Best Keypad Smart Locks: Quick Comparison
| Smart Lock | Best For | Keypad | Remote Access | Physical Key |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schlage Encode Plus | Best Overall | Touchscreen | Yes | Yes |
| Yale Assure Lock 2 | Best Value & Flexibility | Keypad or touchscreen | Depending on configuration | Model-dependent |
| Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi | Best Multi-Method Lock | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Aqara Smart Lock U50 | Best Value With Multiple Credentials | Yes | Depending on setup | Yes |
| Lockly Secure Plus | Best Anti-Peep Keypad | Yes | Optional | Yes |
Features vary by exact model, connectivity module, and U.S. configuration. Always verify compatibility with your door and smart-home system before purchasing.
Best Keypad Smart Lock Overall: Schlage Encode Plus
The Schlage Encode Plus is one of the best choices for a primary front door when security is more important than getting the lowest possible price.
It combines a touchscreen keypad with built-in Wi-Fi, smartphone control, physical-key backup, and Apple Home Key support. Current 2026 comparisons identify it as a security-focused option and highlight its ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 hardware. 1
Key Features
- Touchscreen keypad
- PIN-based entry
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- Remote locking and unlocking
- Temporary access codes
- Activity history
- Apple Home Key on compatible versions
- Physical key backup
- Automatic locking
The main disadvantage is price. It costs more than many basic keypad locks, but the additional cost buys a stronger combination of mechanical security, smart features, and ecosystem support.
Best for: Homeowners who want a premium keypad lock for their main entrance.
Best Budget Keypad Smart Lock: Yale Assure Lock 2
The Yale Assure Lock 2 is particularly appealing if you want keypad entry without paying for features you do not need.
Yale offers multiple Assure Lock 2 configurations, allowing buyers to choose different connectivity and entry options. A current 2026 comparison identifies the Wi-Fi keypad version as a strong budget option, with keypad codes, remote access, and a physical-key fallback. 2
Advantages
- Keypad entry
- Multiple configurations
- Wi-Fi option
- Remote locking and unlocking
- Temporary access codes
- Physical-key backup on keyed versions
- Smart-home integration
Yale’s code capacity is also useful for households that need separate codes for family members, cleaners, dog walkers, contractors, or guests. Current comparisons cite capacity of up to 250 entry codes on compatible Assure Lock 2 configurations. 3
Best for: Buyers who want keypad entry and smart features while keeping the purchase price reasonable.
Best Keypad Smart Lock With Fingerprint Entry: Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi
The Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi is a good choice if you want a keypad but also want biometric entry.
Instead of relying exclusively on a PIN, the U-Bolt Pro combines fingerprint recognition, keypad entry, smartphone access, Wi-Fi, and physical-key backup. Current smart-lock guides specifically highlight the model as a strong keypad-value option because of its broad selection of entry methods. 4
Why Choose It?
- Fingerprint reader
- PIN keypad
- Smartphone access
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- Remote control
- Automatic locking
- Physical key backup
Best for: Families who want both PIN and fingerprint access from the same lock.
Best Value Keypad Smart Lock With Multiple Entry Methods: Aqara Smart Lock U50
The Aqara Smart Lock U50 is worth considering if you want more than just a keypad.
It combines keypad entry with fingerprint, NFC, smartphone, and physical-key access. This makes it particularly versatile for households where different people prefer different ways to unlock the door.
Entry Methods
- PIN code
- Fingerprint
- NFC
- Smartphone
- Mechanical key
The U50 is especially attractive for buyers who want a feature-rich lock without moving into the highest price category.
Best for: Homeowners who want a keypad plus several alternative keyless-entry methods.
Best Keypad for Preventing PIN Observation: Lockly Secure Plus
The Lockly Secure Plus takes a different approach to keypad security. Its PIN Genie system changes the arrangement of keypad numbers, making it more difficult for someone standing nearby to determine your PIN simply by observing your finger movements.
This can be useful for front doors that are visible from sidewalks, apartment corridors, or other areas where strangers may be able to see someone entering a code.
Advantages
- Fingerprint entry
- PIN Genie keypad
- Physical key backup
- Smartphone access
- Optional remote connectivity
Best for: Homeowners who are particularly concerned about someone watching them enter a PIN.
Keypad vs Touchscreen Smart Locks
Not all keypad smart locks use the same type of interface.
| Type | Advantages | Potential Drawback |
|---|---|---|
| Physical buttons | Tactile feedback; easy to use without looking closely | More visible buttons |
| Touchscreen | Clean appearance; weather-resistant design | Less tactile feedback |
| Illuminated keypad | Easy nighttime operation | Requires illumination and battery power |
| Dynamic keypad | Better resistance to PIN observation | May take longer to enter a code |
Are Keypad Smart Locks Secure?
A keypad does not automatically make a lock more or less secure. The security of the entire system matters.
When choosing a keypad lock for an exterior door, look at:
- Mechanical deadbolt construction
- ANSI/BHMA security rating
- Electronic authentication
- Encryption
- Firmware updates
- Account security
- Physical-key or emergency-power backup
- Strength of the door and frame
The Schlage Encode Plus is particularly attractive to security-focused buyers because current sources identify its underlying deadbolt as ANSI/BHMA Grade 1. 5
Are Keypad Smart Locks Better Than Keyed Smart Locks?
