Sliding doors give a unique touch to your home. In my case, I have both glass and wooden sliding doors installed in my house. I am also a huge fan of home automation and I have considered upgrading all of my sliding doors by equipping them with smart locks.
So I did some research and now, I finally have a total of five sliding door smart locks. After using them for quite some time, I can say that I do have a favorite.
I bought five sliding door smart locks but which did I pick as the best? For me, Autoslide is the best. Aside from giving you hands-free entry and exit, it can also be integrated into your smart home technology and has mobile application support. With Autoslide, there is no need to worry about replacing batteries and it has a pet access feature too!
If you are curious about how I arrived at this conclusion, check out this article to see a more detailed description of the five smart locks I bought and find out what made Autoslide my preferred sliding door smart lock.
Sliding Door Smart Lock 1: Gateman G-Swipe
Gateman G-Swipe is the first up on this list. It is the new flagship fingerprint from iRevo, which is the number 1 digital lock brand in Korea.
This year, Gateman G-Swipe received improvements from its previous models and it now has the new Master mode that is suitable for sliding doors in your office or rental properties.
Its Features
I used this smart lock for my wooden sliding doors but this smart lock can actually be used for both sliding wood and aluminum framed sliding doors so if you have both types of doors, you do not need to buy different smart locks.
Gateman G-Swipe has interlocking bolts which makes it suitable for sliding doors. These interlocking bolts include a vertical clamp bolt that is very hard to tamper. In terms of durability, you do not need to worry because Gateman G-Swipe is made from an extra-rigid metal alloy.
The fingerprint scanner attached outside your door is covered by a lid which helps protect the surface of the scanner. This device is said to store up to 20 fingerprints.
For its number pad, Gateman G-Swipe has a matte surface which gives it a modern look. When using its number pad, I actually noticed that it leaves no visible prints which makes me less worried about my safety.
This smart lock uses a 4-10 digit main password for changing settings and door unlocking but it can use a secondary 4-digit password for unlocking only.
What I usually do when I invite some guests to visit me, I would give them a one time 4 digit password to use with this lock. Once they entered and then exited my house, the password will no longer be accepted for entry.
This is a very convenient feature especially if you install this lock in your main door.
Now for its smart features, it has an improved fingerprint recognition so I do not usually encounter errors when trying to unlock the door using my biometric verification.
It can also lock automatically when closed but you can also opt for its manual locking mode. It is also very convenient to use as it makes sure to notify you when the four alkaline AA batteries it is using are already low in power.
Another thing I like about this lock is that it has its own burglar and fire alarm so it can really ensure your safety.
The Downside
If you are not into removing your existing door lock, then this could be a bad choice of sliding door smart lock for you.
But I would still recommend using this because sliding door locks are usually weak so replacing it with a more durable lock can be a wise decision.
I used this on my wooden door and although I read that it can be used on aluminum-framed sliding doors, some sites say it is not aesthetically pleasing to install on metal gates.
After checking the Gateman site, I think it offers upgrades to the lock at a higher price to be more suitable for metal gates.
Another downside for this smart lock is that it cannot connect to WIFI so it does not have any mobile application support.
If you want to unlock your door without actually touching the lock, you need to buy its dedicated remote control as an add-on.
Why You May Want It
I might have stated a few downsides but needless to say, this smart lock is still a promising sliding door smart lock. I also have a couple of things that I liked with this smart lock.
I like that the design seems luxurious because of its metallic finish on both front and rear body surfaces.
Aside from this, it is mostly made in metal, unlike other digital locks that are made of plastic composites.
Another thing that I like about this lock is that it has an emergency terminal for a 9V battery in case it ran out of power. This sure comes in handy whenever I am busy and then suddenly forget to replace its battery before heading out.
This way I am sure I will not be locked out of my own home as long as I have the 9V battery in my bag or I have it stored somewhere near my front door.
The last thing that I like with this smart lock is that it claims to have a self-diagnosis function which means that it informs you if it senses that the device is malfunctioning.
But I have not experienced any malfunction with this lock yet so I also have not encountered this self-diagnosis feature.
Sliding Door Smart Lock 2: Command Lock
Let’s move on to the second sliding door smart lock, the Command Lock. Command Lock by Lingle Technologies offers you three ways for locking your door any time: using your smartphone, its exit switch, and its wireless lock switch.
Its Features
Its switches are all included in your purchase. And yes you can use your smartphone to access the locking mechanism because it works with Zigbee technology.
This lock is electricity-powered but despite power loss, it can still be unlocked or locked manually using the switches. This locking mechanism does not replace your existing lock nor attach a device near your door handle.
