In a world where technology reigns supreme, it’s no surprise that even our trusted locks have gotten a high-tech upgrade.
Gone are the days of fumbling for keys or worrying about misplaced copies.
Say hello to smart locks – the game-changers that offer convenience, control, and peace of mind at your fingertips.
With countless options flooding the market today, we’ve done the research and compiled a list of the best smart locks just for you.
So get ready to take your home security to new heights and unlock an exciting journey into tomorrow’s cutting-edge innovations!
Last update on 2023-12-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Smart Locks
Schlage Encode Plus
- Excellent build quality
- Reliable
- Responsive
- Good battery life
- HomeKit Integration
- Good features
- Good value
- Easy to install
- Expensive
- Low availability
Schlage Encode Plus has remained one of the top smart locks for multiple years in a row.
It has built-in WiFi, allowing for complete remote access and control. You can lock and unlock it remotely, access history logs, receive notifications in real-time, and more.
It is even compatible with Amazon’s Alexa and Google Assistant.
Schlage Encode Plus comes with an auto-lock feature. However, the lock will automatically engage the deadbolt after a specified amount of time. In other words, it can trigger even when the door is not completely closed.
It can be unlocked by using a standard mechanical key, the touchscreen keypad (it can store up to 100 customizable user codes), and it can be used with Apple HomeKey.
When it comes to HomeKit, the integration is good and works well, although it is known to have some bugs, slower response times, and occasional misreporting in the app.
That said, if you do not care about integration with Apple products, you can easily go with the regular Schlage Encode, which is a bit cheaper. It is basically the same lock but without the HomeKit integration and HomeKey support.
The battery life is excellent compared to other smart locks.
The build quality is among the best on the market. It comes with the highest BHMA security rating. What’s more, the stock cylinder can be replaced with a Primus cylinder if desirable.
The biggest downsides are the higher price tag and the low availability, as this is one of Schalge’s most popular models.
Yale Assure WiFi
- Integration
- Automation
- Versatility
- Ease of installation
- Can only be used in the US and Canada
Generally speaking, the Yale Assure is one very easy-to-use, programmable smart lock.
One aspect of Yale Assure locks that is unique to them is the capability to install different connectivity modules.
There are WiFi, Z-Wave Plus, Zigbee, and HomeKit modules.
So, for example, you can start with a Z-wave module, and then, after some time, decide you want to go directly through your WiFi. All you need to do is get the WiFi module which will replace the Z-Wave module you have been using up until this point.
Or you can switch to a Zigbee module. With that, you don’t even need to use Yale’s proprietary app. Instead, you can use something like the Zigbee2MQTT.
The Yale Assure WiFi comes with nearly all of the features that are desired today.
- You can remotely operate the lock;
- If you have your phone on yourself, it can auto-lock and unlock, when you are leaving or returning to your home;
- There are detailed usage logs;
- Multiple entry codes can be set and managed;
- You can receive relevant notifications in real-time;
- It can be used with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.
This model can be used with a physical key. So, if you are looking for a lock that has a standard mechanical key backup, this one is a good choice.
Yale Assure SL
- Versatility
- Automation
- Build quality
- Appearance
- Ease of installation
- Integration
- Performance
- Can only be used in the US and Canada
Yale Assure SL is still one of the best locks offered by Yale.
It has a very slick design, and all you can see from the outside is the small touchscreen keypad.
In other words, you cannot use a mechanical key. If the battery dies on you, you can always use the 9V contacts on the bottom to power the lock temporarily.
You can create and manage entry codes, and remotely lock and unlock the lock. It is also capable of auto-lock and auto-unlock once you get nearby, as long as you are carrying your phone. It works with popular voice assistants, too.
ULTRALOQ U-Bolt Pro (WiFi And Door Sensor Edition)
- Solid build quality
- Great features and capabilities
- Great value
- Easy to install and use,
- Not a great battery life
- The WiFi connectivity can be unreliable
It was just several years ago that the Ultraloq made its first appearance and it has turned into one of the most popular locks on the market.
And for a good reason. This lock covers pretty much everything most people would want in a smart lock.
You can open it with your fingerprint, a PIN code or eKey, the app, and a standard physical key.
It can be set up to auto-unlock once you get nearby, as long as you have your phone on you, and then auto-lock when you leave or the door closes. The door sensor will keep track of whether the door is left ajar or fully closed.
It will store up to 100 fingerprints, and up to 50 pin codes. The entry codes can be further customized to work during a specific time or on a specific date.
