Best Smart Locks Under $100: Quick Comparison
| Smart Lock | Best For | Wi-Fi | Keypad | Fingerprint | Physical Key | Typical Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wyze Lock Bolt V2 | Best Overall | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | About $80 |
| Wyze Auto-Lock Bolt | Best Fingerprint Value | No* | Yes | Yes | Yes | Under $100 |
| Tapo DL110 | Best Feature Value | Model-dependent | Yes | Yes | Yes | Under $100 |
| Philips Wi-Fi Smart Lock | Best Wi-Fi Budget Option | Yes | Yes | Yes | Model-dependent | Under $100 |
*The original Wyze Auto-Lock Bolt is Bluetooth-based; the newer Lock Bolt V2 adds Wi-Fi. Prices vary by retailer and promotions.
Best Overall Smart Lock Under $100: Wyze Lock Bolt V2
The Wyze Lock Bolt V2 is the standout choice if your budget is capped at $100.
The V2 improves substantially on the original Lock Bolt by adding Wi-Fi connectivity. At roughly $80, it provides features normally associated with considerably more expensive smart locks. Popular Mechanics’ 2026 review describes it as an affordable, feature-rich option and highlights its Wi-Fi remote access, fingerprint reader, PIN support, backup keys, emergency USB-C power, and Alexa and Google Home integration. 1
Key Features
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- Fingerprint reader
- Touchscreen keypad
- Smartphone control
- Remote access
- PIN codes
- Up to 50 fingerprints
- Up to 50 PINs
- Automatic locking
- Backup physical keys
- Emergency USB-C power
- Tamper alarm
- Alexa and Google Home compatibility
The main compromise is its BHMA Grade 2 rating and IP53 weather resistance. Popular Mechanics also notes that it lacks a door-position sensor and Apple Home Key support. 2
Best for: Homeowners who want the maximum combination of smart features for less than $100.
Best Fingerprint Smart Lock Under $100: Wyze Auto-Lock Bolt
The Wyze Auto-Lock Bolt is another excellent budget option if fingerprint entry is your priority.
It combines a fingerprint reader with a backlit keypad and automatic locking. A 2026 comparison lists it at about $99.99 and highlights its fast fingerprint reader, configurable auto-lock, weather resistance, and BHMA Grade 2 certification. 3
Advantages
- Fingerprint entry
- Backlit keypad
- Automatic locking
- Physical-key backup
- Weather resistance
- BHMA Grade 2
The major limitation is connectivity: the original Auto-Lock Bolt is Bluetooth-only, so it does not provide the same remote Wi-Fi functionality as the newer Lock Bolt V2. 4
Best for: Buyers who want inexpensive fingerprint and PIN entry and do not need built-in Wi-Fi.
Best Feature Value: Tapo DL110
The Tapo DL110 is another budget-oriented smart deadbolt worth considering when available below $100.
Current 2026 comparisons identify it as a strong under-$100 option, highlighting its touchscreen keypad, fingerprint recognition, scheduled access, rechargeable battery, and BHMA Grade 2 certification. 5
Why Consider the Tapo DL110?
- Fingerprint recognition
- Touchscreen keypad
- Smartphone access
- Scheduled access
- Rechargeable battery
- BHMA Grade 2 certification
Best for: Buyers who prioritize features and rechargeable power in a budget smart lock.
Best Budget Wi-Fi Smart Lock: Philips Wi-Fi Smart Lock
Several Philips smart-lock configurations are available below the $100 range and combine Wi-Fi connectivity with keypad, fingerprint, app, and voice-control features.
Current 2026 budget-lock comparisons list Philips Wi-Fi models among the notable sub-$100 choices. 6
Because Philips sells multiple configurations, verify the exact model’s deadbolt compatibility, Wi-Fi functionality, backup-entry method, and security certification before purchasing.
Best for: Buyers looking for a feature-heavy Wi-Fi lock at a low price.
Why Are Smart Locks Under $100 So Much Cheaper?
Budget smart locks generally reduce cost by using less expensive hardware, fewer premium smart-home integrations, simpler mechanical construction, or fewer advanced sensors.
That does not mean every inexpensive smart lock is poor. The important distinction is between smart features and physical security.
A $70 smart lock can have more electronic features than a $200 lock while still having a lower mechanical-security rating.
Smart Lock Features to Look For Under $100
| Feature | Importance |
|---|---|
| Strong deadbolt | Very High |
| ANSI/BHMA certification | Very High |
| Physical-key backup | High |
| Emergency power | High |
| PIN keypad | High |
| Fingerprint reader | Useful |
| Automatic locking | Useful |
| Wi-Fi | Useful for remote access |
| Door-position sensor | Useful |
| Apple Home compatibility | Important for Apple households |
Wi-Fi vs Bluetooth Smart Locks Under $100
This is one of the most important distinctions when shopping at this price.
| Feature | Wi-Fi Lock | Bluetooth Lock |
|---|---|---|
| Unlock nearby with phone | Yes | Yes |
| Remote unlocking | Usually yes | No, unless paired with a hub |
| Remote notifications | Usually yes | No, unless paired with a hub |
| Battery efficiency | Generally lower | Generally better |
| Best for | Remote control | Simple local access |
If remote access is important, prioritize a lock with built-in Wi-Fi. The newer Wyze Lock Bolt V2 is particularly interesting because it brings Wi-Fi to a price point of around $80. 7
Do Cheap Smart Locks Need a Subscription?
