You’ve decided to upgrade to a Lockly smart lock smart choice! Lockly’s innovative security technology is among the best in the business. But now you’re facing a new dilemma: Should you go with the Lockly Visage with its futuristic facial recognition, or the Lockly Vision with advanced fingerprint technology?
Both are premium smart locks that will secure your NYC home beautifully. Both feature Lockly’s patent-pending PIN Genie keypad and military-grade encryption. But they differ in some important ways, especially in how you unlock your door and how much you’ll pay.
In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Lockly Visage vs Vision: design differences, biometric technology, security features, smart home integration, pricing, and real-world performance in New York City homes. By the end, you’ll know exactly which Lockly lock belongs on your door.
Lockly Brand Overview: Why These Locks Stand Out
About Lockly Smart Locks
Lockly isn’t just another smart lock company they’re innovators who’ve genuinely advanced lock security technology. Founded with a focus on solving real security problems, Lockly has introduced several industry-first features that set them apart from competitors like Yale and Schlage.
What makes Lockly special:
PIN Genie technology: Instead of a standard numeric keypad, Lockly uses a PIN Genie that randomizes the numbers on the touchscreen with each use. This prevents anyone from figuring out your code by watching which buttons you press or seeing wear patterns on keys.
Offline access codes: Unlike many smart locks that require WiFi for everything, Lockly allows you to create access codes that work even without internet connectivity perfect for NYC’s occasional connectivity issues.
3D biometric sensors: Whether fingerprint or facial recognition, Lockly uses advanced 3D sensing technology that’s significantly harder to fool than basic 2D sensors.
Patent-pending security: Lockly holds patents on several of their security innovations, meaning competitors can’t simply copy their best features.
The brand has won multiple awards including CES Innovation Awards and has become increasingly popular among NYC residents who want cutting-edge security without sacrificing convenience.
The Visage and Vision Models
Both the Visage and Vision sit at the premium end of Lockly’s lineup, offering top-tier security and advanced features. Here’s the quick overview:
Lockly Visage: The flagship model featuring 3D facial recognition technology. It’s the most advanced lock Lockly makes and the most expensive.
Lockly Vision: The high-end fingerprint model featuring Lockly’s 3D fingerprint sensor technology. Premium features at a more accessible price point.
Both locks share Lockly’s core security features (PIN Genie, offline codes, auto-lock, tamper alerts), but they differ in their primary biometric authentication method and price. The question is: Do you want face or finger recognition, and is the Visage’s facial recognition worth the premium?
Quick Comparison Overview
Before we dive deep, here’s the at-a-glance comparison:
| Feature | Lockly Visage | Lockly Vision |
| Price | ~$399-$449 | ~$299-$349 |
| Primary Access | 3D Facial Recognition | 3D Fingerprint |
| Backup Access | PIN Genie, App | PIN Genie, App |
| Users Supported | 100+ faces | 99 fingerprints |
| Hands-Free | Yes | No (requires touch) |
| Best For | Premium buyers, families | Value-conscious, most users |
| Installation | Moderate complexity | Moderate complexity |
| Battery Life | 8-12 months | 8-12 months |
| NYC Apartments | ✓ Excellent | ✓ Excellent |
Bottom line: The Visage offers cutting-edge facial recognition at a premium price. The Vision delivers excellent fingerprint security for $100-150 less. Both are outstanding locks your choice depends on preferences and budget.
Design and Build Quality
Lockly Visage Design
The Visage screams “future of home security.” Its exterior features a sleek touchscreen with a camera lens for facial recognition prominently displayed. The design is modern, sophisticated, and definitely makes a statement.
Build quality: Premium all the way. Heavy die-cast metal construction with a solid, substantial feel. Available in matte black and satin nickel finishes that both look expensive (because they are).
Dimensions: Slightly larger than traditional deadbolts due to the facial recognition camera. Measures approximately 5.5″ x 2.8″ on the exterior. The interior escutcheon is substantial but not overwhelming.
Door compatibility: Works with standard door preparations (2-1/8″ bore hole) and handles doors from 1-3/8″ to 2″ thick covering virtually all NYC apartment and home doors.
The touchscreen is responsive and bright, easily visible even in the harsh sunlight that hits south-facing NYC apartments. The camera lens is discreet enough not to look like a surveillance device but obvious enough to signal “advanced security system.”
