Mortise vs. Cylinder Smart Locks: What’s the Difference?

When shopping for a smart lock in Dubai, you’ll often hear the terms mortise lock and cylinder lock. While both offer modern, keyless convenience, the difference lies in how they’re installed, secured, and used. Choosing the right type depends on your property’s door structure, security needs, and compliance with SIRA requirements for holiday homes and rentals.

1. Mortise Smart Locks

• Definition: A mortise lock is a full-body lock system installed inside the door, with a deep cut (mortise pocket) carved into the door’s edge.
  
• Security: Generally stronger because they include multiple latches or hook bolts that engage at different points along the door frame. This makes forced entry much harder.
  
• Features: Mortise smart locks usually offer push-pull handles, auto-locking, fingerprint sensors, facial recognition, and advanced app integration.
  
• Best For:
  
  • Luxury villas with large wooden or reinforced doors.
    
  • Properties requiring SIRA-approved, multi-latch security.
    
• Example: Oji SecureLock Luxe – a premium mortise lock designed for UAE villas, combining style with multi-point security.
  

2. Cylinder (Retrofit) Smart Locks

• Definition: A cylinder lock replaces only the existing key cylinder, leaving the main door hardware intact. No deep cut-outs are required—installation is quick and simple.
  
• Security: Still secure, but relies on the existing door structure. Most models support fingerprints, PINs, RFID cards, and Bluetooth app access.
  
• Features: Easy DIY installation, budget-friendly, compact design. Great for adding smart functionality without modifying the entire door.
  
• Best For:
  
  • Apartments and standard doors.
    
  • Holiday homes needing quick compliance with keyless integration rules.
    
• Example: Oji Aleph-1 – a retrofit smart lock with Bluetooth and RFID, perfect for Dubai apartments and short-term rentals.
  

Quick Comparison

Key Takeaway for Dubai Buyers:

• If you’re securing a villa or large holiday home, go with a mortise smart lock for maximum durability and SIRA-approved compliance.
  

If you’re upgrading a flat, apartment, or rental property, a cylinder smart lock offers fast installation and keyless integration with apps.