Best Smart Locks
Thanks to smart locks, keys have become obsolete because these products are more efficient and advanced. The best smart locks allow you to manage entries using voice commands or at the touch of a button.
Best Smart Lock
Yale Assure SL
It provided excellent integration along with a simple design but advanced features.
 Walmart.com | $237.22 | Buy Now |
 Bestbuy.com | 279.99 | Buy Now |
 Amazon.com | $349.99 2 used from $349.99 | Buy Now |
 Ebay.com | $119.99 out of stock | Buy Now |
Best Security Options
Schlage Encode
If security is what you’re after, then it doesn’t get better than Schlage Locks.
| Bestbuy.com | 209.99 | Buy Now |
| Walmart.com | $316.98 | Buy Now |
| Ebay.com | $195.00 out of stock | Buy Now |
| Amazon.com | $289.00 out of stock 3 new from $288.96 1 used from $265.88 | Buy Now |
Runner Up
August Smart Lock Pro +
It’s a tremendous keyless entry lock, but it just missed out on a few features.
| Amazon.com | $309.00 1 new from $309.00 21 used from $164.32 | Buy Now |
| Walmart.com | $294.75 out of stock | Buy Now |
| Ebay.com | $189.99 out of stock | Buy Now |
Buyers Guide To The Best Smart Locks
If you’re buying your first smart lock or planning on making an upgraded, you need to make sure the smart lock suits your needs. This means going through all the features and picking the ones that improve your life. Below are some features I feel you should look out for:
Lock Type
Smart locks come in all sorts of styles, so you need to think about how you want the door to open and close. The styles range from finger-print, key code, and keyless entry. If you're not sure which one will suit you, then some provide all methods in one smart lock.
Voice Control
It seems that every smart device now comes with voice control, and smart locks are no different. Voice control can allow you to do a few things, you can lock the door, check its status, and now with some smart locks, you can even unlock the door (you'll still need a pin code).
Protocols
If you're a fan of smart home technology, finding a smart lock that can combine with your existing smart devices can be very beneficial. Check out if your smart lock can use Z-Wave, Zigbee, or any other protocols you might use in your home, it will allow you to automate the functions.
Geofencing
Geofencing can help your smart lock perform tasks automatically based on your physical location. This could mean locking the door when you leave the driveway, or you could have it unlock your door as you're driving down the road, making your life easier.
Security Rating
I'm sure you can understand the importance of the security rating. Chances are, you're going to be placing the smart lock on a crucial door. If the lock has a low-security rating, you could be putting your home at risk. I usually look for a BHMA AAA rating or ANSI Grade 1.
Hands-Free Opening
There's nothing worse than arriving at your door with your hands full of shopping and then having to route around your pockets for your keys. Hands-free opening removes this problem, and it can be achieved in a few ways; Bluetooth, voice control, and geofencing.
Power Backup
If you're unfortunate enough to go through a power outage, then you need a power backup. Some smart locks are hard-wired, so no electricity, no smart lock. Your best option is to find a brand that was a power backup; at least you know you'll never get locked out.
One-Time Entry
If you have people frequently visiting your house or building work is being done, this feature could be very beneficial to you. It allows you to set codes that can be once only; this means you don't have to mess around adding and deleting codes for the smart lock.
And finally, Amazon Key:
It’s a great feature to look out for if you’re a little amazon fiend like me. It allows the Amazon delivery driver to gain access to your house and leave the parcel inside. This needs to be used in conjunction with a security camera.
Table of Contents
The Best Smart Locks
Hopefully, I’ve opened your eyes to a few of the key features involved with smart locks and why they’re so important. But, now it’s time for the fun part, choosing the right smart lock for you. Below I’ve listed some of the top smart locks on the market today:
| Yale Assure SL | Schlage Encode | August Pro + | Ultraloq UL3 BT | Kwikset Halo | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lock Type | Keypad, App | Keypad, Key, App, Alexa | Keyless | Keypad, Fingerprint, Key, App | Keypad, Key, App |
| Protocols | Z-Wave, WiFi | WiFi | Z-Wave, WiFi, HomeKit | Bluetooth | WiFi |
| Security Rating | BHMA Grade 2 | BHMA AAA | Unknown | Unknown | BHMA AAA |
| Hands-Free Opening | Yes | No | Yes | No | No |
| Geofencing | Yes | No | Yes | No | No |
| One-Time Entry | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Amazon Key | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| Buy | Find Best Price | Find Best Price | Find Best Price | Find Best Price | Find Best Price |
#1 – Yale Assure SL
BEST SMART LOCK
| Walmart.com | $237.22 | Buy Now |
| Bestbuy.com | 279.99 | Buy Now |
| Amazon.com | $349.99 2 used from $349.99 | Buy Now |
| Ebay.com | $119.99 out of stock | Buy Now |
The Yale Assure Lock SL comes with four color options, including Bronze, Satin Nickel, Black, and Brass; it also includes a few styling options to check out.