Lockly Vision Design
The Vision takes a slightly more traditional approach while still looking modern. The exterior features Lockly’s signature PIN Genie touchscreen with a fingerprint sensor integrated smoothly into the design.
Build quality: Also premium construction with die-cast metal housing. Feels just as solid as the Visage. Same finish options: matte black and satin nickel.
Dimensions: Similar to the Visage but without the prominent camera, giving it a slightly lower profile. Approximately 5.3″ x 2.7″ exterior.
Door compatibility: Identical compatibility to the Visage standard preparation doors from 1-3/8″ to 2″ thick.
The fingerprint sensor is positioned naturally where your thumb would rest, making unlocking feel intuitive. The overall aesthetic is high-tech but not as futuristic as the Visage.
Design Comparison Verdict
For modern NYC apartments (especially new construction in areas like Hudson Yards, Long Island City, or Downtown Brooklyn): The Visage’s cutting-edge design fits perfectly with contemporary aesthetics.
For brownstones and pre-war buildings: The Vision’s slightly more subdued appearance might blend better while still looking premium.
Size-wise: Both have similar footprints and neither looks oversized or awkward on standard NYC doors.
Premium feel: Both locks feel expensive and well-made. You won’t be disappointed with either’s build quality.
Honestly, both look great. Your choice here is more about whether you want the ultra-modern facial recognition aesthetic or prefer the more familiar fingerprint sensor approach.
Biometric Technology: The Biggest Difference
This is where these two locks really diverge. Let’s break down the key differentiator.
Lockly Visage: 3D Facial Recognition
The Visage uses advanced 3D facial recognition technology the same type of security that protects high-end smartphones.
How it works: A camera and depth sensor create a three-dimensional map of your face. This 3D data is far more secure than a simple photo because it captures depth, contours, and spatial relationships that flat images can’t replicate.
Recognition speed: Fast typically under one second. You walk up to your door, look at the lock, and it unlocks before you can reach for the handle.
Accuracy: Extremely high. The Visage can recognize you with glasses, hats, or subtle appearance changes. It even works in various lighting conditions, from bright midday sun to late-night darkness (thanks to infrared sensing).
Mask compatibility: This matters in NYC where masks were common during recent years. The Visage can recognize you with a mask on once it learns your face, though initial setup requires your full face visible.
Capacity: Stores 100+ faces, perfect for larger families or multi-unit properties.
Privacy: Your facial data is stored locally in the lock’s encrypted chip never uploaded to the cloud. This addresses the legitimate privacy concerns many people have about facial recognition.
Lockly Vision: Advanced 3D Fingerprint
The Vision features Lockly’s 3D fingerprint sensor a significant upgrade over the basic 2D fingerprint readers you might have used on older devices.
How it works: The sensor captures a three-dimensional image of your fingerprint, including depth and ridge patterns. This makes it nearly impossible to fool with fingerprint copies or photos.
Recognition speed: Extremely fast typically 0.3 seconds from touch to unlock. That’s faster than facial recognition because there’s no “approach and recognize” time.
Accuracy: Very high. Works reliably with dry, wet, slightly dirty, or even mildly worn fingerprints. The 3D technology compensates for minor variations that would confuse 2D sensors.
Capacity: Stores up to 99 fingerprints. That’s enough for large families, multiple properties, or giving access to numerous service providers.
Weather performance: Here’s where fingerprint has an advantage in NYC works perfectly even when you’re wearing gloves (just remove one finger), whereas facial recognition requires seeing your face.
Facial Recognition vs Fingerprint: Which Is Better?
Here’s the honest comparison for NYC residents:
Speed: Fingerprint wins by a hair (0.3 sec vs 1 sec), but both feel instantaneous in real use.
Convenience: Facial recognition wins if your hands are full. Walk up with grocery bags, packages, or a toddler, and your door opens automatically. Fingerprint requires at least one free hand to touch the sensor.
NYC winter consideration: Fingerprint requires removing a glove. Facial recognition works while you’re fully bundled up in winter gear.
Hygiene: Facial recognition is completely touchless no surface contact needed. This mattered during COVID and still appeals to germaphobe New Yorkers.
Privacy concerns: If you’re uncomfortable with facial recognition technology on principle, fingerprint is the clear choice.
Reliability: Both are highly reliable, but fingerprint has a slight edge in extremely varied conditions.
