The home security market has exploded with options in recent years — and the most talked-about upgrade for Long Beach homeowners is the shift from traditional keyed deadbolts to smart locks. Whether you're a Belmont Shore beachside homeowner, a Naples Island condo owner, or a landlord managing multiple Long Beach properties, this guide will help you make the right call.
At Belmont Locksmith, we install and service both traditional and smart locks throughout Long Beach every day. Here's our honest, hands-on breakdown of both options.
What Is a Smart Lock?
A smart lock is an electronic locking device that replaces or supplements your traditional deadbolt. Instead of (or in addition to) using a physical key, smart locks typically offer one or more of the following:
- Keypad entry — enter a PIN code to unlock
- Bluetooth unlock — your phone unlocks the door as you approach
- Wi-Fi / app control — lock or unlock remotely from anywhere
- Voice control — compatible with Alexa, Google Home, or Siri
- Auto-lock — automatically locks after a set time
- Access logs — see a history of who entered and when
Smart Locks: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- No key to lose or copy without your knowledge
- Guest codes — give temporary access to cleaners, guests, contractors
- Remote lock/unlock from your phone
- Auto-lock prevents leaving the door unlocked accidentally
- Access logs — know exactly who comes and goes
- Ideal for Airbnb and vacation rental hosts
- No lockout if you remember your code
Considerations
- Higher upfront cost ($120–$350 vs $30–$120 for traditional)
- Requires battery maintenance (every 6–12 months)
- Wi-Fi models depend on internet connection
- Vulnerable to code-sharing if PIN is written down
- More complex installation (though a locksmith handles this)
- Some older doors may need minor modifications
Traditional Deadbolts: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- Lower cost — quality Grade 1 deadbolts start around $40–$80
- No batteries, no Wi-Fi, no app required
- Extremely reliable — no software vulnerabilities
- Simple to use for all ages
- Easily re-keyed if keys are lost (fast and affordable)
- Grade 1 deadbolts offer excellent pick, drill, and bump resistance
Considerations
- Keys can be lost, stolen, or copied
- No remote access or locking
- No access logs
- Managing multiple keyholders requires physical key copies
- No auto-lock feature
🏠 Long Beach Landlord Tip: If you manage rental units in Long Beach or Belmont Shore, smart locks with temporary PIN codes are a game-changer. No more key handoffs, no re-keying between tenants — just delete the old code and create a new one. We can set this up for your entire portfolio in a single day.
Top Smart Lock Brands We Recommend & Install
Schlage Encode Plus
Our top pick for Long Beach homeowners. Built-in Wi-Fi (no hub needed), works with Apple Home Key so your iPhone or Apple Watch unlocks the door with a tap. Grade AAA security rating — the highest available. Available in deadbolt and lever configurations.
Kwikset Halo Touch
Fingerprint-based smart lock with Wi-Fi. Excellent for families — no codes to remember. Stores up to 100 fingerprints and works with Amazon Alexa and Google Home. Built-in Re-Key Technology lets us re-key the mechanical backup cylinder on-site.
Yale Assure Lock 2
Sleek, minimal design that looks great on modern Long Beach homes. Available with keypad, touchscreen, or fingerprint. Integrates with Yale Access, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Apple HomeKit. Module-based design means you can add connectivity later.
Schlage B60N Deadbolt (Traditional)
If you prefer traditional, this is the one we recommend most. Grade 1 certified, anti-pick, anti-bump, anti-drill. It's installed in more American homes than any other deadbolt for good reason — it's simply excellent. Pairs with Schlage's re-keying technology for easy future updates.
Which Should You Choose?
Here's our simplified guide based on what we see every day in Long Beach:
- Choose a smart lock if: you manage rentals, host on Airbnb, frequently have guests or service workers, or want remote access control
- Choose a traditional lock if: you want maximum reliability, lowest cost, and a "set it and forget it" solution with no maintenance
- Consider both: many homeowners install a smart lock on the front door and a Grade 1 deadbolt on rear/side entries — best of both worlds
⚡ Installation Note: Smart lock installation is not a DIY task if you want it done correctly. Improper alignment causes the motor to strain, which drains batteries quickly and leads to premature failure. Our certified technicians ensure your smart lock is perfectly fitted, programmed, and tested before we leave.
Smart Lock Installation in Long Beach — Same Day Available
Belmont Locksmith installs, programs, and services smart locks throughout Long Beach, Belmont Shore, Naples Island, Seal Beach, Signal Hill, and surrounding communities. We carry the most popular models in stock and can typically install same-day.
We also handle:
- Smart lock troubleshooting and battery replacement
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth pairing setup
- Migration from traditional to smart locks
- Multi-unit master key and smart lock systems for property managers
Conclusion
Both smart locks and traditional deadbolts have a place in a well-secured Long Beach home. The right choice depends on your lifestyle, budget, and how you manage access to your property. What matters most is that whichever lock you choose is properly installed, correctly aligned, and set up by a professional locksmith.
Belmont Locksmith is your local expert for everything from basic deadbolt installation to full smart home security setups in Long Beach, Belmont Shore, and all surrounding neighborhoods. Call us today for a free, no-obligation quote.