Traditional Locks — Simple & Proven
Mechanical mortice, cylinder and lever locks are inexpensive, reliable and need no power or batteries. They remain the sensible choice for internal doors and budget-conscious main doors. The trade-off: keys to carry and copy, and no access logs.
Digital & Smart Locks — Convenient & Secure
Digital locks add PIN codes, fingerprint (biometric) and app or card access. They're keyless, can grant temporary access, and some log entries. They cost more upfront and need batteries or power, but the convenience for a main door or rental is significant.
How They Compare
| Factor | Traditional | Digital / Smart |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | ✓ Lower | Higher |
| Keyless convenience | No | ✓ PIN / fingerprint |
| Power needed | ✓ None | Batteries / power |
| Access logs & temp access | No | ✓ Yes (many models) |
Which Lock for Which Door
Use traditional locks for internal and low-risk doors; consider a digital or smart lock for the main entrance, a rental, or where several people need keyless access. Many homes mix both.