Smart Locks vs Traditional Deadbolts: Pros and Cons (2024)

TL;DR: A traditional deadbolt costs $30-$100 and needs zero power, while a smart lock runs $150-$350 installed and adds keyless entry, activity logs, and remote access at the cost of batteries and occasional software glitches. Landlords managing turnover between tenants usually save time with a smart lock; owner-occupants who rarely change locks often do fine with a Grade 1 deadbolt.

_Last reviewed: July 2026 · 7 min read_

You're standing in the hardware store aisle, or scrolling Amazon at midnight, trying to decide if a $200 smart lock is worth it or if a $40 deadbolt does the same job. The honest answer is that both lock the door just fine, the real differences show up in daily use, not in the marketing copy.

Okoniq Property Hub lets you log which lock is installed at each property, track battery replacement dates, and keep a record of every code change so you're never guessing who has access.

Which lock actually keeps a house more secure?

Neither wins outright on pure physical security, since most smart locks use the same deadbolt hardware as a traditional lock, just with an electronic actuator attached to the back. Look for ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 or Grade 2 ratings on either type. A Grade 1 lock withstands 10 strikes of 75 pounds of force in testing, while Grade 2 handles less, but both outperform the cheap Grade 3 locks sold in big-box multipacks for under $20.

Where smart locks pull ahead is in eliminating the risks tied to physical keys: no more worrying about a copied key from a former tenant or contractor. Where they fall behind is exposure to hacking, since some models communicate over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth and have had firmware vulnerabilities reported in the past. If you're also upgrading electrical to support a video doorbell or lock hub, check whether your panel has enough power before adding more connected devices.

What does each option actually cost over time?

A traditional deadbolt costs $30-$100 for the hardware and $75-$150 for professional installation if you're not doing it yourself, with no ongoing costs beyond an occasional $10-$20 rekey. A smart lock runs $150-$350 for the unit, plus installation, plus 4 AA batteries every 6-12 months (roughly $10 a year), plus a possible subscription fee of $3-$10 a month if you want remote access or video history through some brands.

| | Traditional Deadbolt | Smart Lock | |---|---|---| | Upfront cost | $30-$100 | $150-$350 | | Ongoing cost | Rekey only, ~$50 | Batteries + optional $3-10/mo app fee | | Power needed | None | Batteries or hardwired | | Access change | Physical rekey (locksmith) | App or code change (minutes) |

For a landlord juggling multiple units, the app-based access change is the real time saver. Changing a code between tenants takes under 2 minutes instead of scheduling a locksmith visit that runs $75-$150 per unit.

Is a smart lock worth it for a rental property?

Yes, for most owner-operators managing more than one unit, because it removes the rekey step between tenants entirely. Instead of paying a locksmith $75-$150 every time someone moves out, you generate a new code in the app and the old one stops working immediately. This also solves the classic problem of a contractor or cleaner who was given a key years ago and never returned it.

The tradeoff is dependency on batteries and Wi-Fi. If the batteries die and the tenant doesn't notice, most models still accept a physical key as backup, but a few code-only models leave the tenant locked out until they call you. Confirm the model has a physical key override before installing it in a rental. If you're also modernizing the unit's electrical while you're at it, this is a good time to check for outdated outlets that need grounding, especially in properties built before 1970.

How long do smart locks actually last?

Most smart locks last 5-7 years before the electronics need replacing, even though the physical deadbolt mechanism could last decades longer. Battery contacts corrode, Bluetooth chips age out of app support, and manufacturers eventually stop pushing firmware updates for older models. A traditional deadbolt, by contrast, can last 20-30 years with nothing more than an occasional graphite lubricant application.

If you own an older home, it's worth checking the electrical panel age at the same time, since homes with aging wiring problems sometimes need an upgrade before adding any hardwired smart home device, including video doorbells or lock hubs that draw from house power instead of batteries.

What should you check before buying either type?

Measure your door's backset (the distance from the door edge to the center of the bolt hole) before buying anything, since most locks come in 2-3/8" or 2-3/4" backset options and the wrong size means a return trip to the store. Also confirm the door thickness, typically 1-3/4" for exterior doors, since some smart lock models don't fit doors thinner or thicker than that range without an adapter kit.

For rentals, ask whether the lock supports offline codes in case Wi-Fi drops, and whether battery status alerts get sent to your phone or the tenant's. A lock that silently dies with no warning turns into a 2 a.m. phone call.

FAQ

Do smart locks work during a power outage?

Yes, smart locks run on internal batteries, not house power, so a blackout doesn't affect them unless the batteries are already dead. Hardwired models tied to a smart hub are the exception and may lose remote features during an outage.

Can a smart lock be picked or bumped like a traditional deadbolt?

The physical bolt mechanism on most smart locks is identical to a standard deadbolt, so it's vulnerable to the same picking and bumping techniques if it's Grade 2 or 3 rated. Choosing a Grade 1 rated smart lock closes that gap.

How often do smart lock batteries need to be replaced?

Most models need new AA batteries every 6-12 months depending on daily usage, and nearly all send a low-battery alert to the app 2-4 weeks before they die.

Is it legal to require tenants to use a smart lock?

In most states, landlords can install smart locks as long as the tenant retains reliable access and a physical key backup is available if required by local code. Rules vary by state and city, so check your local landlord-tenant statutes before making it a lease requirement.

Which is cheaper to install, a smart lock or a traditional deadbolt?

A traditional deadbolt installed by a locksmith costs $75-$150 total, while a smart lock installed the same way runs $200-$450 total including the hardware.

This is educational information, not security or legal advice. Consult a licensed locksmith for installation and your local housing authority for tenant-access requirements in your state.