Why Every Modern Home Needs a Smart Lock in 2026

Keys get lost, copied and left under doormats. In 2026 there's a better option. A smart lock lets you open your door with a fingerprint, a code, a card or your phone, and lets you decide exactly who else can get in, and when. Whether you're a homeowner, a landlord or a short-let host, here's why it's worth upgrading.

1. No more lost or copied keys

With a smart lock there's nothing to lose. Your fingerprint is your key, and codes and cards can be cancelled in seconds if someone moves out or a card goes missing. A popular starting point is the TA-HL14 Smart Door Handle, which opens with a fingerprint, a code, a card, the app or a backup key.

Real-world benefit: children come home from school without carrying a key, and you never have to wonder who has a spare.

2. Let people in without being there

Send a cleaner, dog walker or tradesperson a code that only works on the day and at the times you choose. It switches off on its own afterwards, so there's nothing to collect back. Add the Gateway G2 and you can also open the door from anywhere, for example if a delivery arrives while you're at work.

3. Know who came and went

Every unlock is recorded in the app with the time and the person or code used. For families that means peace of mind; for landlords and businesses it means a clear record if a question ever comes up.

4. Built for landlords and hosts

If you let a property or run short lets, smart locks remove key handovers and lockbox codes that never change. Each guest or tenant gets their own access for their own dates. With dryn, our access platform for landlords and hosts, you can manage every lock across all your properties from one place. See our dryn-ready locks.

5. There's a smart lock for almost every door

• Front doors: fingerprint and card locks for wooden and composite doors, including waterproof models like the TA-DL22. Browse front-door locks.
• uPVC doors: a smart cylinder replaces just the cylinder and keeps your existing lock.
• Glass doors: clamp-on glass door locks that need no drilling.
• Bedrooms and offices: smart handles and knobs.
• Gates and outbuildings: surface-mounted rim locks, including waterproof models.

6. What about batteries and lockouts?

Smart locks run on standard batteries that typically last many months, and the app warns you well before they run low. Most models also have a backup key and can be powered from a power bank in an emergency, so a flat battery won't leave you stuck outside.

Ready to upgrade?

Start with our Smart Lock Buying Guide to find the right lock for your door, or browse all door locks. Every order comes with free worldwide delivery and our 100% Money Back Guarantee.