Should you stick with a classic deadbolt or upgrade to a smart lock? It's one of the most common questions we get. The good news: it's not really either/or.
The classic deadbolt
A deadbolt is a solid metal bolt you throw with a key or thumb-turn. It's the single best mechanical upgrade for a door, and a grade-1 deadbolt resists kicks and pries far better than a knob lock.
- Pros: rock-solid reliability, no batteries, lowest cost, excellent forced-entry resistance.
- Cons: you still carry a key, and you can still get locked out.
The smart lock
A smart lock adds keyless entry — codes, your phone, or auto-unlock — plus guest access and activity logs. Most quality smart locks are actually smart deadbolts, so you get mechanical strength *and* convenience.
- Pros: no key to lose, shareable codes for guests or cleaners, remote lock/unlock, entry history.
- Cons: needs batteries (and Wi-Fi for remote features), higher cost, and it should be installed and aligned correctly to work reliably.
Myth: smart locks are less secure
A good smart lock is built on a real deadbolt, so its physical security matches a traditional one. The weak point is usually the door and frame, not the lock type — reinforce the strike plate and you're in great shape either way.
So which should you get?
For most LA homes, the best setup is a smart deadbolt on the main entry (convenience where you use it most) and solid grade-1 deadbolts on secondary doors. If you rent, a smart lock with a keyed backup keeps your landlord happy while giving you codes.
Whichever you choose, correct installation matters as much as the hardware. Our residential locksmith team installs and aligns both so the bolt throws smoothly every time.
Related services