A smart lock replaces the most basic security device in your home — the deadbolt — with something that can think. It knows who’s at the door, when they arrived, and whether they should be let in. It locks itself when you forget. It lets the dog walker in at 2 PM and revokes access at 3 PM. And when you’re lying in bed wondering if you locked the front door, you can check from your phone instead of walking downstairs in the dark.
But smart locks vary wildly in quality. Some have rock-solid ANSI Grade 1 security ratings and built-in WiFi. Others have flimsy construction, unreliable Bluetooth connections, and apps that crash more than they connect. The difference between a good smart lock and a bad one isn’t just convenience — it’s whether your front door is actually secure.
I installed and tested 10 smart locks over the past several months, cycling each one through daily use on my front door. I evaluated security certifications, unlock speed, app reliability, battery life, smart home integration, and installation difficulty. These seven earned their spot.
Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt<br />
What Makes a Smart Lock Worth Buying?
Security Rating
The ANSI/BHMA grading system rates locks on a scale from Grade 3 (basic residential) to Grade 1 (commercial-grade). Grade 1 locks withstand 800,000 cycles, 10 strikes of 75 pounds each, and meet the strictest pick-resistance and drill-resistance standards. Every lock on this list is at least Grade 2. Two carry the highest AAA rating under the newer BHMA A156.40 standard. If a smart lock doesn’t publish its ANSI/BHMA grade, that’s a red flag.
Connectivity
Smart locks connect via Bluetooth, WiFi, Zigbee, Z-Wave, Thread, or Matter. Bluetooth-only locks require your phone to be within 30-40 feet. WiFi locks connect directly to your router for remote access from anywhere. Zigbee and Z-Wave require a compatible hub (SmartThings, Hubitat). Thread and Matter are newer protocols that offer local control with broad platform support. Built-in WiFi is the most convenient — no hub, no bridge, no extra hardware.
Unlock Methods
The more ways you can unlock, the less likely you’ll be locked out. Common methods include keypad code, fingerprint, smartphone app, physical key, auto-unlock (proximity), Apple Home Key (NFC tap), and voice assistant. The best locks offer 4-6 methods. Locks that eliminate the physical keyhole entirely (key-free models) are more pick-resistant but leave you without a mechanical backup if electronics fail.
The 7 Best Smart Locks
1. Schlage Encode Plus — Best Overall Smart Lock
The Schlage Encode Plus is the lock I recommend to anyone who asks “which smart lock should I get?” without further context. It combines the highest security certification available for residential hardware with the broadest smart home compatibility and the most reliable WiFi connection I’ve tested. Schlage has been manufacturing locks since 1920 — over a century of door hardware expertise backs this product.
The Encode Plus carries an ANSI Grade 1 / BHMA AAA security rating — the absolute highest tier. The deadbolt withstands 800,000 lock/unlock cycles, resists forced entry with a reinforced strike plate and anti-pick shield, and includes a built-in alarm that triggers on tampering attempts. The touchscreen keypad supports up to 100 unique access codes, each assignable to specific time windows — perfect for Airbnb hosts, dog walkers, or house cleaners who need access on a schedule.
Built-in WiFi means no bridge, no hub, no extra hardware. The Schlage Home app provides remote lock/unlock, real-time activity logs, and code management from anywhere. But the standout feature is Apple Home Key support — tap your iPhone or Apple Watch to the lock and it opens instantly via NFC, even when your device’s battery is dead (up to 5 hours after shutdown on iPhone). This is the fastest, most seamless unlock method I’ve tested. The lock also works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Ring — covering every major platform except Samsung SmartThings natively.
Battery life runs approximately 5-6 months on four AA batteries, with low-battery warnings sent to your phone weeks before they die. If batteries do die completely, a 9V battery held to the external terminal provides enough emergency power to unlock once. The lock comes in Century and Camelot trim styles with multiple finish options (Matte Black, Satin Nickel, Aged Bronze). Installation takes 20-30 minutes with a Phillips screwdriver — no drilling required if your door has a standard deadbolt prep.
