Electronic Door Lock: What You Really Need to Know Before You Buy

Imagine this: It’s 10 PM, your guests are standing in front of the vacation rental, and the key is still at your house. Or: An employee has resigned, and you’re not sure who still has a key. Or quite simply: You’re standing at the front door, both hands full, fumbling in your bag for the key.

Almost everyone has experienced these moments. And they all have the same solution: an electronic door lock.

This guide tells you what it is, how it works, what it costs, and which model truly suits your door.

What is an electronic door lock?
The three designs compared
How secure is a digital door lock really?
Installation: It's that easy
What does an electronic door lock cost?
Who benefits most?
EL2 or EL20? Finding the right model
Purchase checklist
Frequently asked questions
Conclusion

1. What is an electronic door lock?

An electronic door lock replaces the traditional metal key with digital technology. The door can be opened via a smartphone app, PIN code, fingerprint, RFID card, or NFC chip, and depending on the model, also via remote control or automatically when approaching.

At first, this might sound like technology for technology's sake. But it's not. The real advantage lies elsewhere: you are in control.

You can see in the app who opened your door and when. You issue digital keys in seconds and revoke them just as quickly. You can limit access times, for example, only on Tuesdays between 10 AM and 12 PM. And if someone loses their "key," you simply press "Block" in the app, and it's done. No locksmith, no lock replacement, no costs.

That is the core difference from a mechanical lock: not just opening, but managing.

2. The three designs compared

Not every electronic door lock works the same way. Depending on the door, situation, and preference, there are three basic designs. An overview of all available models can be found in our shop.

Digital Cylinder: the cleanest solution

The digital cylinder completely replaces the existing locking cylinder in the door. From the outside, the door looks almost identical to before, with no visible attachment, no bulky component on the door. This makes it the most elegant and most frequently purchased retrofit solution.

It is equally suitable for front doors, apartment doors, and office doors. High-quality models such as the EL2 and EL20 are IP65 certified, making them reliable even in rain, frost, and dust – important for any exterior door.

For whom: everyone who wants a clean, permanent solution without visible technology on the door.

All smart digital cylinders at a glance: Digital Cylinder Category

Smart Lock Overlay: when the key should remain

A smart lock overlay is mounted on the inside of the door on the existing cylinder. The original cylinder remains in place, and the physical key still functions. The drive motorically turns the knob when you open the door via app.

This might sound like a compromise, but for many, it's exactly what they need. Those who rent and don't want to make structural changes, those who want to keep the old key as a backup, or those who simply want to test how a smart lock feels in everyday life, will find this suitable.

For whom: tenants, anyone with an existing key system that continues to operate in parallel.

All smart lock overlays at a glance: Smart Locks Category

Digital Door Handle: for interior doors and special areas

The digital door handle replaces the entire door fitting, including the handle. It is not suitable for exterior doors, but all the better for interior doors where an independent access system makes sense: offices, doctor's offices, employee areas, individual rooms in vacation rentals.

The ELCON smartHANDLE is a typical example. Opening via PIN, RFID, fingerprint, or app, with an optional WLAN bridge also remotely controllable. Optically high-quality, available in black and silver.

For whom: offices, doctor's offices, vacation rentals with multiple rooms, anyone needing interior door access control.

All digital fittings at a glance: Digital Fittings Category

3. How secure is a digital door lock really?

The honest answer: A high-quality electronic door lock is at least as secure as a good mechanical lock. In several respects, it is significantly more secure.

Bank-level encryption

Reputable models use AES-128 or AES-256 encryption. This is the same standard that banks use for online transactions. Communication between your smartphone and the lock is encrypted and cannot be intercepted or cloned.

What happens if someone loses the key?

With a traditional key, the answer is unpleasant: in the worst case, the entire lock has to be replaced. This costs between 200 and 800 Euros, depending on the lock and locksmith, not to mention the effort and uncertainty in the meantime.

With an electronic door lock, you press "Block access" in the app. This takes three seconds. Cost: zero.

No duplication, no hiding

No one can secretly duplicate a digital key. No key blank at the locksmith, no unnoticed copying. And whoever never has to put a key under the doormat again also eliminates this security risk.

Protocol instead of gut feeling

Every opening is automatically recorded. You can see in the app who used the door and when. This is not only practical but often legally relevant in commercial settings.

