There’s a particular kind of low-grade panic that sets in when you’re standing in the pouring rain, juggling grocery bags, and you can’t find your house keys. I’ve been there. My pockets feel like empty voids, my bag a bottomless pit. Did I leave them on the counter? In the car? This daily ritual of key-fumbling felt archaic, a frustrating final hurdle after a long day. Beyond the inconvenience, there was the nagging worry: Did I remember to lock the door this morning? Who has a spare key, and can I truly trust them? Granting temporary access to a dog walker or a contractor involved a clunky key hand-off or hiding a key under the mat—a solution that feels less secure every time you do it. The traditional lock and key, a system we’ve relied on for centuries, suddenly felt incredibly limiting and vulnerable in a modern, connected world. I knew there had to be a better way to manage the most important entry point to my home.
- 🔒 NEVER GET LOCKED OUT AGAIN with Multiple Secure Ways to Access Your Home: Via Secure APP Fingerprint Touch ID Keypad Code Card Fob Key Traditional Key
- 🏃♂️ EXTREMELY CONVENIENT FOR THOSE WITH BUSY LIVES - Simply Close Your Door and it Will Auto Lock Behind You OR Manually Lock Your Door By...
What to Consider Before Buying a Smart Deadbolt
A smart deadbolt is more than just a gadget; it’s a key solution for modernizing your home’s security and convenience. It transforms your front door from a simple barrier into an intelligent access point. The primary benefit is the freedom from physical keys, eliminating the risk of lost or stolen keys and the hassle of getting copies made. It provides peace of mind through features like remote locking/unlocking, auto-locking, and detailed access logs, allowing you to know who is entering your home and when, from anywhere in the world. This technology empowers homeowners, rental property managers, and families with a level of control and oversight that was previously unimaginable.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the daily juggle of a busy household, a property manager needing to grant temporary access remotely, or anyone who values the integration of home security with their digital life. If you have kids who get home from school before you do, or you frequently have guests, a smart lock is a game-changer. However, it might not be suitable for those who are uncomfortable with app-based technology or live in an area with unreliable internet or power (though most models, including this one, have battery and physical key backups). For those seeking pure mechanical security without any electronic components, a high-security, double-keyed mechanical deadbolt might be a more appropriate, albeit less flexible, alternative.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Before anything else, you must ensure the lock will fit your door. Check your door’s thickness, the backset (the distance from the edge of the door to the center of the hole), and the diameter of the borehole. The LOCKSTAR Smart Door Lock Keyless Entry is designed for simple DIY installation on most standard doors, but a quick measurement can save you a major headache.
- Capacity/Performance: Evaluate the different access methods offered. How many fingerprints can be stored? How many user codes? Look into the battery life and what kind of low-battery warnings the system provides. A key performance metric is the responsiveness of the fingerprint scanner and keypad, as any delay can be frustrating in daily use.
- Materials & Durability: The physical security of the lock is paramount. The LOCKSTAR Smart Door Lock Keyless Entry is made of Zinc, which offers a good balance of strength and corrosion resistance. Consider the finish and whether it will hold up to the weather conditions in your area, especially if it’s not protected by a storm door or overhang.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: The lock should simplify your life, not complicate it. A user-friendly mobile app is critical for managing codes, users, and settings. Maintenance is also a factor; changing batteries should be a simple process, and the lock’s exterior should be easy to clean without damaging the electronics or finish.
Keeping these factors in mind, the LOCKSTAR Smart Door Lock Keyless Entry stands out in several areas. You can explore its detailed specifications here.
While the LOCKSTAR Smart Door Lock Keyless Entry is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- KEYED DEADBOLT: Use on doors requiring a high level of security, turn piece interior locking, exterior locking using a key. Recommended for exterior-facing...
- ANYWHERE ACCESS: With built-in WiFi compatibility, you can easily and securely connect your Schlage Encode Deadbolt to your home WiFi network to control...
