For most U.S. homeowners, the Schlage Encode Plus is an excellent choice when security is the priority, while the Yale Assure Lock 2 offers greater configuration flexibility. The Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro is particularly attractive if you want fingerprint and keypad entry, while the Aqara U50 offers multiple keyless entry methods at a lower price point. Current 2026 comparisons continue to place Schlage, Yale, Ultraloq, and Aqara among the leading smart-lock options. 0
Best Keyless Smart Locks: Quick Comparison
| Smart Lock | Best For | Keyless Entry Methods | Remote Access | Physical Key |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schlage Encode Plus | Best Overall | Keypad, smartphone, Apple Home Key | Yes | Yes |
| Yale Assure Lock 2 | Best Flexible Option | Keypad/touchscreen, smartphone | Depending on configuration | Model-dependent |
| Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi | Best Fingerprint Lock | Fingerprint, keypad, smartphone | Yes | Yes |
| Aqara Smart Lock U50 | Best Value | Fingerprint, keypad, NFC, smartphone | Depending on setup | Yes |
| Level Lock+ | Best Discreet Design | Smartphone, compatible digital credentials | Depending on ecosystem | Yes |
| August Wi-Fi Smart Lock | Best Retrofit | Smartphone | Yes | Yes |
Features vary by exact model, hardware revision, connectivity module, and smart-home ecosystem. Check the specific U.S. version before purchasing.
Best Keyless Smart Lock Overall: Schlage Encode Plus
The Schlage Encode Plus is one of the best choices if you want a keyless front-door experience without giving up a conventional mechanical backup.
Its built-in Wi-Fi allows remote control without requiring a separate bridge, while the keypad provides convenient PIN-based entry. Compatible versions also support Apple Home Key, allowing an iPhone or Apple Watch to be used as a credential. Recent 2026 comparisons identify the Encode Plus as a security-focused option with an ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 rating. 1
Key Features
- Keypad entry
- Apple Home Key on compatible versions
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- Remote locking and unlocking
- Temporary access codes
- Activity history
- Physical key backup
- Automatic locking
Best for: Homeowners who want a premium keyless lock with strong physical security and multiple backup entry methods.
Best Keyless Smart Lock With Fingerprint Entry: Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi
The Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi is one of the most versatile options if you want several ways to unlock the same door.
It combines fingerprint recognition, a keypad, smartphone control, and a physical key. Current 2026 comparisons specifically identify the U-Bolt Pro as one of the smart locks offering the greatest number of unlocking methods. 2
Why Choose It?
- Fingerprint recognition
- Keypad PIN entry
- Smartphone access
- Remote control through Wi-Fi
- Auto-unlock capability
- Physical key backup
- Anti-peep keypad functionality
Best for: Families where different people prefer different ways to unlock the front door.
Best Keyless Smart Lock for Flexibility: Yale Assure Lock 2
The Yale Assure Lock 2 is particularly attractive if you want to choose your connectivity and entry configuration rather than being locked into one setup.
Depending on the model, Yale offers keypad or touchscreen configurations and connectivity modules that can include Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, or Matter-over-Thread. Recent 2026 comparisons highlight the modular design as one of its major advantages. 3
Advantages
- Key-free configurations available
- Keypad and touchscreen options
- Multiple connectivity options
- Smartphone control
- Automatic locking
- Temporary access codes
- Smart-home integration
Best for: Homeowners building a smart home around Matter, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi, or another supported platform.
Best Value Keyless Smart Lock: Aqara Smart Lock U50
The Aqara Smart Lock U50 is a strong value-oriented option for homeowners who want several keyless entry methods.
It can combine fingerprint recognition, keypad entry, NFC, and smartphone access, while retaining a mechanical keyway. WIRED’s 2026 smart-lock roundup also highlights the U50 for its combination of features and relatively easy installation. 4
Keyless Entry Options
- Fingerprint
- PIN code
- NFC
- Smartphone
- Compatible smart-home controls
Best for: Buyers who want fingerprint and keypad functionality without paying for a premium flagship lock.
Best Keyless Smart Lock With a Minimalist Appearance: Level Lock+
The Level Lock+ takes a different approach. Instead of putting a large keypad or touchscreen on the outside of the door, its electronics are integrated into the lock mechanism.
This creates a much more traditional appearance while still providing smart access through compatible devices and ecosystems.
Best For
- Minimalist homes
- Traditional-looking front doors
- Homeowners who dislike visible keypads
- Apple Home users
The trade-off is that it is less suitable for households that specifically want a PIN keypad for children, guests, or service providers.
Best Keyless Retrofit Smart Lock: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is designed for homeowners who want smart access without completely replacing the exterior portion of an existing compatible deadbolt.
The retrofit design leaves the exterior hardware and physical key functionality in place while adding motorized smart control from the inside.
Advantages
- Retrofit installation
- Existing exterior hardware can remain
- Smartphone access
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- Remote control
- Auto-lock
- Auto-unlock
Best for: Homeowners who want smart access but do not want a large electronic keypad mounted on the outside of the door.
What Does “Keyless” Mean in a Smart Lock?
A keyless smart lock allows you to unlock the door without using a conventional metal key.
However, keyless does not always mean key-free.
Many of the best smart locks still include a physical keyway as an emergency backup. This is often desirable because batteries can die, phones can be lost, and electronic components can fail.
A truly key-free model removes the traditional key cylinder entirely. Before buying one, make sure you understand its emergency-entry procedure.
