Traditional security systems required a separate smart lock and a video camera for comprehensive home surveillance. Those dynamics have changed with the video smart locks that bring the freedom of keyless entry and enhanced security for homeowners. Choosing one, though, is a vital decision, since you rely on this smart home security accessory for a good number of years.
I was on the lookout for a reliable smart video lock system for my home due to the increasing incidents of theft and hooliganism, and my search ended in a blessing in disguise. Lockzo sent our team its flagship AL501 Video Smart Lock with Doorbell and Built-in Camera for an independent review. For the time spent with the smart lock system, we can confidently recommend it to anyone seeking a dependable, secure, and user-friendly security solution for their home or office.
To start with, the installation process is very simple and well-detailed in the user manual. Although my handyman took some time installing it, the final result turned out as intended. Once the smart video lock was installed on my front door, I got down to the next step of setting up the lock code, registering fingerprints, and installing the companion app. The remote access freedom of the smart lock is seamless, with a few minor kinks, we’ll discuss later.
Diving Into the Details
Lockzo has managed to fit in a lot of functionality into one compact device, and so far, the promise seems to be good in real-world usage. The build quality of the RedDot Award-winning lock is top-notch and well complemented by the premium touch and feel. The 6-in-1 smart home security device combines three main front door lock features into one for a comprehensive safety shield that will even have the most seasoned thieves scratching their heads.
The smart lock comes with a 2K HD security camera, a smart finger lock mechanism for easy usage, and a video doorbell with two-way conversation mode that activates the video feed of who’s at the door without ever opening it. So far, all these locking/unlocking methods have worked flawlessly, and the video feed at night (employing the infrared tech) works very well even in low lighting conditions.
Prompt notifications on the app keep the user informed about any kind of activity on the front door in real time. During our usage, we were promptly informed about any little activity in the Safety mode and the relevant activity when in the Economics mode. Whenever someone rings the bell, the chime synchronously rings in one of the chosen 36 ringtones. The volume can be adjusted easily with the physical buttons on the doorbell chime.
If you are wondering why the lock is a 6-in-1 security device, well, that’s because it uses six different methods for unlocking. These are the smartphone access, fingerprint unlock, keypad code unlock, via Alexa voice commands, with Google voice commands, or the trusted physical key entry method. The last one is particularly important for times when you have to leave your home unattended for an extended period and accidentally forget to charge the rechargeable 10,000 mAh battery to its maximum capacity.
The 180-degree wide camera on the smart lock with a focal length of 1.64 employs the f/2.0 lens, delivering good quality video both in the day and at night. In tandem with the six infrared lights and the dual motion sensors, the system detects any motion up to 20 meters away from the door. Of course, you can toggle the level of sensitivity of the motion detection in the companion app. There’s the Economics mode, Safety Mode, and a Normal mode that the user can choose from depending on the location and specific needs. For instance, during normal days, you can set it to Economics, whereas on days when no one is home, it can be set to Safety mode.
The rechargeable battery is removable from the housing and can be connected to a USB-C cable for the next recharge cycle. Lockzo claims, the battery on full charge lasts around 180 days, but in our current usage, we have managed to get through three weeks of usage with around 70 percent battery power still left. Maybe that could be attributed to the battery being new, our rigorous testing with the physical locking/unlocking methods, or the usage of Safety mode for more than a week. The next charge cycle should deliver a number closer to six months since we’ll be using the smart lock in Economics mode with testing reduced to a minimum. Even if it can last five months, it would be impressive.
What More can We Expect
The smart lock can hugely benefit from the Airbnb and ADT Plus compatibility added to its ecosystem to expand its user base. Matter support would be another huge plus.
The auto lock mode could have the option for a scheduled time to activate the function, making it more practical. For instance, we prefer autolocking it during the nighttime while keeping to disabled during the daytime.
Another thing we would love to have in the app is the ability to activate the lock when desired. Currently, if there is no activity or motion for some time, the lock goes offline, and remotely accessing the options and other app features is not possible.
The maker could hugely benefit from trimming down the subscription costs or releasing some advanced features from the paid model for wider adaptability and acceptance.
The included doorbell chime could have a built-in battery for use while not being plugged into the port. For people who don’t have a USB wall outlet, the chime is virtually useless as it doesn’t function when not plugged in.
Deal Makers
- The Video Smart Lock is IP65 rated for weather and dust resistance
- The Autolock feature, which locks the door after a set interval, is vital for people who often forget to lock their main door before falling asleep
- Multifunctionality brings the goodness of three different devices to one product in a compact form factor
- Fits easily in old door deadbolts, making the installation easy
- Well-suited for families with multiple users, including family members and housekeeping staff
- Fingerprint unlocking is blazing fast, and the option to add 50 fingerprints is a big plus
- The touchpad is of very good quality and works error-free
- The physical lock/unlock knob on the inside is for people who love the tactile feel
- Temporary access method for use with Airbnb rentals, where you don’t want to grant a user permanent access to the property
- Highly competitive against the Eufy Video Smart Lock range, and that too at an affordable price
- The advanced features of the smart lock are only accessible via a subscription
Also Read: Battle for Contactless Smart Home Security Reveals Philips and Apple Throwing Their Hats in the Ring
Deal Breakers
- The build quality in terms of knockdown or breakage could have been slightly better for complete peace of mind
- Not compatible with 5GHz WiFi networks
- The accompanying doorbell chime doesn’t have a built-in battery for optimized functionality.
- The advanced features of the smart lock are only accessible via a subscription
Verdict
Overall, the Lockzo Video Smart Lock is a well-designed front door security system for home and office. The app is easy to use and set up, while all the security methods work as intended. The multifunctional approach of the device makes it a one-stop solution for all your front door security needs, with no strings attached. The $169 smart security solution is a great buy for modern homes and users who love the freedom of a hands-free approach and remote monitoring.
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