Lockly Vision Elite WiFi Video Smart Lock review

Could the Lockly Vision Elite – WiFi Video Smart Lock with Night Vision Camera, Motion Sensor, Biometric Fingerprint, Voice Control, App Remote Control, Doorbell, Solar Panel, Digital Keypad, Satin Nickel be the all-in-one smart lock we’ve been waiting for?

Product Summary

We tested the Lockly Vision Elite and documented how it performs across security, convenience, and daily reliability. We focused on key features like the Full HD night vision camera, fingerprint sensor, patented keypad, multiple unlocking methods, and the included solar panel to understand how they come together in real-world use.

Key Features

We want to make it easy to see what stands out about this product at a glance. The list below summarizes the features we found most meaningful during setup and extended use.

We included this table to break down the essentials so we could compare features quickly during evaluation. The Lockly Vision Elite delivers a broad mix of hardware and software features that aim to satisfy both security-focused and convenience-minded households.

Design and Build Quality

We appreciated the overall aesthetic and solidity of the Lockly Vision Elite in satin nickel, which suits modern doors without being overly flashy. The lock feels weighty and well-made, with a finish that resists fingerprints and light wear during our testing period.

Materials and Finish

We observed metal construction on the exterior hardware and a durable-looking interior assembly that suggests longevity. The satin nickel finish matched our door trim and resisted minor scuffs better than some lower-end smart locks we’ve handled.

Size and Fit

We noted that the exterior camera and keypad assembly is slightly thicker than a standard deadbolt, but it still fit most US-style doors without clearance issues. We recommend checking door thickness and clearance around the handle before purchasing, as the camera housing requires a bit more space than a basic deadbolt.

Camera Performance

We found the Full HD camera to be one of the strongest selling points, offering clear live video and sharp recorded clips in good lighting. The camera angle covers visitors from head to toe, which made identification easier than with many other doorbell cameras that crop too tightly.

Night Vision

We tested the night vision in low-light conditions and were pleased with usable black-and-white footage that retained facial detail at typical porch distances. Infrared illumination performs well up to a reasonable range, though extreme distances or very cluttered backgrounds can reduce clarity.

Two-Way Audio & Doorbell

We used the two-way audio to communicate with visitors while away and found the speaker and microphone to be adequate for casual conversation and delivery instructions. The built-in doorbell functionality integrates with the camera so recordings and notifications align with doorbell presses, which made event review straightforward.

Unlocking Methods

We enjoyed having multiple ways to open the door, which gave us flexibility for different household routines and guest scenarios. Redundancy in unlocking methods also provides peace of mind if one method is temporarily unavailable.

PIN Genie Digital Keypad

We liked the patented PIN Genie keypad because the numbers shift positions to obscure fingerprint smudges and shoulder-surfing attempts. The peek-proof design adds a meaningful layer of privacy for PIN entry and it made us more comfortable sharing codes for short-term access.

3D Biometric Fingerprint

We found the second-generation 3D fingerprint sensor to be fast and responsive, unlocking in roughly 0.5 seconds after a successful scan. The sensor stores up to 99 fingerprints, which is ample for most families and frequent visitors, and accuracy was high across different finger orientations.

Mobile App and Voice Control

We used the Lockly mobile app for remote unlocking and status checks and appreciated the ability to create temporary or time-limited codes for guests. Voice control with Alexa and Hey Google made routine interactions hands-free, and we enjoyed the convenience of asking our smart speaker to check lock status or open the door during testing.

QR Code, eKeys & Physical Key

We found the revocable scan-to-open QR codes and eKeys/eBadges convenient for short-term deliveries or service providers, and being able to revoke them instantly adds a layer of control we value. The inclusion of a physical key provides a traditional backup and reassurance for unforeseen power or connectivity issues.

Motion Detection and Alerts

We relied on the smart motion sensor during our testing to catch activity at varying distances and times of day, and the system generated timely alerts to our phone. Motion-triggered recordings were useful for monitoring packages and unexpected visitors without requiring manual recording.

Sensitivity and False Positives

We adjusted sensitivity settings to reduce false positives from street traffic and tree movement, which helped cut down on irrelevant alerts. While no motion sensor is perfect, Lockly’s permissions and sensitivity settings made it practical to tune the system for our environment.

Storage and Privacy

The inclusion of a 32GB micro-SD card for local video storage stood out to us because it avoids mandatory cloud subscription fees that often come with smart cameras. We liked having local storage as an option while still retaining the ability to manage recordings from the mobile app.

Local Storage with 32GB Micro-SD

We tested local recording and offline playback successfully, and the 32GB card was adequate for storing several days of events depending on recording settings and motion frequency. Local storage made us feel more in control of our data and reduced recurring costs in our analysis.

Cloud Options and Privacy Considerations

We noted that Lockly offers cloud features for those who prefer them, but privacy-conscious households can rely on the included local storage to keep footage internal. We recommend pairing the lock with a secure home network and enabling encryption features in the app to further protect access and recordings.

Power and Battery

We examined the internal battery performance and the added solar panel option to understand real-world power management for Lockly Vision Elite. The combination of battery and solar top-up reduces our worry about frequent manual recharging in typical porch installations.

Solar Panel and Power Options

We found the sold-separately solar panel to be a practical accessory that helps maintain battery levels, especially for doors that receive regular sunlight. When positioned properly, the solar panel noticeably slowed battery depletion during our test period, which reduced the need for manual recharges.

Battery Life and Power Management

We observed reliable battery life under normal usage patterns, and the lock offers low-battery notifications through the app so we could plan recharges proactively. Auto-lock and sleep modes combined with the solar panel made the overall power profile stable for daily use in our experience.