Keyless Smart Lock Entry Methods Compared
| Entry Method | Best For | Main Advantage | Main Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| PIN keypad | Families and guests | No phone required | Code can be shared |
| Fingerprint | Fast personal access | No key or code required | Sensor performance varies |
| Smartphone | Remote access | Convenient and manageable | Phone battery can die |
| Apple Home Key | Apple users | Fast tap-to-unlock experience | Requires compatible hardware |
| NFC | Credential-based entry | Simple physical credential | Requires compatible lock |
| Physical key | Emergency access | Works without electronics | Not truly keyless |
Are Keyless Smart Locks Secure?
A keyless smart lock can be secure, but its security depends on both the electronic system and the underlying mechanical lock.
Look for:
- A reputable manufacturer
- Strong mechanical construction
- Recognized residential security ratings
- Secure authentication
- Encrypted communications
- Regular firmware updates
- Account security and two-factor authentication where available
- A dependable emergency-entry method
The Schlage Encode Plus is particularly interesting for security-conscious buyers because the underlying deadbolt is published with an ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 rating. 5
Do Keyless Smart Locks Need Wi-Fi?
No.
Keyless entry and Wi-Fi are separate features.
A lock can provide keypad or fingerprint entry without having an internet connection. Wi-Fi becomes important when you want features such as remote unlocking, remote monitoring, or cloud-based access management.
| Connectivity | Typical Function | Power Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | Remote access | Higher power consumption |
| Bluetooth | Nearby smartphone access | Lower power |
| Thread | Smart-home networking | Low power |
| Z-Wave | Hub-based smart-home control | Low power |
What Happens If a Keyless Smart Lock Battery Dies?
This is one of the most important questions to answer before installing a keyless lock on your main entrance.
Depending on the model, emergency access may be provided through:
- Physical key backup
- External emergency battery contacts
- USB-C emergency power
- Another manufacturer-specific emergency procedure
If you choose a completely key-free model, make sure you understand exactly how emergency power works before relying on the lock as your primary entrance.
Can You Unlock a Keyless Smart Lock Without Internet?
Usually, yes.
Many keyless locks store PIN codes locally, meaning the keypad can continue working even if the home’s internet connection is unavailable.
Bluetooth, fingerprint, and physical-key entry can also work independently of the internet on compatible models.
However, remote unlocking from outside the home generally requires an internet connection and the manufacturer’s cloud service.
Are Fingerprint Smart Locks Better Than Keypad Locks?
Neither is universally better.
| Feature | Fingerprint | Keypad |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Very fast | Fast |
| Remember a code | No | Yes |
| Guest access | Less convenient | Excellent |
| Sharing access | Requires registration | Simple code sharing |
| Performance | Can vary with finger condition | Generally predictable |
For families, a lock that offers both fingerprint and keypad entry can be more versatile than either system alone.
Keyless Smart Lock vs Traditional Keypad Lock
| Feature | Keyless Smart Lock | Basic Keypad Lock |
|---|---|---|
| PIN entry | Usually | Usually |
| Fingerprint | Some models | Some models |
| Smartphone control | Yes | Usually no |
| Remote access | Many models | No |
| Activity history | Many models | Usually no |
| Temporary codes | Many models | Some models |
| Internet dependency | Model-dependent | Usually none |
How to Choose the Best Keyless Smart Lock
- Check your door compatibility. Verify the deadbolt type, backset, door thickness, and installation requirements.
- Decide whether you want a physical key backup. This provides an additional emergency-entry option.
- Choose your preferred keyless method. Keypad, fingerprint, smartphone, Apple Home Key, or NFC.
- Check remote-access requirements. Wi-Fi is generally needed for direct internet-based remote control.
- Check smart-home compatibility. Confirm support for Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa, Matter, or another platform.
- Consider battery life. Wi-Fi and frequent motor operation can affect battery consumption.
- Look for secure software support. Firmware updates are important for connected locks.
- Understand emergency access. Never install a keyless lock without knowing how you will enter if its battery fails.
Best Keyless Smart Lock by Use Case
| Use Case | Recommended Lock |
|---|---|
| Best overall | Schlage Encode Plus |
| Best security-focused option | Schlage Encode Plus |
| Best fingerprint entry | Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi |
| Best value | Aqara Smart Lock U50 |
| Best flexible smart-home platform | Yale Assure Lock 2 |
| Best minimalist design | Level Lock+ |
| Best retrofit | August Wi-Fi Smart Lock |
Final Verdict
The Schlage Encode Plus is the best all-around keyless smart lock for homeowners who prioritize physical security, keypad entry, Wi-Fi, and Apple Home Key. The Yale Assure Lock 2 is a better choice when connectivity flexibility is important.
If fingerprint access is your priority, the Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi offers one of the most comprehensive combinations of fingerprint, keypad, smartphone, and physical-key access. For value, the Aqara U50 provides a particularly broad selection of entry methods.
Bottom line: The best keyless smart lock should give you more than one way to enter. A keypad or fingerprint reader provides everyday convenience, while a reliable emergency-entry method protects you when the battery, phone, network, or electronics fail.
About the Author
ManBearPig is a part-man, part-bear, part-pig creature and a full-time expert on global warming—mostly because he has personally experienced the consequences of being extremely, extremely, super cereal.
When he isn’t roaming the wilderness, terrorizing unsuspecting humans, or demanding that people take climate change seriously, ManBearPig studies rising temperatures, melting ice, extreme weather, carbon emissions, and other inconvenient signs that the planet may not be particularly happy with us.
His research philosophy is simple:
“I’m super cereal.”
ManBearPig believes climate change is too important to discuss without facts—and too ridiculous to discuss without a little humor. Through this website, he explores global warming, climate science, environmental changes, energy, and the strange ways humans respond when their own planet starts sending them warning signals.
He has no university degree, no laboratory, and absolutely no intention of becoming a respectable academic.
But he does have hooves, claws, a snout, and an unusually strong opinion about melting ice.