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Comparing Retrofit Smart Locks: Lockin vs the Competition

Comparing Retrofit Smart Locks: Lockin vs the Competition

8 min read ·

Executive Summary

“Did I lock the door?” has officially become a tech problem—not a memory one.

Smart locks have gone from fun gadgets to must‑have home upgrades, especially if you’re juggling kids, deliveries, guests, or just a busy life. But once you actually start shopping, it can feel like alphabet soup: Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth, hubs, bridges, cloud storage, subscriptions... and suddenly you’re back to thinking, “Maybe I’ll just keep my keys.”

Retrofit smart locks try to keep things simple: they work with your existing door hardware, install fast, and let you keep your physical keys. Big names like August, Yale, and Level have made this the norm.

Lockin’s Veno series—especially the Veno Plus Palm Vein Recognition Video Smart Lock—takes the usual formula and cranks it up a notch:

  • Biometric palm vein recognition (think: sci‑fi scanner, but on your front door)
  • A built‑in 2K ultra‑wide camera
  • Subscription‑free local video storage
  • A design that still respects the retrofit philosophy

In this guide, we’ll walk through:

  • How retrofit smart locks actually work (and who they’re best for)
  • How Lockin compares to popular competitors
  • What really matters when choosing a smart lock (beyond the shiny specs)
  • A simple way to decide which smart lock fits your home and lifestyle

If you’re torn between Lockin and other retrofit options—or just trying not to regret your purchase—stick around.

Introduction: The “Did I Lock the Door?” Era Is Over

Picture this: you’re halfway to the airport, coffee in hand, mentally running through your packing list… and then it hits you.

“Wait. Did I lock the front door?”

Cue the internal debate: turn around and risk missing your flight, or gamble on your memory skills from 7 a.m.?

Smart locks came along promising to fix that exact feeling. But then they brought new questions with them:

  • Do I have to rip out my whole deadbolt?
  • Will my old keys still work if the tech fails?
  • Do I really want another subscription just to see who rang the bell?
  • Is a fingerprint or app unlock actually secure enough?

That’s where retrofit smart locks shine—they upgrade your door without turning it into a renovation project. Still, as the market grows, simply being “smart” isn’t enough anymore.

Enter Lockin. Instead of just slapping an app on your deadbolt, the Veno Plus combines:

  • Palm vein recognition (used in high‑security environments)
  • A 2K ultra‑wide camera
  • Local video storage with no mandatory monthly fees

All wrapped up in a retrofit‑friendly design that doesn’t require you to become a handyman for the weekend.

So how does that stack up against tried‑and‑true names like August, Yale, and Level?

Let’s start with what “retrofit” actually means in real life.

Market Snapshot: What Is a Retrofit Smart Lock, Really?

What “Retrofit” Actually Means

If replacing your entire lockset sounds exhausting, retrofit smart locks are your friend. A retrofit smart lock:

  • Uses your existing door and often your existing deadbolt
  • Installs in roughly the time it takes to make and drink a cup of coffee
  • Lets you keep your physical key as a backup
  • Adds smart features like app control, auto‑lock, and digital guest access

They’re perfect for:

  • Renters who can’t change permanent hardware
  • Homeowners who love their current handleset and don’t want to mess with it
  • Anyone who wants an upgrade—not a weekend DIY construction project

What Most Competitors Bring to the Table

Across brands like August, Yale, and Level, you’ll see a common core feature set:

  • App control & remote unlock (sometimes with an extra Wi‑Fi bridge)
  • Auto‑lock and auto‑unlock based on your phone’s location
  • Virtual keys or PINs for guests, cleaners, or dog walkers
  • Voice assistant support (usually Alexa and Google, sometimes Apple Home)

Where things start to get interesting—and different—is in:

  • Biometrics: many stop at fingerprints, if they offer biometrics at all
  • Video & cameras: usually handled by a separate video doorbell
  • Subscriptions: recurring fees for video storage or advanced features
  • Battery life & backup power options
  • Installation quirks & door compatibility

This is exactly the gap Lockin Veno Plus is trying to fill: one device that handles access, video, and privacy without making you nickel‑and‑dimed by subscriptions.

Lockin Veno Plus: What Makes It Different?

Think of Lockin Veno Plus as a video smart lock that upgrades your front door from “pretty basic” to “that’s actually kind of futuristic”—without tearing anything apart.

