Smart locks are becoming increasingly popular as people look for more convenient and secure ways to access their homes. Two of the top brands in smart locks are Ultraloq and Eufy.
But which one is better? This comprehensive guide examines the key features, pros, cons, and differences between Ultraloq and Eufy smart locks.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Ultraloq | Eufy |
| Installation | Easy DIY installation | Requires professional installation |
| Compatibility | Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit | Only works with Alexa, Google Assistant |
| Connectivity | WiFi/Bluetooth/NFC | WiFi/Bluetooth |
| Battery Life | Up to 1 year | Up to 6 months |
| Lock Types | Deadbolt, U-bolt, Mortise, Lever | Only deadbolt |
| Smart Keypad | Yes | No |
| Auto-lock | Yes | No |
| Fingerprint Scanner | Yes | No |
| Alarm | 110 dB alarm | No alarm |
| Price | $$$ | $ |
Overview of Ultraloq Locks
Ultraloq is a relatively new company that focuses exclusively on smart locks. Their lock lineup includes UL3, U-Bolt, and Smart Lever models which are all app-enabled and work with the major smart home platforms.
Key Features
- Easy DIY installation – Ultraloq locks use a universal design that fits on most standard doors without any drilling or wiring required. Installation takes under 20 minutes even for beginners.
- Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit compatibility – Control your Ultraloq lock using voice commands with any of the major smart home platforms.
- WiFi/Bluetooth connectivity – Remotely lock/unlock your door from anywhere when connected to WiFi. Bluetooth allows control when offline.
- 1 year battery life – The included batteries last up to 12 months before needing to be replaced. Low battery notifications let you know when it’s time.
- Smart keypad – Enter backup codes or set timed access codes for visitors without needing your phone.
- Auto-lock – Ultraloq will automatically re-lock after 30 seconds to prevent the door being left unlocked.
- Fingerprint scanner – Register multiple fingerprints to unlock your door seamlessly. More secure than using codes.
- Activity tracking – Review a log of all door activity via the app to see who has entered and when.
- 110dB alarm – Ultraloq locks feature a loud alarm that triggers after too many wrong code entries to deter intruders.
Pros
- DIY installation takes under 20 minutes
- Works with all major smart home platforms
- Long 1 year battery life for fewer replacements
- Fingerprint scanner for keyless entry
- Auto-lock ensures your door is always locked
- Activity tracking provides security and peace of mind
Cons
- More expensive than some competing smart locks
- WiFi connectivity can be spotty at times
- Minimal design customization options
- Alarm may trigger accidentally
Overview of Eufy Smart Locks
Eufy is Anker’s smart home brand, best known for their security cameras. Their smart lock lineup focuses on simplicity and affordability.
Key Features
- Professional installation required – Eufy locks must be installed by a locksmith or handyman. The process takes 1-2 hours.
- Alexa and Google Assistant voice control – Eufy locks work with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice commands.
- WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity – Control your Eufy lock remotely via WiFi or Bluetooth when offline.
- 6 month battery life – The 4 AA batteries must be replaced every 6 months. Low battery notifications alert you when running low.
- Deadbolt only – Eufy currently only offers smart deadbolt models. No lever or mortise options available.
- No smart keypad – Unlock Eufy locks via the app or Bluetooth proximity. No codes or fingerprints.
- No auto-lock – There is no auto-lock feature on Eufy deadbolts. The lock remains in the last state.
- No alarm – Eufy locks do not have any alarms that sound when someone tampers with the lock.
- Basic activity tracking – The app shows a basic log of lock/unlock activity without details.
Pros
- Simple installation via a professional
- Good for basic smart home integration
- Affordable price point
- Decent WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity
- No frills, easy to use
Cons
- Professional installation is expensive
- No Apple HomeKit support
- Short 6 month battery life
- No smart keypad, auto-lock, alarm
- Minimal features beyond basics
Also Read: Comaparison Between the Lockly Secure Pro and Secure Plus
Detailed Comparison Between Ultraloq and Eufy
Now that we’ve covered the basic pros and cons of each lock system, let’s do a deep dive into the major factors that differentiate Ultraloq and Eufy smart locks.
- Installation and Compatibility
One of the biggest differences between Ultraloq and Eufy locks becomes immediately apparent at installation. Ultraloq locks are designed for easy DIY installation that takes less than 20 minutes.
As long as you have a standard deadbolt door lock, you can simply remove your existing lock and install an Ultraloq in just a few steps with the included tool and instructions.
Eufy on the other hand requires full professional installation. This means you’ll need to schedule time with a locksmith or handyman and pay for 1-2 hours of labor at their hourly rate. For many homeowners, this extra cost and hassle of arranging installation is prohibitive.
When it comes to smart home compatibility, Ultraloq works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit for full integration and voice control.
Eufy locks unfortunately only work with Alexa and Google Assistant. So iPhone owners will miss out on the convenience of Siri voice commands and Apple HomeKit scenes/automations.
- Connectivity
Both Ultraloq and Eufy locks offer WiFi connectivity when in range of your home router to enable remote control via the smartphone app. This allows you to lock or unlock your door no matter where you are.
They also both use Bluetooth as a secondary connectivity option for when WiFi is unavailable. Bluetooth allows you to unlock the door when nearby or control it directly through the lock’s keypad or handle.
Ultraloq gains an edge with the addition of NFC connectivity that lets you unlock the door by tapping your phone or NFC enabled card. Eufy lacks this convenient alternative option.
In terms of reliability, Ultraloq’s WiFi connection seems to be more stable and longer range compared to reports of spotty WiFi connectivity with some Eufy models. This likely comes down to antenna design and build quality.
- Battery Life
The batteries on smart locks will need to be periodically replaced, so battery life is an important factor.
