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Bold Smart Lock Review
generalize
The Bold smart lock is a great new option in the market. It has an attractive design and works well with most existing hardware. It’s easy to install and set up, and there’s no motor to make sure it won’t damage you.
advantage
- attractive design
- Easy to install and setup
- Seems like it will be more reliable than other 100% keyless locks
shortcoming
- No physical key backup or emergency battery backup
- Not as smart as competing options
I have reviewed several smart locks now and I still use Yale Lynas Smart Lock at my front door and Ultion smart lock at my back door.
A relatively new option on the market, the Bold smart lock has an attractive design and works slightly differently than competing options
Specification
- 100% Keyless: Convenient over the phone with our Bold app. wherever you are.
- Battery over 2 years old
- Bluetooth with two-factor authentication and extra end-to-end encryption does all the work for you.
The highest level of security certified by SKG***. - Duracore makes it impossible for thieves to get in by common methods such as drilling and pulling.
- Option to allow remote control of the lock WiFi bridge
- Option clickers used as wireless keys
Install
The main thing you have to consider with Bold is getting the right size lock. There’s no adjustable cylinder length like competing options. I have a standard English multi-point UPVC door and the cylinder itself, 55 inside and 45 outside, but with about 15mm extra for the handle. That means I need an SX 53.
Installation is very simple, same if the cylinder has been changed before.
You will need to remove the existing loop, which includes unscrewing the screws that go into the cylinder.
When using the Bold, a small hex key is required to unscrew the outer knob. With this removed, you can slide the Bold into place, screw the cylinder into place, reinstall the outdoor knob, and that’s it!
One thing worth noting. I installed it on my garage turned gym french door and it opens outwards. I couldn’t do it at Yale because the lock was too wide for me to close the door. With the Bold, the interior section just skips the second door.
set up
Then, you need to download the app and sign up for an account.
The bluetooth paired with the lock without issue, but I needed to do a firmware update, which took a few tries to complete. The first time around 50% and stayed there for 30 minutes. Then it won’t connect to the lock properly. Eventually, it did connect and passed successfully.
No calibration required.
is using
The way the Bold Smart Locks work is nothing like every other smart lock I’ve reviewed. Yale Linus, Ultion/Danalock and Nuki are more like smart key cars. They both allow you to use an old-fashioned key as a backup, and the device mechanically turns the lock from the inside for smart functionality.
With the Bold, there is no motor. You need to manually turn the knob to engage the lock. The smart function is that the Bold lock can enable/disable the inner rotating part of the lock.
This means no configuration is required, less things go wrong in my opinion, and less battery usage.
To lock/unlock the door, you need to go into the app and press the lock button. This will give you a time limit to turn the lock before disabling it again.
If you are inside or out of the house, you can also press the bold button inside the house, then quickly leave, lift the handle and turn the lock.
Although I prefer physical keys as a guarantee of mechanical backup, I really like this approach to smart locks. The lack of calibration and the motor just feels like it’s unlikely to be a problem at some point.
The downside is that you lose some automation of other locks. It doesn’t know if the door is open, it won’t automatically lock after a while.
Battery Life
Boldly claim more than 2 years of battery. The inevitable worry is that you won’t notice the low-battery notification, and you’ll be locked out of your home. With this, there is no emergency access option like the Yale Conexis L1, and apparently no backup keys.
In bold, you’ll be notified in advance if your battery is dying. Missed all these notifications? It’s ok. It will automatically enter power saving mode. That way, your battery will last for weeks.
Bold Connection Centers and Clickers
I didn’t get these so I didn’t review them. Similar to the Yale Linus, you can extend the system with a WiFi hub, allowing you to access the hub remotely.
Clicker allows you to activate Bold Smart Lock with the click of a button and a twist.
Price and Alternatives
You can buy a Bold lock from 199 euros, the price goes up with size, so my SX 43 is 209 euros. There is free shipping, but I think if you import into the UK you will be subject to VAT due to the new Brexit rules.
You can also buy it from Amazon, with prices starting from £195.
Bold Connect WiFi bridge for £100, clicker for around £33
Yale Linus is £200 and you may need an adjustable cylinder for £36. WiFi bridge is £70.
Danalock is just £123, but the Ultion Smart Lock is just £259.
Then the Nuki Smart Lock 3.0 is 149 euros, or the Pro model is 249 euros.
comprehensive
The Bold smart lock is a great new option in the market.
I’d say it’s the best looking device currently available, the Ultion looks good on the outside but still has a huge Danalock component inside. For UK homes with multipoint handles, the Yale and Nuki look ugly inside because you have to mount them on top of the handle.
There are some pros and cons to the locking method, and it’s not as smart as competing options, but it feels like it’ll be more reliable than other smart locks that lack a physical key as a backup option.
The pricing is reasonable and on the same level as other premium smart locks.
Last updated on January 28, 2022 / Affiliate Links / Image from Amazon Product Advertising API
