Regardless of your wireless connection, you’ll definitely want to take a look at battery life and consider what is feasible for you. And advances in battery technology, combined with the way that routers are improving WiFi standby features, mean that some locks can perform well using a WiFi connection. However, as with any rule, there are some exceptions, and the same is true for smart locks. In general, it’s worth knowing that WiFi typically uses too much power to be viable for a battery-powered device. Bluetooth uses relatively little power but also features a lower bandwidth. Why does the type of wireless connection affect battery life? Z-Wave and Zigbee can both operate using very low power, whereas WiFi requires far more. ( You can learn more about both technologies here.) However, if Z-Wave or Zigbee are new to you, the easiest explanation is that they are wireless protocols-or languages- for your smart devices that are ideal for home automations. You are almost certainly familiar with WiFi and Bluetooth. The four most common connection integrations are Z-Wave, Zigbee, Bluetooth, and WiFi. There are plenty of variables that affect battery life, not the least of which is how the lock wirelessly connects. After all, very few homes run electrical wiring right to their doors, which means that smart locks rely on batteries for power. In fact, it’s one of the biggest factors for most people who want to purchase a smart lock. So, look through these factors to see which are the most important to you before making a purchase.įirst things first, battery life is a key consideration (it’s also rule #11 in my list of essential smart home tips).

With that in mind, I’m listing some of the features you want to consider when deciding which smart lock will fit your home and lifestyle the best. The top smart locks all have a few things in common.

Wifi vs bluetooth smart lock