Ultraloq locks last up to 1 year on a set of 4 AA lithium batteries. This gives you peace of mind that you won’t be constantly having to recharge or replace the batteries. Low battery notifications will prompt you when it’s time.
Eufy batteries need to be swapped every 6 months, giving you only half the battery life. You’ll get a low power warning when the 4 AA batteries are running low. Frequent battery replacements can get annoying.
In the battery life department, Ultraloq is the clear winner thanks to the impressive 1 year runtime. Replacing batteries annually instead of biannually is much more convenient.
- Lock Types
Ultraloq offers a lot more variety when it comes to lock types and what’s compatible with their smart lock system.
You can purchase an Ultraloq conversion kit for installing onto your existing deadbolt, U-bolt, or mortise lock. They also sell a standalone smart lever lock for doors that just have a handleset.
Eufy on the other hand only sells retrofit smart deadbolt locks. There are no options for mortise, U-bolt, or lever style locks. This severely limits the doors, lock types, and installation scenarios that Eufy will work for.
Ultraloq is the much more flexible option that can accommodate almost any standard door lock. Eufy locks will only work in replacing an existing deadbolt.
- Smart Keypad
One handy feature included on all Ultraloq locks is the backlit smart keypad. This lets you unlock your door by entering a code, without needing your phone or keys.
You can set permanent backup codes as well as temporary timed access codes for visitors like dog walkers, repair workers, house cleaners, etc.
The smart keypad also has a cover to protect the buttons when not in use.
Eufy locks do not have an external smart keypad. The only way to unlock them is via the smartphone app, Bluetooth proximity, or physically with a key.
If your phone has no signal, you’ll be locked out without a way to enter a code on the lock itself. The smart keypad is a useful fallback option that Ultraloq provides.
- Auto Lock and Alarm
Ultraloq locks have two handy security features not found on Eufy models: auto-lock and a built-in alarm.
The auto-lock functionality ensures that your door will automatically re-lock after 30 seconds. This gives you the convenience of not having to manually lock up, while preventing you from accidentally leaving the door unlocked.
Eufy locks stay in whatever state they were last left in, with no auto-lock capabilities. You have to be diligent about manually locking your door every time.
Ultraloq locks also feature a 110 decibel alarm that will sound after 5 failed unlock attempts. This extremely loud alarm is designed to deter potential burglars from trying to forcibly gain entry.
Eufy locks don’t have any kind of alarm, so there’s no deterrent for someone trying to break in by guessing codes or tampering with the lock.
- Fingerprint Scanner
For easy keyless entry, Ultraloq locks provide the option of using the built-in fingerprint scanner to unlock your door with the touch of a finger.
You can register multiple fingerprints for family members, avoiding the need to enter codes. The capacitive fingerprint sensor also works reliably in any weather conditions.
Eufy locks don’t support fingerprint unlocking. The only options are to manually unlock with your key or use smartphone proximity unlock when in Bluetooth range.
Fingerprint unlocking is convenient for everyday use. Ultraloq makes accessing your home seamless while still maintaining security.
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- Activity Tracking
The Ultraloq app provides detailed activity tracking showing the history of every lock and unlock – whether done manually, remotely, or by code.
You can see the method of entry along with a timestamp and history of who entered when. This helps provide peace of mind and security.
Eufy’s app only shows basic activity tracking with date and time, but no details on the method of entry or any identifiers. You get a simple log of doors opening and closing.
Ultraloq’s more granular activity detail is useful both for reviewing security access as well as understanding usage patterns.
- Price
When it comes to price, Eufy locks are generally cheaper than Ultraloq, by $50-100 depending on the model.
For example, the Eufy Touch Smart Lock retails around $150-200 whereas the comparable Ultraloq UL3 is priced around $250.
The price difference comes down to the fewer features with Eufy locks, less premium build quality, and lack of flexibility compared to Ultraloq’s wide range of lock types.
Overall Ultraloq offers better value considering the longer battery life, wider compatibility, and security focused features lacking on Eufy. But Eufy is the budget-friendly option.
Also Read: Choose Between Schlage Camelot And Century Smart Locks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ultraloq locks are designed and tested in the USA. Manufacturing takes place in China under strict quality control supervision by Utah-based Ultraloq to keep costs affordable. The locks are compliant with advanced US security standards.
Ultraloq locks use the highest grade 256-bit AES encryption to secure all data and communications with your lock. Ultraloq’s security architecture has been audited and verified by third party security firms. The locks also offer tamper-proofing, alarm deterrents, and robust locking mechanisms rated to the highest residential security standards.
There are several leading smart lock brands like Yale, Schlage and Kwikset known for their track records in high quality mechanical locks. For smart locks specifically, top brands would include Ultraloq, August, and Level Lock. Ultraloq stands above for its ease of installation, versatile design, long battery life, wide compatibility, and focus on seamless security.
Yes, you can still unlock an Ultraloq even without WiFi connectivity or mobile signal by using the built-in keypad to enter your access code. You can also unlock with your fingerprint or via Bluetooth proximity unlock when within a few feet of the lock. This redundancy ensures you are never locked out.
Also Read: Comparison Between Brinks and Schlage
Final Thoughts
When comparing Ultraloq vs Eufy smart locks, Ultraloq emerges as the better choice overall for most homes.
The easy DIY installation, universal compatibility, long 1 year battery life, auto-lock and alarms, activity tracking, and flexibility of lock types make Ultraloq a great investment.
Eufy locks are more limited with fewer features and compatibility issues, but provide a budget-friendly entry point for basic smart locks.
Ultimately, choosing the right lock depends on your specific needs and home setup. But for a balance of convenience, security and value, Ultraloq locks are hard to beat.
Considering their comprehensive features and capabilities, the higher price over Eufy can easily be justified for many homeowners.