible lock guides appeared to level you towards the August Good Lock Professional as their best choice. Nevertheless, this isn’t designed for the UK market. It could be a wonderful lock, however it’s designed for US doorways with a single deadbolt, whereas the everyday UK uPVC exterior door makes use of a safer multi-point locking mechanism.
Occasions have modified, with a lot of multi-point suitable sensible locks accessible available on the market. However Google searches are nonetheless deceptive.
One of many important points is that main publications have US and UK variations, however their opinions don’t think about regional variations. They solely care if a product is listed on Amazon. For instance, PCMag UK lists the August Good Lock Professional + Join as considered one of their prime selections, however the assessment is written by an writer primarily based within the US and quotes USD costs. All the opposite suggestions on their record look like catered for the US market. The content material is simply duplicated from the US model of the web site. This isn’t fully a criticism of PCMag; the logistics of getting UK and US-specific content material are fairly onerous.
So, this record is my choices for the very best UK-specific locks that can work on uPVC exterior doorways which have multi-point locks with a Euro cylinder (most of them are suitable with different cylinders too).
That looks as if a really area of interest record, however it’s actually what a lot of the UK makes use of (excluding flats).
I’ve reviewed each the Ultion Nuki and Nuki Good Lock Professional fifth Gen previously yr and love them. I take advantage of the Nuki on my again door and the Ultion on my entrance door.
They’re basically the identical lock, however the Ultion features a particular door deal with that the Nuki mounts to, making a extra visually interesting set up whereas additionally being considerably simpler to suit.
If in case you have a door that requires the model of deal with Ultion gives, then I’d strongly advocate it. I believe the door deal with is effectively definitely worth the £100 premium you pay. Ultion additionally features a Ultion 3-star PLUS cylinder, which ought to match most doorways and is a particular excessive safety cylinder with a £5,000 safety assure
The explanation why I really like the underlying Nuki lock is that it simply works effectively. I’ve had no jams or must recalibrate it; the battery life is great, and I’ve discovered the fingerprint scanner and keypad to be glorious as effectively.
To prime it off, for connectivity, you’ve both WiFI or Thread with Matter help, so I used to be simply in a position to combine this with my Dwelling Assistant set up.
It’s potential that is considered one of my favorite items of tech; I’ve no vital criticisms of it in any respect, it simply does its job with out inflicting me any stress.
Aqara Good Lock U200 (Fingerprint Keypad Included), Matter over Thread, Good Door Lock with Apple Dwelling Key and Rechargeable Battery, Helps Apple, Google Dwelling, Alexa and SmartThings, Black
- [Native Matter Support over Thread] The Aqara Good Lock U200 seamlessly integrates with the sturdy Matter platform and is suitable with Apple Dwelling, Google Dwelling, Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, and Aqara Dwelling. With the Aqara Hub M3, you possibly can allow the distant unlock characteristic and arrange automations with different gadgets inside the Aqara Dwelling app. *U200 is at present suitable with the Aqara M3 hub and Digicam Hub G5 Professional however not with different Aqara Zigbee hubs; for compatibility with different ecosystems, please consult with the record of 2-in-1 Matter Controllers and Thread Border Routers.
- [Apple Home Key] The U200 presents a wide range of handy unlocking strategies, akin to Apple Dwelling Keys (Apple 2-in-1 Matter controller & Border Router required), fingerprint (Most 25), password, NFC (not included and solely helps Aqara NFC card), and extra. You can even management the door lock utilizing the app, both by way of built-in Bluetooth or by way of Thread for distant entry. Moreover, it helps non permanent passwords, together with one-time passwords and periodic passwords for straightforward sharing with others, and it additionally helps mechanical keys for emergency conditions. (Ideas: After including the door lock to the Aqara Dwelling app, solely the administrator’s fingerprint or password can reset the door lock.)
- [Wide Compatibility & Easy Installation] The U200 is suitable with Euro profiles, choose Scandi cylinders, and UK Oval Cylinders. And please guarantee your lock helps emergency features, with a key thickness ≤ 5mm and deal with size ≤ 39mm. The lock is designed for hassle-free set up, becoming over the present door lock with none drilling or screwing required, making it a handy and easy resolution for enhancing dwelling safety.
