Just because you’ve lost power doesn’t mean a smart lock has completely stopped working. Smart locks are powered by batteries, so the locking mechanism can continue to work even if the rest of your home is without power. However, remote functions that rely on the Internet or a connected hub will not work.

Schlage Connect Camelot Touchscreen Deadbolt

Rated ANSI-1 for its excellent security capability, the Schlage Connect Lock is one of the best smart locks in the market. Currently available on Amazon for a little above $150, the Schlage Connect features a touchscreen fingerprint keypad that allows for easy access code input. This smart lock allows you to create up to 30 access codes for friends and family members.

The Schlage Connect Lock package also comes with a single master key that can be used in case of emergency or when your lock is out of battery. You can easily monitor your front door activities via the Schlage mobile app for free. More importantly, it will notify you in the event of an attempted break-in, tampering, or wrong code input, blaring its alarm as a signal.

Do Smart Locks Need Wi-Fi?

Only certain smart locks require a Wi-Fi connection to function properly. Locks that don’t need a Wi-Fi connection typically connect via Bluetooth or Z-Wave.

While Wi-Fi-enabled smart locks are more susceptible to hacking, they offer more advanced smart features when compared to non-Wi-Fi enabled smart locks. The following are some features you may enjoy when you’re able to connect your smart lock to Wi-Fi:

• A Wi-Fi connection allows you to access your smart lock remotely. This makes it possible for you to lock and unlock your door from anywhere, be it from work or inside your home.
• A Wi-Fi connection allows you to monitor your door activities using your smart lock-dedicated app. You can receive security alerts and see what is happening at your front door every minute of every day.
• Wi-Fi-dependent locks are often compatible with other smart devices. With an internet connection, you can integrate your lock with Google Home and Alexa for greater accessibility.

Smart Locks with Wi-Fi Connectivity

Some highly-rated smart lock models that require a Wi-Fi connection to work include:

August Smart Lock Pro+ Connect

August’s Pro+ Connect smart lock allows you to easily control your front door locking system. With Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Z-wave capabilities, the August lock allows you to lock and unlock your front door, receive security alerts, grant access to visitors and monitor your front door activity remotely from your phone.

This smart lock can also be integrated with your existing home automation systems like Siri, Google Home and Alexa for easy control. The August smart lock also features an automatic lock, which automatically activates within 20 seconds of being turned off. More importantly, you can install it over your existing traditional single cylinder deadbolt system.

Bluetooth Smart Locks

Many Bluetooth smart locks do not require Wi-Fi to operate. In fact, these types of locks have their own set of advantages compared to those that need to be connected to the internet.

For one, many Bluetooth smart locks are battery-powered, meaning that even if your home’s power or Wi-Fi ever goes out, they can still function. In addition, Bluetooth smart locks are known to offer extra security, as the lock only opens for authorized people with the security token.

Smart Locks with Bluetooth Connectivity

A few popular Bluetooth smart lock brands and models include:

Ultraloq UL3 Bluetooth

The Ultraloq smart lock is a 5-in-1 keyless entry system with a lot of great features. This smart lock has a dedicated fingerprint lock, touch alarm and touch screen that allows you to lock and unlock your door easily. It also has a one-time master key in case of emergency (when the batteries run out after 8000 unlocks).

You can also set 5-8 digit codes with up to 100 million different password combinations. Most importantly, you can view activity logs and easily connect the Ultraloq smart lock to your Bluetooth, allowing you to lock and unlock your front door via the Ultraloq mobile app.

Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt

The Schlage Sense is not only affordable but easy to install and operate. It is compatible with both Android and Apple devices, which make it easy to connect your Schlage Sense lock to your phone via Bluetooth connection. With your smart lock linked to your mobile device, you can easily control your door through the Schlage Sense mobile app.

With the mobile app, you can easily add/remove access codes connected to your smart lock. You can also integrate the Schlage Sense smart lock with your existing smart home automation system like Alexa. While its Bluetooth connection limits its remote capability, you can purchase a Wi-Fi adapter from Schlage to access more advanced features.