It has built-in WiFi, allowing for remote monitoring and operation. You can add and manage entry codes, and lock and unlock it.
It works with SmartThings, IFTTT, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant, too.
The ULTRALOQ U-Bolt Pro is also built to last. It is designed to withstand dust and water (rated IP65) and meets the ANSI/BHMA A156.36-2020 standard.
Lockly Flex Touch
- Discreet
- Reliable
- Easy to install
- Easy to use
- Inexpensive
- Requires an additional WiFi hub for remote access
Lockly Flex can be unlocked with a standard mechanical key (2 keys are included), your fingerprint, over the Lockly app, and there are a few other ways. It should be mentioned that you will be able to rekey the lock if necessary.
It looks mostly like a traditional keyway, apart from the small fingerprint reader on the bottom, which does not stand out.
The Lockly Flex can be set up to auto lock during a specific time of the day, and you can add unlimited access eKeys (or eBadges), which can be made to work during specific time frames.
Using the proprietary app, you can monitor the lock’s status, set up auto-locking timing, access detailed history logs, and more.
That said, it does work over Bluetooth, and for remote access and management, you will need to get the additional WiFi hub.
Lockly Secure Pro Deadbolt Edition
- Reliable
- Easy to use
- Great features
- Great designs
- Good build quality
- Expensive
- Low WiFi range,
Lockly Secure Pro is a definite step up from the Lockly Flex.
With it, you do not need a WiFi router, since all the necessary hardware is already built into the lock.
This means that you can remotely monitor and operate the lock when necessary. You can check the status of the door, access a detailed usage history, set the auto-lock feature, grant access, add entry codes, and receive notifications in real-time. All that makes this lock an overall excellent choice for hosts.
You can still use a standard physical key, but the lock offers plenty of other ways for owners to unlock it. You can use the fingerprint scanner, the Lockly app, a QR code, or the touchpad.
The touchpad will reset the order of how the numbers are displayed each time, which means that it will be extremely difficult for anyone to spy on you and figure out what the code was.
Nuki 3.0
- Discreet
- Versatile
- Value
- Easy to use and install
- Intended for the EU market
- Noisy
- Expensive
Nuki 3.0 is a fairly new smart lock but it has already gained some traction.
It is one of the most discreet smart locks you will find. It is installed on the interior of your door, so it is virtually invisible from the outside, or more to the point, it does not look like a smart lock at all.
What’s more, the Nuki 3.0 is compatible with the Nuki Door Sensor, which adds an extra feature that allows you to check the status of the door.
It can be set up to auto-lock and unlock, but it can also be operated manually using a smartphone or smartwatch, a key fob, or a standard physical key. There is an optional keypad that can be purchased, too.
When needed, you can always add additional entry access for other people and monitor the log history, and thanks to the door sensor, you will know whether the door has been left ajar or completely closed.
However, this one is not exactly intended for the US market, so finding a suitable cylinder may prove difficult.
August Home Smart Lock
- Discreet
- Build Quality
- Easy installation
- Easy to use
- Reliable
- Requires a WiFi Hub
Even though this is an older model, it is still viable today and works just as well as many other newer, smart locks.
The August smart lock is extremely easy to install. It directly attaches to your deadbolt on the inside of the door. There is nothing visible from the outside to inform people there’s a smart lock installed.
You can use your physical key if necessary and remotely open and lock it using the August app.
August Smart locks come with a DoorSense sensor, which will let you know whether the door has been fully closed or not. It is also capable of auto-locking and unlocking when you get back home or leave.
Extra entry keys can always be granted over the August App, and you will have access to a detailed activity log.
The 3rd gen does not have WiFi built into it, so you will also need to get the WiFi Bridge. However, this is not necessarily a bad thing, as this leads to a very good battery life.
Using the WiFi Bridge also allows for Amazon’s Alexa and Google Assistant integration.
There’s an optional keypad that can be purchased, which is more useful to hosts as they can simply tell their guests what PIN to use instead of requiring them to download the August app.
If you are interested in HomeKit integration or want to use it with Siri, the August Smart Lock Pro (with the WiFi bridge) is a better option.
Kwikset Halo
- Rekeyable
- Easy to use
- Easy to Install
- Good build quality,
- Noisy
- Battery issues
- Buggy app
The Kwikset Halo is a very popular model that has remained in demand over the years.
It is a WiFi smart lock, so you will not have to worry about WiFi bridges or hubs. It will directly connect with your existing WiFi network, allowing you to control the lock remotely.
