Smart locks are one of the most practical home upgrades you can make - replacing a traditional key with fingerprint access, a PIN code, or your smartphone. Whether you're securing a rental property, upgrading a front door, or adding keyless entry to a gate, the right smart lock depends on your door type, access needs, and how you want to manage entry. This guide covers the main types available in NZ and what to look for before you buy.

Types of Smart Locks

Smart Entrance Locks

Entrance locks replace a full mortice or tubular latch set - the complete lock body, not just the cylinder. They're designed for main exterior doors and typically support multiple access methods: fingerprint, PIN, proximity tag, Bluetooth, and a physical key override. Lion Head's TTLock-based entrance locks offer Wi-Fi connectivity and app control, making them a strong choice for rental properties or homes where you need to manage access remotely. Schlage's Ascent range also includes smart entrance levers in black and graphite, combining a keypad with a lever handle in a compact, NZ-ready form factor.

Smart Deadbolt Locks

Smart deadbolts fit standard 60-70mm deadbolt prep and add keypad, fingerprint, or Bluetooth access without replacing your existing door hardware. They're a cost-effective upgrade for exterior doors where you want keyless entry alongside your existing latch or handle set. Yale's Assure range offers smart-ready deadbolts that can be upgraded with a module for app control. Schlage's Encode is a standout option - a built-in Wi-Fi deadbolt with app control, voice assistant compatibility, and no hub required, available in matte black. The Schlage BE365 Plymouth is a more straightforward keypad deadbolt for those who want reliable PIN access without app connectivity.

Smart Lever and Latch Locks

Smart lever locks combine a keypad or touchscreen with a lever handle, making them ideal for interior doors, offices, or doors that don't require a full deadbolt. Sylvan's SL40E lever handle offers PIN and RFID access in a compact form factor suited to both residential and light commercial use. The Schlage FE Series and Ascent internal lever range are also worth considering - both offer keypad entry with lever handles and suit interior or secondary door applications where a deadbolt isn't required.

Key Features to Compare

Access Methods

Most smart locks support a combination of fingerprint, PIN code, proximity card or fob, Bluetooth, and physical key override. Consider who needs access and how - a rental property benefits from PIN codes that can be changed remotely, while a family home may prefer fingerprint for speed and convenience.

Connectivity - Bluetooth vs Wi-Fi

Bluetooth-only locks require you to be within range to control them via an app. Wi-Fi locks allow remote access, activity logs, and temporary code management from anywhere. The Schlage Encode has built-in Wi-Fi with no hub required, while TTLock-based locks from Lion Head use a separate gateway for remote access. If remote management matters, look for locks with built-in Wi-Fi or a compatible gateway hub.

Door Compatibility

Check your door's backset (typically 60mm or 70mm), latch type (tubular or mortice), and door thickness before purchasing. Most smart entrance locks specify compatible mortice sizes - Lion Head's LUXE range suits 60-85mm mortice locks, while Yale's Assure and Schlage's deadbolts fit standard 60-70mm prep.

Weather and IP Rating

For exterior doors and gates, check the IP rating. A minimum of IP55 is recommended for covered entry points; IP65 or higher for exposed outdoor use. Lion Head's STRONGA padlocks and gate locks are rated IP66-IP68, making them suitable for exposed outdoor applications.

Smart Locks for Rental Properties

Smart locks are increasingly popular for NZ rental properties and Airbnb hosts. TTLock-based systems from Lion Head let you create and delete PIN codes remotely without needing to be on-site, and activity logs show when the door was accessed. The Schlage Encode is another strong option for rentals - its built-in Wi-Fi and app control mean no gateway hub to manage, and access codes can be set and removed remotely. Look for locks with a physical key override as a backup - required by most NZ tenancy agreements.

Installation Considerations

Most smart locks are designed for DIY installation on standard door prep, but entrance locks replacing a full mortice set may require a locksmith if the existing mortice size doesn't match. Always check the mortice dimensions and door thickness against the product specifications before ordering. Battery life is also worth considering - most smart locks run on AA or CR123A batteries and will alert you via the app when levels are low.

Browse Smart Locks at Tech Supply Shed NZ

Tech Supply Shed stocks a range of smart locks from Lion Head, Yale, Schlage, Lockly, Sylvan, EUFY, and TP-Link Tapo - all available from our Albany location. Whether you need a fingerprint entrance lock, a Wi-Fi deadbolt, or a lever handle with keypad access, browse the full Smart Locks & Access Control range online.