Published 2026-05-09 · MKE Locksmith
Smart Lock vs. Traditional Deadbolt
Quick answer: Smart locks add convenience (remote unlock, codes, audit logs), not necessarily more security. Cylinder grade varies by model on both types. Smart lock: usually $150-$400 install, plus the price of the lock itself. Traditional ANSI Grade 1 deadbolt: usually $100-$250 installed. We suggest a mix for many homes (smart on the front, traditional on secondary doors).
Side-by-side comparison
| Factor | Traditional ANSI Grade 1 deadbolt | Smart lock (Schlage Encode / Yale Assure tier) |
|---|---|---|
| Total cost installed | $100-$250 | Usually $150-$400 install, plus the price of the lock |
| Physical cylinder grade | Grade 1 (best) | Varies by model; some, like the Schlage Encode, are Grade 1 |
| Key backup | Yes | Most yes, some no |
| Cold-weather reliability | Can freeze; thaws with lock de-icer | Battery management required |
| Remote unlock | No | Yes (Wi-Fi models) |
| Audit log of entries | No | Yes |
| Code sharing | Physical key only | Yes (codes per person) |
| Battery requirement | None | Usually 4 AA (check the manual for battery type) |
| Annual maintenance | Lubricate occasionally | Battery swap + firmware updates |
| Integration with smart home | None | Wi-Fi / Z-Wave / HomeKit / Alexa |
| Failure modes | Mechanical wear over decades | Battery, radio, firmware, cloud service outage |
What smart locks do better
- Code sharing. Give the dog walker a unique code. Revoke it when they're no longer your dog walker. No physical key changing hands.
- Audit log. See who entered when. Useful for parents tracking teens, for landlords tracking maintenance access, for short-term rentals (Airbnb).
- Remote unlock. Let in a contractor when you're at work, or a friend who needs to grab something.
- No more lost keys. A code can't fall out of your pocket the way a key can.
- Auto-lock. Many smart locks lock on a timer; some unlock by your phone's location, so you don't have to wonder if the door is locked.
What traditional deadbolts do better
- Cold weather reliability. No battery to die and no radio to fail, though the cylinder itself can freeze in extreme cold; a lock de-icer thaws it quickly.
- No firmware updates. Lasts for decades with care.
- No cloud dependency. If the manufacturer goes bankrupt or sunsets the app (it happens, see Wink, Insteon), your lock keeps working.
- Lower total cost. $100-$250 installed vs. usually $150-$400 install plus the lock itself for a smart lock.
- Higher cylinder grade for the price. ANSI Grade 1 in a traditional deadbolt is cheaper than Grade 1 in a smart lock.
What we recommend for Milwaukee homes
A mix works well for many homes. The most-used entry (usually the front door, sometimes the garage entry) gets a smart lock for convenience. Secondary entries (back door, side door, basement bulkhead) keep traditional ANSI Grade 1 deadbolts for reliability and lower cost. This gets you most of what a smart lock offers on the door that sees the most traffic, without doubling your hardware budget everywhere.
Specific model recommendations for Wisconsin
- Schlage Encode, Wi-Fi, no hub, physical key backup.
- Yale Assure SL with Wi-Fi module, touchscreen, no physical key (it's a keypad-only design), 9V emergency contact.
- A retrofit smart lock that fits over or inside your existing deadbolt, low power draw, often a single CR2 cell rated for about a year.
- Schlage B660 (traditional ANSI Grade 1), a good traditional deadbolt for the price.
Frequently asked
Are smart locks really more secure than traditional deadbolts?
The physical security is similar. Cylinder grade varies by model; some smart locks, like the Schlage Encode, are rated ANSI Grade 1, the same as a solid traditional deadbolt. The 'smart' part adds convenience features (codes, remote unlock, audit logs) but doesn't make the lock physically harder to defeat.
Cost: smart lock vs. traditional deadbolt installed?
Traditional ANSI Grade 1 deadbolt installed usually runs $100-$250. A smart lock install usually runs $150-$400, plus the price of the lock itself.
Will a smart lock work in Wisconsin winter?
Yes, most stay reliable since the battery pack usually sits on the warm indoor side of the door. What can struggle in the cold is the outdoor keypad or touch sensor. Most, like the Schlage Encode, have a key backup.
Do smart locks have a key backup?
Most do. Schlage Encode and Kwikset Halo have a physical key cylinder for backup. A few retrofit smart locks that fit over or inside your existing deadbolt keep that deadbolt's key cylinder underneath. Some models, like the Yale Assure SL, are keypad or touchscreen only with no key at all. If you choose one of these, keep a backup plan in case the battery dies or the touchscreen doesn't respond in cold weather.
What about the security of the keypad / app?
The risks: shoulder-surfing the code, sharing the code carelessly, or weak app passwords. Mitigations: use 6-8 digit codes (not 4), rotate codes after sharing, use unique app passwords, enable two-factor on the manufacturer account. A weak app password is an easier way in than the lock itself.
Should I get a smart lock?
If you value remote unlock for guests or contractors, audit logs of who entered and when, code-sharing without handing out keys, and smart-home integration, a smart lock is worth it. If you value simplicity, cold-weather reliability without a second thought, and no battery management, stick with a traditional deadbolt. For many homes, that means a smart lock on the busiest entry and a traditional deadbolt everywhere else.
Need help choosing?
Call or text (262) 236-5232 and tell us what matters most to you, security, convenience, or a mix of both. If Wisconsin winter is part of the decision, read about how smart locks handle the cold before you buy.
Last updated: 2026-05-09.