Key takeaways
- The best outdoor keypad is ButterflyMX.
- Common types of outdoor keyless locks are: gate keypads, garage keypads, and wireless keypads.
- Outdoor keyless locks are affordable, convenient, and easy to use.
If you need a simple, effective, and secure way to control access at doors and gates around your property, a keypad is a great solution. And if you’re concerned about using keypad entry systems at exterior entrances, don’t worry — there are outdoor keypads just for those purposes.
Read on to learn more about outdoor keypads, where they’re used, and the benefits they offer. Most importantly, you’ll discover the best options for your property.
This post covers:
- 5 best outdoor keypads
- What is an outdoor keypad?
- Outdoor keypad usage
- Types of outdoor keypads
- Benefits of outdoor keypads
5 best outdoor keypads
If you’re ready to purchase an outdoor security keypad for your multifamily or commercial property, you’re probably wondering what the best keypad is.
Well, here are the five best keypad door locks:
- ButterflyMX
- Schlage Camelot Keypad Deadbolt
- Yale Assure Lock 2
- Ultraloq Smart Door Lock
- SimpliSafe Smart Lock
1. ButterflyMX
Of all the outdoor keypads on the market, ButterflyMX offers the best keyless door lock.
The ButterflyMX outdoor keyless lock is the perfect combination of secure yet convenient access control. Plus, it’s IP65-rated and capable of withstanding even the harshest weather conditions.
Pros:
- Mobile app. A mobile app let’s residents remotely open doors or gates and grant access to their guests. Additionally, residents can open the door or gate with a PIN code, key card, or fob for maximum convenience.
- Integrations. The best outdoor keypads integrate with other access control systems and proptech solutions. In fact, ButterflyMX offers an integrated access ecosystem when you pair the keypad with the rest of our products.
- Cloud-based. A cloud-based dashboard for property staff to manage access from anywhere.
- Audit trails. ButterflyMX keeps an audit trail of time- and date-stamped photos of everyone who enters.
- Simple to install. ButterflyMX keypads are easy and affordable to install.
Cons:
- ButterflyMX keypads are thoughtfully designed with multifamily, commercial, industrial, condos, salon suites, and student housing properties in mind. So, they aren’t ideal for single-family homes.
2. Schlage Camelot Keypad Deadbolt
Specializing in all types of door hardware, Schlage is an industry-trusted leader when it comes to security keypads for doors.
Pros:
- Affordable at $112
- Comes in several metal finishes
- Durable metal construction for optimal security
- Silicone-coated numbers illuminate when pressed for easy access in dark environments
- Easy to use and install
Cons:
- Not great for large commercial properties
- No mobile app
- No remote access
3. Yale Assure Lock 2
Innovative with multiple ways to open, Yale smart locks provide secure keyless access for everyone at your front door.
Pros:
- Apple Watch compatibility
- Bluetooth and WiFi-enabled
- Convenient auto-unlocking
- Sleek touchscreen keypad
- Easy remote access
Cons:
- Yale app can be slow to load
- Pricey at $279.99
4. Ultraloq Smart Door Lock
Offering smart, simple, and scalable solutions, Ultraloq empowers you to open any door with ease.
Pros:
- Affordable at $112
- Multiple ways to open, including keypad entry, fingerprint access, voice control, and more.
- Convenient smartphone app
- Easy DIY installation
- Weatherproof
Cons:
- Limited support for Apple HomeKit and Amazon Key
- Not ideal for large-scale buildings
5. SimpliSafe Smart Lock
Seamless and secure, SimpliSafe offers a variety of entry solutions for single-family homes and duplexes.
Pros:
- Affordable at $119.99
- Two-way audio
- Unique access codes
- Simple to install
- Door damage prevention
Cons:
- Limited integrations
- Designed for single-family homes, not large commercial properties
What is an outdoor keypad?
An outdoor keypad is a type of keyless entry system used to control access at exterior entrances. By installing a keypad at your outdoor entrance, you can keep the door or gate locked to maintain security while providing an easy way for authorized people to gain access.
Keypads are simple devices with a series of numbered buttons or a touchscreen interface with numbers. Tenants open keypad-controlled doors and gates by entering a PIN code. Some keypads also pair with a mobile app, enabling tenants to gain access using their smartphones.
An access control keypad is most effective outdoors when used at auxiliary entrances and doors or gates that only building residents and staff need to access.
That said, you can use outdoor keyless locks in two ways:
- As a standalone keypad access control device for a single entryway.
- As part of an integrated access control system (for example, you can integrate keypads at secondary entrances with a video intercom system at the main entrance).
