Everything is trying to get smart these days. Smartphones pushed iPods aside, but watches wised up on the game. Each smart device has its pros and cons. Door locks are no different. The digital and smart door lock has been around for quite some time in Japan. We’re more used to them in the workplace or at hotels. But now, many people are looking to the benefits and conveniences that can be had from getting smart with their front doors.
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What is the Best Digital Smart Lock in Japan?
There are more than a few good choices of digital and smart locks on the market. Which is the best for you depends on the type of locking system you prefer, additional security features you’re interested in, and of course the price tag.
Am I Ready to go Keyless?
Understandably, people prefer simple and trustworthy systems. What can be more time tested than a good sturdy metal lock and hard key? Although significantly updated, this tried and tested method dates back to the Roman Empire.
However, depending on what you prefer, most digital and smart door locking systems offer you more than one way to open that door. If you need the security of a fail proof hard key, you can have your cake and eat it too— but don’t swallow the key!
What’s the Difference Between a Digital and Smart Door Lock?
Digital door locks are simple electronic systems where you enter a pin code number to open your door. Smart door locks may use a swipe card, an electronic fob key, a biometric identity, or a smartphone application. In these reviews we look at both types, and sometimes they are integrated into one lock.
Why Would I Need a Smart Door Lock?
Human beings have undergone a rapid evolution where they are now more adept at remembering pin codes and passwords than where they put the keys.
For some people though, a swipe card is more convenient to carry than a key. It goes neatly alongside the travel card, credit cards, and a dozen odd point cards.
Others are more comfortable with a number combination that can only be breached by physical torture. And then there are those who feel safer with a finger that they’re unlikely to forget or lose.
At the top of the pyramid, however, are those that simply expect their smartphones to be able to do all and sundry. And who can really blame them?
Additional Advantages of Different Types of Electronic Door Locks
The key advantage is that these digital and smart door locks all allow for convenient and multiple access to your abode.
Pin code locks are the most affordable way to go both card and key free. They are super convenient especially for when you have guests, and you can avoid the cost and hassle of spare keys and hiding places.
Some digital door locks also allow you to set a one-time-password that can also be used for a scheduled delivery, a home help, or a repair job.
Biometric door locks using fingerprints are very secure and practical. They are often the first choice for larger households, families with young children, or those with seniors who are forgetful or technologically challenged.
Systems using smartphone apps and networked door security are the most advanced in what they can do. They can automatically unlock the door when you’re in a specific range, may unlock the door remotely, and you can also set up notification alerts for whenever someone enters the house.
How Safe is a Digital Smart Door Lock in Japan?
A lot depends on the type of lock you get. If you use a strong pin code and deploy any additional security, these locks are just as sturdy and often more secure than a traditional lock and hard key. The main drawback is that electronic systems are never fail proof. However, as mentioned before, many of these systems allow for a traditional key while you benefit from electronic and smart technologies.
Digital Password Door Locks
Digital pin code locks often have additional security measures such as two or three random numbers that display which you must then enter before entering your personal code. This helps to avoid the detection of fingerprint patterns. Most allow for pins up to 12 digit passwords, so they are pretty secure.
Multiple Security Systems
Other systems use a RF polling tag which provides a double layer of security. Without the tag activating the lock, you cannot enter your personal code. Like most electronic locks, an alarm will sound if a set number of false entries are made or a forced entry is attempted.
Sensors and Fire Safety Alerts
A lot of electronic systems incorporate internal temperature sensors. This means that when the internal temperature of your house reaches between 40℃ to 60℃ the door will sound an alarm and will automatically unlock. This is a key advantage to having a digital or smart door lock in Japan.
Smartphone and Networked Systems
These provide the ultimate convenience, but research has shown that most of these systems can be breached by determined crooks. A lot depends on the level of encryption they use and the strength of the master password, if there is one. As mentioned, they do allow you to monitor any movement in or out of your house.
The smart lock, compared to a digital lock, is increasingly the most popular kind of electronic lock that people buy in Japan. Whether you would want one depends on a number of factors. If you live in a safe area in Japan where forced entries are rare, or in a city apartment with good ground level security, a smart lock with app and smart watch integration should be fine.
The Most Popular Choices for a Digital Smart Door Lock in Japan
We’ve picked out five of the most popularly reviewed digital and smart door locks in Japan, outlined their technical merits, and their performance measured against user reviews:
- Qrio Q-SL2: Most popular with a smart app
- Epic EPJP-POP3: Best value for a biometric number lock
- Samsung 2920: Affordable number lock with swipe cards and RF polling
- Lockman Japan LC-105: Best quality number lock with swipe cards
- Manhaoya M7W-JP: Most features on a smart door lock
Qrio Smart Door Lock – Most Popular in Japan with An App, Apple Watch & Voice Commands
The Qrio, a Sony Group company, is one of the most popular smart door locks and best rated on both Japan and US online portholes. This latest generation is compatible with iOS 11.4 and above or Android 5.0 and above. It also supports Alexa and Google Assistant.
