Most people guard their homes with nothing but a regular door lock and a deadbolt. Unfortunately, these measures are hardly enough when someone is serious about breaking into your home; while they are better than not having any locks at all, there are superior options. Electronic locks have been on the market for a while now, and they provide some of the best security and convenience to be had from any product on the market.

Advantage 1: It’s Harder to Break

Traditional locks have been around so long that anyone who cares to study up on their structure can learn the necessary techniques to get past them. Even deadbolt locks are little more than a placebo; they will keep the amateurs out, but anyone that routinely breaks into houses knows how to circumvent them, and you will need something more sophisticated if you want to keep someone like that on their toes.

First of all, an electronic lock doesn’t require you to carry a key, and without a key, it’s impossible to swipe it or copy it. Secondly, electronic locks are much more complicated than traditional locking mechanisms, and it’s almost impossible for a layman to learn everything they need to know in order to disable it. Electronic locks are also notoriously difficult to duplicate, and most would-be thieves don’t have access to the devices they would need in order to learn how to crack these systems. If someone manages to find a way in after you have installed one of these, it almost certainly won’t be through the front door.

Advantage 2: Electronic Locks Are More Convenient

You can misplace your keys, but not your fingertips. Some locking systems are so advanced that you can write your DNA directly to their memory, and the only people who will ever be able to enter your home are you and those you approve of. The same access code is usable across multiple devices, and if it ever leaks to someone that you did not want to share it with, you can just reset the code instead of replacing the locks. If the locks you purchase require your fingerprints, that won’t even be necessary.

Advantage 3: You Can Customize the System According to Your Needs

There is no limit to the number of people you can add to the access roster, and if you ever want to bar someone from your home after you have given them access, it’s as simple as deleting an entry within the system. If you want to make it so someone can only enter through one specific door, that’s entirely possible with most keyless systems. Electronic locks are designed to be as painless and user friendly as possible; you can adjust them according to every whim or circumstance with just a few button presses.

Advantage 4: Keyless Locks Are Worry-Free

Once you’ve installed an electronic lock on your home, you never have to worry about forgetting to secure your house before you leave. Many systems will automatically lock up after you have closed the door, and the fact that these locks are motorized makes it extremely unlikely that anyone will ever get in through sheer force.

In a time when the secrets of conventional locks are well-known territory for most crooks, electronic locks are the best defense you have and it’s well worth the price for the peace of mind alone.

Hazel Kovar is a freelance writer for locksmith.net, a website with a huge directory of locksmiths across the nation. Visit the site and find a locksmith in your area to replace your old locks with a keypad system.