The appeal of smart locks is well-documented here at Locksmith Ledger, as they always rank in our annual State of the Industry Survey as a top product that locksmiths are looking to add to their offerings. In addition to leveraging the latest technologies, such as cloud and biometrics, smart locks offer the end user the convenience and seamless access experience they are looking for, especially in verticals such as education, healthcare, hospitality and multifamily.
“When we think about where we see adoption today, the top markets are very focused around the end user journey, and they are prioritizing the experience of the card holder or the credential holder more than any other attribute in their choice or selection of smart locking technology,” says Bill Wood, president, North America, Salto, in our 2025 Access Control Supplement article on smart locks.
Wood says these markets all have one thing in common because in some aspects of their businesses there is some kind of lodging experience behind the scenes.
“On a college campus, it's student housing, in multifamily residential, it's the tenant, and in hospitality it's the guests at the hotel room,” he explains. “And we also see great promise in healthcare, which is traditionally very focused around compliance, but as the healthcare market is decentralizing away from the hospital setting, the customer journey is becoming more and more important.”
As Brian Telljohann, director of Product Management, Allegion, points out, some of that value comes across differently in each of the vertical markets.
“With multifamily, for example, migrating to electronic access control with a credential now provides both enhanced security and convenience,” he notes. “The tenants with the credential don't have to worry about loss of the brass key, and you have the ability to do some extra things where there's more automation and remote management of the lock.”
From an audit trail to providing property managers with remote management and control often through a cloud-based software platform, there is much that can be achieved as smart locking technology evolves.
“You're adding value and services that come together in a more integrated way, so if you are doing package delivery, or self-touring, or tenant amenities, for example, they are all baked into this enhanced user or tenant experience, which also translates into being able to charge a higher rent,” Telljohann points out. “And that's why we're seeing such a nice adoption in that multifamily market and now in the institutional market, as some of the same values apply, but it's more about scalability and providing credential management security. As you have a large population of users, that could be in the thousands to tens of thousands.”
In the past when locksmiths were converting a door to a smart lock, it would require long hours, drilling and a disruption to the customer, not to mention any issues that may arise during or after the installation process.
“Now I can just simply remove a cylinder, put in an electronic cylinder and I still have the same manual functionality, but now I'm doing it with an electronic key instead of a mechanical key and I have an audit,” he explains. “And in about an hour and a half, any good locksmith can convert that aluminum storefront door to a battery-operated one that now has scheduled functions beyond just being a card reader plus audit. And if you connect that up to what we refer to as an IQ bridge to get it to the Internet, you can have a cloud-based operating system that's up and running on that single door in less than a couple of hours.”
New Smart Lock Products for 2025
In our August New Product issue, several new smart lock products were featured, in addition to several that we have featured in the first half of this year. The following is a look at some of the newest smart lock products for 2025.
Alarm Lock/Napco
Features include scan-and-enroll setup, full admin controls, lockdown, schedules, emergency SMS alerts, and mobile credentials. Provide customers with billable, easy security management options plus real-time alerts and lockdown management.
More info: www.alarmlock.com
Allegion/Schlage
Schlage announced its Schlage Sense Pro Smart Deadbolt and the Schlage Arrive Smart WiFi Deadbolt earlier this year. The Schlage Sense Pro Smart Deadbolt delivers a hands-free unlocking experience that combines ultimate convenience with trusted security and introduces the brand’s latest development of Schlage Converge technology. This feature uses Ultra-Wideband and the user’s paired and authorized personal device to intelligently calculate speed, trajectory and motion, ensuring seamless, intuitive entry that understands intent to enter and unlocks precisely as the user reaches their door. Schlage’s new smart locks offer hands-free unlocking, keypad access code entry, and tap-to-unlock and lock with NFC.
The Schlage Arrive Smart WiFi Deadbolt enhances any exterior door with its blend of simplicity, durability and smart security. As Schlage's first push-button keypad deadbolt equipped with built-in WiFi, the Schlage Arrive Smart WiFi Deadbolt offers effortless code entry, seamlessly integrating with existing smart home technology. Within the app, users can conveniently manage up to 250 access codes for keyless entry, track lock history and receive customized push notifications.
For more information, visit www.allegion.com.
dormakaba
The dormakaba Lyazon cloud API and Saffire EVO Wi-Fi locks enable integration partners to manage access seamlessly through their own user interfaces – mobile or web. Multifamily property managers and residents will enjoy flexible credentialing options (Mobile, RFID, or PIN), real-time events notifications, and remote firmware updates.
