Best Smart Locks: Quick Comparison
| Smart Lock | Best For | Entry Methods | Connectivity | Smart-Home Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schlage Encode Plus | Best Overall | Keypad, key, app | Wi-Fi | Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home |
| Yale Assure Lock 2 | Smart-Home Flexibility | Keypad, key/app depending on model | Bluetooth/Wi-Fi depending on module | Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home and others depending on configuration |
| August Wi-Fi Smart Lock | Easy Retrofit | Existing key, app | Wi-Fi/Bluetooth | Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home |
| Level Lock+ | Discreet Design | Key, app, key card depending on configuration | Bluetooth/Thread | Apple Home and other compatible platforms |
| Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi | Fingerprint Entry | Fingerprint, keypad, app, key | Wi-Fi/Bluetooth | Alexa, Google Home |
| Aqara Smart Lock U50 | Value | Keypad, key, app depending on setup | Bluetooth/Wi-Fi via hub | Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home |
Features and smart-home compatibility can vary by exact model, hardware revision, region, and firmware. Verify compatibility before purchasing.
Best Smart Lock Overall: Schlage Encode Plus
The Schlage Encode Plus is one of the strongest choices for homeowners who want a premium smart lock with a familiar keypad and broad smart-home functionality.
Its major advantage is that it combines a traditional deadbolt design with electronic access while supporting Wi-Fi connectivity. This allows homeowners to manage the lock remotely without necessarily requiring a separate hub.
Why Choose the Schlage Encode Plus?
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- Keypad entry
- Physical key backup
- Remote locking and unlocking
- Temporary access codes
- Activity history
- Strong smart-home integration
- Apple Home support on compatible versions
The Encode Plus is particularly attractive to Apple users because compatible versions support Apple home keys, allowing an iPhone or Apple Watch to be used for entry.
Best Smart Lock for Apple Home: Schlage Encode Plus
If Apple Home compatibility is a priority, the Schlage Encode Plus deserves a place near the top of your list.
Apple Home Key is particularly convenient because compatible iPhones and Apple Watches can be used to unlock the door without opening the lock manufacturer’s app.
Before buying, make sure you select the exact version that supports the Apple Home features you want.
Best Smart Lock for Easy Installation: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock takes a different approach from traditional smart deadbolts. Instead of replacing the entire exterior deadbolt assembly, it can retrofit compatible existing deadbolts from the inside.
This makes it especially attractive to homeowners who want smart functionality while retaining their existing exterior keyhole.
Advantages
- Retrofit-style installation
- Keeps the exterior appearance relatively unchanged
- Works with an existing compatible deadbolt
- Remote access
- Auto-unlock and auto-lock features
- Smartphone control
Its biggest limitation is that compatibility depends on the existing deadbolt and door configuration. Always check the manufacturer’s compatibility requirements before purchasing.
Best Smart Lock With Fingerprint Recognition: Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi
If you prefer not to carry keys or remember PIN codes, a fingerprint-equipped smart lock can be extremely convenient.
The Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi combines fingerprint recognition with keypad access, smartphone control, and a physical key backup.
Why Fingerprint Entry Is Useful
- No key required
- No PIN needs to be remembered
- Convenient for family members
- Useful when carrying groceries or packages
- Individual access can be easier to manage
Fingerprint performance can vary depending on finger condition, positioning, dirt, moisture, and sensor design, so a physical key or keypad backup remains valuable.
Best Smart Lock for Discreet Design: Level Lock+
The Level Lock+ is designed for homeowners who dislike the appearance of a conventional electronic smart lock.
The electronic components are integrated into the lock mechanism, giving the exterior a much more traditional appearance.
This can be an excellent choice for older homes, minimalist interiors, or homeowners who want smart functionality without a large keypad or visible electronics.
Advantages
- Traditional-looking design
- Minimal exterior hardware
- Smartphone access
- Apple Home compatibility
- Physical key access
Best Affordable Smart Lock: Aqara Smart Lock U50
The Aqara Smart Lock U50 is an interesting option for buyers looking for smart-home functionality without moving into the highest price category.
Depending on the configuration, it can support keypad access, smartphone control, and integration with major smart-home platforms.
Aqara’s ecosystem can be particularly attractive if you already use other Aqara devices or plan to build a larger smart home.
What Should You Look for in a Smart Lock?
1. Deadbolt Compatibility
Before comparing features, confirm that the lock physically fits your door.
Check:
- Door thickness
- Backset
- Deadbolt type
- Door preparation
- Strike plate dimensions
- Existing hardware
A smart lock with excellent specifications is useless if it cannot be installed correctly on your door.
2. Keypad Entry
A keypad allows you to unlock the door without carrying a physical key.
It is particularly useful for:
- Children
- Guests
- Housekeepers
- Dog walkers
- Contractors
- Short-term visitors
3. Smartphone Access
Smartphone control allows you to lock or unlock the door through an app.
Remote access is particularly useful when you want to let someone into the house while you are away.
4. Wi-Fi Connectivity
Wi-Fi allows many smart locks to communicate directly with the internet.
This can enable remote control without requiring a separate bridge or hub. However, Wi-Fi radios can consume more power than lower-energy connectivity technologies, so battery life should be considered.
5. Bluetooth
Bluetooth is commonly used for nearby smartphone communication. It generally consumes less power than Wi-Fi but does not by itself provide the same remote-access capabilities.