- [Rechargeable Battery & Multi-Power Options] The lock of the U200 is powered by rechargeable Li-Ion batteries with a battery lifetime of as much as 6 months( Efficiency primarily based on as much as 8 each day unlocking and locking actions by way of fingerprint/NFC), making certain prolonged efficiency, and the keypad accommodates 1.5V AAA batteries and presents hard-wired powering capabilities*. It operates flawlessly in excessive temperatures starting from -15 °C to 66 °C and the keypad is IPX5-rated for out of doors utilization. (* AAA batteries are usually not rechargeable, and a hardwired setup requires a 12V-24V AC or DC energy provide.)
- [Quiet Unlock Mode & Auto Lock] The U200 comes with Quiet Unlock Mode, enabling you to unlock the door slowly, successfully lowering noise ranges. Activate this characteristic proper from the keypad: it is a standalone setting that does not require a hub or a Thread border router. Moreover, due to the built-in gyroscope, the U200 can remind you if the door is left open and even routinely lock it after closure. (This characteristic can solely be used within the Aqara Dwelling app, and please make certain the firmware for the Aqara Dwelling App has been up to date to the most recent model.)
This can be a controversial selection, as I’ve learn various reviews of individuals having points with the Aqara Good Lock U200. There have been many reported mechanical points. Nevertheless, my private expertise was that it’s very good and never far behind the Nuki I’ve beneficial for the general expertise.
Battery life was glorious, it unlocked reliably, and the fingerprint scanner and keypad labored effectively (however not in addition to Nuki).
Regardless that I’m placing this in 2nd place primarily based on my private expertise, I’d method it with warning and maybe solely purchase it if there’s a deep low cost to make it price it.
On the time of writing, this was £180 and features a fingerprint scanner, making it considerably cheaper than the Nuki.
SwitchBot WiFi Good Lock Extremely with Keypad Imaginative and prescient, 3D Face Recognition, Fingerprint Door Lock, Good Door Lock, Matches Your Present Euro Profile Cylinder, Helps Matter, Alexa, Google, IFTTT
- Facial Recognition Unlock: Unlocks routinely as you method, no keys or fingerprints wanted. Works seamlessly even when your fingers are full, moist from the rain, or in low-light situations. (Recognition vary: 0.6 to 0.9 meters, Top protection: 1.2 to 2 meters)
- Safe Native Facial Recognition: Powered by financial-grade 3D structured gentle know-how with a false recognition charge of lower than 0.0001%*. All facial knowledge is processed and saved domestically—by no means uploaded to the cloud—for enhanced privateness and peace of thoughts.
- Triple Energy Safety: Get pleasure from as much as 9 months of battery life with the principle battery, backed by a backup battery, and an emergency supercapacitor. Works even in excessive chilly right down to –40°C. When charging the principle battery, the backup seamlessly takes over. Even when each run out, you possibly can nonetheless unlock the door utilizing emergency microcurrent energy. No extra lockout worries.
- Modern, Drill-Free Set up for Any Lock: Modern all-metal physique, now 50% slimmer. Options magnetic quick-release design and seamless base ring for gap-free set up—no drilling required, no harm to your current lock. Consists of 3 wooden grain end stickers to match totally different dwelling kinds. Non-obligatory accent package adapts to 99% of non-standard locks (offered individually).
- A number of Unlocking Strategies: Along with the progressive facial recognition, the SwitchBot Lock Extremely Imaginative and prescient Combo additionally helps fingerprint, password, voice instructions, Apple Watch, and distant unlocking by way of the app. This set consists of the Matter-compatible Hub Mini, suitable with third-party platforms akin to HomeKit, Alexa, and Google.
On paper, the SwitchBot Lock Extremely Imaginative and prescient Combo must be the very best sensible lock. It’s arguably essentially the most superior choice with some spectacular options, together with:
- A 3-tier battery system to cut back the chance of being locked out. You will have the principle battery with as much as 9 months of battery, a CR123A backup battery with a 5-year battery life able to 500 unlocks, after which a final resort micro-electric system able to 5 emergency unlocks.
