Smart Locks with Fingerprint vs. PIN: Which Is Better?

Digital locks are currently a popular option in Singapore if you want to upgrade your home's security in the near future. Whether you’re looking for a smart lock Singapore, a digital lock for HDB gate, or a digital door and gate lock Singapore, these modern solutions offer enhanced security and convenience.

Choose the best smart lock is actually an easy task, there are only two few options when it comes to choosing the fingerprint-based locks or PIN-based locks. All have their pluses and minuses and the perfect one you can pick can significantly impact on your home’s security.

In this article, we will be breaking down the pros and cons of smart lock with a fingerprint access and PIN codes, helping you decide which of those options suits you best to secure your homes digital lock system.

What Are Smart Locks with Fingerprint Access?

The biometric recognition goes to work in a smart lock that has fingerprint access. They use high level of convenience and security, because they scan in the unique patterns in your fingerprint to allow access. Many people find fingerprint based locks one of the most secure locks for two reasons – first, fingers are unique to each person; and therefore, no one can steal a single finger or mimic it; second, they can’t replicate or steal a fingerprint.

Advantages of Fingerprint Smart Locks

• Enhanced Security

It wouldn’t be wrong to say that most of the benefits of using a fingerprint smart lock is its security. To be more precise, your fingerprint is a biometric identifier, thus it is incredibly difficult for someone to replicate it. While unmemorized and with no reasonable chance of someone guessing or stealing your access code, there is no need to remember anything or fear it.

• Convenience

Fingerprint locks are easier to use that a deadbolt. Instead of having to hunt for a key or punch in a PIN there is nothing more than pressing your finger to the scanner and the door will unlock. It’s convenient as it’s quick and hassle free, one that you would consider if you have busy family or individuals who simply want to avoid the nuisance of manual locks.

• No Need to Carry Keys or Remember Codes

The good thing about it is that it has a fingerprint lock that you don’t have to worry about losing your keys or forgetting your PIN. It is a simple and foolproof process which you can do in one step, as you know that it won’t work.

• Ideal for Multiple Users

If your property is managed by a few tenants or residents, fingerprint locks ensure that you can easily give access to several people. But in the system you can program multiple fingerprints in it so in case you are multiple people then you can have the easy access without even sharing keys or codes.

Disadvantages of Fingerprint Smart Locks

• Potential for Malfunction

However, fingerprint scanners are rare but can sometimes fail to recognize your fingerprint when your hands are dirty or wet or when the scanner is failing. Ths could frustrate you, and make it impossible to reach home at the time when you most need to be there.

• Higher Cost

The smart locks that use fingerprints are somehow more costly than the conventional PIN bases models. Adding on the technology to the biometric recognition is the problem and if your budget is tight, a fingerprint lock might not be the best choice of security for your laptop.

• Privacy Concerns

However, storing biometric data may be a cause of privacy concern to some individuals. Most of the systems available are secure but there is a chance that the breach of data could happen or misused of sensitive information.

What Are Smart Locks with PIN Codes?

While a smart lock with a PIN code has a numerical password to give in to access, a smart lock with a PIN code makes use of a numerical password for entry. The only thing you do is touch your unique PIN on a keypad and the door instantly unlocks. This option is one of the most popular choices for homeowners in Singapore, particularly for those looking for a digital lock for HDB gate or a digital door and gate lock Singapore.

Advantages of PIN Code Smart Locks

• Cost-Effective

Fingerprint locks are usually more expensive than PIN code smart locks. This may be the better option if you’re looking for an inexpensive secure option. It offers the same benefits that a fingerprint lock has, with the no additional cost.

• Easy to Install and Use

The installation of a PIN code lock is relatively simple, and their user friendliness means them being used by homeowners with a modest technical knowledge. What you need to do is just enter the code and everything works fine.

• Customizable Access

With the help of PIN code locks you can create and manage access for different people very easily. You can even set a separate PIN for each family member as well as temporary guests or service providers. This is especially useful if you want to grant your home access to people but know who’s walking in.

• No Worries About Fingerprint Errors

Factors like dirty or wet fingers have no effect on the PIN code system as fingerprint locks. If the code is always remembered then the system will be working each time.

Disadvantages of PIN Code Smart Locks

• Security Risks

PIN code locks are convenient and you do cross safety with them: if somebody succeeds in guessing or stealing your PIN, you can let them in your house. So, to mitigate this risk, you need to select a strong, unique code and periodically change it.

• Remembering the Code

Yet, this is one big drawback of using a PIN, as the user has to remember a PIN. It can also be uncomfortable to forget it and find yourself locked out of your home and need to reset the lock.

• Sharing Codes

As you have to share access with others, there’s always a risk for someone to, let’s say, write down or share the code. And the fact is that this may be the source of unauthorized access, as somebody may save the code and forget to change it after lending it where it was needed.

Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?

Although smart locks with fingerprint and access and PIN based locks have their own sets of advantages, the best choice ultimately depends upon your criteria. The benefit of fingerprint based smart locks is that they offer top-tier security, convenience and are quite easy to use, you just have to pay a bit more instead. The good thing is, if you’re on a budget, have no need for biometrics, a PIN code smart lock is exactly what you need.

Given its shape, layout of your home and number of people looking to have access, consider if sharing PIN codes or biometric data is something you’re comfortable with. If you’re in Singapore and looking for the best digital door and gate lock Singapore or digital lock for HDB gate, both options are widely available and cater to different security needs.

Also Check: How to Improve Safety with HDB Main Door Gates