Smartphone unlock beside a smart lock
Guide

Wi‑Fi vs Bluetooth smart locks

Updated 2026-07-10

Away-from-home access
Remote evening arrivals
On-door biometrics

Connectivity is the feature that separates a “smart” lock from a fancy keypad. The wrong choice usually means either short battery life or no remote unlock when you need it.

Bluetooth locks

  • Talk to your phone when you are near the door.
  • Generally better battery life.
  • Remote unlock usually needs a separate Wi‑Fi bridge or hub.

Built‑in Wi‑Fi locks

  • App control from anywhere without an extra bridge.
  • Useful for letting in tradies, deliveries or family while you are out.
  • Uses more power — check battery claims and whether the lock supports USB emergency power.

Which should you buy?

If you mainly want keyless entry for people who live in the house, Bluetooth is often enough. If you want door status alerts and remote unlock as a daily habit, prefer built‑in Wi‑Fi or a lock with a reliable bridge in the same ecosystem (Aqara, eufy, TP‑Link, and similar).

Also confirm Australian 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi compatibility and whether the app is maintained for iOS and Android.

Browse app‑control locks

Home at dusk
Takeaway

Near the door — or from anywhere?

Bluetooth suits on-site unlock. Built-in Wi‑Fi (or a bridge) is for remote unlock and alerts while you are out.

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Connected home entry
Ecosystem choices
Secondary doors
Not every door needs Wi‑Fi