Replacing a standard lock with a WELOCK connected lock This allows you to do away with keys in many situations. Fingerprint, PIN code, RFID card, or smartphone can then become means of accessing your home. However, you still need to choose a model suited to your needs.
At WELOCK, the ToucA51, ToucA51 Pro and U81 These three locks share several common features but are not exactly suited to the same uses. The first is a relatively affordable solution for everyday use, while the ToucA51 Pro adds features such as temporary code management. The U81, on the other hand, offers more options and retains a backup mechanical key. We've therefore reviewed these three locks to help you better understand their differences.
What are the differences between these three WELOCK smart locks?
Let's start with the simplest of the three models. The WELOCK TouchA51 allows you to unlock a door with a fingerprint, PIN code, RFID card, or the WELOCK app via Bluetooth. The manufacturer indicates a capacity of up to 200 PIN codes It also features an emergency USB power supply. The lock operates on three AAA batteries, and WELOCK advertises a battery life of up to approximately 10 months depending on usage.
For functions requiring an internet connection, the ToucA51 can be paired with a WiFiBox3 sold separatelyThis allows for remote unlocking and Alexa integration. However, local access to the lock remains possible without a Wi-Fi gateway.
La TouchA51 Pro It retains the main access methods of the ToucA51, including fingerprint, PIN code, RFID card, Bluetooth, and the WELOCK app. Its most significant difference lies in the ability to generate temporary access codes for guests, visitors, housekeeping staff or occupants of a short-term rental.
This is a particularly useful feature when a door needs to be used regularly by different people. The ToucA51 Pro also has a USB-C backup power supply and IP65 protection for its outdoor unit.
La WELOCK U81 It goes even further in the number of options offered. It supports fingerprint scanning, PIN codes, temporary codes, RFID cards, Bluetooth, the WELOCK app, and above all a spare mechanical key.
The U81 operates on four AAA batteries, and WELOCK advertises a battery life of up to approximately 10 months under normal usage conditions. With a WiFiBox3, it's also possible to control the lock remotely, view access history, and use Alexa or Home Assistant.
Is the ToucA51 suitable for a house or an apartment?
If your main objective is to replace a key with multiple keyless access methods, the ToucA51 It already includes the main expected functions. You can open the door with your fingerprint, enter a PIN code, use an RFID card or via the WELOCK app.
This setup is suitable for a primary residence where users are relatively stable. Household members can save their access and use their preferred method without the need to regularly manage temporary permissions.
However, it is important to know one key difference compared to the other two models: The ToucA51 does not support temporary codes..
At the time of our check, its listed price without any promotion was 169 € on the official WELOCK website. For home use requiring neither a backup mechanical key nor temporary codes, it therefore allows access to the main functions of a connected lock without choosing the most complete model in the range.
Why is the ToucA51 Pro a good choice for rental?
The difference between the ToucA51 and the... is probably in access management. TouchA51 Pro is the easiest to understand. With the Pro version, you can create temporary codes instead of providing a permanent code or handing over a physical key.
These codes can be used for the guests, visitors, cleaning staff and rental staysThis possibility can therefore facilitate the management of an apartment rented on an occasional basis or accommodation regularly welcoming new occupants.
The benefits aren't limited to seasonal rentals. A temporary code can also be used when you need to grant access to your property to someone for a specific period. You still retain other available unlocking methods such as fingerprint, PIN, RFID card, and the app.
The WiFiBox3 remains optional for local use. Adding it also enables remote unlocking, access history viewing, and integration with Amazon Alexa and Home Assistant.
In what situations should I choose the WELOCK U81?
La U81 This is aimed particularly at users who want more access options and a mechanical backup solution. The presence of a traditional key This represents a significant difference compared to the ToucA51 and ToucA51 Pro.
It also has temporary codes. Therefore, it can be considered for both residential and guest/rental accommodation.
Another interesting feature: the U81 is designed for doors with a distance of at least 25 mm between the center of the cylinder and the edge of the doorIts format is designed for installations where the available space around the cylinder is limited.
Its regular price is also higher: the WELOCK website displays 249 € at the time of our review. The choice therefore depends primarily on the features you actually need. Mechanical key functionality, temporary codes, and compatibility with certain door configurations may justify this difference for some users.
Check your door carefully before ordering
Whatever WELOCK connected lock If considering this option, the door's compatibility must be verified before purchase (you can use the WELOCK compatibility checkerThe three models presented here are intended for doors compatible with a European profile cylinder.
WELOCK specifically recommends checking the cylinder dimensions, door thickness, and available space around the lock. For example, the U81 has different dimensional constraints than the ToucA51. Therefore, you shouldn't choose solely based on software features.
Installation, however, is designed to be relatively simple on a compatible door. As with all models, WELOCK indicates that the cylinder of the ToucA51 Pro can generally be replaced. no drilling or wiring required.
Which WELOCK lock is right for your needs?
The differences between these three references ultimately make it quite easy to distinguish their uses. La ToucA51 covers the main needs of a home with several unlocking methods and a lower price than the other two options. The ToucA51 Pro adds temporary codes which make perfect sense when several people need occasional access to the accommodation. The U81 retains this temporary access management while adding a backup mechanical key and a design adapted to certain door configurations.
Before ordering, take a few minutes to measure your setup and determine if you actually need temporary codes, a mechanical key, or remote control. The WiFiBox3 isn't essential for everyday local functions; it's primarily used for remote functions and compatible home automation integrations.
Finally, if you are considering a purchase right now, WELOCK's autumn sales are underway. with announced discounts ranging up to 33%The brand offers a dedicated page for this sales promotion. Prices and offers may change, so it's best to check the promotion directly before ordering.
