What are the differences between the McGrath G2, G3, G4 and G5 gateways?
Posted by Jim Noort on 12th Sep 2024
McGrath Smart Lock Gateways Explained – G2 vs G3 vs G4 vs G5
If you are using McGrath Smart Locks on the Gold Coast or anywhere in Australia, choosing the correct smart lock gateway is critical. The gateway is what connects your Bluetooth smart lock to the internet, allowing remote access, live monitoring, audit trails, and user management through the TTLock app.
Below is a clear, no-nonsense comparison of the McGrath G2, G3, G4, and G5 gateways, including exactly which properties they suit best – residential homes, Airbnb, commercial buildings, strata, and large-scale deployments.
McGrath Smartlocks G2 Gateway – Simple Wi-Fi Control
Best suited for
- Homes and apartments
- Airbnb and short-stay accommodation
- Small offices
- First-time smart lock users
What it does
The G2 Gateway connects your McGrath Bluetooth smart lock to the internet using 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. Once installed, you can lock and unlock doors, manage users, and view access logs remotely via the TTLock app.
Key features
- Bluetooth-to-Wi-Fi bridge (2.4GHz only)
- Remote lock and unlock
- Create and revoke PINs, cards, and mobile keys
- Real-time access logs
- USB Type-C powered
- Simple plug-and-play installation
Reality check: The G2 is the entry-level option. It works well for small setups, but relies entirely on Wi-Fi stability and is not ideal for larger or mission-critical sites.
McGrath Smartlocks G3 Gateway – Commercial PoE Reliability
Best suited for
- Commercial buildings
- Offices and warehouses
- Schools and medical facilities
- IT-managed network environments
What it does
The G3 Gateway uses Power over Ethernet (PoE). It does not use Wi-Fi at all. One Ethernet cable provides both power and data, making it significantly more stable in commercial installations.
Key features
- Ethernet-only connectivity (RJ45)
- Powered via PoE – no power adaptor required
- TTLock app integration
- Mesh-capable for redundancy
- Enterprise-grade reliability
Reality check: This is the most reliable gateway for structured networks. If Wi-Fi is restricted, unreliable, or controlled by IT, the G3 is the correct choice.
McGrath Smartlocks G4 Gateway – 4G Backup When Internet Fails
Best suited for
- Remote locations
- Holiday homes with poor internet
- Construction sites
- High-risk or critical access points
What it does
The G4 Gateway supports both 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and a 4G SIM card. If the local internet drops out, the gateway stays online via the mobile phone network.
Key features
- Wi-Fi plus 4G SIM connectivity
- Remote lock and user management worldwide
- Mesh-capable operation
- Supports up to 100 smart locks
- Compact size: 70mm x 70mm x 26mm
- Micro USB powered
Reality check: If access must never fail, the G4 provides genuine redundancy and peace of mind where internet reliability cannot be guaranteed.
McGrath Smartlocks G5 Gateway – Fastest and Most Flexible
Best suited for
- Modern homes and apartments
- Hotels and short-stay complexes
- Large smart lock deployments
- Sites using 5GHz Wi-Fi networks
What it does
The G5 Gateway supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi, delivering faster response times and improved performance in busy network environments.
Key features
- Dual-band Wi-Fi support (2.4GHz + 5GHz)
- Remote lock and unlock
- User management and PIN control
- Full audit trails
- Mesh networking support
- Supports up to 100 locks per gateway
- USB Type-C powered
- Recommended range: 8–10 metres per lock
Reality check: This is the most advanced gateway in the range. If your network supports 5GHz, the G5 is the best all-round performer.
Which McGrath Gateway Should You Choose?
| Gateway | Connectivity | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| G2 | 2.4GHz Wi-Fi | Homes, Airbnb, small installations |
| G3 | Ethernet (PoE) | Commercial and enterprise sites |
| G4 | Wi-Fi + 4G SIM | Remote or high-risk locations |
| G5 | 2.4GHz + 5GHz Wi-Fi | Modern, large-scale deployments |
Local Advice from Gold Coast Smart Locks
At Gold Coast Smart Locks, we supply, install, and support McGrath smart lock systems across the Gold Coast, Brisbane, and Australia-wide.
Choosing the wrong gateway is one of the most common mistakes we see – and it can lead to poor performance, dropouts, or unnecessary support calls.
If you are unsure how many gateways you need, where they should be placed, or which model suits your property, speak to a qualified locksmith before buying.