Finding quality smart locks that also work with Alexa can be very tricky.
I find that often when I stumble upon a promising product and then do a little more in-depth research, things are not as promising as previously expected.
There can be a lot of different problems that we can run into, such as compatibility and reliability issues, limited functionality, and so much more.
Here I have listed the best smart locks that work with Alexa—the ones that have stood the test of time and have been proven to be reliable and worth using.
Last update on 2023-10-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Smart Locks That Work With Alexa
Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt
The Schlage Encode often ranks as one of the best smart locks in many different categories, including when it comes to Amazon Alexa integration.
In fact, if you ask around, it is one of the first models that will be recommended.
It has built-in Wi-Fi, which means it can immediately connect to your existing wireless network.
After enabling the Alexa skill, you can check the status of your door and lock or unlock it. This lock can also be paired with the Amazon Key app on your phone for some additional functionality.
The battery life on those locks is pretty good, and Alexa will inform you if the battery is running low.
What’s more, you can even have smart reorders set up for your batteries through the Amazon Dash Replenishment Service, so you will not even have to worry about ordering batteries.
That said, a backup physical key is also included, which can be used in an emergency.
Once connected to your wireless network, you can operate this lock remotely. It has an auto-lock function, and you can set up and manage up to 100 access codes. There is a detailed log history of who used the lock, and you can also receive real-time notifications.
This is a tough, reliable, and well-built smart lock. In fact, it has earned the best rating in all three BHMA categories: security, durability, and finish.
That said, it works very smoothly, and it is very quiet. This little detail may often be overlooked, but there are some other smart locks that have also earned the highest BHMA rating (like the Kwikset Halo, which is also on this list) but tend to be significantly louder.
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock
The 4th generation August Wi-Fi smart lock is among the most sought-after smart deadbolts on the market.
Unlike the previous generations, the 4th gen comes with a built-in Wi-Fi module, meaning you do not need to worry about hubs in order to connect to your wireless network.
It works with Amazon Alexa and also other smart voice assistants like Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, and Samsung SmartThings.
The installation is very straightforward because it does not completely replace your existing deadbolt—rather, it is installed right on top of it on the interior side of the door.
This means you cannot even tell there’s a smart deadbolt installed from the outside.
It can be accessed and managed remotely through the August app.
You can create access codes and share them with other people, and it has auto-lock and auto-unlock functions.
You can use the lock with your smartphone, your Apple Watch, or a physical key. (The neat thing is that you can keep and use your original keys.) If desired, a keypad can also be purchased separately and placed outside—then, all you have to do is create and share those PIN codes with the right people.
Wyze Lock Wi-Fi Smart Lock
Ask around, and you are bound to stumble upon Wyze.
This Wyze Lock is one of their most popular ones, and it works with Amazon Alexa (and Google Assistant, too).
This one stands out from the crowd because it is one of the cheaper ones on this list, yet it still comes with plenty of capabilities and is pretty reliable.
It does not replace your deadbolt—it is attached to it. This means that you can keep your existing deadbolt and physical keys.
It has an auto-lock and auto-unlock functionality, and you can remotely lock and unlock it and share access with other people. You can access a detailed log of who used the lock, how they used it, and when.
This lock also monitors the door status, and thanks to the built-in gyroscope, it can also tell if the door is actually closed or left ajar.
To use the remote functionality, you need the Wyze Lock Gateway, which is already included in the package.
A keypad and a doorbell camera are offered separately, which can be useful to homeowners looking for extra security devices and functionality.
Yale Assure Wi-Fi Smart Lock
Yale has been on the market for a while and is a very well-known brand.
The Yale Assure Wi-Fi smart lock comes with the Wi-Fi connection bridge already installed. Actually, Yale allows for different connection bridges or modules to be installed in the lock, depending on your needs (Zigbee and Z-Wave modules are also available).
When it comes to voice assistant integration, this lock works not only with Alexa but also with Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit.
It comes with the standard features that we have come to expect from such smart locks, such as auto-locking and unlocking, generation of access codes for shared access, and a detailed access log history.
Using Alexa, you can easily check the status of the door and lock or unlock it remotely. You can also set up Alexa to notify you when your batteries are up for replacement.
This lock can be used with your smartphone (and the Yale app), a preset entry code, and a physical key.
Eufy Smart Lock Touch & Wi-Fi
Eufy is another brand of smart locks that is quite popular among homeowners.
This smart lock by Eufy can directly connect to your Wi-Fi network without the need for any extra network bridges or hubs.
It works with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
It can be accessed in several different ways. You can use the keypad to enter an access code, use a standard physical key, use your smartphone with the Eufy app, or use the built-in fingerprint scanner.
This lock actually monitors the status of the door and is capable of auto-locking if the door has been left unlocked when properly closed.
This lock has been BHMA Grade 2 certified, so while this means it is a pretty well-built lock, it is not as rugged as some of the other locks in this review, like the Schlage Encode, UltraLoq U-Bolt, or the Kwikset Halo, which have received a higher grade rating.
UltraLoq U-Bolt WiFi
The UltraLoq U-Bolt smart lock is frequently overlooked.
However, this is an excellent lock if you are looking for something sturdy—it is ANSI Grade 1 certified—that also integrates really well with Amazon Alexa. It also works well with Google Assistant, SmartThings, and IFTTT.
The U-Bolt Wi-Fi comes with the hardware necessary to connect to your existing wireless network directly, allowing immediate remote access and management.
This lock is designed to replace your deadbolt, and the installation and setup are easy and very straightforward.