At $250-$300, the Encode Plus costs more than budget options. But you’re paying for a century of lock-making expertise, the highest security rating, built-in WiFi, Apple Home Key, and a track record of reliability that cheaper brands can’t match. No subscription fees, no cloud dependency for basic functions, no compromises on security.
2. Yale Assure Lock 2 — Best Modular Smart Lock
The Yale Assure Lock 2 takes a different approach than most smart locks: it’s modular. You choose the exterior interface (touchscreen or keypad), the key configuration (keyed or key-free), and the connectivity module (Bluetooth, WiFi, Zigbee, Z-Wave, or Matter/Thread) — then snap them together. This means the lock adapts to your smart home platform rather than forcing you to adapt to it. Switching from a SmartThings setup to Apple HomeKit? Swap the $30-$40 module instead of replacing the entire lock.
The lock carries an ANSI/BHMA Grade 2 security rating — solid residential security, though a step below the Schlage’s Grade 1. Yale compensates with DoorSense, a built-in sensor that tells you whether your door is closed and locked, just closed, or open. This is genuinely useful — most smart locks only know if the deadbolt is extended, not whether the door is actually shut. DoorSense eliminates the “is my door locked?” anxiety by confirming both the bolt position and the door position.
The touchscreen version ($180-$260 depending on module) features a backlit capacitive display that’s responsive and easy to read at night. The keypad version ($160-$240) uses physical buttons that provide tactile feedback — better for cold climates where touchscreens can be unresponsive with gloves. Both support up to 250 access codes (more than any other lock on this list) and auto-lock after a configurable delay.
With the WiFi module installed, the Yale Access app provides remote control, activity history, and guest code management. The app also integrates with August’s ecosystem (Yale and August are both owned by ASSA ABLOY), giving you access to August’s auto-unlock feature — the lock detects your phone approaching via Bluetooth and unlocks before you reach the door. Battery life is approximately 6-9 months on four AA batteries, varying by connectivity module (Bluetooth lasts longest, WiFi shortest).
Available in three finishes (Black Suede, Bronze, Satin Nickel) with both keyed and key-free configurations. The key-free version eliminates the external keyhole entirely, removing the possibility of lock picking — but also removing the mechanical backup. I recommend the keyed version for primary entry doors and the key-free version for secondary doors where you have alternative entry options.
3. Aqara Smart Lock U100 — Best Value for Apple Users
If you’re in the Apple ecosystem and want a smart lock that punches well above its price, the Aqara U100 delivers features that typically cost twice as much. At $150-$190, you get a fingerprint reader, Apple Home Key support, a backlit keypad, a physical key backup, and IP65 weather resistance — a feature set that rivals locks costing $300 or more.
The fingerprint reader is the U100’s standout feature. It stores up to 50 fingerprints and unlocks in under one second — faster than typing a code and more convenient than pulling out your phone. The sensor sits on the exterior face of the lock, positioned naturally where your thumb rests when gripping the deadbolt. In my testing, it recognized fingerprints accurately about 95% of the time, with occasional failures when fingers were wet or very cold. For the 5% of failures, the keypad, Apple Home Key, physical key, or app serve as immediate backups.
Apple Home Key works the same as on the Schlage Encode Plus — tap your iPhone or Apple Watch to unlock via NFC. The U100 also supports Alexa and Google Assistant through an Aqara hub (sold separately, $30-$150 depending on model). Without a hub, the lock operates via Bluetooth with the Aqara Home app for local control. With a hub, you get remote access, automations, and voice control. The newer Aqara M100 hub ($30) makes the total system cost very reasonable.
The IP65 weather resistance rating means the U100 handles rain, snow, and dust without issue — important for exterior doors exposed to the elements. Many competing locks at this price point carry only IPX4 or no weather rating at all. The lock runs on four AA batteries with approximately 8 months of battery life — among the longest on this list.
