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amazon SimpliSafe Smart Lock reviews
SimpliSafe’s Smart Lock is quiet and easy to set up, but it requires the SimpliSafe Security System with a monthly subscription, and it lacks scheduling options.
SimpliSafe’s new Smart Lock ($99) is the company’s latest addition to stable DIY smart home security devices. Sporting a streamlined Interior and a small backlit exterior keypad, the lock can be controlled from your phone and is easy to set up. It would be a nice addition to the existing SimpliSafe Home Security System, especially if you signed up for the $25 monthly Interactive plan, which is required to use many of the lock’s features.
Design and Features
The SimpliSafe smart lock consists of an interior bar and a wireless PIN keypad that attaches to the area outside the door, on the door itself, or next. The escutcheon’s sleek interior measures 7.5 x 2.7 x 1.0 inches (HWD), has rounded edges, and comes in Cloud (white), Obsidian (black), or Nickel (white and silver) finishes. It has a large 2.5-inch-wide thumbwheel and a panel that slides out to reveal four AA batteries that power the lock, pairing button, and speaker. Inside is an RF radio used to communicate with the PIN panel and base station of the SimpliSafe Home Security System.
The PIN pad is black backlit and measures 3.6 x 2.0 x 0.9 inches (HWD). It has buttons 0-9, Lock button, and Delete button used to remove incorrect numeric entries. It has a pre-installed double-sided adhesive on the back and two mounting holes that you can use for a more permanent installation. The PIN pad is powered by a pair of 3V DL2450 coin batteries that can be replaced by removing the front of the pad using the included pushpin tool.
Using the same mobile app (Android and iOS) or the web console that is used for controlling the SimpliSafe and SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro Home Security Systems, you will be able to create unique latches for Smart Lock and assign them to families or friends. However, the system allows you to have four active PINs at any time; moreover, it does not have an option to create access schedules, nor does it permit temporary PINs like the August Smart Lock Pro + Connect, Nest X Yale Lock with Nest Connect, and Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Lattice Lock.
The SimpliSafe smart lock can be integrated with an intrusion sensor from the security system to prevent locking when the door is open; however, it does not integrate with any other SimpliSafe devices such as doorbells, cameras, or third-party devices or apps that would support If This Then That (IFTTT).
You can have the door lock automatically when the security system is equipped (Home or Away) and use Amazon Alexa. Google Assistant voice commands to control the system, but you can’t just ask Alexa or Google to lock the door. Furthermore, you must subscribe to SimpliSafe’s $25 per month Interactive plan to support your voice system and receive push alerts, email, text messages, and lock and unlock your doors remotely with your phone.
The Dashboard has a big-button interface for setting Home, Away, or Off. Then there is one middle tab that shows the key’s name along with an icon that indicates the lock status (locked, unlocked). Tap on the padlock icon to lock and unlock the door. The top left corner has a three-bar icon that allows the user to configure the SimpliSafe device and view a timeline of events. Under Settings, subscription changes, editing of network settings, and setting of alerts and notifications can be done. Device Settings include the configuration of the lock’s response to Off, Home, and Away modes, Auto-Lock timing, and changing the lock’s name.
Settings and Performance
The SimpliSafe smart lock uses your existing locking cylinder and single latch assembly and, as such, requires no drilling. Following the instructions in the detailed installation instructions, I used the supplied tape to hold the outer cylinder assembly of my old lock in place on the door and remove the inner screw. I removed the mounting plate from the internal support of the padlock and attached it to the post using my old padlock mounting bolts. I then fitted the tailgate adapter, made sure the door latch was retracted (unlocked), and attached the interior to the mounting plate using the wing latches on either side of the heater. Next, I installed the PIN pad on the outside of the door, above the lock cylinder, using the pre-installed double-sided tape.
Once the physical installation is complete, all that’s left to do is activate the lock using the SimpliSafe Security System keyboard. I hit Menu, then hit the pairing button on the lock, and it was immediately added to the system. I’ve named the key, calibrated it, and the installation is complete.
The SimpliSafe smart lock worked perfectly during testing. It’s super quiet and responds instantly to lock and unlock commands using the mobile app and PIN pad. The AutoLock feature worked as advertised, and the lock was always active (locked) when the security system was set to Home and Away modes. Push, SMS, and email alerts indicating the time, date, and PIN designation arrive quickly whenever the door is locked or unlocked.
While the lock doesn’t interact directly with Alexa, it never locks whenever I use Alexa voice commands to set the security to Home or Away.
where can you get a SimpliSafe Smart Lock online
SimpliSafe Smartlock (Black) – Compatible with SimpliSafe Home Security System (New Gen): Buy it now
SimpliSafe Entryway Security Kit with 1080p HDR Video Doorbell Pro and Advanced Smart Lock: Buy it now
Conclusion
SimpliSafe Smart Lock makes sense if you’ve invested in a SimpliSafe Home Security System (and wouldn’t work without it, even though a standalone lock is working). It’s easy to install, and its slim Interior design adds style to any doorway, and you can control it with the same app you use to control your SimpliSafe system. The lock worked well in our tests and was very quiet, but it doesn’t interact with SimpliSafe or other third-party smart devices, and it lacks access scheduling and the ability to generate temporary PINs.
Advantages
Easy to install.
Use existing locking hardware.
Slim design.
Quiet.
Defect
Requires SimpliSafe security system.
Many features require a monthly subscription.
Limited access management options.
Lack of third-party device integration.
Tech Reviewer & Product Analyst
Định Bia has spent over 10 years testing consumer electronics with a focus on smart technology. He work as a product advisor at Biareview where he helped customers find the right devices for their needs. He personally tests every product featured on this site using a consistent evaluation framework covering quality, durability, and value. All reviews are based on experience, not influenced by the manufacturer.