Watch how the ButterflyMX keypad works:
Are outdoor keypads weatherproof?
Yes, they are weatherproof, so they can withstand conditions outside. Keypads designed for outdoor use have an IP (Ingress Protection) rating, which refers to a device’s level of protection against elements like dust and water.
Look for an outdoor access keypad with an IP65 rating, which means it’s protected against rain, snow, wind, and cleaning agents. Specifically, the ‘6’ in IP65 means the device is protected against dust, and the ‘5’ means it’s protected against low-pressure water (such as rain) from any angle. IP65-rated keypads are particularly durable and long-lasting.
How safe are keypad door locks?
Yes, outdoor keypad door locks are safe. They’re tamper-resistant and are much harder to break into than a traditional lock.
How much does it cost to install a keyless entry door lock?
It usually costs anywhere from $50 to $100 to get an outdoor keyless entry door lock professionally installed, depending on the type of lock you have. However, you can opt to install a front door keypad lock yourself to cut down on costs. Although, DIY installation is not advised as it may void the warranty from the manufacturer.
Outdoor keypad usage
You can install outdoor access keypads to control door or gate access at a variety of properties, from residential to commercial buildings.
You’ll most commonly find outdoor keyless locks used at:
Apartment keypads
Outdoor access keypads are a great way to control access at apartments because they enable quick and seamless access into and throughout the building. Plus, they spare building staff the hassle of issuing physical keys or fobs to every resident.
Use cases for outdoor apartment keypads:
- Parking lot or garage entrances
- Outside amenities, such as a pool or dog park
- Pedestrian entrances for gated apartment communities
Commercial keypads
Commercial buildings — especially offices and coworking spaces — can also enjoy the benefits of an outdoor access keypad.
A commercial keypad entry system is perfect for back or side entrances that only tenants and staff use. For example, you could install an outdoor access keypad at the door leading to the building’s courtyard that visitors can’t access. You can also use a keypad at the employee-only entrance to your building’s parking garage.
Gated community and HOA keypads
Beyond apartment and office building doors, outdoor keypads can also be used at gates. In fact, they serve as a great form of gate access control.
Keep in mind that an outdoor keypad gate lock might not be ideal for the main entrance to your gated community or HOA. This is because visitors will need access at the main entrance, and keypads don’t provide a way for visitors to contact or request access from tenants.
However, a keypad is a great solution for resident-only gated entrances and amenities within the property, such as the gated community clubhouse or fitness center.
Types of outdoor keypads
Just like there are many types of gates and doors, there are several types of outdoor keypads.
Here are a few types of keypads you should be aware of:
Outdoor gate keypads
Keypads aren’t just for doors — they’re also great for gates. Whether you need to control access to your office building’s gated parking lot or your apartment’s gated pool, an outdoor keypad will serve you and your tenants well.
One of the greatest perks of a keypad entry system for gates is that it allows for quick access. If you install a keypad at an outdoor gate, residents simply have to enter a PIN code to gain entry. Since the process is quick, it will help reduce wait times at the gate.
Outdoor garage keypads
Keypad door entry systems are commonly used to control access to garage doors at single-family homes. But you can also use garage door outdoor keypads at multifamily and commercial properties.
Perhaps the most common use of an outdoor garage keypad is at an apartment or office building’s parking garage. But you can also install keypads at storage and other onsite facilities.
Wireless keypads
Keypads can be wired or wireless. A wired outdoor keypad has physical wiring that connects it to the door or gate opener. In contrast, a wireless one communicates wirelessly — such as via Bluetooth or WiFi — with the door release or lock. Keep in mind that wired keypad gate openers may be more reliable.
Benefits of outdoor keypads
An outdoor access keypad is a great solution for a variety of properties. Read on to see why it might be perfect for yours.
The top benefits of an outdoor keypad are:
- No physical credentials. In contrast to key fob and key card systems, keypads don’t require users to have a physical credential. So, there’s no chance of tenants being locked out because they forgot their key or fob.
- No reliance on RFID technology. RFID is the technology that powers fob and key card systems. The downside with RFID is that if a device gets damaged or there are objects in the way, signals can be blocked, preventing seamless access.
- Minimal wiring. The best options only require a connection to the door or gate opener and a Power over Ethernet connection.
- Affordability. Keypads are an affordable access control system because they only require purchasing and installing one device. You won’t have to pay for physical credentials or worry about replacing lost or damaged ones.
- You may be able to open the door or gate with a cell phone. Some keypads come with a mobile app that residents can use to gain access via their smartphones.