- Ansi Grade-3 Security Single Cylinder Deadbolt With Decorative Turn-Piece.Note: Measure your door's backset, cross bore and thickness to ensure you find...
First Impressions: A Complete Security System in a Single Box
Upon unboxing the LOCKSTAR Smart Door Lock Keyless Entry, the first thing we noticed was the thoughtful, all-inclusive packaging. Many smart home devices require you to purchase a separate hub or bridge for Wi-Fi connectivity, but LOCKSTAR includes the necessary Wi-Fi Gateway right in the box. This immediately signals a commitment to a seamless user experience. The components themselves feel substantial; the zinc alloy construction gives the lock a reassuring heft and a premium feel, and the matte black finish is sleek and modern, designed to resist fingerprints and smudges. What truly surprised us was the inclusion of all necessary tools, including a screwdriver and even a drill piece. As confirmed by numerous users, this isn’t just a lock; it’s a complete installation kit. One user noted it was “crazy how easy it was to install,” a sentiment we shared after our own setup. The instructions are remarkably clear, supplemented by video links, ensuring that even a DIY novice can approach the installation with confidence. It’s a stark contrast to other products that can leave you scrambling for the right tool or an extra component mid-installation.
Key Benefits
- Five versatile entry methods provide ultimate flexibility (Fingerprint, Code, Fob, App, Key)
- All-inclusive package with Wi-Fi Gateway and installation tools included
- Exceptionally responsive and personal customer service
- Robust and user-friendly app with remote management and access logs
- Simple, straightforward DIY installation for most standard doors
Potential Drawbacks
- Keypad can occasionally be unresponsive on first touch, requiring a second tap to wake
- Some door frames may require minor drilling to ensure a perfect fit for the deadbolt
Deep Dive: A Feature-by-Feature Performance Analysis
After several weeks of rigorous testing, living with the LOCKSTAR Smart Door Lock Keyless Entry day in and day out, we’ve explored every feature and pushed its capabilities. This isn’t just about whether it locks and unlocks; it’s about how it integrates into your life, enhances your security, and simplifies your daily routines. From the installation to the app’s performance, here’s our detailed breakdown.
Installation and Setup: A True DIY Project
LOCKSTAR promises a simple, DIY installation, and in our experience, it absolutely delivers. The company has gone to great lengths to demystify the process. The included 21-page user manual is well-documented, and the QR code linking to a step-by-step video tutorial is a fantastic touch for visual learners. We found the claim that it takes about half an hour to be accurate for a standard door with an existing deadbolt. As one user happily reported, “it was honestly that easy.” The package includes everything you might need, right down to the screwdriver, which is a thoughtful inclusion that many brands overlook.
During our installation, we did encounter a common scenario mentioned by another user: the deadbolt hole in our door frame was slightly too shallow for the new, more substantial bolt to fully extend and engage the auto-lock feature correctly. This required us to drill out the hole just a tiny bit. Far from being a negative, we agree with the user’s assessment that this is “probably a good thing as the previous deadbolt was rather shallow and would have been easier to break open.” The LOCKSTAR’s robust bolt inspires more confidence. The inclusion of a drill piece for this exact purpose shows incredible foresight from the company. Once the hardware was in place, connecting the lock to the app and setting up the Wi-Fi Gateway was just as effortless. The app walks you through each step, and we had the entire system online in minutes.
The Five-Fold Path to Entry: Unmatched Flexibility and Performance
The true genius of the LOCKSTAR Smart Door Lock Keyless Entry is its sheer versatility. Offering five distinct access methods means there’s a perfect solution for every person and every situation. We tested each one extensively.
Fingerprint Touch ID: This quickly became our favorite and most-used method. The sensor is conveniently located at the top of the unit, and its accuracy is outstanding. We registered several fingerprints, and it recognized them almost instantly, unlocking in under a second. This is the epitome of convenience—no codes to remember, no fobs to carry. User feedback overwhelmingly confirms this, with one long-term owner stating, “by far my favorite option fingerprint gives you so much flexibility.” It’s perfect for getting in quickly when your hands are full.