- Hands Free auto unlock
- Auto lock optional
- Battery life warning
- Fob keys as backup
- Home entry app notifications
- Up to 20 registered users
Qrio states it conforms to Japanese building standards so for the vast majority there’s no need for any door alterations. This lock, however, fits over your existing lock and is secured to the door with double sided masking tape.
This installation method does not have the best long term stability, does not work equally well on all door surfaces, is not suited to high levels of humidity, and it is a clean up hassle if you vacate a rental apartment.
The coolest thing though is automatic unlocking when you’re within a 5 to 10 meters. It doesn’t require the app to be launched either because it connects to your Bluetooth function, and is therefore fairly secure.
The App has different languages including English, and with the Family Tab, you can set up selected members to view who is at home. It’s compatible with Google Home, but not Apple Home, however, it is supported by Line and Clova. If you want to use Alexa or Google for voice commands you will need to buy the hub separately.
Drawbacks
These locks cost about twice as much as an affordable biometric or pin code lock. Also, the fob keys cost extra and the hub is rather expensive for its limited functionality. Although easy enough to follow with graphics, the manual is only in Japanese, but there is an online page which also shows compatible door types.
These locks are not so convenient if you often have irregular guests or family staying over. The reason being they have to download the app and you have to be with them when they first arrive to authorize the application.
If you happen to live alone and leave your abode without your smartphone and the auto lock enabled, you’re stuck outside for the night. What you would have to do is get a friend, neighbor, or passing stranger to dial the 110 emergency locksmith service. Alternatively, you can stumble your way to your local Koban for help.
Helpful Verdict
As popular as these Qrio digital smart locks are in Japan, for the price tag they’re not without their flaws. The main issue is the long term stability of the lock installation. For most people it works well enough, but the cost of the key fobs is not really warranted if you have kids or elderly without smartphones.
The main draw is the hands free function, but it’s not always trouble free for all. If you don’t mind a bit of physical action and required effort to open your door, there are better and more affordably priced options out there.
Epic Biometric Digital Lock – Best Fingerprint Door Lock in Japan
If you’re attracted to finger print biosecurity, Epic locks are the way to go. Although a little pricey, these kinds of systems are well suited to busy homes with kids and also the elderly. You can use either one or both of the security methods, with additional conveniences such as one-time-password and fire security.
- One-time password
- Multi touch security
- 100 fingerprint registrations
- Emergency power supply
- Auto lock closing
- Forced entry alarm
- 62℃ fire alarm
- Sound Mute
For the number combination lock you can use a simple 4 digit pin code or anything up to 12 numerals. If you deploy multi touch security, three random numbers appear which you enter before you enter your code. There are also 7 sounds levels and a night mute function to customize to your environment.
If you require a one-time-password system, Epic is also a good choice. There’s an inbuilt power backup, but the batteries can last up to one year before replacing. You can also block outside entry whenever you need to, and the door will automatically open and sound an alarm if the inside temperature rises above 62℃.
Epic is a Korean based manufacturer and the English manual is available online. Their locks use a deadbolt system, and they have a number of similar locks available including for sliding doors.
- Epic for sliding doors
- 3-way security with Felica and a hard key
- Pin code lock only
- Touch card and pin code
Drawbacks
Most reports on the responsiveness of the fingerprint recognition are positive. On the other hand, if the door is not so well protected from the elements, the response is not so good in high humidity, rain, and winter dryness. Some people find that using the little finger is the best option.
Also, the touch panel wears out quickly if the lock is exposed to long hours of direct sunlight. The auto lock can be switched off in the settings if you’re just popping out for a garbage dump or to the vending machine, but it can be annoying to reset again.
Helpful Verdict
The most positive reports on these locks are with families with children and the elderly. For most people in this situation, the price is worth the hassle and cost of making extra keys. If your door is not exposed to harsh elements, these locks are fine. Epic seems to be a reliable brand and customer support is responsive.
Samsung 2920 EX – Most Popular Pin and Swipe Card with RF Polling
These Samsung locks are a popular and affordable choice. They have excellent security mechanisms and they also come with two swipe cards. There’s a double security measure where remote RF tag recognition is needed before you can enter your pin.
- RF Automatic polling
- Multi touch security
- 2 access cards
- Forced entry alarm
- 40℃ fire security
- Volume control
RF automatic polling means that the door must first connect to the remote frequency chip card before you can enter your number pin. You can also use a standard plastic swipe card instead of the pin.
Additional security measures include multi touch where two random numbers must be entered first before the pin code. The glossy exterior also helps to prevent finger pattern detection. Like similar locks, they also have fire detection security and a forced entry alarm.
