One review specifically praised that the original or landlord key still worked normally after installation.
Pros: Key override reliability, Remote access
Cons: Warranty and support, Bluetooth
Best 2024 Smart Locks for Key override reliability
Release year
Physical key backup and rekeying were praised, especially the hidden keyhole and the convenience of matching existing keys.
Pros: Access logs, Value and Price
Cons: Warranty and support, Wi-Fi
Key override reliability scored well because reviewers appreciated the hidden physical key and backup power options for dead-battery situations.
Pros: Lock/unlock speed, Security features (encryption)
Cons: Door-sense, Keyway quality
Backup key access was treated as a reassuring fallback, especially when paired with the hidden keyhole and other emergency power options.
Pros: Value and Price, Lock/unlock speed
Cons: Existing hardware reuse, Door compatibility (deadbolt fit)
Backup mechanical keys were valued as a practical fallback, especially for power loss.
Pros: Feature additions via updates, Locking reliability
Cons: Door-sense, Auto-relock after failed attempts
The physical keys were a reliable backup in the reviews that discussed them, with one saying they were easy to use and another saying they turned smoothly.
Pros: Touchscreen, Hub requirement
Cons: Camera and doorbell performance, Door-sense
The retained physical key was useful as a fallback and for renters, but one long-term tester still ended up carrying keys because smart unlocking was not fast enough.
Pros: Locking motor, Physical attack resistance
Cons: Fingerprint, Battery