IN A HURRY? OUR #1 CAMERA LOCK PICK — EUFY VIDEO SMART LOCK S330: TOP PROS
Smart home security has levelled up. If you want the simplicity of a single device that locks your door, records visitors, lets you talk to them, and opens with a fingerprint or code, a smart lock with a built-in camera is the cleanest solution. In this 2025 refresh we’ll cover what to look for (privacy, power, interoperability like Matter/Thread), and our top picks—including full camera locks and great non-camera locks you can pair with a video doorbell if you prefer modular setups.
CONTENTS
- Before you buy: what to look for in a smart lock with a camera (2025)
- Best smart locks with built-in cameras (top picks)
- Excellent smart locks to pair with a doorbell camera
- Quick comparison table
- Install, power & connectivity tips
- Smart lock FAQ (cameras, privacy, Matter, BHMA grades)
- How we test & choose
- Conclusion
Before you buy: what to look for in a smart lock with a camera (2025)
- Video quality & field of view: Higher resolution helps with faces and package detail. Also check the vertical FOV so you can see packages at the doorstep.
- Unlock methods: Fingerprint or palm-vein, PIN keypad, app, watch (Home Key), auto-unlock via phone proximity, and a physical key override are common.
- Storage & fees: Some locks include local storage (great for privacy and ongoing cost). Others rely on cloud plans—budget for that if you want longer clip history.
- Power: Most camera locks are battery powered; camera + Wi-Fi drain faster than standard locks. Look for fast-swap packs, trickle-charging (e.g., solar plate) or low-battery failsafes.
- Connectivity & ecosystems: Decide between Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Thread. Matter support is growing, but camera video isn’t part of Matter yet—only lock controls.
- Door fit & security grade: Confirm deadbolt type and backset. Prefer locks tested to ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 or 2 standards. Higher is better for physical security.
- Privacy & compliance: Favor brands that offer on-device processing, clear retention controls, and support the new U.S. Cyber Trust Mark label (rolling out in 2025).
Quick comparison table
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Our #1 Choice
Eufy Video Smart Lock S330 (camera lock) |
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Lockly Vision Elite/Prestige (camera lock) |
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Eufy FamiLock S3 Max (camera lock) |
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Schlage Encode Plus (pair with a doorbell) |
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Yale Assure Lock 2 (pair with a doorbell) |
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Best smart locks with built-in cameras
1. Eufy Video Smart Lock S330
Why it’s #1: A true all-in-one: video doorbell, deadbolt, fingerprint reader, two-way audio, and local storage in one tidy unit. If you don’t want separate devices (and separate batteries) this is the most balanced package for price, features and privacy.
- Highlights: High-resolution video, dual motion detection, two-way talk, 3D fingerprint unlock, door status sensor, auto-lock/auto-unlock, local video storage so there are no required monthly fees.
- Good for: Renters or homeowners who prefer no cloud fees and a single device at the door.
- Keep in mind: As with most camera locks, battery life is shorter than non-camera models; place your Wi-Fi AP reasonably close for stability.
Pros
- All-in-one lock + doorbell cam
- Local clip storage, no mandatory subscription
- Fast, reliable biometric unlock
Cons
- Bulkier than a standard deadbolt
- Battery life depends heavily on video usage
Bottom line
If you want one device that “just does it all,” the S330 is the most balanced camera lock for 2025.
2. Lockly Vision Elite / Prestige
Lockly’s Vision line fuses a robust deadbolt with a doorbell camera and signature PIN Genie keypad (shuffles digits to defeat shoulder-surfing). The Elite model adds a trickle-charging solar panel to extend battery life and supports two-way talk and package alerts.
- Highlights: Integrated camera with motion alerts, live view, two-way audio, PIN Genie keypad, optional solar trickle charger, and refined industrial design.
- Good for: Front doors with solid sun exposure (to benefit from the solar plate) and households that prefer keypad codes over biometrics.
- Keep in mind: Larger footprint than a standard deadbolt and typically pricier than non-camera models.
