eufy Smart Lock E30, Fingerprint Keyless Door Lock with Built-in Wi-Fi, Supports Apple Home, Alexa, Google

I have been using smart locks for years, and this is my third. The Eufy replaced an August lock, so that will be the direct comparison.The August just replaced the inside portion, so reused the deadbolt mechanism. This Eufy replaces the entire unit, which has both advantages and disadvantages. If you’re a renter, or want/need to maintain the existing key, leaving the existing deadbolt is preferred. However, replacing the entire mechanism, like the Eufy does, allows for more features, like the included keypad and fingerprint reader. For the August, the keypad was an add on.The Eufy also included wifi built-in, where with the August it was a separate component that was plugged in near the lock. While that requires more batteries for the Eufy, I prefer the all-in-one solution.The other advantage of the Eufy replacing the entire mechanism is how much more positive and direct the lock feels when locking/unlocking it manually. The August would sometimes get out of sync, and when turning the lock knob by hand, it would engage the motor and you would be turning that, too. The motorized locking is also more precise, and quieter, on the Eufy.The last advantage is really only for those already using Eufy. Having it integrated with the camera app is great. If you have a camera at the entry, you can locl/unlock the door from the same screen as viewing the camera.The fingerprint scanner works great, and is faster and easier than using a code. The one complaint I have is in the app. If you add codes for people like pet sitters, cleaning people, etc., you are limited in terms of how you allow them to use the lock. It’s either always or scheduled. And you can’t change that without removing the code and adding it back. You also can turn a code on and off. You have to remove it and add it. That’s annoying and an inexcusable oversight. Hopefully that will be addressed at some point, but I don’t have high hopes.

Updated Review: I originally had a ton of issues with this lock not responding in HomeKit but after a few updates (now at 1.0.8.7), the issues seem to have been resolved. Haven’t had any issues with it not responding in Apple Home anymore so it seems like it’s safe to buy this now.Original Review: If you’re looking at this lock, you’re probably paying a premium for matter, thread, and HomeKit support. Unfortunately, all of these things are completely unreliable.Like other reviews, it works for about a day or so in HomeKit then it just randomly gets stuck with “no response” and the only thing you can do is remove it and set it up again. It seems to constantly drop from the Thread network because I have an Eve smart plug literally in the same room and when I check the network, the Eufy lock is gone yet I never have any issues with the Eve plug in the same room also using Thread.Works fine over wifi but if that’s all you need there’s no point buying this more expensive model.