Review: The Newest Lock, Key, and Security Tools of 2025

The lock and security hardware industry released notable products in 2025. Here's a locksmith's honest assessment of what's actually useful.

2025-08-01 · 5 min read · Smart Locks

2025 brought several noteworthy releases in the lock and physical security hardware space. This review covers the products most relevant to Miami homeowners and businesses — evaluated on real-world performance in South Florida's climate rather than spec sheet marketing.

Schlage Encode Premier (2025 Edition)

The updated Encode Premier adds matter protocol support and improved encryption for the local API. The practical improvement for most users is the expanded smart home ecosystem compatibility — it now works natively with Apple Home, Google Home, and Amazon Alexa without a separate hub.

Miami assessment: IP rating remains IP65, adequate for covered entryways but not fully exposed outdoor installations. Battery life in Miami heat runs 10–12 months rather than the 12–18 months stated in the spec sheet. The aluminum finish holds up well against coastal salt air. Recommended for covered residential and commercial entry.

Yale Assure Lock 2 (Touch)

The second generation of Yale's fingerprint lock addresses the main complaint about the first generation: fingerprint reliability. The new capacitive sensor performs better in humidity and with wet fingers — a significant improvement for Miami's climate where sweaty fingers in summer were causing frequent fallback-to-keypad situations.

The bi-fold keyway provides a physical key backup that works reliably. The touch-activated backlit keypad eliminates the telltale "which buttons are worn" issue of non-backlit keypads.

Miami assessment: Best fingerprint reliability of current residential smart locks for humid climates. The 9V battery backup (external terminal for when batteries are fully dead) is well-designed.

Mul-T-Lock MT5+ Updated Cylinder

Mul-T-Lock's 2025 update to the MT5+ cylinder adds a new interactive element that increases the number of key combinations substantially. For commercial clients who need maximum key control, this is the most meaningful high-security cylinder update in several years.

Miami assessment: Top choice for restricted keyway systems in commercial environments. The cylinder is more expensive than Medeco equivalents but provides a similar level of pick resistance and superior key duplication control via the patented key blanks.

Alarm.com Access Control Integration Update

Alarm.com's 2025 platform update adds direct integration with more commercial lock brands, simplifying the management of hybrid physical/electronic access systems. The updated mobile interface allows one-screen management of all door credentials, removing the need to log into separate systems for video, alarm, and access control.

Miami assessment: Strongest unified access management platform for small commercial properties (2–20 doors). The integration reduces the separate-system management burden that's the main operational complaint about access control systems.

Cargo Vault Smart Safe

A new category: biometric gun safes with Wi-Fi connectivity for access logging. The unit provides real-time notification when opened, access history, and multiple authorized users via the app.

Miami assessment: For households with firearms and children, the combination of biometric access (fast enough for emergency access) and electronic log (accountability) addresses the main tension in residential gun storage. Recommended for secure firearms storage in Miami homes.

Caraballo Locksmith carries and installs most major lock brands and can provide current inventory availability and pricing for any of these products.