What to look for when buying

Not all electronic door locks are equally secure. Cheap models from unknown manufacturers often offer no proven encryption, store data on servers outside the EU, and have neither certifications nor real support.

ELCON develops its products in Austria, stores all data on GDPR-compliant servers in Europe, and relies on end-to-end encryption. For customers in the DACH region who take data protection seriously, this is not a marketing promise but a concrete difference.

4. Installation: It's that easy

One of the biggest reservations is: "That must be complicated to install." It's not.

Most electronic door locks, including all ELCON digital cylinders, can be installed by yourself in 5 to 15 minutes. You don't need a drill, an electrician, or special prior knowledge. Instructions are always included, and if you have questions, the ELCON team can be reached by phone.

Here's how to install a digital cylinder:

Step 1: Measure cylinder length Measure the outer and inner length of the existing cylinder. This can be done with a ruler or caliper. When purchasing, you then select the exact matching dimensions; ELCON offers individual lengths from 30 to 70 mm per side.

Step 2: Remove existing cylinder Loosen a mounting screw, unscrew the cylinder. The only tool needed is a normal screwdriver.

Step 3: Insert digital cylinder Insert the new cylinder, tighten the screw. Done.

Step 4: Install and set up the app Download the app, pair the lock via Bluetooth, test the first opening, assign first access permissions.

Important for tenants: A digital cylinder can be removed just as quickly when moving out. The original cylinder goes back in, and nothing is visible on the door. Residue-free installation, no permanent changes to the rented property.

5. What does an electronic door lock cost?

The price range is wide, and for good reason.

No-name models are available from 50 Euros. This is not recommended. Lack of encryption, unclear server locations, no real guarantee and non-existent support are risks that should not be taken at your own front door.

Recommended quality models from proven manufacturers start at approx. 200 Euros, while full-featured systems with expansion options range from 300 to 500 Euros.

What quickly puts the investment into perspective: A single lock replacement after a lost key costs between 200 and 800 Euros. In addition, there are costs for key duplication (15 to 80 Euros per key), key handovers that take time, and in the commercial sector, manual access management that incurs personnel costs.

In many cases, a high-quality electronic door lock pays for itself with the first avoided incident.

Ongoing costs: None with ELCON. The SmartAccess app is permanently free, no subscription fees, no hidden license costs. Only the optional web portal for professional multi-property management has a one-time activation fee.

6. Who benefits most?

Families and private households

Children come home without being able to lose a key. The tradesperson gets access exactly for the agreed period, no more and no less. The cleaning staff is only allowed in on Thursdays between 9 and 11 AM. And if you're not sure whether you locked up when leaving the apartment, just check the app instead of turning back.

Vacation Rentals and Airbnb

This is probably the application where an electronic door lock changes everyday life most significantly. No more meetings for key handovers, regardless of whether guests arrive at 2 PM or 11 PM. Each guest receives their digital key via app or as an e-key before arrival. After check-out, access is blocked, automatically or at the push of a button. This easily saves 30 to 60 minutes of effort per booking and leaves a professional impression on guests.

More on this: Smart Locks for Vacation Rentals and Hotels

Offices, Practices, and SMEs

New employees gain digital access in seconds, without anyone having to duplicate or personally hand over a key. Those who leave the company are immediately locked out, no lock replacement, no uncertainty. Shift operations control access time-dependently. The event log creates transparency and can serve as proof if required.

More on this: Smart Locks for Businesses

Property Management and Co-Working Spaces

Multiple properties, many users, constantly changing access: exactly what a central web portal is designed for. User groups, time-controlled permissions, and API integration make the electronic door lock a scalable solution, from a single office to a locking system with dozens of doors.

All industry solutions at a glance: ELCON Industry Solutions

7. EL2 or EL20? Finding the right ELCON model

All ELCON products are developed in Austria, use GDPR-compliant servers, and have no ongoing costs. Here's a direct comparison so you know which model suits you best.

ELCON EL2 Digital Cylinder (from €341)

The EL2 is the most versatile choice in the range. It opens via app, NFC, and chip, manages up to 1,000 chips and unlimited digital keys, and is IP65 certified for outdoor use. Expandable if needed with a bridge for remote access and a smartKEYPAD for fingerprint and PIN directly at the door. No ongoing costs, optional web portal for commercial use.

