Which digital lock is best?
The honest answer is that it depends on your door — but here is what we actually fit, and why.
There is no single best smart lock. There is a best lock for your door, your household and whether you want an app. We fit six brands — McGrath, Lion Head, Lockton, Carbine, Lockwood and Yale — chosen because we can get parts and support for them in Western Australia. That is the filter most review sites do not apply, and it is the one that matters in year three.
- Brands we fit
- McGrath, Lion Head, Lockton, Carbine, Lockwood, Yale
- The filter
- Can it be serviced here in three years?
- Best first step
- A photo of your door edge
- Call
- Amco Locksmiths, 08 9444 2089
How we actually choose
Start with the door, not the brand
Most people start by reading reviews and end up with a lock that will not fit. A solid timber front door takes almost anything. A narrow aluminium screen or a sliding door takes very little. Before the brand matters at all, the door decides the shortlist — which is why we ask for a photo of the door edge first.
Then decide how you want to open it
Code, fingerprint, tag or phone. Code suits nearly everyone. Fingerprint is excellent for children and for anyone who will not remember a code, though it can struggle with wet or worn hands. Tags suit an older parent. The phone is the one people think they want and use least — but it is the one that lets you open the door from work.
Only then, the brand
- McGrath — what we fit most. Good range across timber, narrow stile and fire doors, and well supported here.
- Lion Head — the Luxe series suits slim, sliding and accessible doors. WiFi models need a gateway hub.
- Lockton — built for a Perth summer, weather-rated, with a rekeyable backup cylinder. Supplied through SG Locks.
- Carbine — keyless without an app. If you do not want your front door on the internet, start here.
- Lockwood — upgrades the 001 deadlatch already on half the front doors in Perth, and runs in the Yale Home app.
- Yale — the only one of the six with a digital lock made to match a security screen door.
Why we do not fit the brands you see advertised
Plenty of well-known names sell smart locks in Australia. We do not fit them, not because they are bad, but because we cannot reliably get parts, firmware or support for them here. A lock is a fifteen-year purchase on a door you use every day. The question we ask is not “is it good in a review” but “can somebody in Perth fix this in three years”. That rules a lot out.
What we will not sell you
Camera locks and video doorbells are not something we do. Nor are alarms, CCTV or networked access control. If that is what you are after, we will point you to someone who does it properly.
What customers say
Tap any review to read it on Google.
“Amco locksmiths are amazing to deal with! Very friendly and helpful on the phone. Responded promptly to my call for help with a key that was not working. Magnus was extremly friendly and helpful when he showed up. For any locksmith issues, go with these guys. You will not be disappointed. Thank you for making my day so much better in a sticky situation <3”
Read on Google →“Absolutely cracking service from Magnus. My wife dropped her keys last night and went to start it today and and it failed. We called 2 other places first and also had road side assistance out to inspect. Not one of them advised us to look where she had dropped it for the micro chip. They simply wanted dollars in their pockets without trying to solve the problem. After a prompt call back from Magnus and an exploded view image of keys components and 5 minutes of rummaging around the garden the chip was found, re-installed and works. 100% recommend these guys and will be getting a spare key from them in the near future. Thanks so much Magnus!!!”
Read on Google →“Very impressed with Amco Locksmiths! The cheapest amongst a few quotes that I got. Very fast and efficient. Professional and friendly technician who gave me advice on a few other things around the house. Customer service was swift and helpful. Cannot fault!”
Read on Google →“Awesome, quick and very good priced service!”
Read on Google →Straight answers
What is the best smart lock in Australia?
There is no single best one. There is a best lock for your door and your household. We fit six brands and match one to the door rather than to a brochure.
Which brands do you fit?
McGrath, Lion Head, Lockton, Carbine, Lockwood and Yale — chosen because parts and support are available here in Western Australia.
Why don't you fit the big-name brands I see advertised?
Not because they are bad, but because we cannot reliably get parts or support for them here. A lock needs to be serviceable in three years, not just good in a review.
Which is best if I do not want an app?
Carbine, generally. Several of their models are deliberately code-and-tag only, with no WiFi and no app at all.
Which is best for a security screen door?
Yale makes one designed to match a security screen door. Lion Head’s Luxe series and Lockton’s narrow lever models also suit slim frames.
Is fingerprint better than a code?
Better for children and anyone who will not remember a code. It can struggle with wet, cold or worn hands, so most households use both.
How do I know which will fit my door?
Send us a photo of the door edge where the bolt comes out and the front of your current lock. We will tell you the shortlist before you spend anything.