It claims to be the slimmest touchscreen deadbolt lock with a BHMA Grade 2 rating. The Grade 2 security gives you peace of mind that you home is safe against break-ins.
The assure lock SL comes with a Z-Wave protocol to work with smart hubs like Samsung SmartThings and Wink.
This feature allows you to control the lock in conjunction with your other smart home devices. In the end this helps bring all your smart home devies toghter.
You can program up to 250 unique codes that can be used to enter your home.
You can manage your codes from anywhere in the world using an internet connection and the app.
You’ll also receive notifications directly to your phone regarding the entry history and warning you of any suspicious activity.
It can also connect to your Alexa devices so that you can check the status of the door. This is an excellent feature if you regularly forget to lock the door.
Key Features
- Four Colors
- Z-Wave compatible
- Works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri
- 100% key free
- 250 user codes
- Backlit touchscreen keypad
What Other People Say
The Assure SL lock is an excellent smart lock; they loved the number of features it provided, and how swiftly it responded. Their main reason for purchasing the smart lock was the Z-Wave protocol. It meant they could automate their smart home devices based on the actions of the Assure lock.
Another person thought the look was excellent, it was so easy to install when you followed the instructions. It worked well with their SmartThings hub and Alexa. All they had to do was ask Alexa to open the door then say your pin code.
Final Verdict
The Yale Assure SL lock comes with plenty of features for you to enjoy. My favorite was the Z-Wave compatibility; it meant I could easily set up routines and get it working with additional smart devices. It had a beautiful look and was a lot slimmer than other smart lock brands.
It responded quickly to any commands and unlocked the door with ease. The touchscreen was very responsive, so you didn’t have any issues entering your code. Overall this is a great smart lock that can replace your existing deadbolt and bring a keyless feel.
What We Liked
- Great design
- Very Slim
- Easy to install
- Works with Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Google Assistant
What We Didn’t Like
- No number randomizer
#2 – Schlage Encode
BEST SECURITY OPTION
| Bestbuy.com | 209.99 | Buy Now |
| Walmart.com | $316.98 | Buy Now |
| Ebay.com | $195.00 out of stock | Buy Now |
| Amazon.com | $289.00 out of stock 3 new from $288.96 1 used from $265.88 | Buy Now |
Straight of the bat, the Schlage Encode smart lock offers your a few buying options.
These options include three colors, including Aged Bronze, Satin Nickel, and Matte Black.
It also comes in two styles, Camelot, which brings a traditional feel, and Century which feels a little more modern.
The smart lock comes with WiFi built-in to the device, which is used for remote locking and unlocking.
To do this, you must connect to the Schlage Home App or Key by Amazon.
From there, you can manage up to 100 access codes.
It also works with Alexa, so you can check the status of the smart lock, unlock the door, or let it tell you when the batteries are running low.
The smart lock uses a fingerprint-resistant touchscreen button; this gives you peace of mind no one will work out the codes from the smear marks.
It also comes with a built-in 100 dB alarm, which will warn you of any security breaches and signs of forced entry.
Key Features
- Built-in WiFi
- Built-in Alarm
- Voice control
- Holds 100 user codes
- BHMA grade: AAA
- Fingerprint-resistant
What Other People Say
The smart lock was super easy to install all the needed was a screwdriver and the App. It was also pretty easy to set up the Alexa commands. It allowed them to open the door in three ways, including the keypad, App, or using Alexa. They fitted it on their mother’s door, so she didn’t have to get up and answer the door.
After reading a few of the reviews online, they decide they would give the smart lock a try. They were happy with how quickly arrived; on the same day, they had it up and running. All they needed was a router; it didn’t need any home hub at all.
Final Verdict
Installing the device is very easy; all you need is a screwdriver and a little bit of time. Locking and unlocking the door is made very easy through the app. The app is very nicely laid out, which made managing all your user codes very simple.
