Can Burglars Open Smart Locks Faster Than Traditional Locks?

Home security has evolved fast. What used to be a simple metal key and deadbolt has now turned into keypads, fingerprint scanners, Bluetooth access, and phone-controlled door locks.

But with all this innovation, one question keeps homeowners up at night:

Are smart locks easier—or faster—for burglars to break into than traditional locks?

The short answer: Not usually—but it depends on the lock, the installation, and how it’s used.
The long answer? Let’s break it down properly.

How Long Should a Door Lock Last Before Replacement?

How Burglars Actually Break Into Homes (Not What Movies Show)

Before comparing smart locks and traditional locks, it’s important to understand how real burglars operate.

Most burglars are not hackers. They don’t sit outside homes trying to crack encryption or brute-force keypads. They look for speed, silence, and low effort.

In real-world break-ins, burglars typically rely on:

• Weak doors or frames
• Poorly installed locks
• Homes that look unoccupied

The lock itself is only one part of the security equation.

Traditional Locks: Familiar, Simple—and Familiar to Criminals

Traditional locks have been around for decades, which means burglars have had decades to learn their weaknesses.

Why Traditional Locks Can Be Faster to Bypass

Mechanical locks rely on physical components like pins, springs, and cylinders. Experienced criminals already know how to manipulate them.

• Common vulnerabilities include:
• Lock picking with basic tools
• Lock bumping on standard pin tumbler locks
• Forced entry when paired with weak door frames

If a traditional lock is low-grade or poorly installed, it can sometimes be opened in seconds by someone who knows what they’re doing.

Smart Locks: High-Tech, But Not Automatically Vulnerable

Smart locks introduce multiple layers of security, not just a different way to unlock the door.

Instead of relying on a single physical mechanism, many smart locks use:

• Encrypted digital communication
• Auto-locking features
• Tamper alerts and access logs

This changes the game for burglars.

Do Burglars Hack Smart Locks?

In theory, yes. In practice, almost never.

Hacking a smart lock requires:

• Advanced technical knowledge
• Time spent near the door
• Specialized equipment

Most burglars won’t take that risk when there are easier targets nearby.

Are Smart Locks Faster to Break Than Traditional Locks?

The Honest Comparison

For an average burglar:

• A cheap traditional lock is faster to defeat
• A well-installed smart lock takes longer—or gets skipped

Smart locks don’t eliminate risk, but they raise the difficulty level, which is often enough to deter a break-in.

Why Locks Fail Right After You Move Into a New Home

Where Smart Locks Can Become Vulnerable

Smart locks are not magic. Like any technology, they can fail if used incorrectly.

Common Smart Lock Mistakes Homeowners Make

• Using weak or repeated PIN codes
• Ignoring firmware updates
• Installing the lock on a weak door or frame

In these cases, the problem isn’t the smart lock—it’s how it’s maintained or installed.

This is where professional installation makes a major difference.

Traditional Lock Weaknesses Burglars Exploit Most Often

Mechanical locks fail most often due to predictability.

• Burglars know:
• Which locks are easiest to pick
• Which cylinders are bumpable
• Which homes still use builder-grade hardware

Older locks without modern security features are especially vulnerable.

Smart Locks Add Something Traditional Locks Can’t: Awareness

One major advantage of smart locks is visibility.

Many smart locks can:

• Send alerts if someone tampers with the door
• Log every entry attempt
• Auto-lock if the door is left unlocked

Burglars prefer homes where they can work unnoticed. Smart locks remove that comfort.

The Real Deciding Factor: Lock Quality, Not Lock Type

A high-quality traditional deadbolt will outperform a cheap smart lock.
A premium smart lock will outperform a low-grade mechanical lock.

What matters most:

1. Lock grade and build quality
2. Door and frame strength
3. Professional installation

This is why a security assessment matters more than chasing trends.

Why Professional Installation Changes Everything

Many break-ins succeed because locks were DIY-installed incorrectly.

Misaligned bolts, loose strike plates, and weak screws create vulnerabilities—no matter how advanced the lock is.

At Brothers Locksmith, we ensure:

• Smart locks are properly calibrated and secured
• Traditional locks are upgraded to high-security options
• Doors and frames are reinforced where needed

A lock is only as strong as its installation.

Choosing Between a Smart Lock and a Traditional Lock Depends on Your Lifestyle

Choosing between a smart lock and a traditional lock isn’t about which option is trendier. It’s about how you live, how much control you want over your home’s access, and how secure your entry points actually need to be. Your daily routine, household size, and security expectations all play a role in making the right choice.

Smart Locks Offer Convenience, Access Control, and Reduced Picking Risk

Smart locks are ideal for homeowners who value convenience without compromising safety. If you like the idea of unlocking your door without fumbling for keys, managing access remotely, or knowing exactly who entered and when, smart locks provide a level of control traditional locks simply can’t match. Many smart locks also reduce the risk of lock picking by eliminating exposed keyways or combining mechanical components with encrypted digital security layers.

High-Grade Traditional Locks Still Provide Reliable Physical Security

Traditional locks remain a solid option when quality and installation are done right. A modern, high-grade deadbolt installed professionally and paired with a reinforced door can offer excellent protection. For homeowners who prefer simplicity or don’t want to rely on electronics, traditional locks continue to be a dependable and effective security solution.

Hybrid Lock Systems Combine Smart Convenience With Mechanical Strength

Many homeowners now choose a hybrid approach by combining a smart lock for convenience with a high-security deadbolt for added physical protection. This setup delivers the best of both worlds by offering advanced monitoring and access control alongside strong mechanical resistance, creating a more balanced and resilient home security system.

Final Verdict: Are Smart Locks Faster for Burglars?

No. When installed and used correctly, smart locks are usually harder and riskier for burglars to defeat than traditional locks.

Burglars look for easy wins. They prefer homes where entry is quick, quiet, and unlikely to draw attention. Smart locks disrupt that strategy by increasing the time required to gain access, raising the chances of noise or visible tampering, and increasing the risk of being detected through alerts or monitoring features.

That added friction alone often makes a home far less attractive as a target, even if the burglar never attempts to interact with the lock itself.

Secure Your Home the Right Way with Brothers Locksmith

Whether you’re thinking about upgrading to a smart lock, replacing an aging deadbolt, or simply unsure which option is best for your home, Brothers Locksmith is here to guide you.

We focus on honest security assessments, professional installation, and long-term protection rather than quick fixes. Our goal isn’t just to install a lock—it’s to make sure your entire entry point is genuinely secure.

Because at the end of the day, your lock shouldn’t just look secure.
It should actually protect you.