Not necessarily.
Many budget smart locks allow you to use the basic keypad, fingerprint, and local unlocking functions without paying a monthly subscription.
However, always distinguish between:
- Basic local unlocking
- Smartphone control
- Remote Wi-Fi control
- Cloud-based storage
- Advanced monitoring services
A lock can offer remote control without necessarily requiring a monthly subscription.
Are Smart Locks Under $100 Secure?
Some are perfectly reasonable for residential use, but buyers should not judge security based solely on the number of smart features.
For example, the Wyze Lock Bolt V2 has a BHMA Grade 2 rating. That is a legitimate residential security rating, but it is not the same as a premium Grade 1 deadbolt. 8
For a front door, also consider:
- Door construction
- Door-frame strength
- Strike plate installation
- Deadbolt length
- ANSI/BHMA rating
- Lock software security
- Firmware updates
What Happens If the Battery Dies?
This is especially important with inexpensive electronic locks.
A good budget smart lock should have at least one independent emergency-entry method.
The Wyze Lock Bolt V2, for example, includes physical backup keys and emergency USB-C power. 9
Before installing any smart lock, understand exactly how you will enter if the batteries are completely depleted.
Smart Lock Under $100 vs $200+ Smart Lock
| Feature | Under $100 | $200+ Models |
|---|---|---|
| Keypad | Common | Common |
| Fingerprint | Available | Available on some |
| Wi-Fi | Available | Common |
| Remote access | Available on some | Common |
| Premium materials | Less common | More common |
| Premium mechanical security | Less common | More common |
| Advanced smart-home integration | Limited on some models | Usually better |
| Apple Home Key | Rare | More common |
Best Smart Lock Under $100 for Apartments
The Wyze Lock Bolt is particularly attractive for apartments when the existing door and deadbolt are compatible. SafeWise currently lists it as its best smart-lock choice for apartments. 10
However, renters should check whether their lease permits replacing the deadbolt. A retrofit design can sometimes be preferable because it may preserve the exterior hardware.
Best Smart Lock Under $100 for Families
A keypad is more useful for a family than smartphone-only entry because children and other household members do not need a phone.
The Wyze Lock Bolt V2 is particularly attractive because it supports both PINs and fingerprints, with support for up to 50 PINs and 50 fingerprints according to the 2026 Popular Mechanics review. 11
Best Smart Lock Under $100 for Airbnb
For a rental property, look for a model that supports multiple access codes and preferably scheduled access.
A fingerprint reader is less important for guests than reliable PIN management. A temporary code can be created for a guest and removed after checkout without handing over a physical key.
How to Choose a Smart Lock Under $100
- Check door compatibility. Make sure the lock fits your existing deadbolt and door thickness.
- Check the security rating. Prefer a recognized ANSI/BHMA-rated lock for an exterior door.
- Decide whether you need Wi-Fi. Choose Wi-Fi if remote access matters.
- Choose a keypad. PIN entry is particularly useful for families and guests.
- Consider fingerprint entry. It can make daily unlocking faster.
- Check emergency access. Look for a physical key or emergency power option.
- Check battery notifications. A low-battery warning can prevent lockouts.
- Check app support. Make sure the manufacturer’s app works with your phone.
- Check smart-home compatibility. Verify Alexa, Google Home, Apple Home, or Matter support if required.
- Check the total price. A hub or separate Wi-Fi bridge can push a seemingly cheap lock over $100.
Best Smart Locks Under $100 by Use Case
| Use Case | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Best overall | Wyze Lock Bolt V2 |
| Best Wi-Fi option | Wyze Lock Bolt V2 |
| Best fingerprint value | Wyze Auto-Lock Bolt |
| Best feature-rich alternative | Tapo DL110 |
| Best budget Wi-Fi alternative | Philips Wi-Fi Smart Lock |
| Best for apartments | Wyze Lock Bolt |
| Best for families | Wyze Lock Bolt V2 |
Final Verdict
The Wyze Lock Bolt V2 is the best smart lock under $100 for most U.S. buyers. At around $80, it offers an unusually complete feature set: Wi-Fi, fingerprint recognition, touchscreen PIN entry, smartphone control, automatic locking, backup keys, and emergency USB-C power. Independent 2026 reviews and comparisons place it among the strongest budget smart locks available. 12
The Wyze Auto-Lock Bolt makes more sense if you mainly want inexpensive fingerprint and keypad entry and do not need remote Wi-Fi control. The Tapo DL110 is worth considering for its combination of fingerprint, touchscreen, scheduled access, and rechargeable power, while Philips offers several feature-heavy Wi-Fi models in the budget category. 13
Bottom line: You can get a genuinely useful smart lock for under $100, but prioritize the mechanical security rating, emergency-entry method, door compatibility, and connectivity you actually need rather than simply choosing the lock with the longest feature list.

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.