The trade-off: the Aqara U100 carries no published ANSI/BHMA grade. Aqara is a Chinese smart home company (part of the Xiaomi ecosystem) that’s relatively new to the North American lock market. The lock feels solid and well-built, but it doesn’t carry the century-long track record of Schlage or Yale. For the price, the feature set is unmatched — but security-conscious buyers who prioritize certified ratings may prefer a Grade 1 alternative.
4. Level Lock+ (Matter) — Best Invisible Smart Lock
Every other smart lock on this list announces itself. The Level Lock+ hides. From the outside, your door looks completely normal — the same deadbolt, the same keyhole, the same thumbturn. All the smart technology is concealed inside the lock body itself. No exterior keypad, no touchscreen, no fingerprint reader, no visible electronics whatsoever. If discretion matters — whether for aesthetic reasons, HOA restrictions, or simply not advertising that you have a smart lock — the Level Lock+ is the only option that’s truly invisible.
The engineering required to achieve this is impressive. Level compressed a Bluetooth radio, a Matter/Thread radio, a motor, and a CR2 battery into a package that fits inside a standard deadbolt bore. The lock replaces only the interior portion of your existing deadbolt — you keep your current exterior hardware and keys. Installation takes about 10 minutes and requires no modifications to your door.
Without an exterior keypad, you unlock via the Level app (Bluetooth), Apple Home Key (NFC tap on the deadbolt’s exterior face), or your existing physical key. The Matter/Thread support means the Level Lock+ works natively with Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Samsung SmartThings — the broadest native platform support on this list. Auto-unlock detects your phone approaching and unlocks as you reach the door. An optional Level Keypad ($79) adds a code-entry option if you need to give access to people without smartphones.
The Level Lock+ carries a BHMA AAA security rating — the highest tier, matching the Schlage Encode Plus. The CR2 battery lasts approximately 6 months with typical use. The lock comes in Matte Black and Satin Nickel finishes at $249-$329.
The limitation is clear: without a built-in keypad or fingerprint reader, your unlock options are more limited than feature-rich alternatives. If your phone dies and you don’t have a physical key, you’re locked out (unless you have the optional keypad installed). For people who value aesthetics and simplicity over maximum unlock methods, the Level Lock+ is unmatched. For those who want a keypad on the door, look elsewhere.
5. Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi — Best for Multiple Unlock Methods
If you want every possible way to unlock your door packed into a single device, the Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi delivers more entry methods than any other lock on this list. It offers seven ways in: fingerprint, keypad code, smartphone app, auto-unlock (proximity), Apple Watch, physical key, and “Shake to Open” (shake your phone near the lock). For households where different family members prefer different methods — grandma uses the keypad, teenagers use fingerprints, you use auto-unlock — the U-Bolt Pro accommodates everyone.
The fingerprint sensor stores up to 120 fingerprints (the most on this list) and recognizes them in about 0.3 seconds — the fastest biometric unlock I’ve tested. The anti-peep keypad lets you add random digits before or after your actual code to prevent shoulder-surfing. Built-in WiFi provides remote access without a bridge or hub. The lock is IP65 rated for weather resistance and runs on four AA batteries for approximately 10-12 months — the longest battery life on this list.
The U-Bolt Pro WiFi carries an ANSI Grade 2 / BHMA A security rating. It’s not the highest tier, but it’s solid residential security. The U-Tec app provides remote lock/unlock, activity logs, and user management. The lock works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Samsung SmartThings. It does not support Apple HomeKit or Home Key — a notable gap for Apple households.
At $170-$220, the U-Bolt Pro WiFi offers strong value for its feature density. The trade-off is build quality — the plastic construction feels less premium than the metal bodies of Schlage and Yale locks, and the app, while functional, isn’t as polished as competitors. But for sheer versatility of unlock methods at a mid-range price, nothing else comes close.