Pros
- Doorbell + camera in the lock body
- Solar trickle charging helps battery life
- Clever PIN Genie anti-peep keypad
Cons
- Premium price
- Larger exterior escutcheon
Bottom line
When you want a polished, keypad-first camera lock—and especially if your door gets sunlight—the Vision Elite/Prestige belongs on your shortlist.
3. Eufy FamiLock S3 Max (2025)
Eufy’s newest flagship adds on-device 32GB local storage, upgraded imaging, and multi-factor biometrics (fingerprint + palm-vein) in a single unit. It’s built for low-fee ownership while still offering modern conveniences like auto-unlock and rich motion alerts.
Pros
- Big on local storage & privacy
- Fast biometrics, two-way audio
- Newest all-in-one from Eufy
Cons
- Brand-new model pricing at launch
- Availability can fluctuate early on
Bottom line
If you value privacy and bleeding-edge features in a single device, S3 Max is the most forward-leaning camera lock.
Excellent smart locks to pair with a video doorbell
Prefer a modular setup or already own a great doorbell cam (Ring, Nest, Eufy)? These non-camera locks pair nicely for longer battery life and wider Matter/HomeKit/Assistant support.
4. Schlage Encode Plus (best for Apple Home Key)
- Why it’s great: Built-in Wi-Fi deadbolt that supports Apple Home Key tap-to-unlock with your iPhone/Watch, plus Alexa/Google compatibility.
- Pair it with: A Ring or Nest doorbell if you want video.
5. Yale Assure Lock 2 (Matter/Thread options)
- Why it’s great: Sleek hardware, swappable modules (Wi-Fi, Thread), keypad or fingerprint variants, and strong ecosystem flexibility.
- Pair it with: A Nest or Eufy doorbell for video, keeping battery life high on the lock itself.
Install, power & connectivity tips
- Fit & handing: Most locks fit standard 1-3/8″–2″ thick doors with 2-3/8″ or 2-3/4″ backset. Confirm your door’s borehole size before ordering.
- Power planning: Camera locks consume more power than non-camera models. Keep spare batteries or choose models with swappable packs or trickle charging.
- Wi-Fi placement: A closer access point improves stream quality and reduces battery drain. If you can’t move your router, consider a mesh node near the door.
- Privacy hygiene: Use unique PINs per person, disable unneeded remote unlock, and set retention limits for video clips. Prefer local storage when possible.
- Security grade: Look for ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 or 2 hardware and enable auto-lock with a reasonable delay (30–120s) for best real-world security.
Smart lock FAQ
Are camera locks safe?
Yes—assuming you keep firmware updated, use strong accounts (with 2FA), and set sane video retention. Local storage reduces the risk of cloud breaches; battery alerts and mechanical key overrides reduce lockout risk.
Does Matter help here?
Matter standardizes lock control across ecosystems (Alexa, Google, Apple), but it doesn’t carry camera video yet. If you want maximum interoperability, consider a non-camera lock that supports Matter and pair it with your favorite video doorbell.
How long do batteries last in a camera lock?
It varies with motion activity, temperature, and Wi-Fi strength. Expect weeks to a few months per charge; solar-assist models can stretch that significantly. Non-camera locks often last many months.
What about physical security?
Choose locks rated to ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 or 2. Grade ratings indicate resistance to forced entry, impact, and cycle wear, independent of the electronics.
How we test & choose
We prioritize three things: (1) Safety and reliability (physical grade, mechanical override, failsafes), (2) Privacy and costs (local vs cloud storage, subscriptions, data retention), and (3) Real-world convenience (biometrics, auto-unlock, speed, app quality). We also check compatibility with major ecosystems and look for documented security practices from the manufacturer.
Conclusion
If you want everything in one, Eufy’s Video Smart Lock S330 is the easiest single-device upgrade. Prefer a keypad-first design with solar trickle charging? Lockly Vision Elite/Prestige is a premium choice. If battery life and ecosystem flexibility matter more than a built-in camera, pair Schlage Encode Plus or Yale Assure Lock 2 with your favorite doorbell camera for a modular setup that’s easy to maintain.
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