Locks & doorbells: what they can really do
The front door is where most people start a smart home, and where the hidden costs are. Buyers ask about subscriptions, unlocking without a key, and what Apple's new LG lineup changes. Here's what the sources say.
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Every product at a glance
| Product | Where it stands | In one line |
|---|---|---|
| Eufy S3 Max Video Smart LockEufy | Smart lock and video doorbell that unlocks with a wave of your palm. | |
| Eufy Video Doorbell E340Eufy | Dual-camera doorbell that records to built-in storage, no subscription. | |
| LG Smart Deadbolt Lock (Apple Home Collection)LG | Apple Home lock that unlocks as you walk up with your iPhone. $349.95, from December 2026. | |
| LG Video Doorbell Wired (Apple Home Collection)LG | Apple Home doorbell with package camera; recordings use iCloud+. $249.95, from December 2026. |
Labels: In stores, Coming soon. How we label
What people ask
Do I need a subscription for a video doorbell?
Depends on the brand. Ring doorbells have no built-in storage: without a paid plan you get alerts and live view but nothing is saved. The Eufy E340 records to built-in storage with no fee. Apple's LG doorbell skips a camera subscription but stores recordings in paid iCloud+.
Sources: [1] AOL, [2] The Ambient, [3] Techlicious
What's in Apple's new Home Collection?
Cameras, a video doorbell, a smart deadbolt, thermostats and sensors made by LG and Schneider Electric, set up in Apple's Home app. Prices run from $39.95 for a sensor to $399.95 for the floodlight camera; sales start in December 2026, some items in early 2027.
Sources: [3] Techlicious
Can a lock open as I walk up to the door?
LG's Apple Home lock is built to: it uses Ultra Wideband to sense your iPhone or Apple Watch and unlock as you approach. It goes on sale in December 2026 and hasn't been reviewed yet.
Sources: [3] Techlicious
Does palm unlocking work?
In EFTM's review of the Eufy S3 Max, yes, after some practice: you hold your palm over the sensor for a few seconds, and re-enrolling improved it. The reviewer expects older users may find it awkward at first.
Sources: [4] EFTM
Guides
What can they do?
- Question · Locks & doorbells
Can a video doorbell save video without a subscription?
Yes. Doorbells like the Eufy E340 record to built-in storage with no monthly fee. Ring doorbells only show live video unless you pay for a plan.
1 sourceChecked - Question · Locks & doorbells
Can a smart lock open without a key, code or phone in your hand?
Yes, two ways. Eufy's S3 Max reads the veins in your palm; Apple's new LG lock, due December 2026, unlocks as you walk up with your iPhone or Apple Watch.
2 sourcesChecked - Question · Locks & doorbells
Can a doorbell camera recognize faces and packages?
Yes. The Eufy E340 recognizes familiar faces on the device and watches packages with a second camera; Apple's LG doorbell promises the same from December 2026.
2 sourcesChecked
The products, most ready first
- Eufy
Eufy S3 Max Video Smart Lock
Smart lock and video doorbell that unlocks with a wave of your palm.
1 sourceChecked - 1 sourceChecked
- LG
LG Smart Deadbolt Lock (Apple Home Collection)
Apple Home lock that unlocks as you walk up with your iPhone. $349.95, from December 2026.
1 sourceChecked - LG
LG Video Doorbell Wired (Apple Home Collection)
Apple Home doorbell with package camera; recordings use iCloud+. $249.95, from December 2026.
1 sourceChecked
Start with your problem
How we know (4 sources)
Explains that Ring doorbells have no internal storage: without a paid Ring plan you still get alerts, live view and two-way talk, but nothing is saved. The plan adds cloud video history and features like package detection; new devices come with a 30-day trial.
Read the sourceReview of the Eufy Video Doorbell E340: no subscription; records to 8GB built-in storage (around a month, depending on activity) or to a Eufy HomeBase. Excellent image quality, a second camera watching packages, human detection and on-device facial recognition. Can't upgrade internal storage; limited third-party support.
Read the sourceApple Home Collection, built by LG and Schneider Electric, goes on sale from December 2026, some items in early 2027. LG Smart Deadbolt ($349.95) unlocks via Ultra Wideband as you walk up with Home Key on iPhone or Apple Watch, has a keypad and backup key, works with Matter and locally without internet. Cameras $199.95-$399.95 (Video Doorbell Wired $249.95) recognize people, familiar faces, pets, vehicles and packages; recordings need iCloud+ ($0.99 for one camera, $2.99 for five, $9.99 unlimited), live view works without, and a HomePod, Apple TV or HomeView is required as hub.
Read the sourceHands-on review of the Eufy S3 Max Video Smart Lock, which unlocks by reading the veins in your palm (up to 50 users), plus code or key, and doubles as a 2K video doorbell. The palm reader was touchy at first: you hover your hand for a few seconds, re-enrolling helped, and older users may struggle with holding a hand in mid-air.
Read the source