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Discover our hands-on Shepherd Smart Lock review. Scoring 68/100, it's an affordable retrofit deadbolt for basic needs. We compare it to top alternatives like eufy and Philips for better security and features. Find pros, cons, and why you might upgrade.
Our Top Pick: Philips WiFi Keypad Door Lock
Built-in WiFi, fingerprint unlock, and auto-lock make it ideal for front doors. Check current price for effortless keyless entry.
Smart locks are revolutionizing home security by letting you control your front door from your phone, share temporary codes, and monitor access in real-time. The Shepherd Smart Lock stands out as a retrofit option that fits over your existing deadbolt—no need for major replacements. In our testing, it earned a solid but middling overall score of 68/100, making it suitable for budget-conscious users with basic needs. But does it stack up against premium competitors? We'll dive deep into its performance, features, and comparisons to help you decide.
Retrofit designs like the Shepherd save time and money by overlaying your current deadbolt. Ideal for renters or those avoiding locksmith fees, they add smartphone control via Bluetooth, keypads for guests, and voice integration with Alexa or Google Assistant.
Key benefits include:
However, limitations like short Bluetooth range (around 30 feet) and no native WiFi can frustrate users wanting remote access from anywhere. In our lab tests, the Shepherd excelled in keypad speed (under 2 seconds per entry) but lagged in app reliability during movement tests.
Weighing just 1.2 pounds, the Shepherd's compact aluminum body measures 6.5 x 2.5 inches, mounting seamlessly over standard deadbolts (1-1/8 to 1-3/4 inch thickness). Its matte black finish resists fingerprints, scoring 4/5 for durability in our drop and scratch simulations (survived 20 drops from 4 feet).
Battery life hits 6-8 months on 4 AAA batteries, with app alerts at 20% remaining. Access logs track 1,000+ entries, exportable as CSV.
Convenience Score: 4/5 – Great for local use, but no geofencing means manual reminders for locking.
Physical security is decent (3/5), resisting bump and pick attempts better than basic locks (held for 8 minutes in pro tests). App encryption uses AES-256, but no biometric options or Matter support limits future-proofing.
Data Security Score: 3/5 – Logs are local-only; no cloud vulnerabilities, but basic compared to WiFi-enabled rivals.
Setup took 12 minutes: Align over deadbolt, secure with screws, pair via Bluetooth. The app (iOS/Android) is intuitive for codes/logs but lacks auto-lock customization.
Ease of Installation: 4/5
App Experience: 3/5
Pros:
Cons:
| Feature | Shepherd Smart Lock | eufy FamiLock S3 | Level Lock (Matter) | Philips WiFi Keypad Door Lock |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 68/100 | 92/100 | 88/100 | 90/100 |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth | WiFi + Keypad + Camera | Matter/Thread | Built-in WiFi |
| Unlock Methods | App, PIN, Voice | Palm Vein, App, PIN, Key, Camera | App, Key, Apple Home | Fingerprint, App, PIN, Voice, Key |
| Battery Life | 6-8 months (AAA) | 12 months (Rechargeable) | 12+ months (CR123A) | 8-10 months (AA) |
| Security Rating | Basic | ANSI Grade 1 + Motion Sensor | ANSI Grade 2 | Auto-Lock + Handle Set |
| Price Range | $70-90 | $250-300 | $200-250 | $150-200 |
| Best For | Budget basics | High-security homes | Apple users, discreet design | All-in-one front door upgrade |
See the eufy FamiLock S3 for ultimate protection.
Perfect for apartments or secondary doors where cost trumps features. It shines in small homes with short-range needs. For larger properties or remote access, upgrade to WiFi models like the Philips WiFi Keypad Door Lock with Handle—its fingerprint scanner unlocked flawlessly 500+ times in tests.
The Level Lock (Matter) is another standout for seamless Apple Home integration, nearly invisible on the door.
Over 30 days with daily use:
User scenarios: Shared guest codes lasted 7 days accurately; logs helped spot a forgotten unlock.
Pair your lock with complementary gear:
Yes, most users complete it in under 15 minutes using the included template and screws. Compatible with 90% of standard deadbolts.
It integrates with Alexa and Google Assistant for voice commands but requires Bluetooth proximity.
It adds electronic layers over your deadbolt, holding up in basic tests, but pair with a sturdy frame for best results.
Expect 6-8 months; access via the interior cover—no tools needed. App warns at 20%.
No, Bluetooth limits it to ~30 feet. Consider WiFi alternatives like eufy FamiLock S3.
1-year limited warranty covers defects; customer support responds within 24 hours.
Overall, the Shepherd Smart Lock delivers value for simple setups but falls short for advanced users. Upgrade to our top picks for peace of mind.
