Secure Your Property With the Best Outdoor Keyless Gate Lock

There are smart locks for doors, but what about gates? A smart lock is a system that attaches to the door and the lock, so it's not possible to use it on a gate unless you can somehow secure the lock in place. Unless your gate has an existing locking mechanism, this won't be possible. If you have a driveway gate or similar that you want to close automatically after opening, then we'd recommend getting an automatic opener rather than a lock.

It really depends on how high your gate is off the ground and the type of material it's made out of. For example, a padlock would look fairly silly on a field gate because you'd have to crawl underneath to get through. A chain lock would be better but then you wouldn't be able to close the gate behind you as you walked along the path. That's why most people opt for U-locks which are sturdy and can be opened with one hand while holding the base of your lock in place with the other.

If your main gate is quite low then we'd say go for a basic chain lock but if it's up high near tree height then go for something more substantial like a U-lock or even an anti-theft lock that comes with additional security features such as alarms or GPS tracking software. We've reviewed some great options below including our top pick from Abus plus some cheaper budget locks just in case yours gets stolen and needs replacing quickly!

Garden locks for outdoor gates are generally low-security areas and therefore, standard locks aren't usually enough. You'll want to choose a lock that is specifically made for garden gates so you can be sure it's durable enough to withstand weather conditions. Look for a lock with a screw base so you can secure the outdoor gate lock into place properly. Be sure to check out our guide on choosing the best padlock if you're unfamiliar with this type of product.

If your gate leads up to your driveway or parking area, we recommend choosing a lock that offers high-grade protection against bolt cutters and saws – such as ABUS 8940/40 Ultra Four Star.

The best smart locks can be used to secure your front and back doors, but they're also extremely useful for securing access to your property. For example, you might want to lock standard doors on the gate leading into a driveway so no one can drive through while you're away.

If you have an existing mechanical lock that's operated by a mechanical keypad lock, or code on the inside of the gate, then you'll need what's called an in-line device. This is essentially a power source and lock mechanism that attaches to your current hardware, so it won't replace your entire system.

Alternatively, if your gate is electrically controlled then there are standalone systems that can be permanently installed at either end of the entrance. These will offer total automation, so any time someone approaches with their smartphone or contactless smart card they'll be granted entry automatically.

Smart locks are only as good as the connected services they use, and while some lock manufacturers go out of their way to ensure that connections are stable and reliable, others don't bother. It's not uncommon for smart locks to suddenly drop offline because of a server or internet connection failure.

Many smart locks also come with a host of other problems too. For example, if you're using an online service with your smart lock then it means that someone could hack into that service and get access to your front door – something several high-profile internet security firms have proven can be done in the past.

The biggest disadvantage of smart door locks is the fact that they rely on batteries to operate. Door locks that plug into your home's power outlet are great, but they will require regular attention to keep them working. Some models do come with backup batteries in case you forget yours, but it's not something you can really depend on.

In addition, there are a lot of different smart door lock manufacturers out there and many of them aren't compatible with one another. This means if you want to be able to control multiple locks from one app or interface, you'll need a system like August Smart Lock Pro which can integrate various systems together. Otherwise, you'll have to pick just one system and stick with it – though most people tend to go for either Apple HomeKit or Amazon Alexa as these are the more popular options right now.

Smart locks are a little different from digital locks as they don't actually replace your physical lock. Instead, they allow you to lock and unlock doors using your smartphone or an electronic device like an Amazon Echo.

Digital locks act just like traditional locks in the sense that they physically replace your existing deadbolt smart lock. They operate by connecting to the electric current running through your door so they can actually work with almost any type of door – even those that aren't currently fitted with a doorknob!

In theory, yes. A Yale lock can be attached to any gate that has a metal frame. The U-shaped latch on the bottom of the lock will snap into place around the metal frame, holding your gate securely shut.

However, Yale locks are not suited for outdoor use and aren't rated for exposure to the elements. If you do choose to use one on an outside gate, wrap it in plastic first so it stays waterproof and protectively coats the exposed metal with paint or grease so it doesn't rust.

You might also want to consider installing more durable smart locks weatherproof specifically for this purpose if you plan to leave your gate open often.

In short, no. Smart locks are convenient because you can check your lock's status and control it remotely, but that convenience comes at the cost of security.

The main reason most top smart locks aren't as secure as regular deadbolts is that they don't require a physical key to function. Not having a physical key means there's nothing to physically block or deter access from unauthorized parties.

Smart locks also lack terms authentication systems, which is how most online accounts and services protect themselves against hacking and other forms of cybercrime. For example, Apple has added two-factor authentication for its HomeKit smart home platform for iPhones and iPads; however, not all other smart locks and smart home devices and lock makers have done so for their products (or even plan to).

With these concerns in mind, we generally recommend using a regular padlock whenever possible or opting for one of the best biometric smart locks if you want the convenience of remote access and monitoring features without compromising on security too much (if at all).

Most smart lock brands will have thought of this eventuality and there are a number of options available in a versatile smart lock to give you back access if your key fob or smartphone run out of battery. You'll need to check the documentation that comes with auto lock for your specific model, but most use an alternate method such as a backup key card, an entry code sent to your phone via text message, or proprietary software installed on your laptop. If you're locked out, it's worth checking the manufacturer's website for any guidance on what to do in an emergency.

If you're a locksmith and you want to open a smart lock for repair purposes – perhaps because a tenant has lost their keys – then yes, you can technically open them using traditional techniques. And while some models may be more secure against these methods than others, it would still take only a few minutes and minimal equipment by someone who knows what they're doing. As such we recommend having the locks replaced with something non-smart if possible.

As it stands, digital locks are not very secure. The manufacturers of these locks accept this fact and so the majority of them have backdoors built in for emergency situations, such as when you lose your keys. This means a locksmith can get into your lock with relative ease if you give them permission to do so, but it also means that hackers and other nefarious types can do the same if they get their hands on your spare key (or hack your home smart devices).

The lack of security in digital locks is one of the reasons why ERA Technology doesn't recommend using keyless door entry systems. If someone gets hold of your spare keys while you're away from home then they can simply unlock all of your doors without needing to pick or force anything open. A physical lock may be easier to break into than a digital one but at least you know that there's no way anyone can just open all the doors within seconds regardless of where you are.

Smart locks are not burglarproof, so don't expect them to stand up against determined criminals. However, it's important to remember that smart locks aren't intended to replace traditional lock and bolt systems entirely; rather, they're designed to be used alongside those more traditional forms of home security. So while a smart lock won't stop burglars from breaking through your front door if they have the right tools and determination, it will at least let you monitor what's going on inside your home via a smartphone app – and allow you to lock remotely or unlock your door as desired in order to deter break-ins in the first place.

If a burglar does manage to get through your front door with a smart lock installed, the fact that you can keep tabs on them via smartphone may give you an advantage – as long as you act quickly enough. For example, if they start looting your valuables but haven't left yet with all their loot, shutting off the power (or tripping their breaker) might cause them enough confusion and panic for you or another family member or friend to make contact by phone or in person and scare them off completely… which is exactly what a good security system should do!