Installation and Setup

We installed the Lockly Vision Elite with common household tools and were able to complete the job within a reasonable time frame without professional help. The package includes clear instructions and a straightforward mounting process that fit standard door configurations.

Tools and Compatibility

We used a screwdriver, drill, and a few hand tools for the install and encountered no unusual requirements beyond verifying door thickness and pre-drilling for the camera hole, if needed. The lock is compatible with most US doors, though specialized doors or very old hardware may need an adapter or minor adjustment.

Rekeying Capability

We appreciated the rekeying capability that allows swapping the key cylinder without replacing the whole lock, which simplifies transitioning from an existing key set. This feature keeps costs down when updating locks for security or when moving into a new home.

Mobile App Experience

We evaluated the Lockly app for responsiveness, ease of use, and management of users and access privileges, and we found it intuitive overall. The app allowed us to create schedules, share eKeys, and manage notifications without excessive menu hunting.

Remote Control and Sharing Access

We used remote unlock and eKey sharing frequently to let guests in while away, and the system handled time-limited access well from the app. Sharing can be tailored to one-time access, scheduled access, or permanent access, giving us great flexibility for household and guest management.

Firmware Updates and Notifications

We appreciated that firmware updates can be applied through the app to keep the lock current and secure, and notifications about important updates were clear and actionable. Staying on top of firmware is important for both security and stability, and the app made this straightforward.

Security and Encryption

We examined the security posture of the Lockly Vision Elite and considered both physical and digital protections provided. The moving keypad, anti-tamper alerts, and offline code options contribute to a layered defense that we value highly.

Anti-Tamper and Auto-Lock

We tested tamper scenarios and found that the lock issues alerts promptly when it detects suspicious activity, which helps deter opportunistic attempts. Auto-lock settings are customizable, and enabling them allowed the door to lock automatically after a set interval, which added convenience and reduced human error.

Performance in Daily Use

We lived with the Lockly Vision Elite for several weeks to understand everyday reliability and convenience, and it performed consistently with only occasional minor hiccups. The combination of fast fingerprint response, reliable camera feeds, and responsive app control made it a strong candidate for primary entry security.

Speed and Reliability

We recorded unlock times of roughly 0.5 seconds with fingerprint and under a second for keypad entry when conditions were normal, which is fast enough for seamless daily routines. Network-dependent features like remote unlock and live video can vary with local Wi-Fi quality, but typical home networks provided stable performance in our tests.

Handling Power or Network Outages

We confirmed that offline access codes and the physical key offer fallback options if the battery dies or the network goes down, which gave us confidence in real-world contingencies. The included physical key and the ability to create offline codes during setup provided concrete backup plans that we found reassuring.

Pros and Cons

We compiled the main strengths and weaknesses we observed to help summarize where the Lockly Vision Elite shines and where it may fall short for some households. This balanced view reflects both technical performance and practical daily use.

Pros:

• Robust Full HD camera with night vision and two-way audio.
• Multiple unlocking methods including fast 3D fingerprint and peek-proof keypad.
• 32GB micro-SD for local storage with no mandatory subscription fees.
• Motion detection with smart alerts and auto-record capability.
• Rekeying capability and physical key backup for redundancy.
• Solar panel option improves battery longevity for sunny installations.
• Solid warranty coverage and lifetime technical support.

Cons:

• Camera module is bulkier than a simple deadbolt and requires slightly more clearance.
• Cloud features often come at additional cost if chosen, despite local storage option.
• Optimal performance depends on a stable Wi-Fi network for remote features.
• Solar panel effectiveness is location-dependent and may not be suitable for shaded doors.

We believe these pros and cons reflect the practical trade-offs most households will weigh when considering an all-in-one smart lock with integrated camera.

How It Compares

We compared the Lockly Vision Elite to other smart locks and doorbell-camera combos to gauge where it fits in the market and which buyers will benefit most. Our comparison emphasized feature completeness and the balance between privacy and convenience.

Alternatives to Consider

We considered alternatives such as dedicated video doorbells paired with a separate smart lock, and integrated units from other brands that emphasize cloud features. While some alternatives may offer slimmer profiles or cheaper entry points, the Lockly Vision Elite stands out when combined camera quality, local storage, and multiple unlocking options are priorities for our household.

Troubleshooting and Tips

We documented common issues and practical tips from our setup and testing to help avoid pitfalls and get the best performance from the Lockly Vision Elite. These suggestions aim to shorten the learning curve and increase reliability for everyday use.

Common Issues and Fixes

We encountered occasional Wi-Fi dropouts and resolved them by optimizing router placement and enabling 2.4 GHz connectivity for the lock if necessary. For fingerprint registration issues, re-scanning the finger at different angles and wiping the sensor clean resolved most recognition failures quickly.

Warranty and Support

We evaluated Lockly’s warranty and support offerings and found them to be reassuring for long-term ownership, especially given the mechanical components involved. The 5-year mechanical and finish warranty plus a 2-year electronics warranty coupled with lifetime technical support gives us confidence that help is available if hardware or electronics fail.

Final Verdict

We find the Lockly Vision Elite to be a compelling choice for households seeking a unified smart lock and camera solution with strong local storage, numerous unlocking methods, and thoughtful privacy options. While it’s not the smallest or cheapest option on the market, its combination of features, build quality, and backup options make it a solid investment for those who want robust front-door security and flexible access control.

We recommend the Lockly Vision Elite for families and homeowners who prioritize integrated video monitoring, varied access methods, and control over their data without mandatory subscription fees. With sensible installation and network planning, it offers a reliable, feature-rich upgrade to traditional deadbolts and separate doorbell cameras.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.