To operate the lock, you can use a standard physical key, a pin code, or the Kwikset app.
Using the Kwikset app, you can remotely lock and unlock it, create and manage access by creating up to 250 different codes (you can even create codes that are one-time use), track usage history, and receive notifications in real time.
The lock can be used with Amazon Alexa and Google Home, though Google Home integration has been shown to be a bit tricky sometimes.
It can be set up to automatically lock after a predefined amount of time.
The lock works well, but it can be said that it is let down a bit by the occasional software glitches.
Aqara U100
- Responsive
- Good design
- Good build quality
- Easy to install
- Short battery life
- The additional hub is necessary to make proper use of the lock’s features
The Aqara U100 is one of the new locks that recently came out. So far, this lock has proven itself to be worthy of being among the better locks on the market.
It is responsive, works reliably, and the built quality is very good.
People using Apple products will be pleased to find that it is fully integrated into the Apple ecosystem.
By purchasing the additional hub, you can further improve the lock capabilities and integration options. By using the hub, you can use the Aqara app and connect to Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and IFTTT.
The Aqara U100 can be unlocked in a few different ways; you can use a physical key, a PIN code, or your fingerprint.
It also comes with an auto-lock option, although this feature works a little differently compared to other locks. The U100 uses a gyroscope to monitor for movement of the door and lock it after it has been closed.
Wyze Lock Bolt
- Very inexpensive
- Reliable
- Lacks features
The Wyze Lock Bolt is easily one of the best cheap smart locks. For the price, it offers a decent amount of functionality and features.
It can be unlocked using a fingerprint, a customizable PIN code,
Using the Wyze app (over Bluetooth), you get access to the activity logs. It has an auto-lock feature that will engage the deadbolt after a predetermined amount of time.
Generally, this can be considered a very bare-bones smart lock, but for the price it sells at, it offers more than enough.
Honorable Mentions
After ranking the best smart locks on the market currently, there were definitely some runners-ups that did not make the list, although they may have had a lot of reasons to.
Nest x Yale Lock
Nest x Yale Lock used to be a very popular smart lock, and even today, people will occasionally ask about it. However, it did not make our list of the best smart locks.
Even though it has some neat features and works well, the biggest concern is its future. With Google trying to phase out the Nest app the future of this lock is uncertain.
August WiFi Smart Lock (4th Gen)
The case with this lock was a strange one.
To begin with, August smart locks are very decent products that people use and have been using for a while.
What’s more, the 4th-generation August Smart Lock comes with a built-in WiFi module. This means that you will be able to directly connect it to your home WiFi network; no hubs are required.
And while that sounds great on paper, one of the major complaints with those locks is the really poor battery. It is so bad that, as a result, a lot of people end up using the WiFi bridge anyway.
What they end up with, basically, is an August 4th gen lock that they use the same way they would have used the 3rd gen, which is why the 3rd gen made it to the list above.
Current State of Smart Locks
Most of the top locks on the market are not newer models. In fact, many are older models that have proven their usefulness and worth over the years.
Generally, most locks offer identical features with various slight differences, which will often be the deal breaker depending on what owners are looking to get.
Most locks can be managed and monitored remotely. There has been a definite push toward WiFi smart locks that do not require any additional hubs; however, the higher power consumption of WiFi creates a lot of battery life issues, so hubs are still not a thing of the past. Those hubs can also add more functionality.
With Thread and Matter getting more popular, owners are looking for smart locks that are compatible with those communication protocols, and slowly but surely, we are seeing the change.
That said, Zigbee, Z-Wave, and WiFi (including Bluetooth) will remain very popular communication protocols.
Many owners are looking for third-party, open-source options to manage their home’s security, too. With how many companies are pushing for subscription-based (cloud) services, this trend will likely continue to grow.
Cross-compatibility, varying response times, and integration issues and bugs are still things to be expected. So, it is vital to make a purchasing decision based on what is offered right now and not on company promises for the future.
There are a lot of smart locks on the market that are offered by unknown brands. People usually avoid those as not all of them have good integration. Some may have glaring security oversights and tend not to be future-proof.
How to Choose the Right Smart Lock
When it comes to picking the right smart lock, it is all about how they work and what features they have.
This is why, before making a purchasing decision, it is vital to have a good understanding of which features are important to you and which you don’t really need or can do without.
Ways to Lock and Unlock
This is probably the first thing to consider, and more to the point, you have to decide what you want and what you will feel most comfortable with.