Drawbacks
These locks are not waterproof and therefore not suitable for an exposed door front. The main issue, however, tends to be with the access cards. Their quality and trouble free operation is not always guaranteed. Reprogramming the access cards after you change the door pin code can be a hassle. Sometimes it helps if you remove the batteries and reboot the system if you’re heaving card issues.
Helpful Verdict
These Samsung digital smart locks are fairly popular in Japan because the price tag is very reasonable. The only concern is the inconsistency of their manufacturing quality.
It comes with a one year warranty, but if you’re willing to pay for better quality and value, the Epic reviewed is a better choice. Epics has a similar model with a pin code and swipe card, and a one-time-password support which Samsung doesn’t.
Lock Man Japan LC-105 Series: Best Digital Smart Lock Made in Japan
Lockman Japan is a lock manufacturer and specialist since 1980. Their locks are also sold online under the name Megaman Japan. These locks are locally supported with the head office is in Kagoshima, with centers in Osaka and Tokyo.
- Vertical or horizontal locks and handles
- Two swipe cards included
- IC travel card supported
- 5 emergency hard keys
- Autolock system
- 4 to 12 digit passwords
- Sounds Mute
- Battery power alert
Lockman Japan digital smart locks don’t exactly come cheap, but they are good quality. The features they offer are all pretty basic with no additions such as multi touch security, one-time-passwords, RF polling, nor fire alerts. The bonus is really the five hard keys that you get.
With selected Japanese door and lock systems, these locks are guaranteed hassle free with no need for door alterations. The door series listed are:
- MIWA: LA; 13LA; MA
- GOAL / LG
- ユーシンショウワ / MS; MM
- シブタニ / LC
The smart cards use FeliCa and MIFARE technology. Information and documentation is only available in Japanese which you can also access online, and there is a helpful Youtube Video to assist with installation.
Drawbacks
The only negative reviews come from people who had installation hassles, and these locks do take a bit of time to install. Nevertheless, customer support is very good and some people received telephone assistance during a difficult installation.
Useful Verdict
For the price, perhaps these locks could offer a few more features. They are good quality and well supported by customer service. If you’re worried about digital smart locks that won’t fit your door, and then having to deal with non local support, Lockman Japan won’t let you down.
Manhaoya Digital, Smart and Hard Key Lock – Most Features and Multiple Locking Methods
Manhaoya is not a big brand manufacturer. They are a China based company that distributes their smart lock products via online portholes. They are probably a generic brand or generic distributor, but their quality is questionable.
- Smart app integration
- Use one-time-password five times
- Passwords programmable for duration or usages
- Passwords from 6 to 12 digits
- Volume setting and mute
- Break in alarm
- Sleep lock
- Two MF cards included
- Emergency power supply and power port
- Programmable auto locking
- 3 hard keys and an optional hard lock
These Manhaoya smart locks come with a lot of features bundled that you wouldn’t expect for the price. The programmability of passwords and the autolock feature are not found on other locks reviewed here.
One-time-passwords can be valid for up to 5 usages which suits people who have cleaners coming around, guests, or even homestays. Other passwords can be set to a fixed number of times or for a particular time duration.
The auto lock is unique too. You can set the waiting period before locking up to one minute, cancel the auto lock all together, or program it to operate between fixed times.
The door locks and unlocks with your app if connected to WiFi. You have to press a preset button on the panel which will then trigger a push command to your phone. Once confirmed you can lock or unlock the door. This sounds cumbersome, but WiFi networks are a lot more vulnerable than Bluetooth.
The manual provided is in Japanese and an English one is not guaranteed. There is also an automated voice guidance service in Japanese you can call via a toll free number. Additional MF cards are also available for purchase.
They have a Youtube Video instruction guide in English:
Drawbacks
The main drawback to these locks is the installation. They are designed for the easiest fit for the global market and not specifically Japan. For most doors, you will have to widen the holes and maybe do some other adjustments as well. This will require a little more than basic DIY, or professional installation.
Customer reviews on Japanese forums are limited and negative reviews are basically just related to installation issues. On international forums, however, many critical reviews suggest the product life is not what it should be, and, after some time, more than a few users have issues with the touch panel or the MF cards.
Useful Verdict
If you want to experiment with different smart and digital door lock systems in Japan, and can manage the installation by yourself, this lock may be worth the fun. The lock looks great, has cool features, but more time is needed to see whether this generic brand will actually be around for that long.
Interested in other security products? See our posts for:
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ご連絡と意見ありがとうございました。As an alternative to Amazon, we are happy for our readers to consider your services. Locks available are Gateman, Kaiser, and Samsung. Information on the website is all in English, for any further concerns about installation to typical doors in Japan, please contact the seller on his Line Account (soowonsoowon).