You could also create more codes than you need, but at least they’re there if you need them. It was also quite nice being able to lock and unlock the door using Alexa, although I’m concerned with the possible security issue. If any hears the code, they can gain entry to your home.
What We Liked
- Easy to install
- Great Amazon integration
- 100 user codes
What We Didn’t Like
- No IFTTT support
#3 – August Smart Lock Pro +
RUNNER UP
| Amazon.com | $309.00 1 new from $309.00 21 used from $164.32 | Buy Now |
| Walmart.com | $294.75 out of stock | Buy Now |
| Ebay.com | $189.99 out of stock | Buy Now |
The August Smart Lock Pro + comes in two colors, Black or Silver; it also comes with four styles, two of which include a Black or Brass paddle.
The August Smart Lock connects directly to your WiFi, which means it can be controlled from anywhere in the world with minimal effort.
It also works with Siri, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant; if your August smart lock is running out of battery, your voice assistant will let you know about it.
The August smart lock also features Door Sense technology, which will let you know if you’ve left the door open behind you, saving those worrisome moments.
From the app, you can track any activity, so you know all the comings and goings.
The app also lets you set up the geofencing abilities which lock and unlock your door as you leave or approach your home; leaving you with a real home automation feeling.
You can also set guest limitations so that the code will last x amount of entries or for a pre-specified duration of time.
Key Features
- Auto-Lock/Unlock
- Works with Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant
- Manage guest codes
- Multiple buying options
- App control
- Battery-powered
What Other People Say
One customer had brought the August Smart Lock Pro + after realizing they had left the door open multiple times throughout the night. The August smart locks worked just as they needed it to with the auto-lock function. They also found it very easy to set up; they managed to do it all by themselves.
Another customer said the August Smart Lock was a great product; it worked exactly as advertised. They were pleased with how well it performed and how easy it was to create new codes. They found the geofencing option worked most of the time; sometimes, it didn’t unlock, which meant they had to fish their phone out.
Final Verdict
The August Smart Lock Pro + worked very well at opening and closing the door automatically; it meant you didn’t have to worry about leaving the door unlocked. The size of the device was a lot more compact than the previous models but was still pretty big.
It was also excellent to see some versatility in voice assistants; it could use Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri. So, if you like using multiple assistants, this smart lock would be an excellent choice. I also liked how responsive the app was; it’s great to use.
What We Liked
- Great App
- Uses multiple assistants
- Easy to install
What We Didn’t Like
- Sometimes it doesn’t connect
#4 – Ultraloq UL3 BT Bluetooth
| Bestbuy.com | 148.99 | Buy Now |
| Amazon.com | $175.99 3 new from $215.00 1 used from $175.99 | Buy Now |
| Walmart.com | $211.13 out of stock | Buy Now |
| Ebay.com | $194.00 out of stock | Buy Now |
It’s the world’s first 5-in-1 smart lock, which features fingerprint and touchscreen technology.
This allows you to lock and unlock your door in five ways: fingerprint scanning, App, shake/knocking your phone, key code entry, and with a physical key.
The lock uses a reversible lever so it can be used on left-handed and right-handed doors.
Their smart lock can store up to 95 fingerprints and 95 user codes, so you never have to worry about running out of important space.
It also comes with anti-peep password protection, so you don’t have to worry about prying eyes.
It comes with a pretty nifty smartphone app that allows you to view user history, grant remote access, share Ekeys, log records, and much more.
They claim the battery can last 1-year or up to 8,000 entries, so you don’t have to worry too much about losing battery power.
Key Features
- Anti-peep password
- Fingerprint recognition
- Works with iOS and Android
- Knock/Shake to open
- 1-Year battery life
- Stores 95 fingerprints and codes
What Other People Say
They loved the smart lock and thought it was awesome having the ability to use fingerprint technology. They also felt the quality of the materials used was exceptional. The color of the smart lock matched their home perfectly, which also made them feel pretty happy.
Another customer couldn’t believe how easy the smart lock was to install; they needed to use the faceplate for the installation, which is an added extra. They also felt the fingerprint recognition was a little bit finicky, especially with older people’s hands.
Final Verdict
The best thing about the smart lock is the number of opening and closing options you have. I love the fact you could open the front door with your fingerprint. An how it could also store plenty of codes, making it great for large families and office blocks.
It was also effortless to install, but you need to make sure you follow the instructions very carefully. For example, putting in the battery pack too early can result in you having to reset the system costing you time. But overall, it performed very well.