User preference: This really comes down to personal preference. Some people love hands-free facial recognition; others prefer the tangible confirmation of touching a fingerprint sensor.
Security Features Comparison
Shared Security Features
Both locks include Lockly’s core security innovations:
PIN Genie: The randomized touchscreen keypad prevents code guessing from wear patterns or observation. Every time you unlock, the numbers appear in different positions.
Offline access codes: Create temporary access codes for guests or service providers that work without internet connectivity.
Auto-lock: Your door automatically locks after a set time (30 seconds to 5 minutes, your choice).
Tamper alerts: Both locks notify your phone immediately if someone attempts to force, pry, or remove the lock.
Secure Element Chip: Military-grade encryption (128-bit AES) protects all communication and data storage.
BHMA certification: Both carry Grade 2 ANSI/BHMA certification excellent residential security that resists drilling, picking, and forced entry.
Physical security: Both use hardened steel bolts and reinforced construction that meets or exceeds traditional deadbolt strength.
Security Assessment
In terms of pure security, these locks are essentially equal. Both provide:
- Excellent physical security (Grade 2 rating)
- Strong digital security (military-grade encryption)
- Multiple authentication methods
- Real-time monitoring and alerts
The facial recognition vs fingerprint difference doesn’t make one more secure than the other both biometric technologies are extremely difficult to fool. The choice is about convenience and personal preference, not security strength.
For NYC ground-floor apartments, both locks provide robust security when combined with reinforced strike plates and solid door frames. Neither is vulnerable to common break-in methods used in the city.
Smart Home Integration and Connectivity
Lockly Visage Connectivity
The Visage is fully connected with:
- Built-in WiFi: Control remotely from anywhere
- Bluetooth: Local control without internet
- Amazon Alexa: Voice commands and routines
- Google Assistant: Full integration
- Apple HomeKit: Siri control and Home app integration
- Samsung SmartThings: Complete compatibility
The Lockly app provides comprehensive control: lock/unlock remotely, create/delete access codes, view detailed activity logs, receive instant notifications, and manage multiple locks if you have properties across NYC.
Lockly Vision Connectivity
The Vision offers identical connectivity:
- Same WiFi and Bluetooth
- Same smart home platform support
- Same Lockly app functionality
- Same remote access capabilities
There’s absolutely no difference in smart home integration between these models. Both are equally capable of integrating with your existing smart home ecosystem.
User Experience and Daily Use
Living with the Lockly Visage in NYC
Morning routine: You grab your coffee and bag, walk to your door, and it unlocks automatically as it recognizes your face. Hands-free convenience when you’re juggling everything.
Coming home with groceries: Four bags in your hands from Trader Joe’s? No problem. Your door sees you and unlocks. This is where facial recognition shines for busy New Yorkers.
Guest access: Give your Airbnb guest a temporary PIN code, or add their face to the system for seamless access during their stay.
Night time: Works perfectly in darkness thanks to infrared sensing. No fumbling with keys or codes in your dimly lit hallway.
Living with the Lockly Vision in NYC
Quick entry: Touch the fingerprint sensor and you’re in within a third of a second. The tactile confirmation feels reassuring.
Multiple users: Enroll family members’ fingerprints easily. Each person can have multiple fingers enrolled for redundancy.
Service providers: Give your dog walker their own fingerprint, or use temporary PIN codes for flexibility.
Winter reliability: Works consistently even when it’s freezing just remove one glove to unlock.
Best For Different NYC Situations
Families with kids: Visage wins facial recognition works even when kids’ hands are occupied or dirty.
Airbnb hosts: Vision slightly better for quick turnover fingerprints are easier to add/remove than facial profiles.
Elderly residents: Visage is more intuitive (just look at the lock) vs. remembering to use the fingerprint sensor.
Tech enthusiasts: Visage offers the newest technology and bragging rights.
Value-conscious buyers: Vision provides 90% of the experience for $100-150 less.
Installation Requirements
Both locks install similarly standard deadbolt replacement taking 45-60 minutes for someone handy.
DIY installation: Possible if you’re comfortable with basic tools. Both come with detailed instructions and installation templates.
