Traditional vs. Biometric Locks: The Pros and Cons

The entire spectrum of traditional and biometric locks is quite vast and the comparison can get a little perplexing. It is necessary to look at the basics, including technology, safety & security, ease of use and viability. It should be noted that biometric locks and smart locks are not the same. Smart locks can be operated with a password or digital key. You can operate smart locks using a smartphone or a remote. Biometric locks can be considered as a more advanced version of smart locks. They are not based on radio frequency identification or infrared. Biometric locks use fingerprints, retina scan or facial recognition technology. Biometric locks can use more than one form of scan or recognition technology. It can use fingerprint with voice recognition, facial and retina recognition, all at the same time if such a solution is chosen. Let us explore the pros and cons of traditional vs. biometric locks.

Cost of Traditional vs. Biometric Locks

This is the most obvious difference and traditional locks will always win this battle. Biometric locks are not inexpensive. You would have to spend a fair sum of money for quality traditional locks but biometric locks would always cost more. There are some biometric locks that cost less than a hundred bucks but they are not the best. If you want quality biometric locks then you must spend a few hundred bucks. Additionally, if you ever need professional help with your locks, you may find yourself thinking “man, it’s awfully hard to find a locksmith near me that has the tools and knowhow to work with biometric locks!” You might have to look for one who’s specialized in biometric locks which may end up costing more money.

Safety & Security of Traditional vs. Biometric Locks

Biometric locks are more difficult to pick. Traditional locks can always be compromised with the right tools. The only way biometric locks can be compromised is if someone has access to your fingerprint. This may seem doable in movies and quite easy in shows on television. In reality, biometric locks are truly safe and secured. Besides, you can always have traditional locks and biometric locks for additional security. You do not have to completely forego traditional locks if you are choosing biometric locks.

Compatibility of Traditional vs. Biometric Locks

This is one of the more complicated aspects of assessing the pros and cons of traditional vs. biometric locks. Not all doors will be naturally compatible with biometric locks. You may have to upgrade your door so it works well with a biometric system. It would be futile to have a biometric lock when all one needs to do is power their way through the door or just compromise it with a handheld drill. Many biometric locks come with integrated alarm systems that will notify the local law enforcement when someone tries to override the system, with force or digitally. Biometric locks rely on electricity or power to operate. The locks would be inaccessible if there is no power. You may remain locked out if you do not have any power backup. Some biometric locks, especially the cheaper ones, may fail when there is no power, thereby rendering the door unlocked or compromised.

Biometric locks are easy to use. There are no keys so you cannot misplace them or get locked out. Biometric locks have a profile for every user so you would know precisely when someone has accessed a door.