Smart locks are a great way to enhance home security while adding convenience and control over who can enter your space. While many top smart lock models can be expensive, there are plenty of ways to find discounted options that don’t compromise on quality or security features. Here’s an in-depth guide to finding reliable smart locks at affordable prices, covering where to buy, when to look, and additional tips for securing the best deals.
1. Shop Online for Competitive Prices
Online marketplaces often provide some of the best deals on smart locks, especially when compared to brick-and-mortar stores. Not only do these platforms offer a wide selection of models from different brands, but they frequently run sales and promotions that can help you save money.
Best Online Marketplaces for Discounted Smart Locks:
- Amazon: Amazon is known for its extensive selection and competitive pricing. They frequently offer discounts on top brands like August, Yale, and Schlage. Checking daily deals and flash sales can yield even greater savings, especially around major shopping events.
- Walmart: Walmart’s online platform has a variety of smart locks, often at discounted prices. They also offer bundle deals on smart home products, which can save you money if you’re building a smart home system.
- eBay: eBay is a good option if you’re open to refurbished or lightly used smart locks. Many sellers offer “open box” deals on high-quality smart locks at a fraction of their retail price, allowing you to save significantly.
- Newegg: Known for its tech deals, Newegg frequently offers discounts on smart locks, especially during tech-focused sales events. They also have a “refurbished” section, which includes products that have been restored to like-new condition.
When shopping online, compare prices across these platforms and keep an eye out for daily or flash deals, which often include top smart lock models at marked-down prices.
2. Buy Directly from Manufacturer Websites
Buying directly from the manufacturer can sometimes yield unique discounts and special offers that aren’t available through third-party retailers. Many smart lock brands, like August, Yale, and Schlage, offer occasional discounts, especially on older models or refurbished items.
Advantages of Buying Directly from Manufacturers:
- Exclusive Promotions: Brands often run exclusive sales on their websites that are not advertised elsewhere. Signing up for newsletters can give you access to member-only promotions.
- Bundle Deals: Manufacturers sometimes offer bundle deals, allowing you to purchase multiple smart home products (like a lock and security camera) at a reduced price.
- Refurbished Models: Many brands sell certified refurbished locks directly on their sites, offering substantial savings while maintaining quality assurance.
Checking manufacturer websites, signing up for alerts, and exploring their refurbished sections can be a great way to score a reliable smart lock for less.
3. Explore Local Electronics and Home Improvement Stores
While online shopping often provides more options, local electronics and home improvement stores may offer discounts or clearance sales on smart locks, especially during seasonal sales events. These stores also provide the benefit of seeing the products in person and consulting knowledgeable staff.
Where to Shop Locally:
- Best Buy: Known for its wide selection of tech products, Best Buy frequently runs sales and promotions on smart home devices, including smart locks.
- Lowe’s and Home Depot: Both home improvement stores offer a variety of smart lock options, with discounts available during big sale events. They also offer price matching, so if you find a better price online, you can often get the same discount in-store.
- Local Hardware Stores: Some smaller hardware stores carry smart locks, and they may offer discounts to clear out older inventory or during annual sales events.
Shopping in-store provides the advantage of speaking with staff who can help you select the best lock for your home, and you may find unique discounts that aren’t available online.
4. Time Your Purchase Around Seasonal Sales Events
Timing is key when it comes to finding discounted smart locks. Major sales events throughout the year offer substantial discounts on home security devices, making it easier to buy a quality smart lock at an affordable price.
Best Times of Year to Shop for Smart Locks:
- Black Friday and Cyber Monday: These events, held in late November, often provide some of the year’s best deals on tech products. Both online and brick-and-mortar stores offer discounts on popular smart lock brands.
- Amazon Prime Day: Usually held in July, Prime Day offers exclusive discounts for Amazon Prime members. Smart locks from top brands are frequently included, and the discounts can be significant.
- End-of-Season Sales: Many retailers, especially home improvement stores, run clearance sales at the end of each season to make room for new inventory, providing good opportunities for discounts.
- Back-to-School and Labor Day Sales: Late summer and early fall bring more sales events, which often include deals on smart home products as people upgrade their homes and dorms.
By timing your purchase with these sales events, you can secure a high-quality smart lock at a fraction of the normal price.
5. Check Out Discounted and Outlet Stores
Discounted and outlet stores can be good places to find smart locks at reduced prices. These stores often sell overstocked or slightly older models, which can provide excellent value for those seeking a budget-friendly option.
Popular Discount and Outlet Stores:
- TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Ross: While these stores may not have a large selection of tech products, they occasionally carry smart home devices, including smart locks, at steep discounts.