Keypad Code: The touchscreen keypad is sleek and remains invisible until touched, which prevents onlookers from easily guessing your code by studying fingerprint smudges. We found generating codes through the app to be incredibly intuitive. You can create permanent codes for family, timed codes for guests, or even one-time codes for deliveries. This is a huge asset for rental property owners or anyone needing to grant revocable access. We did note the one quirk mentioned by a reviewer: occasionally, the keypad needs a second tap to “wake up” before it reliably registers input. While a minor inconvenience, it worked perfectly on the second try every time this occurred.
Card FOB: The lock comes with small RFID fobs that are perfect for attaching to a keychain. This method proved to be 100% reliable in our tests. As one user pointed out, it’s an ideal solution for individuals who might struggle with technology or remembering codes, such as an elderly parent. You simply tap the fob to the designated spot on the lock, and it opens instantly. It’s a simple, effective, and secure alternative.
Mobile App & Wi-Fi Control: Thanks to the included Wi-Fi Gateway, the mobile app is your command center. Whether you’re at the office or on vacation, you can lock or unlock your door with a single tap. The app also allows you to issue “eKeys” to others, granting them app-based access for specific periods. But perhaps its most powerful feature is the comprehensive event history, which provides a real-time log of every lock and unlock event, detailing who accessed the door and how. For parents wanting to know when their kids get home, this feature provides invaluable peace of mind.
Traditional Key: For ultimate reassurance, there’s always the traditional key. Tucked away behind a small cover, the keyhole provides a failsafe mechanical override in the event of a total battery failure or electronic malfunction. Knowing you’ll never be truly locked out, no matter what, is a critical feature that LOCKSTAR wisely included.
Customer Support That Sets a New Standard
In the world of consumer electronics, post-purchase support is often an afterthought. This is where LOCKSTAR doesn’t just excel; it creates a new benchmark. The user reviews are filled with glowing testimonials, almost all of them mentioning the company’s owner, Paul, by name. This is not an anonymous call center; it’s direct, personal, and incredibly effective support. We decided to test this ourselves by texting the provided number with a setup question. Just like the reviews described, we received a prompt, helpful, and friendly response. One user recounted how Paul spent a significant amount of time walking them through setup on a weekend. Another who experienced a lock malfunction after a few months of use was amazed when the support team “within 24 hours… solved my issue.” This level of commitment from a company is exceedingly rare and builds immense trust. When you buy the LOCKSTAR Smart Door Lock Keyless Entry, you’re not just buying a piece of hardware; you’re gaining a support system that genuinely stands behind its product.
What Other Users Are Saying
Across the board, the sentiment from other users mirrors our own positive experience. The ease of installation is a recurring theme, with many, even those who aren’t particularly handy, expressing surprise at how quickly they could get the lock up and running. A user named Angel, who purchased two locks, stated simply, “The locks are great, very happy with my purchase. They work as advertised.”
The flexibility of the multiple entry methods is another point of high praise. One homeowner shared how it was a “game changer for our family,” while another who moved into a new townhome loves that she can assign individual codes to her nieces and nephews to “know exactly who raided my refrigerator on any given day.” However, the feedback isn’t without its critiques, which provides a balanced picture. One user who installed the lock on an out-of-town building noted that while it worked reliably for them, temporary guests sometimes “struggled to get it to unlock with the pad,” suggesting a slight learning curve for the keypad’s quirks. Another user experienced an issue where the lock “seemingly died and locked us out,” which is certainly a concern. But in the same review, they updated it to praise the “top notch customer service” that walked them through a fix, concluding they “wouldn’t hesitate to purchase from this company again.” This pattern is clear: while no electronic device is perfect, LOCKSTAR’s incredible support system turns potential disasters into positive experiences.
How Does the LOCKSTAR Smart Door Lock Keyless Entry Compare to Alternatives?
