We recently swapped out our standard front door handle for the ERA Protect Smart Universal Door Handle, and after a few weeks of daily use, we thought we’d share our experience. If you’re like us—into smart home tech but not quite ready to fully ditch traditional locks—you’ll probably find this handle hits a nice middle ground.
First Impressions
Unboxing it, the handle feels solid and premium. We went with the matte black finish which looks sleek and surprisingly high-end on our white composite door. It comes with everything needed for installation, and although we wouldn’t call ourselves handy, we managed to fit it with just a screwdriver and a YouTube video. We did have to drill one extra hole to accommodate the fixings properly, but honestly, it wasn’t a big deal.
Using It Day-to-Day
The fingerprint recognition was the feature we were most excited about, and we have to say—it’s been great. You can store up to 50 fingerprints, which is overkill for our small household, but it’s handy for giving access to our dog walker and cleaner. The scanner is quick and mostly reliable, though it does sometimes struggle if our fingers are damp (not ideal in the rain). A quick wipe and a retry usually sorts it.
We really like the ERA Smart Home App. It’s intuitive and allows us to check when someone’s come in or send e-keys if we’re not around. The geolocation auto-unlock feature was surprisingly accurate, too. We were skeptical at first, but coming home with shopping bags and having the door unlock automatically is a bit of a life upgrade!
The backup NFC key cards are a nice touch. We’ve left one with family just in case, and they use it without issue. We haven’t had to rely on the 9V battery trick for emergency power yet, but it’s comforting to know the option exists.
Design and Build
From a purely aesthetic standpoint, this is a win. The handle feels sturdy and secure, and it’s got a slightly chunky, high-tech look that suits a modern home. There’s even a soft voice prompt for setup and alerts (like low battery), which sounds a bit sci-fi but is actually quite helpful.
The battery situation is worth noting—it uses standard AA batteries rather than being rechargeable. We don’t mind this, as it makes replacements easy, but eco-conscious users might prefer something more sustainable.
Things to Consider
It’s worth mentioning that there’s no mechanical key override. This didn’t bother us too much, but if you’re someone who likes that physical reassurance, this might give you pause. Also, while it claims to fit 95% of UK doors, we’d recommend double-checking your door measurements and lock type just to be safe.
Final Thoughts
All in all, the ERA Protect Smart Universal Door Handle has been a solid upgrade to our home. It's stylish, functional, and genuinely makes getting in and out of the house easier—especially with kids in tow. While it’s not without its quirks (mainly the occasional fingerprint hiccup and lack of a mechanical key), the convenience and security it offers have made it well worth the investment.
If you’re dipping your toes into the smart home world or just want a bit more flexibility with who can access your home—and when—this handle’s a great place to start. Plus, there’s something undeniably cool about unlocking your front door with just a touch of your finger.
£194
Visit eraprotect.com