Alfred DB2S Smart Lock
This month, we are featuring the DB2S smart lock from Alfred for our product spotlight. Alfred Locks is a new company that was founded in 2018 and is based in New York and Ontario, Canada. Though they are relatively new to the scene, they have managed to bring the Bently of smart locks to market. However, they don’t have as much social reach as other companies in the industry, like Allegion, as their social media following is currently limited to hundreds, not tens of thousands. If you take a look at the smart lock industry, you would be hard-pressed to find any automatic deadbolt that has all the bells and whistles of Alfred’s DB2S.
Hardware
The Alfred Smart Door Locks are designed to replace traditional deadbolts. Inside the box, you will find the interior and exterior parts of the smart lock, the WB2 Wi-Fi bridge, and the deadbolt. Strike and reinforcement plates are also included, along with a screw and battery pack. Additionally, the package contains two RFID cards, two physical keys, a reset tool, and a USB-C charging cable.
The DB2S is powered by a lithium-ion battery that operates for 8 to 12 months on a single charge. The lock will alert the user when the battery is low, but just in case you forget to recharge the battery and it runs out when you need to get into your home, there is an emergency charging port located on the underside of the lock that can connect with any USB-C cord.
Pairing the DB2S
The kit includes a quick start guide, an install guide, and a programming guide. For successful installation and setup, it is important to follow the instructions in these guides carefully. The Alfred DB2S uses Bluetooth to pair the lock to the app. To activate the lock, place your palm over the keypad. Then, the lock will be displayed inside the app. After successful pairing, you can rename the lock. Finally, try locking and unlocking the door with your smartphone. Please note that this process happens through Bluetooth, not Wi-Fi.
To get remote access via the app, you need to connect to the Alfred Connect V2. This is the smart lock Wi-Fi integration system that connects to the lock via Bluetooth and then connects itself to the Wi-Fi network. Although this is an interesting process, it is surprising to see that the DB2S still requires the Connect V2. Most Wi-Fi smart locks do not require a separate hub, so it would be reasonable to assume that Wi-Fi would be built into the lock itself.
It’s important to note that to control the Alfred DB2-B smart lock with your smart home hub, you’ll need to purchase a Z-wave module for $29. Additionally, if you wish to use the WIFI capabilities, you’ll need to spend an additional $59 on a wifi bridge connection. This extra charge can be a real turnoff for a door lock that already costs $299. This is something to keep in mind before you buy.
Features
The Alfred DB2S smart lock offers four different ways to lock or unlock your door, including a pin code, RFID card, key override, and the Alfred Home App on your mobile device. You can also add the Alfred Connect V2 Wi-Fi system (sold separately) to control your lock remotely via the Alfred Home App and voice control through Hey Google and Alexa.
Additionally, the DB2S includes an auto re-lock feature with four different time settings (30 seconds, 1 minute, 2 minutes, and 3 minutes) to help you avoid forgetting to lock your door. The lock also comes with door position sensors that let you know if your door is physically open and prevent the auto-locking feature from engaging if the door isn’t fully closed.
The DB2S features a built-in low battery warning on both the touchscreen and the Alfred Home App, which will alert you when the battery levels are low. If your battery pack fails, you can still power the lock via a USB-C port on the bottom of the outside panel for emergency access.
The lock is easy to install by replacing your existing deadbolt, and the free BILT app provides step-by-step instructions through a set of digital install videos. The DB2S is also protected by 128-bit encryption for advanced security and temperature tested from minus 30 degrees Celsius to plus 60 degrees Celsius for peace of mind wherever you live.
The Alfred DB2S smart lock provides voice prompts in five different languages, including English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Mandarin. You can also use the one-touch entry unlock feature with your phone in your pocket or purse by simply touching the keypad to unlock the door when you arrive home (Alfred Home app required).
Pros
- Stores up to 250 pin codes
- Sleek Design
- Stores up to 250 RFID Cards
- Can also be opened with a physical key
- High-end build quality
- Voice features are an added touch
- Ideal for short-term rental applications
Cons
- Z-Wave features are an added cost of $29
- Wi-Fi bridge costs an additional $59
- Online reviews state trouble with Z-Wave pairing
- The app is rather basic for what to expect with a high-end smart lock
- Previous model DB2-B had trouble working in colder conditions
- Online reviews indicate possible Wi-Fi instability