It works by installing bolts at the top part of your door. These bolts will be the ones controlling your entry and exit in your sliding door. I have this installed on a framed glass sliding door but I’m not sure if it can work on wooden sliding doors.
Unlike a usual smart lock, Command Lock is composed of various parts.
For you to better visualize its locking mechanism, here are the things that will be included in your purchase:
- a power supply,
- an electric deadbolt that must be attached at the top of the door,
- a wireless wall mount switch,
- an emergency exit surface button,
- a cable to connect the power supply to the electric deadbolt,
- two white covers for the cable,
- a power cord to the wall,
- a smart power plug,
- a set of screws
- and a detailed manual guide.
The Downside
Since this lock has lots of parts, its downsides are the many considerations related to attaching and connecting these parts properly for the locking mechanism to work.
The first is that for you to be able to use this, you must have a power outlet that is at most 10 feet from your sliding door. This is to ensure that the length of the cords provided will be sufficient.
I almost considered using an extension cord for mine but thankfully, I was able to find a power outlet that is already accessible from by sliding glass doors.
Another issue is that it should be a 3-prong power outlet. I used my own adapter but if you do not have an extra adapter, you might find it a hassle to purchase one. As long as you have an adapter or a 3-prong outlet, then you will have no issue using this lock.
The last thing you will need to consider is the requirements for mounting the deadbolt at the top of your sliding glass door.
Command Lock can only be used on sliding doors with at least 1.5 inches of the mounting surface on the moving glass frame and the stationary door frame.
Why You May Want It
Despite the limitations I mentioned, there are also reasons why you would want to still purchase this smart lock. First of all, there is no need to be wary of the battery lifespan when using this kind of sliding door lock.
I find it convenient not to be bothered to check my battery level because Command Lock is powered by electricity. Just plug it in then you are good to go.
I also love that Command Lock works with Zigbee technology. If you are already into home automation, you probably own a Zigbee hub so just simply connect your smart lock and you will have a more secure sliding door.
Sliding Door Smart Lock 3: Autoslide
A bit similar to Command Lock, but offers a lot more features, is the Autoslide smart lock for sliding doors.
It fits either wood or glass type sliding doors and can be used for multiple sliding panels too.
Its Features
I absolutely love Autoslide because it is the only smart lock in this list that allows hands-free entry and exit. I was actually amazed by its technology when I first found out about this lock for sliding doors.
Aside from having an electronic braking system for locking, it also has its own sliding system which lets you automatically open your sliding doors without even touching the panels.
Just like Command Lock, you will not need batteries for Autoslide. Its braking system works using electricity. When the status of the Autoslide is open, the electric current will be interrupted which allows the door to unlock and then slide open.
When the sliding door is closed, the electric current flows again which automatically locks Autoslide into a closed position. Through this mechanism, I find my sliding doors secure from unwanted entries without using additional locks.
For you to set whether your Autoslide will open or close, you can use its WIFI connectivity and Z-wave compatibility. It also has application support for both iOS and Android smartphones.
For its locking mechanism, it attaches a motor drive belt system at the top part of your sliding door so there is no need to remove the original lock on your sliding door.
Autoslide has fewer parts compared to Command Lock. It only includes a motor, an electronic controller, a low voltage DC supply, and two wireless push buttons.
The Downside
As much as I adore this smart lock, I cannot help but point out some of its downsides. Autoslide offers a pretty advanced locking and sliding mechanism which might be difficult for others to manually install.
Although it provides a DVD for its installation guide, some people might still find it difficult. I have their multislide version and this one requires a professional installer.
Another thing is that they offer several add-ons like the Autoslide keypad, and motion and infrared sensors for door activity alert which I think should just be included in the initial purchase especially the keypad.
These three can certainly upgrade the Autoslide on your sliding door but I guess, it can still do an amazing job as a smart lock without these add-ons.
Why You May Want It
One unique feature of Autoslide is that it has a Pet Mode. In this mode, your pet must be equipped with an RFID (radio-frequency identification) tag attached to its collar.
When it is near your sliding door, your sliding door will automatically lock open at a certain distance such that only a small animal can pass through. Then it will automatically close and lock when your pet has passed through.
Using this feature, your pet can also have automatic door access without sacrificing your home security. Of course, you would need an additional sensor for this. But if you are a pet lover, this add-on will be worth it.
Its locking system may be electricity-dependent but once there is a power failure, it can be operated manually again.