The smart lock market is crowded, but the LOCKSTAR Smart Door Lock Keyless Entry holds its own by offering a complete, feature-rich package. Here’s how it compares to some other options you might be considering.
1. Dermum Keyless Entry Smart Lock with Handle & Keypad
- [Use Scenarios] Suitable for entry doors, bedroom doors, garage doors, office doors, and more; easily use the smart app to remotely generate or remove...
- [Smart Door Lock] Receive real-time unlocking notifications, view access logs and check lock status through the smart app anytime, anywhere for peace of...
The Dermum smart lock is a strong contender, with its primary differentiator being the inclusion of a matching door handle. This creates a unified, single-piece look that can be very appealing for new door installations or for those wanting to replace their entire handle set. It offers many similar features, including fingerprint, code, fob, and app access. However, the LOCKSTAR’s value proposition shines with its included Wi-Fi bridge, which is often a separate purchase for other brands. While Dermum provides an all-in-one aesthetic with the handle, LOCKSTAR focuses on providing a complete connectivity package out of the box, making it a potentially better value for users who prioritize remote access over a bundled handle.
2. Rulart Double Keyed Deadbolt Lock Satin Stainless Steel
- 🔐Excellent function: lock and unlock by turning the outer key or the inner key, and the hard latch escorts your safety.Please note that the key of each...
- 🔐Extra security:Solid copper cylinder keyhole, solid steel latch, high security, with anti-pry and anti-collision function, suitable for the door that...
The Rulart deadbolt represents a completely different approach to security. This is a purely mechanical, non-smart lock. Its main feature is being double-keyed, meaning it requires a key to be locked or unlocked from both the inside and the outside. This is often used for doors with glass panels to prevent an intruder from breaking the glass and simply turning a thumb-turn to unlock the door. This lock is for someone who prioritizes traditional, physical security and has no interest in the convenience or connectivity of a smart lock. The LOCKSTAR is for a completely different user—one who wants smart features, remote access, and multiple keyless entry options.
3. PHILIPS Touchscreen Fingerprint Door Lock
- Fingerprint Door Lock: This Philips keyless entry door lock uses a biometric fingerprint scanner with an accuracy rate of up to 99.99%. It takes just 0.3...
- Unlimited One-Time PIN Code: Featuring unlimited one-time PIN code functionality, this digital door lock allow you to generate unique, single-use access...
Coming from a globally recognized brand like Philips, this lock offers a sleek design and core smart lock features like fingerprint access, a touchscreen keypad, and auto-locking. It competes directly with LOCKSTAR on many fronts. However, the user feedback for LOCKSTAR points to a significant advantage in customer support. Dealing with a small, dedicated business often results in a more personal and responsive service experience compared to a large multinational corporation. Furthermore, the LOCKSTAR package includes fobs and the Wi-Fi gateway, ensuring all its features are usable from day one, which may not always be the case with competitors without purchasing additional accessories.
The Final Verdict: Should You Buy the LOCKSTAR Smart Door Lock Keyless Entry?
After extensive hands-on testing and analysis of real-world user feedback, we can confidently say that the LOCKSTAR Smart Door Lock Keyless Entry is an exceptional product that delivers on its promises. It successfully combines robust physical security with the unparalleled convenience of modern technology. The five distinct entry methods provide a solution for every possible scenario, making it one of the most versatile smart locks we’ve reviewed. While the keypad has a minor quirk, its overall performance is solid, and the speed of the fingerprint reader is truly impressive.
What elevates this lock from being merely good to truly great is the all-in-one package and the phenomenal customer support. The inclusion of the Wi-Fi Gateway and all necessary installation tools provides tremendous value, and knowing that a responsive, helpful team is just a text message away provides peace of mind that is priceless. If you are looking to ditch your keys, enhance your home’s security, and simplify your daily life, the LOCKSTAR Smart Door Lock Keyless Entry is an outstanding choice that we wholeheartedly recommend.
If you’ve decided the LOCKSTAR Smart Door Lock Keyless Entry is the right fit, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API