Lockly Vision Review: The Swiss Army Knife of Smart Locks
"The Lockly Vision combines a lot of innovative functions in one intelligent lock."
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Fingerprint sensor
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Voice commands
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Digital and real key options
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Extra secure keyboard
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Good battery life
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Difficult to install
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No night vision
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Grainy Camera Footage
The Lockly vision currently offers more features than any other Smart Lock on the market. At $ 400, it's a little bit more than we are used to from an intelligent lock, but it offers so many great features that it can be worth it if you want quality and versatility. Here is everything I learned trying out this lock at home.
Lock options galore
Many smart locks have only a few functions for locking and unlocking. The Lockly Vision has six. Regardless of your smart lock style, you've covered this lock. You can lock or unlock it using the app, a PIN number on the keyboard, a key, your fingerprint, voice control with Alexa or Google Assistant, or digital keys that you can share with others through the app.
The problem with other locks that have a keyboard is that your fingers will eventually stain the numbers you use for your PIN, making it a little bit easier for a thief to find out your code. I think it's pretty awesome that the vision mixes the numbers on the keyboard so that the numbers are in a different area each time you tap the pad. No other lock on the market does this. There are also three numbers per key. Even if someone looks over your shoulder while entering your PIN, they cannot find out. As a precaution, the lock switches to safe mode after three successive failed attempts and the camera records videos of whoever is standing at the door. The correct code must be entered twice, or a fingerprint must be used to exit Safe Mode.
Lockly
Another outstanding feature is the fingerprint sensor. This sensor can perform a 3D scan and store up to 99 different fingerprints. The 3D design prevents potential crooks from holding an image of your fingerprint for the scan. The sensor can actually tell the difference between a finger and an image. I loved that it quickly scanned and unlocked the door with just one touch.
The digital keys can be adjusted so that they only work for a certain time. Even better, these keys work when the lock is not connected to the internet. This is very useful if your home's internet service is faulty. Of course, if you don't trust digital keys, you can always use real ones. The keyhole has a small cover when not in use, which gives the whole device an elegant look.
Doorbell camera comfort
Unlike most other intelligent locks, the Vision has an integrated doorbell camera that offers another level of security. You can go to the app, tap the camera and see who is at your door. While viewing the livestream, you can start a video recording, call for help, or operate the lock. You can also hear the person at your door and speak to them using the two-way audio function. I found the sound loud and clear.
For $ 400 I expected more from the camera. The pictures, both in HD mode and normal mode, weren't fantastic when compared to a special video doorbell like the Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus, but they were still decent. The footage was a bit pixelated. However, there wasn't much curvature or "fisheye" distortion around the edges of the picture, so that was nice.
Another problem I had with the camera is that there is no night vision. Basically you have to leave the light on your veranda switched on, otherwise it cannot “see” anyone or anything in front of your door. When the light on the porch was on, the black and white material was grainy, but I could still see what I was seeing. This is not uncommon for smart lock / doorbell camera combinations. Another combo lock, the Gate All-In-One, has no night vision, for example. However, like the Arlo video doorbell, a stand-alone doorbell camera of the top class usually has night vision.
The field of vision is also limited. While you can see the faces of the visitors, you cannot see if there is a package on your porch. In contrast to many doorbell cameras, it also does not have recognition functions that can draw your attention to a person, an animal or a package on your veranda. In addition, you cannot adjust the area where the camera records.
Long installation
The only thing that really annoyed me about the vision was the installation. I have to admit, I had to grit my teeth and just swear a little in the end.
There are 52 steps before you can get this lock working.
Most Smart Locks have the installation guide in the app, but not this. You need to download the separate BILT app and then search for the vision lock to get the installation instructions. The quick start guide that came with the lock provides basic instructions, but they're not particularly good.
Alina Bradford / Digital Trends
There are also 52 steps before you can get this lock working. If you don't have much patience (like me), the installation of this lock will frustrate you. It takes about 30 minutes from start to finish for a level-headed person or a little longer if you are an impatient person like me.
Why are there so many steps to installing the vision? In addition to the actual lock, the Vision also requires a door sensor attached to the door frame and a connected Vision Connect hub. You need the hub for the camera and voice command functions to work. I would mention that the time it takes to install the lock here is just as long / long as installing a separate door lock and a video doorbell.
Battery life
My biggest problem with smart locks is when the batteries are empty. Who really wants to maintain their door lock frequently? I was happy to learn that the vision can last up to 1 year with a set of fresh AA batteries. I really hoped there would be a rechargeable battery, but smart locks don't usually have this option, so I can't be too upset. After about a week of using the lock, the battery level is still 100% according to the app. This is comforting to know, as video streaming usually discharges the battery, but we're still excited to see how it works after a month.
Our opinion
The Lockly vision seems to have it all. It offers countless automation options, a camera, two-way audio, a keyboard, a key option and even a fingerprint sensor. While most of the features were fantastic, I was a little disappointed with the camera. It was just not very clear and the lack of night vision worried me. Overall, however, I think that anyone who buys the vision will be very happy with it. It's an innovative Smart Lock in almost every way, and even if the camera isn't the best, it's still a nice addition to a fantastic Smart Lock.
Is there a better alternative?
When it comes to Smart Lock functions, no. On the other hand, great doorbell cameras like the Ring Video Doorbell 2 or the Arlo Video Doorbell in combination with a cheaper Smart Lock like August Wi-Fi Smart Lock or the Nest X Yale Lock can be a good option if you are concerned about that Camera.
Will it take?
The Lockly Vision is very robust and works at temperatures from -4 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. So it seems that it lasts a very long time. There is also a limited 5-year warranty on mechanics and finish, and a 2-year warranty on electronics.
Should you buy it
Yes. If you can afford the price, this is a fantastic smart lock if you can live with mediocre camera quality.
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