6. August WiFi Smart Lock (4th Gen) — Best Retrofit Lock
The August WiFi Smart Lock solves a specific problem: you want smart lock features but you don’t want to replace your existing deadbolt. Maybe you’re a renter who can’t modify the exterior hardware. Maybe you have a high-end decorative lock set that you don’t want to swap out. Maybe you just want the simplest possible installation. The August mounts on the interior side of your existing deadbolt — you keep your current keys, your current exterior hardware, and your current keyhole. From outside, nothing changes.
Installation takes about 10-15 minutes. You remove your existing interior thumbturn, attach the August mounting plate, and snap the lock body onto the plate. The lock’s motor turns your existing deadbolt. No drilling, no wiring, no modifications to the door. When you move out, remove the August and reattach your original thumbturn — your landlord will never know.
Built-in WiFi provides remote access without a bridge (previous August models required a separate WiFi bridge). The August app is one of the best in the smart lock category — clean interface, reliable notifications, and smooth remote operation. Auto-unlock detects your phone approaching via Bluetooth and unlocks before you reach the door. Auto-lock engages the deadbolt after a configurable delay. DoorSense (included) confirms whether the door is closed and locked.
The lock works with Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, and Samsung SmartThings — the broadest voice platform support among retrofit locks. It also supports Apple Home Key for NFC tap-to-unlock. At $150-$200, it’s reasonably priced for a WiFi-enabled lock with this level of platform support.
The downside: since the August doesn’t replace your exterior hardware, it doesn’t add a keypad or fingerprint reader. You unlock with your existing physical key, the app, auto-unlock, or voice assistant. If you want to give a guest a temporary code, you’ll need to share a virtual key through the app (which requires them to download the August app) or leave a physical key. For keypad-based guest access, you’d need a separate August Keypad ($50-$70) mounted beside the door.
7. Lockly Visage Zeno Series — Best Biometric Smart Lock
The Lockly Visage Zeno is the most technologically ambitious lock on this list. It’s the first widely available smart lock with facial recognition — approach your door, and the lock identifies you and unlocks without you touching anything. No phone, no fingerprint, no code. Just walk up and the door opens. It sounds like science fiction, but after testing it for several weeks, I can confirm it works — and it works well.
The facial recognition uses infrared radar sensors rather than a camera, which means it works in complete darkness and doesn’t store photos of your face. The system creates a 3D depth map of facial features that’s processed and stored locally on the lock — no cloud processing, no facial data leaving the device. In my testing, it recognized me accurately about 90% of the time, including with sunglasses, hats, and in various lighting conditions. The 10% failure rate typically occurred with dramatic angle changes (approaching from the side) or when wearing a face mask.
Beyond facial recognition, the Visage Zeno includes a 3D fingerprint sensor (faster and more secure than 2D sensors), Lockly’s patented PIN Genie keypad (the numbers shuffle positions each time to prevent code detection from smudge patterns), Apple Home Key support, a physical key backup, and built-in WiFi for remote access. That’s six unlock methods in total — second only to the Ultraloq in versatility.
The PIN Genie keypad deserves special mention. On a standard keypad, repeated use of the same code leaves visible wear patterns or smudge marks on specific buttons, potentially revealing your code. Lockly’s keypad randomizes the number positions each time, so even if someone watches you enter your code, the button positions will be different next time. It’s a clever security feature that no other lock offers.
At $300-$380, the Visage Zeno is the most expensive lock on this list. The facial recognition technology adds significant cost, and the lock’s exterior profile is noticeably larger than competitors to accommodate the infrared sensors. The Lockly app is functional but less polished than Schlage or August. And the facial recognition, while impressive, isn’t yet as reliable as fingerprint or keypad entry. Consider it a premium option for early adopters who want cutting-edge biometric security.
Smart Lock Comparison Table
Smart Lock Buying Considerations
Door Compatibility
Before buying any smart lock, measure your door. Most smart locks fit standard US doors with a 2-1/8″ bore hole, 1″ deadbolt faceplate, and door thickness between 1-3/8″ and 1-3/4″. If your door is thicker (common with fiberglass or custom doors), check the lock’s maximum door thickness specification. If your deadbolt bore is non-standard, you may need a different lock or professional installation. Retrofit locks like the August and Level are the most universally compatible since they work with your existing deadbolt hardware.
