Carrying keys is so 20th century. The digital lock trend is picking up with Malaysia with it being a common sight wherever we reside. If you are a fan of Korean drama, you will know what we are talking about, the high-tech looking device replacing the conventional. The local market is saturated with many digital locks to choose from. When we start researching digital locks, we are flooded with information and “Top 10 digital locks 2021” articles, but unfortunately, most models are not relevant to our local market. They are mainly catered towards the US market which use different of locks from us, which make them not a good yardstick for what makes a good digital lock for us Malaysians. Or non-security experts creating a list with outdated models.
Let’s cut to the chase. Here are our choice for best digital locks:
Best All Rounder Digital Lock
Ultraloq UL300 Smart Digital Lock is a well-rounded lock that is not only smart but well-built, with high security solid stainless steel bolts. It is beauty and the brains embodied in a lock. User-friendly app with useful features, reliable fingerprint reader, solid stainless steel bolts with internal lock and a slick matte black body. The lock works with Google Home and Alexa.
PROS
- Financial-grade encrypted bluetooth-enabled app with WiFi
- Premium aluminum alloy matte black body – outer panel is weather resistant
- Solid and thick stainless steel bolts – exact replacement of existing Malaysian locks
- Accurate fingerprint reader
- RFID card access – able to register condominium card access and Malaysian IC
- Works with Google Home & Alexa
CONS
- Premium price
- Requires separate WiFi bridge
Headquartered in California, Ultraloq is an award-winning brand that includes PCMag Editor’s Choice Award for its innovative and well-rounded digital lock. What we love about it is that everything is done in-house, from ideation to manufacturing, ensuring that only the best quality lock gets launched into the market. This lock is a digital lock that is not only smart, but serves well its purpose as a security provider.
Best Premium Smart Lock
The Securam V8 Finger Vein Smart Lock‘s finger vein technology is worth it’s price, making it the go-to lock for homes that have young kids or elderly folks whose fingerprints are worn or faint. Built by the world’s largest safe lock manufacturer, you can be sure that it is built to withstand damage.
PROS
- First in South East Asia – finger vein authentication
- Super heavy duty lock – weighs close to 10kg
- Reads wet/dirty/worn finger epidermis – suitable for all age groups
- Works well in humid or cold climate
- High-strength anti-drill steel plate
- Electromagnetic pulse shield technology
- U.S. Military Electromagnetic Test Certified
- 9 different colour plates available
CONS
- Premium price
- No RFID card access option
- Basic App function
Securam is the world’s largest safe lock manufacturer, headquartered in California. The Securam V8 Finger Vein Smart Lock is the first smart lock in South East Asia to utilise finger vein recognition system, not fingerprint. This high-tech biometric recognition that is utilise in the banking system is now brought to you in the form of a digital lock.
This is a premium lock that is worth the price. If you have “no” fingerprint or no digital locks have been able to unlock if your fingerprint, this lock works because the key is in the finger vein.
Best Value Digital Door Lock
Orvibo C1 WiFi Smart Lock has a price point that is hard to say no to. Some users will find that the features that it offers is sufficient for everyday use, without the bells and whistles. Manufactured with aviation-grade material and equipped with one of the best fingerprint readers out there, we dare say it is the most value for money.
PROS
- Recipient of iF Design Award 2020
- Built-in WiFi connectivity
- Intuitive fingerprint reader at handle
- Aviation-grade aluminum alloy body panel
- AI fingerprint recognition – unlocks in 0.5 seconds
- Emergency unlock notification
- Child-lock function
CONS
- No lockout or passage mode
Similar to the Ultraloq, Orvibo is a Chinese brand that ideates and manufactures their own smart locks. The designers have a good sense of what looks good on the door with its clean lines and matte black body. Orvibo has delivered a lock that is not only looks good but has premium features at a very attractive price point.
Best Digital Lock Design
Samsung SHP-DR708 is one good looking lock that spots a matte black front and back panel with a prominent copper coloured fixed handle for easy opening and closing. The digital lock is relatively wide and large, giving it a “grand” look on any door.
PROS
- Modern and sophisticated matte design with fixed handle
- Extra wide and long digital lock
- WiFi enabled smart lock with app
- Fingerprint, NFC and PIN code access
- Doorbell function
CONS
- Korean standard lock – not suitable for Malaysian lock replacement
- Single bolt, basic security
- No RFID card access
- No manual knob to lock when battery is flat
Best Budget Digital Lock (Mortise Type)
PROS
- Affordable price for branded Bosch digital lock
- Fingerprint, card and PIN code access
- Slim profile digital lock
CONS
- No App function
- Key hole at the front of body
- Glossy body leaves fingerprint residue
The Bosch has recently introduced a wide range of different models that only differ in design. The locks are not what we consider “smart locks” as it does not have bluetooth or WiFi capabilities, rendering it to being a basic standalone lock, with fingerprint, card and PIN code function. The lock is priced in a way that makes this a good entry-level digital lock.
Best Digital Lock for Airbnb
The Igloohome deadbolt 2S is a useful tool for any hosts who would like to achieve Superhost status with unlocking convenience provided to guests. The lock operates entirely offline without the for a WiFi connection to generate duration-based PIN code.
PROS
- Operates entirely offline – no internet connection required
- Generate one-time PIN or duration-based PIN code
- Able to provide Bluetooth access
- Minimalistic design
- Reliable and easy to use
- Comes with mechanical override key
CONS
- No fingerprint or RFID card access
- Unable to receive real-time entry notification
- Unable to manage users remotely
- Have to be physically at the lock to delete unexpired access
The problem that most hosts face is key management. With the Igloohome digital lock, it eliminates the trouble of passing the keys and the risk of losing the keys. The lock will work at eco-resorts that have no internet connectivity as it operates offline, similar to that of the bank TAC code, generated by algorithm. If you are thinking of your return on investment (ROI), be rest assured that you will get it back in no time with this digital lock that is priced affordably, with a huge convenience value attached.
Best Digital Lock for Grille Door
The Yale YDR50G is a sturdy and reliable grille lock that provides all the basic features of fingerprint, RFID card and PIN code access. It comes with a sizeable bolt and remote control that can be hung on the wall.
PROS
- Protective fingerprint cover to deter vandalism
- Accurate fingerprint reader, RFID card and PIN code access
- Solid built case with hardened steel bolt
- Bluetooth option available
- Remote control able to be hung on the wall with given adhesive
CONS
- Modification of existing grille may be required for installation
There are not many digital lock options for grille. If we have to choose, hands down would be the Yale YDR50G digital lock, designed specifically for grille lock. Instead of focusing on the security aspect of this lock, our concern is the reliability and durability of the lock which this lock has performed well in.
Best Digital Add-On Lock
PROS
- Small design footprint
- Bluetooth-enabled App with WiFi option
- Accurate fingerprint reader & PIN code access
- Mechanical override key available
- Auto unlocks when approaching door
- Works with Apple Watch, Google Home, Alexa
CONS
- No RFID card access
- Not a touchscreen panel
- Time-based auto lock system
