The "Top 10 Best Smart Locks" includes at least 5 models from China
From the list, it can be seen that the LOCKSTAR® Smart Door Lock, Aqara Smart Lock U100, Veise Smart Lock, eufy Security Smart Lock S230, Yale Assure Lock 2, Schlage Wi-Fi Smart Lock, eufy Security Smart Lock C220, eufy Security Smart Lock C210, Yale Security Assure Lock 2, and eufy Smart Lock E30 have been selected for the latest "Best Smart Locks" list by Buyers Guide.
Firstly, from the composition of the list, Chinese brands stand out significantly. Aqara Smart Lock U100 ranks second, while three products from eufy—S230, C220, C210, and E30—are ranked fourth, seventh, eighth, and tenth, respectively, occupying half of the spots on the list. If LOCKSTAR is indeed the same company as China's Tongchuangxinji due to the identical trademark letters, it is not yet confirmed. However, if LOCKSTAR and Tongchuangxinji are the same company, the number of Chinese brand entries will increase to six, which undoubtedly highlights the strong competitiveness of Chinese smart lock companies in the international market.
Among them, Aqara is from the Chinese company Limi Technology, and eufy is from the Chinese company Anker Innovations. This shows that Chinese smart lock brands have gained recognition from a wide range of overseas users. However, upon closer examination of this list, several notable features emerge that are worth discussing:
1. Relatively simple functionality.
Most of the smart locks on the list primarily rely on fingerprint recognition, mobile Bluetooth, and passwords for unlocking. Compared to the domestic market, where products integrate multiple unlocking methods such as finger vein, palm vein, 3D facial recognition, IC cards, wristbands, and NFC, these locks appear relatively simple. This difference reflects the varying demands between domestic and international markets. Domestic users prioritize diversity in functions and convenience, while international markets may focus more on the stability and security of basic features. This simplicity in functionality could also be related to the different perceptions and usage habits of smart locks in foreign markets, where users may prefer simpler and more reliable unlocking methods.
2. More support for smart home ecosystems.
When it comes to the integration of smart locks with home ecosystems, there is a clear difference between domestic and international markets. In China, there are numerous platforms for smart lock integration, but most are focused on specific smart lock categories, with relatively few comprehensive platforms. In contrast, international markets tend to have more comprehensive platforms for smart lock integration, such as Apple HomeKit, Alexa, and Google Assistant. This difference may stem from the varying stages of development and different philosophies in ecosystem building between domestic and international smart home markets. While international markets focus on the overall integration and compatibility of smart home systems, the domestic market is in a rapid development phase, with various platforms emerging to carve out a niche in specific market segments.
3. Visual Smart Locks Are Still in the Early Stages of Development
In terms of visualization, the foreign smart lock market appears to be in its early stages. Although several smart lock brands showcased products with features like visual peepholes, indoor screens, and remote viewing at the recent CES, none of the visual peephole smart locks made it onto the Buyers Guide's list. This could be due to the relatively small scale of demand for visualization features in international markets, or it might be linked to the maturity of the products and the effectiveness of their market promotion. As smart home technologies continue to advance and consumers demand higher levels of safety and convenience, visual features are expected to become a new hot spot in the smart lock market.
4. Price Competition Is Less Intense
In terms of pricing, the retail average price of the smart locks listed in the Buyers Guide is generally above $100, which is relatively moderate compared to the intense price competition in the domestic market. This may be due to the simpler structure, lighter weight, and relatively lower cost of American standard locks, but it is more likely related to the number of brands involved and the market competition landscape. The foreign smart lock market may be relatively mature, with competition between brands being more focused on product quality, technological innovation, and service levels, rather than pure price competition.
In conclusion, the 2025 Buyers Guide "Best Smart Lock Products" list not only showcases the latest trends in the smart lock market but also reveals the differences and trends between domestic and international markets in areas such as functionality requirements, smart home ecosystems, visualization development, and price competition. For smart lock companies, this represents both a challenge and an opportunity. They must closely monitor market dynamics and shifts in consumer demand, continuously adjust product strategies and market positioning to stand out in the intense international competition. At the same time, they need to strengthen technological innovation and brand building, enhancing the added value and competitiveness of their products to contribute to the continued growth of the smart lock market.