1. Palm Vein Recognition vs Common Biometrics

Most smart locks give you some mix of:

  • Phone/app unlock
  • PIN codes
  • Fingerprints
  • NFC tags or keycards

Lockin Veno Plus introduces Venokey™ Palm Vein Recognition, which is a whole different league. Instead of scanning the surface of your finger, it looks at the unique pattern of veins inside your palm.

In practice, that means:

  • Unlocking is almost instant—just wave your hand like you’re saying hello
  • It works even if your hands are dry, damp, older, scratched, or covered in tiny cuts
  • No worries if you’ve got long nails or shallow fingerprints
  • It’s significantly harder to fake than a fingerprint that can be lifted from a glass

If you’ve ever stood outside in winter, jabbing your finger at a stubborn sensor while your groceries slowly defrost, you already know why this matters.

Compared to other retrofit smart locks:

  • Most rely on phone + PIN, with fingerprints on some higher‑end models
  • Very few go beyond fingerprints into palm vein recognition, which you’ll more likely find in corporate security or banking than on a residential door

It sounds high‑tech because it is—but in day‑to‑day life, it just feels like: hold out your hand, door opens.

2. Built‑In 2K Video vs a Bunch of Separate Gadgets

Here’s the usual smart home setup:

  • A smart lock
  • A separate video doorbell
  • Maybe an extra camera watching packages
  • Multiple apps and probably more than one monthly subscription

Lockin Veno Plus collapses all of that into one device using its LockinCam™ Panoramic Camera:

  • A super wide, all‑angles view of your doorstep
  • Enough coverage to see head‑to‑toe posture plus packages on the ground
  • Crisp 2K video quality
  • Built‑in two‑way video calling so you can talk to visitors
Smart lock + video doorbell + porch camera in one clean unit.

Fewer holes to drill, fewer apps to juggle, less visual clutter on your doorway.

3. Free Local Video Storage vs Eternal Subscriptions

A lot of smart lock ecosystems are built around one thing: subscriptions. Want to see footage from last night? That’s a monthly fee. Want more than a day or two of history? Higher fee.

Lockin takes a different approach:

  • Comes with built‑in local video storage (8GB)
  • No extra hub box hiding in a closet
  • No required monthly subscription just to get basic video history
  • Smart motion detection so you’re only capturing relevant moments, not endless empty footage

Over time, skipping multiple subscriptions adds up. But beyond cost, there’s also peace of mind: your video stays in your home, not floating in the cloud unless you choose otherwise.

You can:

  • Check who came to the door while you were out
  • Review delivery footage
  • Receive motion alerts without paying a “premium tier” fee

4. Smart Home Integration: Matter‑Ready and Voice‑Friendly

A smart lock is only as smart as the home it lives in. Lockin Veno Plus is designed to play nicely with others:

  • Matter support, which is the new standard trying to make all smart home devices talk to each other more easily
  • Works with Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings
  • Can tie into automations like:
    • Turning on the porch light when someone approaches
    • Locking the door automatically when you set your home to “Away”
    • Triggering a “Welcome Home” scene with lights and AC when you arrive

Many competitors support at least Alexa and Google; fewer are as ready for the multi‑platform, “I might switch ecosystems later” kind of household.

5. Power & Durability: Built for Real Life, Not Just Showrooms

A smart lock that dies at the worst possible time isn’t very smart. Veno Plus is designed to handle everyday chaos and weather:

  • A rechargeable battery that lasts for about a season at a time before needing a top‑up
  • An optional solar panel so you barely have to think about charging
  • Clear low‑battery alerts before it gets critical
  • Backup options like unlocking with a power bank or a traditional key
  • A solid security rating appropriate for residential doors
  • Weather resistance to handle rain, snow, and serious cold

Its sibling, the Veno Pro, pushes durability even further with:

  • A higher security grade and tougher weather protection
  • A frosted, smudge‑resistant glass front panel
  • Design that helps prevent accidental touches from raindrops or bright sunlight

Most competitors check the basics—weather resistance, decent battery life—but Lockin layers on thoughtful touches like solar power and extra protections against false taps that can make daily use smoother.

How Lockin Stacks Up Against Popular Retrofit Competitors

Let’s zoom out and compare Lockin with the usual suspects—August, Yale, Level, and company—through the lens of what you’ll actually experience day to day.

1. Installation & Compatibility

Lockin Veno Plus

  • Installs in roughly a quarter of an hour
  • Works with most single‑cylinder deadbolts and rectangular latch faceplates
  • Not ideal if you:
    • Have a storm door (it can block the camera)
    • Have a door prepped for a round latch faceplate

Most Competitors (August, Yale, Level, etc.)