Also available as a practical EL2 Starter Bundle including a bridge for immediate remote access.

Right for you if you want a scalable system that grows with your requirements, whether for office, rental, or private household use.

ELCON EL20 Smart Digital Cylinder (from €296)

The EL20 features fingerprint and PIN directly on the cylinder, no separate keypad needed. If you want biometric access directly at the door without additional devices, this is the right choice. High-quality stainless steel look, also app-controllable.

Right for you if you want a sleek solution with integrated fingerprint and don't need a modular system.

ELCON EL50 Smart Lock (Premium Bundle) (from €399)

Surface mounting on the inside, the existing cylinder remains. Ideal for tenants and anyone who wants to continue using the physical key in parallel. The EL50 Premium Remote Bundle variant offers remote access directly, without a separate bridge.

Right for you if you want or need to keep the existing cylinder.

ELCON smartHANDLE (from €224)

Digital door handle for interior doors. PIN, RFID, fingerprint, and app, also remotely controllable with a WLAN bridge. Available in black and silver, 2-year warranty.

Right for you if you want to digitally secure office spaces, practice rooms, or individual rooms in a vacation rental.

Not sure which model suits your door? Our team in Vienna provides free and non-binding advice: +43 1 3000 966, Mon to Fri, 08:00 to 16:00. Or visit us in the showroom in Vienna (2., Schüttelstraße 29) and see the products live.

Request a consultation now

8. Purchase checklist

Before you buy, quickly check these points:

[ ] Measure cylinder length inside and outside (ruler or caliper)
[ ] Clarify door type: Exterior door needs IP protection (at least IP65)
[ ] Define desired opening methods: App, PIN, fingerprint, RFID?
[ ] Consider the number of users and access points required
[ ] Remote access desired? Look for bridge support or integrated remote function
[ ] Check encryption standard: at least AES-128
[ ] Check data storage: EU servers, GDPR-compliant
[ ] Ensure offline capability: Bluetooth operation without internet
[ ] Consider battery life and replacement effort
[ ] Compare warranty and accessible support

Matching accessories such as replacement batteries, additional NFC tags, and bridges can be found in our Accessories Shop.

9. Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between an electronic and a smart door lock?
The terms are often used interchangeably. Strictly speaking, a smart lock is a sub-form designed for app control and networking. All smart locks are electronic door locks, but not every electronic door lock is necessarily connected to the internet.

Does the lock still work if the smartphone battery is dead?
Yes. All high-quality models offer multiple opening methods. PIN code, RFID card, or NFC chip work independently of the smartphone's battery.

What happens if the battery in the lock runs out?
Good models warn you in advance via app. With ELCON, the battery lasts up to 12 months or up to 3,500 openings, depending on usage. Changing it takes just a few minutes, and a battery is always included in the delivery. Replacement batteries are available directly in the ELCON Accessories Shop.

Does the lock work without internet?
Yes. The core functions run locally via Bluetooth. You only need internet for remote access via a bridge or for cloud management via the web portal.

Is an electronic door lock suitable for rental apartments?
Yes. Digital cylinders can be removed without leaving any residue. The original cylinder is put back when moving out, and nothing is visible on the door.

Can I connect the lock to my smart home?
Yes. ELCON Smart Locks can be connected to Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.

Where is my data stored?
With ELCON, exclusively on GDPR-compliant servers in Europe, with end-to-end encryption.

Can I see the products before buying?
Yes, gladly! ELCON operates a showroom in Vienna (2., Schüttelstraße 29), where you can experience all models live and receive non-binding advice. Schedule an appointment here.

10. Conclusion

An electronic door lock is not a luxury product for tech enthusiasts. It is a practical solution for anyone who values comfort, control, and security at their own door.

Whether you never want to look for your keys again, want to provide your holiday rental guests with a smooth check-in, or, as an entrepreneur, want to keep track of employee access: the technology is mature, installation is easy, and ongoing costs from good manufacturers are zero.

What you really need when buying is a manufacturer you can trust. One that develops its products with a genuine commitment to quality, data protection, and durability. And one that is also personally accessible if you have any doubts.

ELCON Smart Locks develops its products in Austria, offers personal advice in its showroom in Vienna, and is available to assist you by phone. No subscription, no hidden costs, no compromises on security.

Electronic Door Lock: What you really need to know before you buy