- Then, for the keypad, it has a fingerprint scanner, a keypad and facial recognition
- It additionally consists of Matter and Dwelling Assistant help and might combine with different Switchbot gadgets for extra complicated automations.
I discovered it a very good lock and used it for a number of months, however it had a number of quirks that could be the results of a poor set up on my half. Each couple of months, I wanted to recalibrate it. Usually, the door wouldn’t lock correctly, so I’d must take a key with me and recalibrate it after I received dwelling. I additionally discovered the facial recognition was not nice, however I’ll have mounted it at a sub-optimal peak.
The lock is effectively reviewed on Amazon, a lot better than the Aqara, so I believe a few of my points have been person error or simply dangerous luck.
On the time of writing, it’s simply £240, which is quite a lot of tech for the value and a lot better worth for cash than the Nuki/Ultion.
I’ve combined emotions in regards to the ERA Shield Good Common Door Deal with. In contrast to my different suggestions, this isn’t a sensible key turner just like the above suggestions. It replaces all of the {hardware}, and you may then unlock it together with your fingerprint, NFC card or by way of the app.
I’m not an enormous fan of sensible locks that don’t provide a backup choice like a mechanical key, and I believe many individuals really feel the identical.
On this, if the battery dies, there are two contact factors that help you use a 5V battery for backup.
One of many advantages of this lock is that it suits sure doorways that the above choices don’t work on. I mounted it on my storage/fitness center doorways, that are outward-opening French doorways. As a result of they open outward, the earlier choices don’t work as a result of they catch on the second door, which isn’t an issue with the ERA.
I nonetheless use the ERA, however sadly, I’ve discovered the battery to be very poor; it lasted a number of months, then died. Low cost substitute AA batteries lasted at most a number of weeks.
I additionally had combined emotions about this We.lock Good Lock. Just like the ERA, I’m not overly eager on locks with out a mechanical backup. I additionally discovered the keypad tough to make use of and made worse by the show being unreadable in daylight.
Nevertheless, just like the ERA, it fitted my bifold doorways when different locks didn’t work with it.
Most significantly, it labored surprisingly reliably, and I used it for 3 years in my storage earlier than changing it with my ERA. I had completely no points with the battery life, I believe I’ll have changed them a few times in the course of the time I used it.
It’s also moderately priced at round £130, so I believe it’s a respectable choice if you’re on a finances, and I believe it’s well-suited for much less vital doorways like a shed/storage/again door.
There are additionally fingerprint choices, which carry out moderately effectively (I’d desire a fingerprint lock to incorporate a keypad as effectively, although).
Earlier suggestions that are old-fashioned
I’m leaving my outdated suggestions in place for prosperity, extra for myself than for readers. I not advocate any of the beneath, not as a result of they’re dangerous, however newer fashions can be found that are superior.
Associated: Yale Linus Good Lock Assessment
As beforehand talked about, most different guides advocate August, and the Yale Linus Good Lock is the closest you’ll get.
That is the lock I personally use on my entrance door; I’ve had it there for the reason that begin of this yr (2021) and had no main issues with it in any respect.
This lock and others on the record are extra of a sensible cylinder/key turner than an precise lock. You possibly can mount it over your current key/thumb flip or change your complete cylinder with a specifically designed adjustable cylinder. This may then open or shut the lock.
The key benefit of this design is which you can proceed utilizing your mechanical key on the opposite facet of the door. So, it acts as a form of hybrid sensible lock, which alleviates a number of the considerations folks have about full sensible locking techniques.
The minor negatives I’ve about this are:
- Bluetooth connectivity is a bit gradual, so unlocking with a cellphone or keypad can take a number of seconds
- It’s form of ugly. For many/all uPVC UK doorways, the deal with extends right down to cowl the lock. So Linus wants to sit down on prime of this. It has screws that lock it in place securely, however it’s not fairly as aesthetic as sitting flush in your door.
- Costlier than others if you think about the price of the £70 Join Wi-Fi Bridge
Ultion Good Lock
Associated: Ultion Good Lock Assessment
I reviewed the Ultion Good Lock in July final yr and have used it on my again door since it’s one other lock I can personally vouch for, and it has labored effectively long run.
That is technically only a Danalock V3 that has been absolutely built-in into the {hardware}. So, the general set up is extra aesthetically pleasing on the within than the Yale Linus Good Lock.