  • Similar installation time for retrofit models
  • Some only replace the indoor thumb turn, keeping your outdoor keyhole exactly the same
  • Compatibility varies a lot by brand and model—you’ll always want to check your specific door type
How to think about it:
If you have a standard front door without a storm door, Lockin is just as easy to install as its rivals and gives you more functionality in one shot. If your door is unusual or heavily customized, compatibility might push you toward or away from certain brands, including Lockin.

2. Unlock Methods & Everyday Convenience

Lockin Veno Plus gives you a full menu of ways to get inside:

  • Palm vein recognition (wave your hand and go)
  • Fingerprint
  • PIN code
  • App / remote unlock
  • Traditional key
  • Voice assistant via your smart home system

Most Others Offer:

  • App / phone unlock
  • PIN keypad on some models
  • Fingerprint on select higher‑end versions
  • Physical key
  • NFC cards or fobs on certain brands
Bottom line:
If you’ve ever tried to juggle grocery bags, a toddler, and a keyring at the same time, you’ll appreciate how frictionless palm‑based entry feels. It’s especially helpful for:
  • Kids who might forget a PIN or lose a key
  • Seniors whose fingerprints don’t always scan reliably
  • Anyone who’s constantly arriving hands‑full

3. Security & Privacy

Lockin Veno Plus leans heavily into both security and privacy:

  • Uses palm vein biometrics, which are internal and extremely hard to copy
  • Offers smart auto‑lock and door status checks so you’re not guessing if it’s secure
  • Has anti‑tamper alerts if someone starts messing with the hardware
  • Supports anti‑peep PINs so no one can memorize your code over your shoulder
  • Includes a “vacation mode” for stricter access when you’re away
  • Keeps video stored locally by default instead of pushing everything to the cloud

Competitors Typically:

  • Use fingerprints or rely mostly on app + PIN
  • Offer standard features like auto‑lock
  • Rely heavily on cloud‑based video through a separate doorbell, often from another brand
If you’re privacy‑conscious:
Lockin’s local‑first video storage and more advanced biometrics make it stand out. You get serious security upgrades without feeling like you’re constantly uploading your front door’s life to the internet.

4. Camera & Monitoring

Lockin Veno Plus:

  • Has a 2K ultra‑wide 180° camera right in the lock
  • Doubles as a video doorbell
  • Supports two‑way audio
  • Uses motion detection that focuses on people
  • Stores video locally with no required subscription

Typical Setup with Other Brands:

  • Smart lock + separate video doorbell (Ring, Nest, etc.)
  • Multiple apps and accounts to manage
  • Monthly fees if you want to see past video events
Reality check:
If you want one device to do the work of two or three, Lockin wins here. It’s cleaner on your door, simpler to manage, and can be cheaper over the long run when you factor in fewer subscriptions and fewer devices to buy.

5. Smart Home & Integrations

Lockin Veno Plus is:

  • Matter‑compatible (future‑ready for evolving setups)
  • Friendly with Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home, and SmartThings
  • Easy to blend into scenes like “Goodnight,” “Away,” or “Back Home”

Others:

  • Some work only with certain platforms
  • Some are strong with Apple but weak with Google, or vice versa
  • Matter support is slowly rolling out, but not universal yet
If you’re the type who might switch from iPhone to Android, or from Alexa to Google (or have different people in the house using different ecosystems), Lockin’s flexibility makes your life easier.

When Lockin Is the Right Choice (and When It Isn’t)

No smart lock is perfect for every door or every home. Here’s where Lockin Veno Plus shines—and where you might want to look elsewhere.

Choose Lockin Veno Plus If…

  • You want biometrics that go beyond fingerprints
  • You like the idea of a smart lock and video doorbell in one device
  • You’d rather not add yet another subscription to your monthly budget
  • Your door is a standard entry door without a storm door blocking the view
  • You use (or plan to use) Apple Home, Alexa, Google, or SmartThings
  • You have kids, guests, or older family members who’d benefit from simple, key‑free access

Consider Another Retrofit Lock If…

  • You have a storm door and don’t want to remove or change it
  • You recently splurged on a premium video doorbell and love it
  • You want the simplest interior‑only retrofit (no camera, no visible keypad)
  • Your door uses a non‑standard setup, like a round latch faceplate that doesn’t match Lockin’s compatibility

Actionable Tips: How to Choose the Right Retrofit Smart Lock

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by options, here’s a way to simplify your decision.

