An electronic locking system offers greater security, flexibility, and convenience compared to mechanical systems. However, many property owners, facility managers, and businesses ask the same question: How much does an electronic locking system cost?

The costs vary depending on the area of use—whether for a private home, an apartment building, or a commercial property—as well as on the type of system, such as chip-based or card-based locking systems. In this article, you will learn which prices are realistic in 2026 and what costs you can expect depending on the type of building.

Electronic or mechanical locking systems – which is cheaper?

In general, electronic locking systems are considered more expensive to invest in than conventional, mechanical variants. However, these costs usually pay off. Electronic locking systems are convincing in many respects:

• Flexibility
• Comfort
• Safety

In addition, in the event of loss or theft of keys, the entire system does not have to be replaced. This quickly puts the initially high costs of an electronic locking system into perspective. After all, such an exchange is not exactly cheap.

Furthermore, with something as security-relevant as a locking system, savings should not be made at the wrong end. It is better to invest in security in order to benefit from it in the long term, and to conscientiously protect people and valuables.

Electronic Locking System Costs by Area of Use

The cost of an electronic locking system varies significantly depending on the area of application. A digital locking system does not always cost the same, as factors such as the size of the system, the number of doors, and the type of use play a decisive role in pricing. For this reason, it is not possible to define a fixed price—an individual assessment is always required. However, the cost of an electronic locking system can usually be estimated within a realistic price range, providing initial guidance.

Chip-Based Locking System: Cost Overview

The cost of a chip-based locking system depends on several factors, including the number of doors, users, transponders, and the desired range of functions. Chip-based locking systems typically use RFID technology and allow flexible assignment and revocation of access rights. Compared to mechanical systems, the initial purchase costs are higher, but they offer significant advantages in terms of security and access management. Depending on the area of use—whether a private home, apartment building, or business—a clear cost range can be defined for a chip-based locking system, ranging from basic entry-level solutions to comprehensive systems.

Card-Based Locking System: Cost Overview

The cost of a card-based locking system is primarily determined by the number of doors, users, and the type of card technology used. Card-based locking systems are commonly implemented in businesses, apartment buildings, and larger building complexes, as they enable centralized management of access rights. Compared to chip-based or mechanical solutions, costs can vary depending on the system scope, but these systems offer advantages such as easy user management, quick deactivation of lost cards, and high scalability. Overall, a transparent cost range can be defined for card-based locking systems, depending on the area of use and security requirements.

How much does an electronic locking system for private households cost?

One thing in advance: Whether an electronic locking system is worthwhile for a private household or not should always be weighed up individually in advance. However, it can be an extremely practical solution if you want to unlock door locks with your smartphone, smartwatch or remotely.

A single-family house classically has a front door, a balcony door, a cellar door, a garage door, a tool shed and a back or terrace door. The number of doors that have to be integrated into the system is therefore manageable. Electronic locking systems for private households usually cost between 500 and 3,000 euros.

Locking System for Apartment Buildings: Costs & Prices

The cost of a locking system for an apartment building largely depends on the size of the property and the scope of the system. Since significantly more doors need to be secured in multi-family buildings, the planning and installation effort is higher. For an electronic locking system in an apartment building, property owners should generally expect costs between €2,000 and €8,000. Depending on the number of residential units, the desired access methods (e.g. chip or card), and additional security features, the final price may vary.

Typically, a locking system in an apartment building includes the main entrance door, multiple apartment doors, basement and utility rooms, and possibly attic or rear entrance doors. Each additional door directly affects the overall cost of the locking system for an apartment building.

What do you pay for electronic locking systems for companies?

For companies, too, it depends on how big the building is and how many doors are to be integrated into the system. Therefore, it is particularly difficult to name the costs for an electronic locking system here. Companies pay between 1,000 and several 10,000 euros – depending on security functions, number of doors, number of locations and many other factors.

Conclusion

Electronic locking systems are extremely practical and worthwhile in most cases. The costs vary depending on the area of application. Therefore, it is not possible to make a general statement about how much an electronic locking system may cost. At BlueID, we advise you individually so that you not only get a suitable locking system, but also find a solution that fits into your budget plan.