The Saffire EVO LZ Series are cloud-connected locks that combine high-performance with aesthetics that seamlessly integrate with building technology providers and amenities for multifamily properties. The Saffire EVO LZ locks provide an easy-to-use, secure, and flexible solution with the benefits of real time connectivity. They include the convenience of using either mobile devices, RFID credentials or secure PINs for access to resident units, common areas and perimeter doors.
More info: www.dormakaba.us
Omnia
With the same reliable functionality as the handlesets, the E-OMNIA deadbolts with a simple understated design feature illuminated keypads, passcode entry, a USB-C port for emergency power, and a low battery indicator. Fingerprint access is available on the deadbolt with an electronic keypad.
All OMNIA designs are available in Pearl Nickel or Matte Black finishes that seamlessly integrate into any type of décor.
More info: www.omniaindustries.com
Kwikset
Kwikset has announced its launch of Halo Select, a smart door lock designed to provide a convenient and versatile residential security solution. Halo Select offers both Wi-Fi and Matter built-in for homeowners seeking flexible, reliable, and integrated smart home security. Choose the connection method that suits you best, and easily switch if your smart home needs evolve.
With the Kwikset app and built-in Wi-Fi (no hub required), Halo Select empowers you to control your front door from anywhere - lock, unlock, and even grant access to guests, all without traditional keys. Homeowners can share access with family or trusted guests through unique codes or in-app, with real-time notifications ensuring they stay informed about who’s coming and going. The lock also integrates geofence technology to intelligently unlock as you approach your home.
By incorporating Matter over Thread, Halo Select integrates seamlessly with all compatible smart home platforms and devices, so you can simplify your life with smart security automations. With Kwikset’s in-app compatibility check and guided setup, the transition to Matter is also simple and stress-free.
More info: www.kwikset.com/halo-select.
Lockly
Lockly’s Visage biometric lock features advanced security features and a thick door kit. You can unlock the Visage using a number of methods: facial recognition, fingerprint, code, phone or RFID tag.
Lockly Visage as an award-winning Wi-Fi smart lock featuring industry-first facial recognition unlocking (stores up to 100 facial images). Combined with radar technology, simply approach your door to unlock. Featuring our latest 3D biometric fingerprint sensor with embedded AI learning, and Apple Home Keys to unlock with iPhone and Apple Watch. Control your door with Siri, Hey Google or Alexa. Lock, unlock and manage through free Lockly Home app without monthly subscription for best-in-class smart home experience.
More info: www.lockly.com
Salto
Salto has launched the new XS4 One S, a next-generation addition to the XS4 One product family and cutting-edge extension of Salto’s smart access ecosystem. Designed for global compatibility and aesthetic versatility, the XS4 One S is a compact yet powerful, universal electronic locking solution that redefines what modern access control can look and feel like.
This new series offers enhanced features and a contemporary square design with sleek reader surfaces, elegant finishes, and durable materials. Compatible with a wide range of global door standards – including Euro, ANSI, and Scandinavian mortise locks – the XS4 One S supports easy installation and seamless retrofitting for both new and existing doors.
It effortlessly integrates with best-in-class access control platforms like Salto Space, Salto KS, and Salto Homelok to deliver a secure and completely keyless experience. Whether using RFID credentials, mobile Digital Keys, or PIN code access, users will benefit from frictionless entry, making this an ideal solution for hospitality, workspaces, education, residential, and commercial settings.
The XS4 One S Series integrates Salto’s signature smart access technologies, including Salto Virtual Network (SVN) and BLUEnet Wireless connectivity.
More info: www.saltosystems.com
Zephyr
Keeping your facilities secure shouldn’t be a hassle. The Breeze is a smarter personal security solution shipped directly to your doorstep. This plug and play locker unit makes a big impact with just a little space. With 27 small, medium, and large lockers, the Breeze is an easy and scalable addition to any common space. Simply choose a spot, plug it into a standard outlet, and it’s ready to operate!
More info: https://www.zephyrsecure.com/breeze/
About the Author
Paul Ragusa
Senior Editor
Paul Ragusa is senior editor for Locksmith Ledger. He has worked as an editor in the security industry for nearly 10 years. He can be reached at [email protected].