6. Thread
Thread is a low-power mesh networking technology increasingly used in smart-home products. It can provide efficient communication and is particularly relevant to newer Matter-compatible smart-home ecosystems.
7. Matter Compatibility
Matter is a smart-home interoperability standard designed to make compatible devices work across supported ecosystems.
If you use multiple smart-home platforms, Matter compatibility can be useful because it reduces dependence on a single manufacturer’s ecosystem.
Do Smart Locks Need Wi-Fi?
No.
Not every smart lock needs Wi-Fi.
Some locks use Bluetooth for local smartphone control. Others use Zigbee, Z-Wave, Thread, or another protocol and communicate through a compatible hub.
| Connectivity | Remote Access | Typical Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | Usually yes | No separate hub required on many models |
| Bluetooth | Usually no by itself | Low power |
| Z-Wave | Through compatible hub | Reliable smart-home networking |
| Thread | Through compatible ecosystem | Low-power mesh networking |
| Matter | Depends on ecosystem | Cross-platform interoperability |
Are Smart Locks Safe?
A well-designed smart lock can provide strong security, but adding electronics does not automatically make a door more secure.
The underlying mechanical deadbolt remains important. A smart lock should have a robust mechanical design, secure authentication, appropriate encryption, firmware updates, and reliable physical backup access.
Security also depends on the door, frame, strike plate, hinges, and overall construction.
Can a Smart Lock Be Hacked?
Like any connected electronic device, a smart lock can potentially have cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
Reduce risk by:
- Using a strong unique account password
- Enabling two-factor authentication when available
- Keeping firmware updated
- Using a secure Wi-Fi network
- Buying from established manufacturers
- Removing old user accounts and access codes
- Reviewing access logs periodically
What Happens If a Smart Lock Battery Dies?
This depends on the model.
Many smart locks provide a physical key backup. Some provide emergency external power contacts that allow a temporary power source to wake the lock.
Before buying, identify the manufacturer’s emergency-entry procedure.
Never choose a smart lock without understanding how you will get inside if its battery is completely depleted.
How Long Do Smart Lock Batteries Last?
Battery life varies considerably.
Factors affecting battery life include:
- Wi-Fi usage
- Locking and unlocking frequency
- Motor power requirements
- Battery type
- Temperature
- Connectivity quality
- Automatic locking frequency
Many smart locks use AA or AAA batteries and can operate for months before requiring replacement, but actual battery life can differ substantially from manufacturer estimates.
Smart Lock vs Traditional Lock
| Feature | Smart Lock | Traditional Lock |
|---|---|---|
| Physical key | Usually available | Yes |
| Keyless entry | Yes | No |
| Remote unlocking | Many models | No |
| Temporary codes | Many models | No |
| Activity history | Many models | No |
| Battery required | Usually | No |
| Internet required | Model-dependent | No |
| Installation complexity | Moderate | Low to moderate |
Smart Lock vs Smart Doorbell
A smart lock and video doorbell solve different security problems.
| Feature | Smart Lock | Video Doorbell |
|---|---|---|
| Controls door access | Yes | No |
| Video surveillance | No | Yes |
| Remote unlocking | Yes | No |
| Visitor identification | No | Yes |
| Temporary access | Yes | Limited |
| Two-way communication | No | Yes |
For comprehensive front-door security, a smart lock and video doorbell can complement each other.
Are Smart Locks Worth It?
Smart locks are particularly worthwhile if you frequently need to provide access to family members, guests, service providers, or deliveries.
The biggest benefits are convenience and access management rather than making the physical door inherently impossible to defeat.
Best Smart Lock by Use Case
| Use Case | Recommended Type |
|---|---|
| Best overall | Schlage Encode Plus |
| Best for Apple Home | Schlage Encode Plus |
| Best retrofit lock | August Wi-Fi Smart Lock |
| Best discreet design | Level Lock+ |
| Best fingerprint lock | Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi |
| Best value | Aqara Smart Lock U50 |
| Best for multiple access codes | Keypad-equipped smart lock |
| Best for renters | Compatible retrofit smart lock |
How to Choose the Best Smart Lock
- Check compatibility: Make sure the lock fits your door and existing deadbolt.
- Choose your preferred entry method: keypad, fingerprint, smartphone, key, or a combination.
- Decide whether you need remote access: If yes, look for Wi-Fi or a compatible hub.
- Check smart-home compatibility: Verify support for Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home, Matter, or another ecosystem.
- Check battery life: Consider how often you want to replace or recharge batteries.
- Check emergency access: Make sure there is a reliable way to enter if electronics fail.
- Consider security updates: Choose a manufacturer with a good track record for software support.
- Check installation requirements: Some locks are simple replacements, while others require more extensive modifications.
Final Verdict
The best smart lock for most homeowners should combine reliable mechanical security with multiple convenient entry methods, secure remote access, good battery life, and compatibility with the smart-home ecosystem you already use.
The Schlage Encode Plus is an excellent all-around choice for homeowners who want a keypad, Wi-Fi connectivity, remote access, and strong smart-home integration. The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is particularly attractive for retrofit installations, while the Level Lock+ is a compelling option if you want a discreet appearance.
For fingerprint access, the Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi offers a useful combination of biometric and keypad entry. Buyers looking for a more affordable smart-home option can consider the Aqara Smart Lock U50.
Bottom line: The best smart lock is not necessarily the one with the most features. Choose the model that fits your door, provides the entry methods you actually need, works with your smart-home ecosystem, and has a dependable backup method when the battery or network fails.
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.