In recent years, with the continuous advancement of technology, more and more people, especially the younger generation, are using home smart locks, primarily due to their convenience. However, whether online or in physical stores, we often notice a huge price gap in the home smart lock and fingerprint lock market! Some are priced in the hundreds of dollars, while others can cost over a thousand dollars. So, where do these differences come from?
1. Security
The primary function of a smart lock is security! In China, the lock cylinder standard for anti-theft doors is divided into A, B, and C levels. Among these three levels, C-level locks are the highest in security. Currently, most home smart locks on the market use C-level lock cylinders, which means their starting price is higher than that of regular mechanical locks. In terms of price, the cost of hardware such as the motherboard, fingerprint module, and password module naturally contributes to a higher cost.
2. Brand Premium
There are many well-known brands in the home smart lock market, with many appliance brands also entering this space. Building a brand requires significant advertising costs, which are then added to the product's price. As a result, products from well-known brands are often priced much higher than those with similar functionality from less-known brands. In fact, many well-known brand products are made by OEM manufacturers, and once branded and marketed, the price can be two to three times higher than that of non-branded products.
For those who do not prioritize brand but seek high-quality products, this is actually a false dilemma. The quality of a product is judged by the user experience. The Chinese brand JJR, for example, has long been an OEM manufacturer for high-end brands, producing various smart locks and fingerprint locks. Their products have withstood the market's test. Now, with a focus on the domestic market, they have significantly reduced the price premium, making their products both affordable and high-quality.
3. Functionality
Home smart locks today offer a wide range of features. Earlier, they were just fingerprint or password-based locks, but now there are options with face recognition, video intercom, magnetic card unlocking, key unlocking, temporary password unlocking, and multiple unlocking combinations. With more functions added, the price naturally increases.
A good example is the new DLR-1 from China JJR, which is equipped with nine different unlocking methods. What I find most attractive is the remote unlocking feature. If my family visits unexpectedly, I can unlock the door for them, which is very convenient, and the price is also very affordable.
4. Build Quality
Cheaper smart locks are generally made of plastic, while more expensive ones are made from metal or tempered glass. When these locks are placed together, the difference is obvious at first glance. A simple touch or weigh reveals the significant difference in the feel and quality. The fingerprint locks from China JJR, for example, use materials like aluminum alloy and aerospace-grade aluminum, which reduce vibration when opening the door and provide a more comfortable experience. Therefore, JJR, which focuses on product quality, is more willing to invest in high-quality materials.
Additionally, I would like to remind everyone to set a budget before choosing a home smart lock and then look at the features and brands you want. There are many options from both major and niche brands, so you are sure to find a product that meets your satisfaction.
