Short answer: A traditional deadbolt is the cheaper, simpler, more durable choice — installation typically runs $80–$300+ and there’s no battery to fail. A smart lock, at $80–$250 installed, trades some of that simplicity for keyless entry, remote access, and activity logs. Most Dearborn homeowners get the best of both by keeping a deadbolt as backup even after adding a smart lock.
How They Actually Compare
Both are locks, but they solve different problems. A deadbolt is a mechanical bolt that only a physical key (or a locksmith) can move — nothing to charge, nothing to update, nothing to hack remotely. A smart lock is an electronic layer, often built around a standard deadbolt, that adds a keypad, app, or fob-based unlocking method on top.
- Cost. A quality deadbolt installation runs $80–$300+ depending on the hardware grade. Smart lock installation runs $80–$250, though the device itself (not included in that labor range) can add another $100–$300 depending on the brand and features.
- Reliability. A deadbolt works in a power outage, a dead battery, or a software bug — it has none of those failure points. A smart lock depends on batteries (usually 6-12 months per set) and, for some models, a stable app or hub connection.
- Convenience. This is where smart locks win outright: keyless entry codes for guests or cleaners, remote lock/unlock from your phone, and a log of who came and went.
- Security grading. Look for ANSI Grade 1 or Grade 2 hardware regardless of which type you choose — the grade tells you how much force and how many pick attempts the lock is rated to resist, and it matters more than smart-vs-traditional.
Who Should Choose a Traditional Deadbolt
If you want the lowest-maintenance option, rent out the property, or simply prefer not to depend on batteries and apps, a deadbolt is the straightforward answer. It’s also the right call for secondary doors — a shed, a gate, a garage service door — where smart features add cost without adding much real benefit.
Who Should Choose a Smart Lock
If you regularly need to let in a dog walker, a contractor, or family members who don’t carry a key, a smart lock removes the hassle of cutting and tracking spare keys. It’s also useful for short-term rentals, where a temporary code can be issued per guest and revoked automatically. For homes already using a video doorbell or a smart-home hub, a compatible smart lock rounds out the system.
The Middle Ground: Do Both
Many of our Dearborn customers don’t choose one or the other — they install a smart lock that still includes a standard key cylinder or keeps the existing deadbolt as backup. That way, a dead battery or app outage never leaves anyone actually locked out; there’s always a mechanical fallback. If you want that hybrid setup, our smart lock installation service and deadbolt installation service are priced and scheduled the same way, so combining them is straightforward.
Smart Lock vs. Deadbolt: Questions, Answered Directly
Can a Smart Lock Be Picked or Bumped Like a Regular Lock?
The mechanical cylinder inside most smart locks is just as pickable as a traditional one unless it uses a high-security cylinder — the “smart” part protects against different threats (someone copying a key) rather than physical picking. Choosing a Grade 1 or Grade 2 rated smart lock addresses this the same way it does for a deadbolt.
What Happens to a Smart Lock During a Power or Wi-Fi Outage?
A quality smart lock runs on its own batteries, not household power, so a Wi-Fi or electricity outage doesn’t disable it — you may just lose remote/app access until connectivity returns, while the keypad or physical key still works locally.
Is It Worth Replacing a Working Deadbolt With a Smart Lock?
If the deadbolt is in good condition and you don’t need keyless access, there’s no security reason to replace it. It’s more common to add a smart lock to a door that needs one anyway, or upgrade during a broader security update.
Do Smart Locks Work With Existing Deadbolt Holes?
Most retrofit smart locks are designed to fit standard deadbolt door prep, but exact fit depends on the door and the model. A technician can confirm compatibility before installation, which avoids surprises on install day.
Dearborn Lock Help
123 Example Street, Dearborn, MI 48126
(313) 555-0123
Open 24 hours, 7 days a week