What We Liked
- Reads you fingerprints
- Built-in keypad
- 5-ways of opening your dor
What We Didn’t Like
- No WiFi or Z-Wave
#5 – Kwikset Halo Wi-Fi Smart Lock
| Amazon.com | $196.00 1 new from $196.00 9 used from $172.31 | Buy Now |
| Ebay.com | $125.48 out of stock | Buy Now |
The Kwikset Halo smart lock comes with four colors available to you; these include Satin Nickel, Venetian Bronze, Polished Chrome, and Iron Black.
This factor allows you to match the smart lock with the color/style of your home; if that’s important to you.
The lock directly connects to your WiFi network and your smartphone, which allows for keyless entry.
You can also gain access using the touchscreen keypad.
The lock can store up to 250 unique codes that you can manage from the smartphone App.
The App will also let you create and manage schedules and provide you with user history and notifications about the status of your lock.
The lock features SmartKey Security to help protect your home from break-ins and also helps it achieve a BHMA AAA security rating.
Key Features
- WiFi ready
- Set schedules
- 250 User codes
- BHMA Grade: AAA
- SmartKey security
- Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
What Other People Say
It is a great product that they were able to install within 15 minutes, which they felt was good due to them being a non-techy person. The App was terrific; it made managing and controlling everything very easy. Their favorite part was being able to lock the door remotely.
Another person felt this was a great looking and modern deadbolt smart lock. They found everything very easy to install, but they did have a little trouble connecting the lock to the App. Once they got in, they could easily set up the Amazon Alexa feature.
Final Verdict
The beauty of the Kwikset Halo Lock is how easy it is to install; it only takes around 20 minutes. It used WiFi technology to communicate with your phone remotely. This trait allowed you to open and close the doors with ease to gain remote access.
The problem was the touchscreen could be a bit iffy; it struggled to pick the code. And what made it even worse was having to replace the deadbolt. On the plus side, it does have an excellent security rating against break-ins, but I’m not sure that outweighs the problems.
What We Liked
- Easy to install
- Easy to manage
- Great security rating
- Works with Alexa and Google
What We Didn’t Like
- Touchscreen doesn't always work on the first touch
But This Is The Best Smart Lock
For me, it has to be the Yale Assure Lock SL. It was great having your pick of assistant; it worked great with Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Google Assistant.
It also worked well with my SmartThings hub so that I could control everything under one App.
The Touchpad was very responsive, so you didn’t have any trouble entering the code.
The codes were straightforward to set and manage using the App. Overall a great keypad smart lock that can replace your existing deadbolt with to bring a smart home feeling to your front door.
If you liked this article don’t forget to comment below. And if you’re still unsure which lock you should choose you can check out my review of the best smart lock for airbnb, It gives you a few more options to check out!
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be hard to put your finger on what smart lock is the best, which is why a lot of the time it comes down to personal preference. But let me guide you in the right direction. To find the best smart door lock for you, you’ll need to think of a few things first.
For example, do you want to use Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri? It could be a deciding factor for you, or you could pick something like the August Smart Lock, which comes with all three assistants.
You’ll also need to think about the security the lock offers; no one wants a break-in due to poorly designed smart locks. In my experience, Schlage locks have the best security ratings; they’re actually known for putting all the best security features into one lock.
Finally, you should think, do you want the smart lock to integrate with your smart home devices? The Yale Assure lock will have that covered; it can work with Z-wave protocols. This allows you to program it in with your smart home for a fully automated feeling.
Smart locks are worth it for a few reasons; to start with, you don’t have to worry about forgetting or losing your key, which is great if you’re like me. You can also set up multiple codes and give people one-time access to your house if needs be.
You also get the chance to combine them with Alexa or Google Assistant; this lets you check the status of your door from anywhere. You can even unlock the door; you still have to enter a pin, but this time with your voice instead of a keypad.
Unfortunately, most digital technology can be hacked, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. It’s improbable someone will hack your keypad lock, it’s probably harder than learning to pick a lock. Either way, your best option is to use it in conjunction with a security camera.
Best Brands of Top Smart Locks with WiFi Connectivity:
- Eufy Smart Lock Touch & WiFi T8520J11
- Kwikset Obsidian 954OBNZW500
- Kwikset Halo Touch 959 CNT FPTR WIFI 15
- Kwikset Aura 942 BLE
- Yale Assure YRD256-CBA-619
- Eufy Smart Lock Touch
- August Smart Lock Pro AUG-SL-CON
- August WiFi Smart Lock AUG SL05-M01-G01