For many households, yes. A keypad makes it possible to give someone access without physically handing over a key.
| Feature | Keypad Smart Lock | Traditional Keyed Lock |
|---|---|---|
| PIN entry | Yes | No |
| Smartphone control | Many models | No |
| Temporary access | Many models | No |
| Remote locking | Many models | No |
| Battery required | Yes | No |
| Physical key backup | Model-dependent | Yes |
Do Keypad Smart Locks Need Wi-Fi?
No.
A keypad can work locally without an internet connection. A PIN stored by the lock can usually continue unlocking the door even if your router or internet service is unavailable.
Wi-Fi is primarily needed for features such as:
- Remote unlocking
- Remote locking
- Cloud-based notifications
- Remote access management
- Activity monitoring from outside the home
If you do not need remote access, a Bluetooth or local keypad lock can be a simpler and potentially more battery-efficient solution.
What Happens When a Keypad Smart Lock Battery Dies?
This is an important consideration because the front door is usually the primary entrance to the home.
Depending on the model, emergency access may be provided through:
- Physical key
- External battery terminals
- USB emergency power
- Manufacturer-specific emergency procedures
If you choose a key-free model without a physical keyway, learn the emergency-power procedure before installing it.
Can You Create Temporary PIN Codes?
Many smart keypad locks support multiple user codes. Depending on the manufacturer, you may be able to create individual or scheduled codes for:
- Family members
- Housekeepers
- Dog walkers
- Contractors
- Guests
- Short-term renters
This is one of the biggest advantages of a smart keypad over a conventional keypad deadbolt.
Should You Use the Same PIN for Everyone?
No.
Whenever the lock supports multiple codes, create separate credentials for different people. This allows you to revoke one person’s access without changing the PIN for everyone else.
It also makes activity logs more useful because you can associate an entry with a particular user.
Keypad Smart Locks for Families
A keypad is particularly convenient for families because children do not need a smartphone to enter the house.
Instead of giving every family member a physical key, each person can receive an individual PIN. Parents can also revoke or change codes when necessary.
For households with younger children, a physical-key backup can still be useful in case the battery is depleted or the keypad malfunctions.
Keypad Smart Locks for Airbnb and Rental Properties
Keypad locks are popular for rental properties because access can be provided without physically exchanging keys.
When choosing one for a rental property, look for:
- Multiple user codes
- Scheduled codes
- Remote code management
- Access history
- Reliable Wi-Fi connectivity
- Battery alerts
- Physical or emergency backup
For a rental, the ability to revoke an old guest’s code is more important than having an unusually large number of biometric features.
Keypad Smart Lock Battery Life
Battery life varies according to the motor, number of lock cycles, Wi-Fi usage, temperature, and battery quality.
Wi-Fi-connected locks generally consume more power than simpler Bluetooth or keypad-only locks.
Do not choose a lock solely because it advertises an exceptionally long battery life. A reliable low-battery warning and an easy emergency-entry procedure are more important for a primary entrance.
Keypad Smart Lock vs Fingerprint Smart Lock
| Feature | Keypad | Fingerprint |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Fast | Very fast |
| Guest access | Excellent | Less convenient |
| Remember credential | PIN required | No PIN required |
| Wet fingers | Usually not an issue | Can affect recognition |
| Sharing access | Easy | Requires enrollment |
| Children | Very convenient | Depends on sensor performance |
For most families, keypad entry is more universally useful. Fingerprint is an excellent additional option rather than a necessary replacement for a keypad.
How to Choose the Best Keypad Smart Lock
- Check door compatibility. Verify the deadbolt type, backset, door thickness, and installation requirements.
- Choose physical buttons or touchscreen. Consider whether tactile feedback matters to you.
- Check the security rating. For a primary exterior door, prioritize a reputable deadbolt with an appropriate ANSI/BHMA rating.
- Decide whether you need Wi-Fi. Choose Wi-Fi if remote access is important.
- Check code capacity. Large households and rental properties may need many individual codes.
- Look for temporary or scheduled codes. These are useful for guests and service providers.
- Check the backup method. Physical keys or emergency power can prevent lockouts.
- Check smart-home compatibility. Verify Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home, Matter, or other requirements.
- Consider battery management. Low-battery warnings and easy battery replacement are important.
Best Keypad Smart Lock by Use Case
| Use Case | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Best overall | Schlage Encode Plus |
| Best value | Yale Assure Lock 2 |
| Best for fingerprint + keypad | Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi |
| Best for multiple entry methods | Aqara Smart Lock U50 |
| Best anti-peep keypad | Lockly Secure Plus |
| Best for security-focused buyers | Schlage Encode Plus |
| Best for many user codes | Yale Assure Lock 2 |
Final Verdict
The Schlage Encode Plus is the best overall keypad smart lock for homeowners who want a premium front-door lock with strong mechanical security, built-in Wi-Fi, keypad entry, smartphone control, and Apple Home Key. Current 2026 comparisons continue to place it among the strongest security-focused keypad locks. 6
The Yale Assure Lock 2 is the better choice for buyers who want configuration flexibility and a lower-cost keypad option. The Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi is ideal if you want fingerprint and keypad entry together, while the Aqara U50 is attractive for buyers who want keypad, fingerprint, NFC, and smartphone access in one lock.
Bottom line: A keypad smart lock is one of the most practical ways to make a front door keyless. For the best combination of convenience and security, look for a lock with individual PIN codes, automatic locking, remote management if needed, a strong mechanical deadbolt, and a reliable emergency-entry method.
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.