1. Start with Your Door, Not the Tech

Before falling in love with any feature:

  • Confirm your deadbolt is a single‑cylinder type (key outside, thumb turn inside)
  • Look at whether you have a storm door that would physically block a camera
  • Check your door’s thickness and whether the latch faceplate is rectangular or round

If you’ve got a standard front door and a rectangular faceplate, you’re likely in Lockin’s sweet spot.

2. Decide How You Actually Want to Unlock—Every Day

Ask yourself a few real‑world questions:

  • Do I hate carrying keys?
  • Am I often coming home with my hands full?
  • Do my fingerprints fail often because of cold, dryness, or manual work?

If you’re nodding along, palm vein recognition (plus a backup PIN and fingerprint) becomes a big deal. You want a lock that works on the first try, even on a freezing day.

3. Consider the True Cost, Not Just the Upfront Price

When comparing options, look beyond the price tag:

  • Cost of the lock itself
  • Cost of a separate video doorbell if your lock doesn’t have a camera
  • Ongoing subscription fees for video storage
  • Replacement batteries vs rechargeable options or solar assist

Lockin Veno Plus often comes out ahead when you factor in:

  • It replaces both a smart lock and a doorbell camera
  • It includes 8GB of local storage
  • It doesn’t require a subscription or extra hub for core smart features

4. Think in Scenarios, Not Just Specs

Instead of obsessing over every line of a spec sheet, imagine typical days:

  • Kids coming home from school:
    Will they carry a phone? Remember a PIN? A quick palm scan is hard to beat.
  • You traveling for work or vacation:
    Can you see who’s at the door, talk to them, and lock/unlock from anywhere?
  • Elderly parents or guests:
    Is the interface intuitive enough? Can they manage without remembering a code or carrying a special fob?
  • Online shopping and deliveries:
    Can you clearly see the person and the package on the ground?

The more these moments matter to you, the more an all‑in‑one solution like Veno Plus starts to make sense.

Product Relevance: Where Lockin Fits in the Smart Home Landscape

Smart home gear has gone through a few eras:

  1. “Look what I can control from my phone!”
  2. “Why do I have five apps for one front door?”
  3. “I want fewer devices, more privacy, and less subscription fatigue.”

Lockin sits firmly in that third era. With Veno Plus (and its sibling Veno Pro), it positions itself as:

  • A biometric‑first retrofit lock using palm vein recognition
  • A video‑centric device with a wide, detailed 2K view
  • A privacy‑friendly choice thanks to local storage and no forced subscriptions
  • A smart home team player that works across major ecosystems and supports Matter

If your goal is to move from “just smart enough” to truly secure, convenient, and integrated, Lockin is clearly aligned with where the smart home world is headed.

Conclusion: Lockin vs the Competition—Who Wins?

Retrofit smart locks are all about finding that sweet spot between:

  • Keeping your existing door and hardware
  • Gaining modern convenience and stronger security
  • Avoiding a mess of extra gadgets and monthly fees

Lockin Veno Plus stands out because it combines three roles in one:

  • A retrofit smart lock with multiple ways to unlock
  • A biometric system powered by palm vein recognition
  • A 2K ultra‑wide video doorbell with local, subscription‑free storage

Against most competitors, it has clear advantages in:

  • Biometric reliability (especially in less‑than‑perfect conditions)
  • Integrated video and smarter, people‑focused motion detection
  • Long‑term costs thanks to fewer subscription requirements
  • Smart home flexibility with Matter and all major platforms

Is it right for every door? No—storm doors and certain latch styles are valid deal‑breakers. But if your door is compatible and you care about security, privacy, and simplicity in one package, Lockin Veno Plus makes a strong case to be your next (and possibly last) retrofit smart lock.

Ready to See How Lockin Fits Your Home?

Here’s a quick next‑step checklist:

  • Check your door:
    Make sure you’ve got a standard entry door (no storm door blocking the view) and a rectangular latch faceplate.
  • List your real‑life scenarios:
    Kids, guests, deliveries, late‑night arrivals, frequent travel—what do you need your lock to handle effortlessly?
  • Compare the full picture, not just price:
    Add up the cost of a smart lock, a separate video doorbell, cloud storage, and batteries over a couple of years—then compare that to an all‑in‑one, subscription‑free setup.

If an integrated, biometric, subscription‑free smart lock sounds like the upgrade your front door has been waiting for, take a look at the Lockin Veno Plus lineup and choose the bundle—standard, solar, rechargeable battery, or full power kit—that best matches how you live.

Your front door is the first line of defense and the first “welcome home” you get every day. It deserves to be smart, secure, and stress‑free—and you deserve to stop asking, “Did I lock the door?” once and for all.