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5 Best Z Wave Locks
From leading brands and best sellers available on the web.
Buying Guide for the Best Z Wave Locks
Choosing a Z-Wave lock is an exciting way to enhance the security and convenience of your home. Z-Wave locks connect wirelessly to smart home systems, letting you control and monitor your doors remotely. Picking the right lock depends on your home setup, how you plan to use the lock, and your expectations for features and reliability. Before selecting, consider your door’s compatibility, your smart home hub, who will use the lock, and what features matter most for your lifestyle.Z-Wave VersionThe Z-Wave version is the generation of wireless technology built into the lock. Newer versions, such as Z-Wave Plus, offer longer range, better battery life, and more reliable connections. These improvements are valuable if your smart hub is far from your door or if you have several smart devices at home. Check your existing hub for compatibility and choose a lock with the latest supported version to get the best performance, especially in larger or more complex smart homes.
Lock Type (Deadbolt vs. Lever)Z-Wave locks come as deadbolts or lever handles. Deadbolts are common for exterior doors needing strong security, while levers can be used for interior doors. Your choice depends on your door's current hardware and what you want to secure. If you want to upgrade security on a main entrance, a deadbolt is usually the best match. For convenience on side or interior doors, a lever might be a better fit.
Power SourceMost Z-Wave locks are battery-powered, using AA or similar batteries. Battery life is important because you don’t want your lock to die unexpectedly. Locks with efficient power use can last several months or even up to a year between battery changes. If you prefer less maintenance, look for models known for long battery life and consider how often you’ll use remote features, which can affect energy use. Some locks give battery status in the app, which is handy for avoiding surprises.
Access MethodsZ-Wave locks typically offer multiple ways to unlock: keypad codes, physical keys, smartphone apps, or integration with voice assistants. More access methods can make your lock more flexible for different users, like kids or guests. If you want to provide temporary access or unlock remotely, ensure the lock supports these features. Choose the access style that matches how you and your household prefer to enter your home.
Smart Home IntegrationNot all smart locks work the same way with every smart home ecosystem. Some offer more features, such as scenes, voice control, or status alerts, through integration with systems like SmartThings or Home Assistant. Before buying, check if your preferred lock is compatible with your smart hub and offers the features you expect, such as locking/unlocking remotely or checking the door’s status. Your choice here should reflect your current or planned smart home setup.
Security FeaturesLook for security features such as auto-lock, tamper alarms, encryption, and emergency key override. Auto-lock ensures your door locks automatically after a set period, which is helpful for forgetful moments. Tamper alarms alert you if someone tries to break in. If security is your top concern, prioritize locks with advanced features and strong encryption protocols.
User Code ManagementMany Z-Wave locks let you program multiple user codes for family, guests, or service people. Check how many codes can be stored and how easy it is to add or delete codes remotely. If you expect to give access to different people at different times, a lock with flexible and easy user code management will be more convenient and secure.