Professional installation recommendation: For NYC apartments, professional installation makes sense because:
- Ensures proper alignment (critical for these advanced locks)
- Handles unusual door situations (metal doors, unusual thicknesses)
- Guarantees all features work correctly from day one
- Protects warranty
- Saves time and frustration
Rainbow Locksmith NY installs both models expertly, handling everything from door assessment to final calibration. We’ve installed hundreds of Lockly locks across NYC and know how to handle the unique challenges of city apartments metal doors, tight hallways, building access issues, and more.
NYC-specific installation factors:
- Co-op/condo board approval (usually not an issue but check first)
- Metal apartment doors (we’ve seen them all)
- Integration with existing security systems
- Proper weatherproofing for outdoor installations
Professional installation costs $100-150 but ensures your premium lock works perfectly.
Battery Life and Maintenance
Power Consumption
Lockly Visage: Uses 4 AA batteries lasting 8-12 months with normal use. Facial recognition does consume slightly more power than fingerprint scanning, but the difference is minimal in real-world use.
Lockly Vision: Same 4 AA batteries, same 8-12 month lifespan. Fingerprint scanning is energy-efficient.
Both locks provide low-battery warnings weeks in advance through the app, on the lock itself, and via audible beeps. You’ll never be caught by surprise.
Emergency backup: If batteries die completely, hold a 9-volt battery to the external terminals for temporary power to unlock, then immediately replace the AAs inside.
Maintenance Requirements
Both locks require minimal maintenance:
- Battery replacement 1-2 times per year
- Occasional cleaning of touchscreen/sensors with soft cloth
- Firmware updates (automatic via WiFi)
- Periodic code audits (delete old users)
NYC’s harsh weather (extreme heat/cold, humidity, salt air) doesn’t significantly affect either lock. Both are weatherproofed and handle the city’s climate well.
Price and Value Analysis
Lockly Visage Pricing
Retail price: $399-$449 depending on retailer and finish What’s included: Lock, batteries, installation template, 2 physical keys (backup), strike plate Warranty: 1-year manufacturer warranty Professional installation: Add $100-150 in NYC
Total cost: $500-600 installed
Lockly Vision Pricing
Retail price: $299-$349 What’s included: Same package contents as Visage Warranty: 1-year manufacturer warranty
Professional installation: $100-150
Total cost: $400-500 installed
Value Comparison
The Visage costs $100-150 more than the Vision. Is it worth it?
You’re paying the premium for:
- Cutting-edge facial recognition technology
- Hands-free convenience
- Touchless operation
- Bragging rights for the latest tech
The Vision delivers:
- 90% of the same experience
- Equally strong security
- Same smart home integration
- Proven fingerprint technology
- Significant cost savings
Honest assessment: For most NYC residents, the Vision offers better value. The facial recognition is cool and convenient, but fingerprint is also fast and reliable. Unless hands-free operation is particularly important to your lifestyle or you simply want the newest technology, the Vision is the smarter buy.
However, if: You frequently have your hands full, value touchless operation highly, or budget isn’t a constraint, the Visage’s premium is justifiable.
Detailed Feature Comparison
| Feature | Lockly Visage | Lockly Vision | Winner |
| Price | $399-$449 | $299-$349 | Vision |
| Primary Biometric | 3D Facial Recognition | 3D Fingerprint | Tie |
| Unlock Speed | ~1 second | ~0.3 seconds | Vision |
| Hands-Free | Yes | No | Visage |
| User Capacity | 100+ faces | 99 fingerprints | Visage |
| PIN Genie | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | Tie |
| Smart Home | Full integration | Full integration | Tie |
| Security Rating | Grade 2 BHMA | Grade 2 BHMA | Tie |
| Battery Life | 8-12 months | 8-12 months | Tie |
| NYC Winter | Works bundled up | Requires glove off | Visage |
| Privacy | Local storage only | Local storage only | Tie |
| Installation | Moderate | Moderate | Tie |
| Value | Premium | Better value | Vision |
Pros and Cons Summary
Lockly Visage Advantages
✅ Cutting-edge 3D facial recognition
✅ Completely hands-free operation
✅ Works when hands are full or occupied
✅ Touchless—excellent for hygiene
✅ Works while bundled up in winter gear
✅ Stores 100+ faces
✅ Premium, futuristic design
✅ Intuitive for elderly or tech-challenged users
✅ Latest technology available
Lockly Visage Disadvantages
❌ $100-150 premium over Vision
❌ Slightly slower than fingerprint (1 sec vs 0.3 sec)
❌ Some people uncomfortable with facial recognition
❌ Requires clear line of sight to your face
❌ More expensive battery replacement if high use
Lockly Vision Advantages
✅ $100-150 less expensive than Visage
✅ Lightning-fast fingerprint recognition (0.3 sec)
✅ Proven, familiar technology
✅ Tactile feedback reassures users
✅ Works in any lighting instantly
✅ No privacy concerns about facial data
✅ Stores 99 fingerprints
✅ Excellent value proposition
✅ Same security and smart features as Visage
Lockly Vision Disadvantages
❌ Requires touch (not hands-free)
❌ Need free hand to unlock
❌ Must remove glove in winter
❌ Not the newest technology
❌ Less “wow factor” than facial recognition
Which Lockly Model Should You Choose?