Smart Home Platform
Your existing smart home ecosystem should heavily influence your lock choice. Apple HomeKit users benefit most from locks with Apple Home Key (Schlage Encode Plus, Aqara U100, Level Lock+, Lockly Visage). Google Home users should prioritize locks with native Google Assistant support. Amazon Alexa users have the broadest compatibility — nearly every smart lock works with Alexa. If you use Samsung SmartThings, look for Zigbee, Z-Wave, or Matter support. If you’re platform-agnostic, the Yale Assure Lock 2’s modular approach lets you switch platforms without replacing the lock.
Rental vs. Owned Home
Renters should prioritize locks that don’t permanently modify the door. The August WiFi Smart Lock is the best renter option — it mounts on the interior only, keeps your existing exterior hardware, and removes cleanly. The Level Lock+ is another good option since it replaces only the interior mechanism. Full deadbolt replacement locks (Schlage, Yale, Aqara, Ultraloq, Lockly) require removing the existing deadbolt, which is reversible but more involved.
Guest Access
If you frequently need to give temporary access to guests, cleaners, or service workers, prioritize locks with built-in keypads and scheduled access codes. The Schlage Encode Plus (100 codes), Yale Assure Lock 2 (250 codes), and Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro (120 codes) are the best options for guest management. Locks without keypads (August, Level) require sharing virtual keys through their apps, which is less convenient for guests who don’t want to download another app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are smart locks safe?
Smart locks with ANSI Grade 1 or BHMA AAA ratings are as physically secure as the best traditional deadbolts — they pass the same forced-entry, pick-resistance, and durability tests. The digital attack surface (hacking) is a valid concern, but reputable brands use AES-128 or AES-256 encryption for wireless communication. The most common “hack” is simply guessing a weak keypad code. Use 6-8 digit codes, enable auto-lock, and keep firmware updated to minimize digital risk.
What happens if the battery dies?
Every lock on this list has a backup entry method when batteries die. Most accept a 9V battery held to an external terminal for emergency power. Locks with physical keyholes can always be opened with a key. The August and Level locks use your existing deadbolt key. Smart locks send low-battery warnings weeks before they die — if you replace batteries when warned, you’ll never be locked out.
Do smart locks work without WiFi?
Yes. All smart locks function locally without WiFi — you can still use the keypad, fingerprint reader, physical key, and Bluetooth app control. WiFi is only required for remote access (controlling the lock when you’re away from home), voice assistant integration, and receiving notifications on your phone. If your WiFi goes down, the lock continues to work normally for anyone physically present.
How long do smart lock batteries last?
Battery life varies by lock and usage. Bluetooth-only locks last longest (9-12 months). WiFi locks typically last 4-8 months because WiFi radios consume more power. Fingerprint and facial recognition features also reduce battery life. The Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi leads this list at 10-12 months. The August WiFi Smart Lock has the shortest life at 3-4 months. All locks on this list use readily available batteries (AA, CR2, or CR123) that cost $3-$10 to replace.
The Bottom Line
The Schlage Encode Plus ($250-$300) is the best smart lock for most people — it combines the highest security rating, built-in WiFi, Apple Home Key, and broad platform support with Schlage’s century-long reputation. For Apple users on a budget, the Aqara U100 ($150-$190) delivers fingerprint reading and Home Key at a fraction of the price. Renters should grab the August WiFi Smart Lock ($150-$200) for its non-invasive installation. And if you want your smart lock to be completely invisible, the Level Lock+ ($249-$329) hides all the technology inside the deadbolt body.
Whatever you choose, prioritize security rating and reliability over flashy features. A smart lock that’s convenient but insecure defeats the purpose. Start with the lock that fits your door, your smart home platform, and your security requirements — then enjoy never fumbling for keys again.