Lockitron Tested

Published Aug 14, 2014 04:00 AM

Lockitron is one of the most hyped products in years and maybe the most well known access control product ever. Ever since their crowdsourcing campaign began, this red-hot startup has won millions in backing and all the admiration Silicon Valley has to offer.  

But quite literally, the multi-million dollar question is: Does Lockitron deliver?

We bought a unit and put it through its paces.

What we found was was a mix of disappointment, confusion, and a glimpse at the trouble of bootstrapping an idea into a real access control solution.

Key Findings

Inconsistent: Lockitron does not work correctly most of the time. After the initial installation and alignment bugs were ironed out, the unit still failed to repeatably and reliably lock/unlock our test door.

  • Buggy: Lockitron's app and wifi connectivity often breaks. Commands are issued from the app, but the lock does not respond properly, returns an error, or just quits. 
  • Still in Development: Big functional elements, like the BLE-based 'Sense' feature that automatically unlocks doors when an authorized user approaches is not finished.

Operational errors like the example below, with the door cycling but returning an error message at the end:

Aside from being incorrect, if a user stood outside the door or out of sight of the lock, there is no easy method to confirm door state short of checking the lock with a mechanical key or determining what the error relates to.

And the biggest problem was the door remaining physically unlocked while the app showed it locked:

This error could leave a user thinking a door is secure when in reality the Lockitron is reporting bad information.

Hardware Evaluation

After being the early focus for trouble, the hardware set has been substantially reworked since the first units began shipping. Our unit appeared well assembled and installed onto our door in minutes according to the instructions. Small alignment changes were needed to get the unit cycling properly, but Lockitron's website contains a number of videos and technical tips for this, and even an inexperienced DIYer should be able to mount the device with little issue if the door and deadbolt meet spec.

WiFI / BlueTooth Problems

However, WiFi/Bluetooth Integration is a mess. Connectivity is the source of many issues with the unit, ranging from delayed response to commands to not working at all.  In an effort to conserve battery power, the unit sleeps and disconnects from all routers in the process. In doing so, if a user wishes to use the unit again, they must physically wake the unit by 'knocking on the door'.

The entire convenience goal of the product is undermined by the fact a user has to manually wake the unit and wait for it to reconnect before using the app.

The device comes with a redundant form of connectivity in Bluetooth, but the mechanics of using it are still being worked out by Lockitron's engineers, leaving several users asking 'Does Bluetooth even work?'.  Indeed, we had no success pairing the device using Bluetooth during our test, and repeatedly saw this error:

Software Evaluation

We tested Lockitron using the iOS app, but found it unstable and prone to crashing. While these errors may not entirely be a software problem, we found the web portal often reported information correctly when the app did not. Errors and crashes were common, ie:

Lockitron Tech Support

Tech support was provided, often by a founder. However, resolutions were often contingent on a software/firmware update that takes time to develop. Unlike commercial quality gear, Lockitron does not have configuration and control options to tweak over the phone, so fixes are slow to arrive.

Our Test Door

In testing our unit, we made sure our test met the recommendations for ideal use. We mounted Lockitron on a hollow core metal, residential grade entry door equipped with a Kwikset-style deadbolt. The door is located ~15' away from the connected wireless router.

All mechanical components of the lock are free turning and without binds, with the bolt retracting flush with the edge of the door when manually unlocked.

Our Recommendation: Stay Away

Given our shaky, inconsistent experience with the unit, we recommend avoiding Lockitron until major deficiencies are corrected. 

Lockitron's Outlook

While some hard work and problem solving lies ahead, Lockitron can turn things around. With the 'Internet of Things movement' growing, Lockitron carries the support and name recognition of being one of the first vendors in the space.

Comments are shown for subscribers only. Login or Join