Choose Lockly Visage If:
✔️ You frequently arrive home with hands full (parents with kids, grocery shoppers)
✔️ You value hands-free convenience highly
✔️ You want the absolute latest technology
✔️ Touchless operation appeals to you
✔️ You have elderly family members who’d find facial recognition easier
✔️ Budget isn’t your primary concern
✔️ You want the “wow factor” of facial recognition
✔️ You’re building a premium smart home
Choose Lockly Vision If:
✔️ You want excellent security for less money
✔️ You’re comfortable with fingerprint technology
✔️ Value is important to you ($100-150 savings matters)
✔️ You prefer tactile confirmation of unlocking
✔️ You’re privacy-conscious about facial recognition
✔️ You want proven technology over newest
✔️ Speed is your priority (0.3 sec fingerprint wins)
✔️ You don’t often have both hands occupied
For NYC Residents Specifically:
Manhattan apartments: Either works great. Visage fits ultra-modern buildings; Vision fits everywhere.
Brooklyn brownstones: Either works, slight edge to Vision for traditional aesthetic.
Families: Visage’s hands-free operation shines with kids.
Airbnb hosts: Vision slightly better for frequent user changes.
Budget-conscious: Vision provides 90% of experience for significantly less.
Tech enthusiasts: Visage for bragging rights and latest innovation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Lockly Visage worth the extra money over the Vision?
It depends on your priorities. If hands-free operation and touchless entry significantly improve your daily life, the $100-150 premium is justified. For most people, the Vision’s fingerprint technology is equally secure and convenient at a better value. Both are excellent locks—it’s about personal preference and budget.
Which is faster: facial recognition or fingerprint?
Fingerprint is faster about 0.3 seconds vs 1 second for facial recognition. Both feel instantaneous in normal use.
Can I install either lock myself?
Yes, if you’re handy with basic tools. However, professional installation ensures perfect alignment and functionality, especially important for NYC’s varied door types. Rainbow Locksmith NY offers expert installation for both models.
Are these locks suitable for NYC apartments?
Absolutely! Both work perfectly with standard NYC apartment doors. Check with your building management if you rent or live in a co-op/condo, but most approve these locks.
Expert Recommendation from Rainbow Locksmith NY
After installing both Lockly models across hundreds of NYC homes, here’s our honest take:
Best overall value for most NYC residents: Lockly Vision. It delivers exceptional security, lightning-fast fingerprint recognition, and all the smart features you need for $100-150 less than the Visage.
Best premium choice: Lockly Visage. If budget isn’t your main concern and you value hands-free convenience, the facial recognition is genuinely impressive and useful.
For families with young children: Visage—hands-free operation is a game-changer.
For Airbnb hosts: Vision—easier user management for frequent turnover.
For tech enthusiasts: Visage—latest technology and conversation starter.
For value-focused buyers: Vision—90% of the experience, significant savings.
Both locks provide excellent security, smart home integration, and the innovative PIN Genie technology that sets Lockly apart. You can’t go wrong with either choice it really comes down to whether facial recognition’s convenience is worth $100-150 to you.
Conclusion
The Lockly Visage vs. Vision comparison centers on whether facial recognition is worth paying $100–150 more than fingerprint technology. Both locks offer Grade 2 BHMA security, Lockly’s PIN Genie, smart home integration, reliable biometrics, and premium build quality. The Visage adds hands-free convenience through facial recognition great for busy NYC residents who want touchless access. The Vision delivers fast fingerprint recognition at a lower price, ideal for those seeking premium security without extra cost. In short, choose the Visage for cutting-edge convenience or the Vision for proven performance and better value.