- Costco: Costco often sells tech items at a lower price point due to its bulk-buying model. They occasionally have deals on popular smart locks, particularly during holiday seasons.
- Big Lots: Known for offering budget-friendly options, Big Lots sometimes carries smart locks from lesser-known brands at affordable prices.
If you’re open to exploring a variety of brands, these stores can help you find an affordable smart lock that still delivers essential features for home security.
6. Search for Refurbished and Open-Box Deals
Refurbished and open-box items are often available at a discount while still maintaining quality and functionality. Many retailers and manufacturers test these products thoroughly before reselling, so you can often buy with confidence while saving money.
Where to Find Refurbished Smart Locks:
- Amazon Warehouse: Amazon offers refurbished and open-box items through its Warehouse section, where you can find high-quality smart locks at discounted prices.
- Best Buy Open Box: Best Buy’s open-box section includes items that have been returned but are still in good condition. You can often find brand-name smart locks here at reduced prices.
- Newegg: Known for its tech deals, Newegg offers refurbished smart locks with warranties, providing peace of mind along with savings.
Refurbished items provide a reliable alternative to buying new, and they often come with warranties or return policies that make them a risk-free option.
7. Take Advantage of Cashback and Coupon Apps
Cashback and coupon apps can help you save even more on discounted smart locks by providing additional deals, rebates, and savings codes. Many of these apps partner with popular retailers, making it easy to earn money back on purchases or find coupons that apply to smart locks.
Top Cashback and Coupon Apps:
- Rakuten: Rakuten offers cashback on purchases from major retailers, including Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy, where you can find discounts on smart locks.
- Honey: Honey’s browser extension automatically finds and applies the best available coupon codes for your purchase, often reducing the price further.
- RetailMeNot: RetailMeNot provides cashback options, as well as exclusive coupons and discounts for home security items, including smart locks.
Using these apps allows you to stack savings, maximizing your discount on an already reduced-price smart lock.
8. Look for Lesser-Known or Alternative Brands
If you’re open to exploring lesser-known brands, there are several that offer affordable smart locks with solid performance. These brands often provide the essential security features of major brands at a lower price, making them a great option for budget-conscious shoppers.
Budget-Friendly Smart Lock Brands:
- Wyze: Known for budget-friendly smart home products, Wyze offers a smart lock with app controls and voice assistant compatibility at a competitive price.
- Xiaomi: Xiaomi produces a range of smart home products, including smart locks, that are affordable while offering essential security features.
- Eufy by Anker: Anker’s Eufy brand provides reliable and affordable smart locks with features like remote control and easy installation.
While these brands may not have the same name recognition as August or Schlage, they offer quality smart locks with the features needed to secure your home at a fraction of the cost.
9. Check for Loyalty Programs and Credit Card Promotions
Many retailers offer loyalty programs that provide discounts, cashback, or exclusive member-only promotions. Credit card companies often partner with retailers to offer additional cashback or points on purchases, allowing you to save more on a smart lock purchase.
How Loyalty Programs and Credit Card Promotions Save Money:
- Store Loyalty Programs: Retailers like Best Buy, Home Depot, and Lowe’s have loyalty programs that reward repeat customers, often with discounts or points that can be applied to future purchases.
- Credit Card Rewards: Some credit card companies offer additional cashback or points on home improvement and tech purchases, which can be redeemed for discounts on smart locks.
- Stackable Discounts: Many stores allow you to combine loyalty program discounts with sales, providing even more savings.
By leveraging these programs, you can often reduce the final cost of a smart lock, making it easier to afford the features you need.
10. Use Price Comparison Websites and Set Price Alerts
Price comparison websites and price alerts help you keep track of discounts and find the best deal on a smart lock. These tools make it easy to monitor price fluctuations, ensuring you buy at the optimal time.
Best Price Comparison Tools:
- Google Shopping: Google’s shopping tool allows you to compare prices across multiple retailers, making it easy to find the lowest price.
- CamelCamelCamel: This Amazon-specific tool tracks price history and alerts you when an item’s price drops, ensuring you don’t miss out on a good deal.
- Honey Price Tracker: Honey allows you to add items to a watchlist, notifying you of price changes on items you’re tracking.
With these tools, you can monitor price changes and buy a smart lock when it’s at its most affordable, ensuring you get the best value for your investment.
Finding a high-quality smart lock at an affordable price is possible if you know where to look and how to time your purchase. By exploring online retailers, shopping during sales events, considering refurbished options, and leveraging cashback apps, you can enhance your home security without overspending. With these tips, you’ll be well-equipped to choose a smart lock that fits your needs and budget, providing peace of mind and convenience for years to come.
