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The field of biometrics is both a fascinating and innovative addition to the world of consumer technology. Home security devices are becoming increasingly popular with homeowners and apartment dwellers, and biometrics play an important role in many of the leading smart locks on the market. In fact, as of this writing, the $80 Wyze Auto-Lock Bolt v2 is Amazon’s best-selling biometric security product. It also has over 520 user reviews, giving the device a solid 4.6 out of 5 stars.
Although Amazon’s bestseller lists are subject to change based on the most recent purchasing trends, the Wyze v2 remains a lock that we would consider if it wasn’t on the winners list. The in-display fingerprint scanner uses a tempered glass touch point, so you shouldn’t have to worry about oils and smudges preventing your entry. Unlike other smart locks, the Wyze v2 supports both Bluetooth and 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, so you won’t be limited to just controlling your lock at home. All integration is handled by the Wyze app, which is also the mobile software you’ll use to monitor and customize the v2 lock.
The app lets you create keypad codes (up to 50), create access schedules, set auto-lock timers, and much more. We also like that the body of the keyboard contains a USB-C port. If all eight AA batteries run out, you can connect the lock to a USB power bank to temporarily power the lock. The lock also works well with Alexa and Google Home, allowing you to lock doors with voice commands.
There are pros and cons to every smart lock, and the Wyze v2 is no exception.
Not all smart locks are created equal, so it’s refreshing to see how many 5-star user write-ups the Wyze v2 has received. He also performed very well with professionals; PCWorld gave it 4.5 stars out of five, and it won Popular Mechanics’ “Best Budget Smart Lock.” The lock is not without a small list of drawbacks, however, one of which is that you can only unlock the door using the fingerprint scanner. Someone else was put off by the lock’s warning chime that goes off every time it’s left unlocked for more than five minutes.
We’ve also heard of some connectivity issues, both with the Wyze app and Alexa. Another user brought up the fact that the Wyze app gives constant promotional push notifications, even when notifications are turned off. We’ve covered several smart locks over the years, and if you’re looking for a great alternative to the Wyze v2, we recommend the Yale Assure Lock 2. The device has many of the same features as the Wyze v2, but also adds Siri commands and support for ADT Plus and the Airbnb app.
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