Generally, you can expect to stumble upon at least a few different things:
- Keyless, physical key, or both: Keyless locks are great, but many owners do not feel comfortable not having the option to use a standard physical key. Standard key cylinders, on the other hand, are easy to pick. Having the ability to switch the cylinder with one that is harder to pick is a good option to have;
- Fingerprint scanner: Currently, the fingerprint technology across the majority of locks is very similar and works in a similar way. Fingerprint scanners tend to work well and are reliable, but they are also infamous for not working reliably, or at all if your fingers are slightly wet;
- Using additional accessories such as key fobs;
- Using your smartphone or smartwatch: Being able to lock and unlock your smart lock using your phone or smartwatch can be very useful. Some locks can even sense you are nearby and be set to auto-unlock or auto-lock when you leave the area;
- Pin code using a touchpad or keypad: Most smart locks nowadays can be opened using a PIN code. This can be useful for hosts and renters since hosts will not have to worry about handing out physical keys. Often, entry codes can be customized depending on your specific requirements, allowing access during a specific period of time, or specific day, or even be limited to one-time use only.
Communication Technology
Most smart locks today can usually be managed remotely in one way or another. To do that, different protocols may be used, but WiFi is the most popular way to remotely manage smart locks.
Generally, locks may work over WiFi, Zigbee, Z-Wave, Bluetooth, and other communication protocols. Which will be the best choice for you will depend on your home setup and needs.
However, those can also have an impact on the battery life of the smart lock.
As a rule of thumb, the best battery life is usually achieved when the communication is handled over Z-Wave (or Z-Wave Plus), Zigbee, and Bluetooth. WiFi is very demanding, and locks that communicate over WiFi usually drain their batteries faster.
Some locks may need hubs or bridges if they don’t have WiFi built in.
Integration and Compatibility
This is where you will need to answer some potentially difficult questions in terms of how you intend to use your smart lock.
- Do you intend to use it through other devices or ecosystems?
- What level of cross-compatibility and integration do you need?
So if this is something that is important to you, make sure to allocate enough time to consider what the best lock would be for your use case.
Some integrations to consider:
- Amazon Alexa
- Google Home
- Siri
- HomeKit and HomeKey
- Home Assistant
- Hubitat
- Samsung SmartThings
- Ring
Build Quality
Since some parts of the lock may be exposed to the elements 24/7, it is worth considering the build quality and what weather the lock is intended for.
Build quality, durability, and ANSI/BHMA certifications will also vary between locks, which can affect not only your home’s security but also the longevity of your lock.
Consider the following:
- Expected temperature ranges;
- Water exposure;
- Dust and dirt exposure.
Guests and renters can also be pretty hard on smart locks, so something more rugged usually fares better in those cases.
Capabilities and Features
The must-have features will vary from person to person. Here are some to consider:
- Remote operation, monitoring, and managing: One of the biggest advantages of smart locks is the ability to be remotely managed and operated in real-time. Thus, this is probably the first thing that should be considered. Some important features here would be real-time notifications, detailed use logs, and the ability to create or customize existing entry codes.
- Auto-locking and unlocking: Some smart locks can be set up in such a way as to automatically unlock, once you get within proximity of your home or an alternative lock once you leave. Usually, this would require you to have your phone on yourself.
- Ability to know if the door is completely closed or left slightly ajar: Not all locks can do this, which creates a lot of issues, especially when auto-lock is turned on. This can cause the lock to engage when the door is left open, which can be particularly unpleasant when it comes to hosts and renters. Usually, locks that have that feature come with a little sensor, similar to those magnetic window or door sensors people use.
- Setup Process: Most smart locks are very easy to install nowadays. This is not going to be an issue for the vast majority of owners. It is still recommended to go over the dimensions and what doors or deadbolts the smart lock fits. However, another problem may arise when it comes to how the whole thing is set up. Some locks may require the use of additional hubs and bridges, and this can cause a lot of headaches if you don’t have a good spot where you can place them.
When it comes to features, the general rule of thumb is to not expect specific features to be added at a later point in the future.
Even when promised, in many cases, those new features may never be added.
Battery Life
Battery life can vary greatly between locks. It can be affected by multiple factors, too.
Since smart locks are also typically battery-powered it is important to consider what alternatives you have in case the battery runs out of charge. Emergency power pins, and the ability to use a regular physical key are nice features to have.
Noise
Lastly, a few words on noise.
In my experience, this is one aspect of smart locks that many people, who are new to smart locks in general, may overlook.
Some locks can be particularly noisy, and opening and locking a door in the middle of the night can create a lot of discomfort, to say the least.
