Lockly Duo Smart Lock Review: Steep price for convenience

Duo Smart Lock MSRP $450.00 Score Information The Lockly Duo replaces your deadbolt and latch, but it's too expensive.Lock both locks by opening one handle and locking them togetherAccurate fingerprint sensorSecurity Cons Randomized number padApps are just okaySmart home door locks have a problem. They tend to replace either the deadbolt, or the latch. Lockly Duo replaces them both. Although I have mixed feelings regarding this lock setup, I believe they are more due to my dealing with the unknown than any failures on Locklys' part. It was nice that both locks could be changed by fingerprint, key, code.Lockly acts in unusual ways. A single door handle controls both the door latches and deadbolts. Push down unlocks both locks and pull up locks them both. Although it takes some time to get used to, I do like the mechanism. It is much easier to have one handle that opens both locks, even though it is uncommon.Installation and configurationThe lock was difficult to set up and required some complicated mechanisms. The lock covers a deadbolt or door handle spaced at 4 inches and 5 inches, respectively. It worked for me because my door is 5 inches wide. It would have worked if the deadbolt hole had been properly drilled. It was not the case. I had to cut a hole in my door to place the cover plate. This is not Lockly's fault. It is not a very attractive cover plate.An interconnection plate, which is an additional mechanism between the door latches and the door latch mounts on the inside. This plate joins the deadbolt to the door latch and the handle. Although it is not a terrible device, it adds an extra layer of complexity to my lock that I did not expect. The interconnection plate is not flush with the door handle. Although it is not obvious, I can still see the light from the other end of the lock if I hold a flashlight up to the door handle.There are many smart locks available on the market. However, none of them can control the latch or the deadbolt.Lockly Duo also includes an integrated wired sensor to monitor your Locklys security system. Since I already had a Vivint security alarm system, I didn't want to install it. It was annoying that it was wired to my door handle and I couldn't take it out.FeaturesAfter installation, the Lockly app can be used to create PINs or fingerprints for users. The door latch has a fingerprint sensor on its side. A screen above it displays the buttons to enter the codes. The screen is usually off. It usually turns on with a single tap, but sometimes it took me tapping it twice to get it to turn on. The numbers displayed are divided into four buttons, each with three digits. This prevents wear patterns from forming by not tapping the same button repeatedly for the same codes. There is an entry button that you can press after entering your code. However, it doesn't indicate that it's an enter button. It looks almost like a fingerprint. I mistook it for a way to say: Yes, you can enter code but don't forget about the fingerprint sensor.Although the fingerprint sensor works well, I am not sure if the location is optimal. If you have the door handle on the left, your instinct is to reach for it with your left hand. Your fingers will face away from the sensor when you do this. It is too difficult to use a thumbprint fingerprint sensor. You will have to reach across your body to scan your right finger, then you can use your left hand for opening the door.SoftwareYou can lock and unlock your door with the app. I was unable to get it to work with Google Assistant. The app is simple and straightforward. It can be used to create pin codes and fingerprints. It works in the same way as setting up fingerprints on your phone. Once you are done, press the sensor several times.You can also enable welcome mode through the app, which is my main concern with the lock. You can set a schedule to have your door unlocked in welcome mode. It's great, but in the summer when everyone is out and about, it would be nice to have a button or knob that could unlock the door. The app is the only way to toggle the welcome mode on and off. This is not ideal.Our takeOverall, the device is quite interesting, but there are some peculiarities and a high price that can be difficult to accept. It's a brilliant idea, I'm sure. It is much easier to use one handle for your door than two separate locks. A deadbolt is still secure, but you have the convenience of one door handle. Some quirks are present, such as the inability to lock the door without your phone and the large mounting plates. My screen door was also affected by the handle sticking out a lot. These are all minor problems that can be fixed with a 2.0 product.You don't want compromises in a door lock at $450. This smart door lock is more than twice as expensive as the average one. This is a steep price for what amounts only to convenience. My door latch is usually unlocked as my deadbolt wasn't smart enough until Lockly. It's great to have a door lock that works with both the deadbolt and latch. But, its $450 price tag is not great.Is there another option?Both the Lockly's fingerprint reader and the code panel work well. There are many smart locks available. Check out our favorite smart locks. However, none of them can control the deadbolt or latch. Is it the best thing in all of the world? It's very convenient. It has been a problem when I forgot to lock the door latch. This lock is perfect for this purpose.The Lockly Vision smart lock is almost the same as the Lockly Vision. This smart lock is the Swiss Army knife in smart locks. It has all the modern conveniences and doubles as a video doorbell. The Level Touch is a discreet option for those who prefer something more discrete. It looks just like any other deadbolt lock and does not have distracting keypads or bulky latches that are often associated with smart locks. The August Wi-Fi Smart lock is last, and it's known for its low price, ease of installation, and amazing security features.What will be the duration of this?There is no reason to believe this door lock won't last. It is made from durable materials. The locks come with a 5-year mechanical and finish warranty, and a 2-year electrical warranty. I find the gap between the interlock plate & the door handle to be a little odd. However, it is on the inside so should not be damaged by rain. In general, I have no complaints about durability.Do you need to buy it?No. No. There are certain reasons you wouldn't want this lock functionally. The fingerprint sensor and code panel will not work if your door does not have weather protection. You should not choose a door handle that is too plain or if you prefer doorknobs.The main problem I have with the pricing is the very high price. Simply put, it is possible to buy a smart deadbolt and smart door latch, and still have enough money for a few batteries, before reaching this price threshold. Lockly must bring down the price before it is considered a solid purchase.Editors' Recommendations