REVIEW – During my time with the FBI, I remember the keycard access controllers were combined with the incredibly clever Hirsch ScramblePads. Think of your regular ATM keypad, but the numbers underneath the buttons change each time you enter your code. This increases security since it’s harder to “crack” the code just by fingerprint smudges alone. Lockly’s Smart Safe incorporates this keypad scrambling in a consumer product, in addition to other ways to access your valuables.
What is it?
The Lockly Smart Safe is a compact home or office lock box that features Lockly’s PIN Genie scrambling keypad feature, fingerprint access, smartphone access, and backup key options.
What’s in the box?
- Mounting hardware and cable loop
- USB-C cable
- 4 AA batteries and holder
- Wifi gateway and USB power plug
- User manual, activation card, mounting template
Hardware specs
The usable interior space of the Lockly Smart Safe measures approximately 10.1″ x 7.0″ x 2.5″.
Design and features
The front of the Lockly Smart Safe is where all the action is: The PIN Genie buttons illuminate on the main display. A biometric fingerprint reader is also on the top. The backup key slot is also on the front edge. Not much on the back except for optional mounting holes.
On the right side towards the back, notice the cable slot cutout. A plug covers the USB-C external power port. Should the internal batteries run out, this port can provide power instead, or provide power around the clock.
One of the first things I noticed on the inside was the gas strut on the left. This pops the lid when unlocked, and keeps the lid open. There’s a card slot on the lid, and a padded interior bottom.
Under the foam padding, you’ll find four mounting holes.
The 4 AA battery holder is tucked under the control panel. Note the LED light. Great for finding your items in the dark.
The Lockly Smart Safe’s fingerprint reader has a backlit LED ring as well.
Setup
I was a little surprised to see that nearly all the functions required the use of an app.
Yes, I thought you could set the fingerprint without it, but no. Fortunately, the app is easy to follow.
Once configured you can set multiple users, multiple fingerprints, and PIN codes. The included Wifi hub (install within 30 feet) even allows control over the cloud. It’s optional. Otherwise, direct Bluetooth control from phone to safe works just fine.
Here’s a page that shows the status of the box. Red if it’s open, green if it’s locked. Tap the green box to open. You can also rename the box, as I did on the right (“Lockly Box”). The battery reads 0% because I didn’t install the AA batteries when I took this screenshot.
There’s not much you can do without the app. You can pair Bluetooth and perform a system reset by depressing the box plunger twice.
If all else fails, there’s a physical key. Don’t lose it!
Performance
I had to try the number-scrambling PIN Genie feature. Up to 37 access codes can be stored. Here’s a demo of the default code, 123456.
The Lockly Smart Safe’s screen can wake up with the wave of a hand, but I found that tapping the screen works all the time. The brightness can be controlled to save power, and the PIN Genie scramble function can even be disabled to display numbers in sequence if you wish.
I don’t own firearms, but I have an airsoft pistol. Here’s how it fit.
I found the fingerprint reader to be pretty good. The box can store up to 99 prints.
What I like
- Number scrambling PIN Genie feature adds an added layer of security
- Fingerprint reader works well
- App and cloud control allows many clever features, such as guest access
- AA battery power or external USB-C
- Can be programmed to send duress notifications if you use a specific fingerprint
What I’d change
- I’d prefer a basic non-app setup
Final thoughts
Is the Lockly Smart Safe Fort Knox? Will it survive a fire? No of course not. A locked box just slows the bad guys down. I was turned off by the level of complex options, but I realized they’re just options. I’m likely to just use the fingerprint reader or the combination pad, and just use the app if I need to tweak something.
Price: $349.99
Where to buy: Lockly
Source: The sample of this product was provided by Lockly.
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Is there a burglary rating on the lock box? (Incidentally, the hearse scramble pad IS a commercial product. I know this because I betta tested the Hirsch scramble pad at NES Cecil field many years before it became the Hirsch scramble pad!).
I did not see a burglary rating.
Sorry ass spellcheck, changed NAS Cecil field to NES Cecil field!