It really works form of the identical; all of the electronics flip the cylinder. Nevertheless, on this case, Ultion additionally provides their very own cylinder, which makes use of considered one of their fancy high-security keys, which include a £2000 safety assure.
At £259, contemplating you get door handles and a high-security key, that is effectively priced vs the Yale.
The negatives I’ve on this one are:
- French doorways would find yourself with mismatched {hardware} except you change each locks
- The Samsung SmartThings connectivity appears to be intermittent, actually not so good as the Yale related bridge. Nevertheless, this can be very uncommon that I’ve remotely related to my lock.
Probably not a unfavorable or optimistic, however you’ve the choice for a Bluetooth mannequin or Apple HomeKit, however not each on the identical time.
Associated: Nuki Good Lock Assessment
When it comes to performance, that is principally similar to the Yale Linus Good Lock. It sits over current {hardware} and turns the locking mechanism.
It’s cheaper than the Yale Linus, and so they have extra equipment, together with a keypad, rechargeable energy pack, a key fob and even a keypad/fingerprint scanner. The fingerprint scanner is just IP54 rated, although, so not ideally suited for out of doors use in uncovered situations (contemplating the UK climate).
So, for some, it could be a greater purchase than Yale, however the few negatives I’ve for it meant Yale was higher for me, personally.
- This additionally must mount on prime of your door deal with (if that’s your door design), however the backplate doesn’t safe in place in addition to the Yale
- The plastic construct high quality isn’t nearly as good because the Yale
Associated: Yale Conexis L1 Good Lock
One of many unique sensible locks available on the market, and to some extent, the neatest of all of them. This replaces every thing and removes your keys whereas it’s at it. So, it’s absolutely sensible.
This offers you the choice of unlocking by way of your cellphone, or alternatively, you should utilize NFC tags. These come within the type of playing cards, key tags or a cellphone tag you stick on the again of your cellphone/case.
The NFC performance makes the unlocking expertise a bit extra seamless than Bluetooth connectivity. It simply feels smarter.
This will even combine with Yale sensible alarms or Z-Wave techniques.
You get quite a lot of {hardware} to your cash with the Yale Conexis L1, it’s cheaper than all the opposite choices.
Negatives embody:
- Set up is way more complicated than the comparatively straightforward Linus – although I nonetheless managed it myself, and I’m terrible at DIY
- If the battery dies, the battery backup choice is much much less handy than utilizing an quaint key
- Nervousness over potential failure. Even when that is unlikely to occur, it’s a frequent concern for many individuals.
- French doorways find yourself with mismatched {hardware}
- I can spot a home utilizing a Conexis L1 a mile off. I really feel like this might be extra tempting for burglars with the family extra keen to spend money on costly electronics (this might be a extremely inaccurate assumption by me)
Netatmo Good Door Lock
The Netatmo Good Door Lock is a totally built-in sensible cylinder; it doesn’t sit on prime of your key/thumb flip, however it doesn’t change your {hardware} both.
Whereas it does use keys, these are simply beauty, and they’re really NFC key tags, so it’s most intently matched to the Yale Conexis L1.
The Netatmo Good Door Lock was introduced at the beginning of 2020 with a launch date in late 2020, however there’s nonetheless no signal of it. It has a a lot greater price ticket than competing choices, too. The COVID pandemic has most likely delayed issues, however with no phrase about it in over a yr, I’m beginning to surprise if they’ll ever launch it.
[Original Post 15 May 2021]
[Updated Post 24/04/2026] Up to date content material with utterly new suggestions
I’m James, a UK-based tech fanatic and the Editor and Proprietor of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Enthusiastic about all issues know-how, my experience spans from computer systems and networking to cell, wearables, and sensible dwelling gadgets.
As a health fanatic who loves working and biking, I even have a eager curiosity in fitness-related know-how, and I take each alternative to cowl this area of interest on my weblog. My various pursuits enable me to deliver a singular perspective to tech running a blog, merging life-style, health, and the most recent tech developments.
In my educational pursuits, I earned a BSc in Data Methods Design from UCLAN, earlier than advancing my studying with a Grasp’s Diploma in Computing.
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