It also has a backup battery that can provide 500 cycles of power so during prolonged power outages, you can still use Autoslide for regulating access to your sliding door.
Sliding Door Smart Lock 4: Yale YDR41 Sliding Lock
When I bought this, I’m actually surprised to find a sliding door lock from a big brand. The Yale YDR41 Sliding Lock offers high security for your door using a strong interlocking mechanism.
This lock is also multi-purpose because it is suitable for swing doors too.
Its Features
The Yale YDR41 is a bit similar, in terms of design and functionality, to the Gateman G-Swipe I initially mentioned. It can store up to 20 fingerprints and uses a 4 to 10 digits pin code.
The main difference with Gateman G-Swipe is that it can have application support once you have a Yale Link WIFI bridge. Hence, this smart lock offers three possible accesses: the pin code, fingerprint, and the Yale Link application on your mobile phone.
My favorite smart features for this device is that it automatically locks when the door is closed, sounds an alarm when it is being damaged or broken, and notifies you when its battery level is low.
It also has an emergency power terminal for a standard 9V battery in case you forgot to replace four AA batteries.
Using the Yale Link application, I can restrict and share access, and be knowledgeable of the people that visit my house wherever I am. I can also receive all notifications related to my smart lock activity using this application support.
Its keypad also has this cool feature that I like. It has a voice guide feature that helps you when setting features and modes in your smart lock.
The Downside
Most people feel like this Yale sliding door smart lock is just an expensive version of Gateman G-Swipe because they have a lot of similarities. While I do agree that they are similar in various ways, Yale YDR41 Sliding Lock is still different such that it has mobile application support.
However, this feature requires add-ons so you might be forced to spend more money. To be exact it requires a Yale wifi bridge and Link pack for Bluetooth and remote access.
Why You May Want It
The things that I feel set this smart lock apart from the others listed here are its smart keypad and voice guide feature.
If you like a smart lock that has an invisible keypad that only lights up when you touch the screen, then this smart lock is for you. Its keypad can also let you know what operation is made by the different alignment of its numbers.
I personally like the voice guide feature because it makes the lock easier to use.
Sliding Door Smart Lock 5: Ozone RFID Sliding Door Digital Lock
Last in this list is the Ozone RFID Sliding Door Digital Lock which I bought a few years ago. It is from a company located in India.
The installation of this lock requires drilling a hole in the door so it is best to use it on wooden sliding doors.
Its Features
The Ozone RFID Sliding Door Digital Lock can be accessed using a passcode, RFID, or both. It can have up to 50 registerable cards. It also has the usual smart lock features such as the automatic locking, the one time password for guests, and a forced entry alarm.
It operates using four AA batteries and its low battery indicator is a red battery sign in its front. It also has an emergency battery backup feature.
This device has built-in sensors that will be activated once the room temperature becomes more than 62 degrees Celsius. When it activates the fire alarm, it will also unlock automatically for easier access during emergencies.
Its default alarm level is 80 decibels but for other functions, you can easily adjust its volume level so that you will be able to easily hear if someone is using the keypad on your smart lock or you can tone it down if you feel like it is too loud.
The Downside
This has all the features that I need for a smart lock except the phone application support. You can never know the status of your smart lock when you are away from your home.
It is not even an optional feature. This also means that you cannot integrate it into your smart home technology. But aside from this, this smart lock still provides security for your sliding door.
Why You May Want It
If you have a wooden sliding door and you are not into connecting your smart lock to your phone, then this is perfect for you.
Another great feature of Ozone RFID Sliding Door Digital Lock is that it has a dead-bolt error alarm feature.
So even if you cannot receive any phone notification, you can still be notified if your lock did not close properly or if your deadbolt is jammed.
The Verdict
The best sliding door smart lock for me is the Autoslide! I feel like this smart lock has all the key features that I want in all the other sliding door smart locks that I mentioned.
Although it might require additional devices for some of its advanced features, I’m still willing to invest in these just to experience Autoslide’s full potential which I am planning to do in the future.
Its features that I am sure you will also love are not being dependent on batteries, literally hands-free access to your door, can be integrated into your smart home technology, and an option for safe door access for your pets.
Conclusion
Now that I have given my verdict, I am wondering what is your preferred sliding door smart lock after reading my descriptions.
I know it is tough to choose because there are a lot to consider like the type of your sliding door, the features, and also the installation process. The most important thing is doing prior research and weighing on the pros and cons carefully before buying the actual product.
Just like how I chose Autoslide as the best sliding door smart lock, I hope you will also be able to pick the sliding door smart lock that is perfect for your needs.
P.S.
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