# Types of Keyless Entry Systems Explained | Huntsville Locksmiths

> Keypad, Bluetooth, RFID/prox, and cloud-based keyless entry explained: how each works, residential vs commercial fit, and the pros and cons of each.

URL: https://locksmithshuntsville.com/guide/types-of-keyless-entry-systems-explained/
Last-Modified: 2026-06-09

![Lineup of keyless entry devices including keypad, Bluetooth, and prox reader](/images/featured/lineup-of-keyless-entry-devices-keypad-smart-lock-.webp)

“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

[/guide/smart-lock-vs-traditional-deadbolt/ →](/guide/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.

![Hand entering a code on a keypad door lock](/images/maps/hand-entering-a-six-digit-code-on-a-schlage-keypad.webp)

## 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

[/guide/door-and-jamb-reinforcement-to-prevent-break-ins/ →](/guide/door-and-jamb-reinforcement-to-prevent-break-ins/)

 — 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

[/electronic-access-smart-locks/ →](/electronic-access-smart-locks/)

.

## Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a keypad and a smart lock?

A keypad uses codes only; a smart lock adds phone/Bluetooth control, logs, and remote access.

Which keyless system is best for a small office?

Often a prox/RFID or cloud-based system so you can issue and revoke credentials per employee.

Do keyless locks still have a key backup?

Many do. We can recommend models with a mechanical override for peace of mind.

## Related Guides

### Are Smart Locks Safe and Reliable?

Are smart locks safe and reliable? An honest look at security, battery backup, hacking concerns, and which smart lock models a Huntsville locksmith trusts.

[Are Smart Locks Safe and Reliable? →](/guide/are-smart-locks-safe-and-reliable/)

### Smart Lock vs Traditional Deadbolt — Which to Choose

Smart lock vs traditional deadbolt: compare convenience, cost, and security, see hybrid options, and find the best fit for your home or business.

[Smart Lock vs Traditional Deadbolt — Which to Choose →](/guide/smart-lock-vs-traditional-deadbolt/)

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[tel:+12569063375 →](tel:+12569063375)

 

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