Types of Keyless Entry Systems Explained

“Keyless entry” covers a wide spectrum of hardware. A $90 mechanical keypad and a $3,500 cloud-based access control system are both “keyless” — but they solve different problems. This is a plain-English breakdown of the four main types and where each fits.

1. Mechanical and Electronic Keypad Locks

The simplest keyless option: a keypad on the door, a code to enter, the door opens. No phone, no internet, no central system.

How it works: the keypad sits in the lock itself. You program a master code and (on most models) several additional codes for family or staff. Battery-powered with low-battery alerts. Many have a mechanical key backup.

Pros: simple, reliable, no app or network needed, low cost.

Cons: no audit trail (you can’t tell who entered which code when), codes spread by word-of-mouth, and revoking a code means changing it for everyone.

Best for: family homes, small rental properties, low-stakes guest access.

2. Bluetooth Smart Locks

A deadbolt with Bluetooth (and often Wi-Fi via a hub). Your phone is the key — open the door by approaching with the app running, or tap a button in the app.

How it works: the lock pairs to your phone via Bluetooth. The phone’s location and authenticated app act as the credential. Many models add Wi-Fi or a hub for remote access (lock the door from work, let someone in remotely).

Pros: unlock-as-you-approach feel, mobile control, activity logs in the app, can issue and revoke guest codes individually.

Cons: depends on app and phone working; battery dependency on both ends.

Best for: modern homes, families with multiple users, owners who already live in a smart-home ecosystem.

Schlage Encode (Wi-Fi), Yale Assure (BLE + optional Wi-Fi), August Smart Lock, Level Lock are common picks. See smart lock vs traditional deadbolt for the trade-off discussion.

3. RFID / Prox / NFC Card Systems

Used widely in offices, gyms, and small businesses. You wave a card or fob at a reader; the door unlocks.

How it works: the reader is mounted beside the door. Each user has a card or fob assigned to them in the system. The system grants or denies access by reading the credential’s unique ID.

Pros: fast, no codes to remember, easy to issue and revoke per person, audit trails.

Cons: cards can be lost or copied (mitigated by encrypted credentials), requires an electric strike and wiring.

Best for: small offices, gyms, multi-tenant buildings, anywhere with frequent staff change.

HID Global is the dominant credential brand. Brivo and ProdataKey (PDK) are common cloud-based platforms that include RFID readers.

4. Cloud-Based Access Control

The full enterprise-style system, scaled down for small business. Doors connect to readers, readers connect to a cloud platform, the platform manages credentials, schedules, and logs.

How it works: a small controller manages one or more doors. Cloud platform stores users, schedules, and audit logs. Credentials can be cards, fobs, mobile phones (Bluetooth or NFC), or codes.

Pros: full audit trail, remote credential management, schedules (e.g. “this user can enter weekdays 8-6 only”), integration with alarm and video systems.

Cons: higher initial cost, requires wiring and electric strikes, depends on internet (most platforms have offline-mode fallbacks).

Best for: small businesses ready to leave keys behind entirely; property managers; multi-location operators.

Brivo and PDK are our most common cloud-based installs.

Which Type to Pick

Quick rules of thumb:

• A family home with two adults and occasional guests: Bluetooth smart deadbolt (Schlage Encode, Yale Assure)
• A rental property or Airbnb: electronic keypad lock with code-per-guest
• A small office with 5-25 staff: RFID/prox system with cards
• A growing small business with multiple shifts or scheduling needs: cloud-based access control

For most homes, we recommend a smart deadbolt on the entry door and a mechanical Grade 1 deadbolt on secondary doors. That gives you convenience where it matters and simplicity where it doesn’t.

Pair With the Right Door Hardware

A smart lock is only as strong as the door behind it. See door and jamb reinforcement — a keypad on a weak jamb is still a weak door.

Talk to a Keyless Entry Specialist

Call (256) 906-3375 for a phone consult or to schedule an on-site walkthrough. For the full service range, see electronic access and smart locks.