It can be used in several different ways; with a physical key, with the smartphone app, or with the keypad.
You can create and give access keys, lock and unlock it remotely, access a detailed log history of who used the lock and when, and receive real-time notifications.
The lock is capable of auto-locking and can sense if the door has been properly closed before the auto-lock function kicks in because it comes with a door sensor.
Kwikset Halo
If you are considering getting a smart lock that works with Amazon Alexa, the Kwikset Halo should definitely be one of the locks you should consider.
The integration is pretty good but what’s more, is that the Kwikset Halo also comes with some additional capabilities.
You can remotely lock and unlock it, create and manage up to 250 different entry keys, access a detailed log history, and receive real-time notifications.
It has an auto-lock function, and you can set how long it takes before it automatically locks the door.
This lock can be operated using the keypad and the Kwikset app, but it can also be used with a physical key. The neat thing is that you can rekey it on your own without having to go to a locksmith—many locks are not easily rekeyed.
This is one of the toughest locks you can find. Not only does it have the highest ANSI/BHMA grade rating, but it also comes with a 20-minute fire rating, which is something that you will not see on other locks.
One of the not-so-good things about this lock is that the motorized deadbolt is pretty loud. Also, the battery life is good but definitely not the best. What I’d like to see with future models is improved battery life.
Sifely S Smart Lock
This smart lock is designed a little differently, but nonetheless, the installation and setup are very straightforward.
It can be operated in several different ways. You can use a physical key, an access code, or your smartphone. It also has a fingerprint scanner and can be used with wireless key fobs, which can be purchased separately. On top of that, several physical keys and keycards are included in the package. And all that gives homeowners a lot of versatility and options to work with.
It is also Alexa compatible; however, you need to get the Sifely Wi-Fi Gateway. This also means you need the hub in order to unlock all of this smart lock’s functionality. Once that is done, you can lock or unlock it remotely, create access codes, and check the log history in real-time.
You can set up more than 150 entry codes, 200 fingerprints, and 200 key fobs.
The biggest downside that buyers should consider is that the lock cannot be rekeyed. And although it comes with several physical keys, this could be a significant issue if the keys get lost or stolen.
Nuki Smart Lock 3.0
Lastly, we have the Nuki Smart Lock 3.0, a smart lock that is designed to work with euro profile door cylinders.
It works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit, but you will need a connection bridge.
The Nuki 3.0 requires the Nuki Bridge extension to connect to your wireless network and integrate with Amazon Alexa.
In comparison, the Nuki 3.0 Pro comes with the Wi-Fi module already installed. In terms of price, both the Nuki 3.0 (the price of the bridge included) and the Nuki 3.0 Pro are pretty close. The Nuki Smart Lock 3.0, with the Wi-Fi bridge, actually tends to be slightly cheaper than the 3.0 Pro.
With the bridge set up, the Nuki 3.0 can be operated remotely, allowing for remote locking and unlocking, adding 200 entry keys, and checking the log history. If you want to be able to monitor the door status, an optional door sensor can be purchased separately.
You can unlock or lock the Nuki 3.0 using your original physical keys, your smartphone, or your smartwatch. The lock can also be used with a keypad or with key fobs, which can be purchased separately.
What to Consider Before Making a Purchasing an Alexa Compatible Smart Lock
Homeowners looking to buy a smart lock that works with Amazon Alexa should consider what functions they need. What is considered a must-have will vary from person to person.
Alexa Commands and Functionality
It is worth noting that when controlling your smart lock through Amazon Alexa, the lock’s functionality is almost always going to be very limited simply due to how the integration works.
Normally using Amazon Alexa, you will be able to check the status of the door (whether it is locked or unlocked) and remotely lock or unlock it.
The commands that you can use are very straightforward:
- A simple “Alexa, lock the front door”, “Alexa, lock the door”, or “Alexa, tell August to lock the door.”—if you are using the August smart lock—is enough to have Alexa lock your front door. You can also refer to a specific lock by using the name you chose for it when connecting it with Alexa.
- If you want to check the status of the door, you can ask, “Alexa, is my front door locked?”, or “Alexa, is my front door unlocked?
- When it comes to unlocking the door, a PIN code is normally set up, which Alexa will ask for when you tell it to unlock your door. This is done for safety and security reasons because that way, only the people that know the PIN code can unlock the door.
Overall Functionality, Capabilities, and Durability
Although this review focuses on smart locks that work with Amazon Alexa, the smart lock’s overall capabilities and functionality are also well worth considering.
After all, not all smart locks are designed and built the same way.
Some common things to look for or consider are:
- Remote access and management of entry keys, locking and unlocking, status, and log history.
- The maximum number of entry codes supported and the ability to set various types of access codes.
- Means of entry and operation. Option to rekey physical keys.
- Automatic locking and unlocking and the ability to tell if the door is actually closed or not. Some locks have an auto-lock function that activates after a set period of time regardless if the door is closed or left ajar.
- Live notifications and low battery warnings.
- ANSI/BHMA rating.
The Need for Extra Accessories
In order to have your Amazon Alexa work with your smart lock, the lock should be able to connect to your existing wireless network.
With certain locks, you will get everything you need in one package. However, with others, you may need to purchase additional Wi-Fi hubs or bridges. Those should be accounted for as they can add to the overall costs and installation or integration difficulty. Those hubs should also be placed near the smart lock, which can be tricky in certain setups.
Some other accessories that may be useful but not necessarily included in the original package are door sensors, keypads, and key fobs.
