In 2025, the locksmith and security industry moved further toward connected hardware: smart locks and managed access control kept growing, according to published market research. The forecasts expect that growth to continue in 2026, which is useful news for Austin homeowners, landlords and business owners deciding what to install next.
This is a summary of what the public research says and what we think it means on the ground in Austin. Where a number appears, the source is named beside it. We do not publish internal install counts here, and we do not claim local figures we cannot back up.
What changed in residential smart locks in 2025?
Smart locks became a mainstream upgrade in 2025. Grand View Research projects U.S. smart lock sales rising from 17.46 million units in 2025 to 39.03 million units by 2030, a compound growth rate of 17.45% a year. Demand is moving from early adopters to ordinary homeowners.
That shift fits what we see in neighborhoods like Mueller and South Congress, where people ask about keypad and app-controlled deadbolts during a move-in or a rekey. Our smart lock installation page covers what we install. For many households, the question is whether to keep a traditional deadbolt and rekey it or move to a keyless model.
What changed in commercial access control?
Commercial buyers kept moving from metal keys toward managed credentials. MarketsAndMarkets projects the access control market growing at about 8.3% a year through 2030. That points to more offices, shops and rental properties replacing metal keys with credentials that can be issued, tracked and cancelled.
The practical appeal is simple. A lost metal key can mean rekeying a whole building, while a lost card or code is switched off in minutes. When an employee leaves, a manager can cancel a credential instead of rekeying every lock. For a restaurant or office near Rainey Street or the Domain with regular staff turnover, that saves time. Our page on master key systems explains the older approach and when it still makes sense.
How are biometric locks changing?
Biometric locks, including fingerprint readers, are a newer option for homes and offices. Fingerprint readers are the most familiar type, and they remove the codes and keys that can be shared, copied or forgotten. Most models still pair the reader with a keypad or key cylinder, so the door never depends on one method alone.
Biometrics suit doors with many users, such as a shared office or a rental unit with changing tenants. They are less necessary on a single-family front door where one household already manages keys well. If you are weighing options, our guide to high-security locks for Austin homes explains what ratings to look for.
What do forecasts say about 2026?
Forecasts point to continued growth in connected locks and managed access in 2026, and the direction is toward systems that verify who is at the door instead of trusting a key alone. GovTech’s 2026 security predictions also expect wider use of zero-trust access checks in commercial settings.
These are forecasts and can change. Treat them as a reason to ask about compatibility before buying, not as a reason to wait. A lock installed well today still protects the door today, and our team can tell you whether a model fits your existing smart home setup.
Should you rekey, add a smart lock or upgrade the whole system?
The right choice depends on the problem, not the trend. If the issue is “someone else may have a key,” rekeying the existing locks fixes it at the lowest cost. If the issue is “too many keys to manage,” a keypad or app-controlled lock may fit better. If the issue is a damaged or weak door, hardware alone will not solve it.
Here is how we usually think it through with a customer:
- Who has access today? Count family members, tenants, staff and vendors. More people usually favors credentials you can cancel.
- What happens when someone leaves? If the answer is “we rekey everything,” a managed system may be cheaper over time.
- How strong is the door? Check the frame, hinges and strike plate before spending on electronics.
- What is your backup? Every setup needs a way in when power, Wi-Fi or a phone fails.
Our rekey or replace locks guide walks through the first decision in more detail, and the signs it is time to upgrade your home security post covers the rest.
What should Austin homeowners and businesses do now?
Start with the door you use most, then decide what problem you are actually solving: lost keys, shared access, staff turnover or compatibility with a smart home. Match the hardware to that problem, keep a mechanical backup, and get the installation done by someone who checks the door as well as the lock.
A short plan for each group:
- Homeowners: list who needs access, pick keypad, app or fingerprint to match, and keep a spare key. See our residential services for options.
- Landlords: consider credentials you can cancel when a tenant moves out, which can replace some rekeying.
- Businesses: price a cloud-managed system against rekeying when staff change, and ask for a written estimate. Final price is confirmed on site before work starts, and our pricing page explains how we quote.
Frequently asked questions
Are smart locks worth it for an Austin home?
They can be, when the lock fits how you live. Published market research shows steady growth in smart lock adoption, but a smart lock is still a lock. Choose one with a physical key backup and a tested deadbolt, and have it installed square in the door.
What should I check before buying a smart lock?
Make sure it has a key cylinder or keypad backup, fits your door’s thickness and backset, and works with the phone or smart home system you already use. Ask whoever installs it to check the door, the frame and the strike plate too.
Is a biometric lock better than a keypad lock?
Neither is better in every case. A fingerprint lock removes codes and keys you can lose or share, while a keypad is simple and works for guests. Pick based on who uses the door, and keep a mechanical backup either way.
Should a small business move to cloud-based access control?
It is worth pricing out if staff change often or you manage more than one door. Cloud systems let you add or remove credentials without rekeying every lock. Costs vary by site, so ask for a written estimate first.
Can Austin Locksmiths install and service these systems?
We install residential smart locks and commercial access control, and our team is Texas DPS licensed, licence B30821501. Call (737) 222-7022 to talk through your doors and what fits.
Sources and further reading
- Grand View Research: Smart Lock Market
- MarketsAndMarkets: Access Control Market
- GovTech: Top 26 Security Predictions for 2026
Ready to talk through an upgrade? Call Austin Locksmiths at (737) 222-7022 or use our contact page.
Prices shown are estimates
They give you a general idea of what the service costs, and are not a final quote. Your actual price depends on the lock, the vehicle or door, job complexity, and time of day. Your technician confirms the exact final price with you on site, before any work begins.
