No matter where you reside, installing the best smart door locks will be on your to-do list at some point. There are numerous locks on the market today that will not only increase your security but also come with many capabilities that will bring your home into the future of smart homes, whether it is for your home, rental property, or business.
Best Smart Door Locks to Buy
Choosing the correct door lock entails considering aspects such as your lifestyle, security requirements, and the sort of door hardware you currently have. Although basic keyed locks are simple, some people may want to consider upgrading to combination or keypad locks, which require passwords or numeric numbers. A smart lock, which can be unlocked via a smartphone app, is another alternative.
The best smart door locks are quickly gaining popularity as an addition to the modern linked smart home. A popular option for front doors, a decent smart lock allows you to replace traditional house keys (and the risk of losing or forgetting them) with a system that connects with your existing home security system and more.
One look at our list of the best smart locks below reveals that the ability to access your front door when you aren’t at home is a major selling point for these smart home gadgets. Why would you want to do this? Perhaps you’d like to open the front door to your porch for a delivery or to allow a neighbor in to feed your dogs while you’re away. In the latter case, you can share personalized digital keys or digital codes that each user can use for a certain time.
Read on to learn more about the best smart door locks to buy right now:
August Smart Lock Pro
Key Features
- Easy to Fit
- Best-in-Class Smart Home Compatibility
- Super Smart
- Smart Connectivity
Overview
August smart locks are intended to be installed on the inside of the door. It makes standard deadbolts smarter, more secure, and more convenient. With August, it’s simple and quick to grant friends, relatives, and other individuals you trust permanent, scheduled, or temporary access to your home. It is simple to install on any door. The individual does not need to place a key under the doormat again.
August is the greatest smart lock for the home. It just takes approximately 10 minutes to install. August locks are somewhat larger than the original thumb turn and fit nicely over most single-cylinder deadbolts. Its smart Wi-Fi lock may Auto-Unlock as soon as the user enters the house for completely hands-free unlocking. The house is automatically secured using Auto-Lock and DoorSense when the door is closed or after a certain amount of time.
Schlage Sense BE479 Smart Lock
Key Features
- ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 Certified
- Detects When Someone Uses a Key
- 3-Years Electronics Warranty
- Bluetooth Connection
Overview
The Schlage Sense smart lock is the most secure that we tested. It recognizes when individuals unlock the door with codes, keys, or the mobile app. It has an ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 accreditation, which is the highest domestic security rating a lock can have.
The Sense replaces your old deadbolt, and its secured Bluetooth connection ensures it can only be accessed by someone with a password. We enjoyed how easy it was to add and remove key codes and how quickly the lock responded to the app, which was faster than other locks we tried, though not as fast as some newer ones.
The software also allows you to configure auto-lock, which locks the door if you fail to lock it after entering. The software was first created for the iPhone, but the company has recently released an Android app that isn’t as polished as the iOS version.
Despite its high security, the lock is only compatible with Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, and Google Home. However, the latter two require the purchase of the Schlage Sense Wi-Fi Adapter.
The Wi-Fi adaptor or an Apple TV is required for remote access, and the Schlage Sense’s batteries last up to 12 months. The mechanical components and exterior finish of the lock are guaranteed for life, while the electronic components are protected for three years.
Yale Assure Lock SL
Key Features
- Remote Monitoring
- Looks Great
- Wi-Fi Capabilities
- Battery Powered
Overview
Breaking up with your house key is unpleasant, but it is also the most effective strategy to prevent lock picking. This deadbolt lock will take a little longer to install than a retrofitted one, but owing to the in-app guidance, it’s actually a fairly simple operation.
Because this is a WiFi-enabled smart lock, you can monitor its usage remotely. This includes remotely controlling codes and receiving notifications if the door is not properly closed. This makes it ideal for individuals who have vacation rentals as well as busy houses with a lot of visitors.
You can add and remove codes at any time; however, there is a maximum of 25 codes. Some smart locks allow for more, but we doubt many families will require more than this.
Because batteries totally power it, the Yale Assure Lock SL has battery-saving features to assist in extending battery life. If the batteries run out, you’ll need to use a 9V battery to charge the lock from the outside. It’s fantastic to have this backup energy feature, but charging will be a pain, so we recommend changing batteries on a regular basis to ensure you never have to worry.
Schlage Connect Smart Lock
Key Features
- Unique Alarm Functions
- 3-Year Electronics Warranty
- Z-Wave Smart Home Compatibility
- Highest Level of Physical Security
Overview
The Schlage Connect outperforms most of the smart locks we tested in two ways: the best Z-Wave lock we looked at and the fifth-most secure smart lock. In terms of security, we like that the Connect incorporates a tamper alarm that detects lock-picking attempts rather than just forced entry, as some other smart locks do.
The lock replaces your existing deadbolt and fulfills ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 standards, which is the maximum level of physical security a lock can accomplish. It also features an auto-lock option that locks your door after 30 seconds, but you must enable it because it is off by default.
Because the Schlage Connect uses Z-Wave technology, most of its capabilities, including remote access and smartphone control, require the installation of a smart hub. Using the Wink Hub, we discovered that the Schlage Connect performed better than the other Z-Wave locks we tested.
You can set up to 30 key codes, but you must do so manually if you do not have a compatible smart home system. Like most smart door locks, the Connect can run for up to a year on four AA batteries. This lock has more finishes than any other type we tested, so it will most likely fit your existing décor.
Like all Schlage locks, the mechanical components and exterior finish are covered by a lifetime warranty. The electronic components have a three-year warranty, which is significantly greater than the industry standard of one year.
Kwikset Obsidian Smart Locks
Key Features
- Attractive and Secure
- Keyless Design
- Inexpensive
- Grade 2 ANSI/BHMA Rating
Overview
The Kwikset Obsidian is one of the first keyless locks we’ve tried, and we had a great time with it. Because of the square touchpad, it is the most futuristic smart lock we’ve tested.
There are no distracting keyholes on the outside of your door, so the touchpad on the Obsidian is the only thing you see. This lock is resistant to lockpicking and has an ANSI/BHMA Grade 2 grade. It is available in two finishes: stain nickel and venetian bronze, both of which act as accents to the screen.
This beautiful, smart door lock is simple to operate with or without a smart hub, but it works best as part of a smart home system. We put the Amazon Key Edition of the Kwikset Obsidian and the Amazon Cloud Cam through their paces.
When paired, you may use the Amazon Key app to manage the lock remotely and receive notifications when someone comes in the door. While you may manually use program codes and modify some settings, the Kwikset Obsidian lacks smartphone controls, necessitating the use of a suitable smart hub with ZigBee controls. The lock is also available in a Z-Wave variant.
Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro Smart Lock
Key Features
- Six Ways to Gain Entry
- Great for Exterior and Interior Doors
- Micro USB Port Offers Backup Power
- Bluetooth Detection
Overview
This clever deadbolt lock has six opening options, one of which is a backup key. (The hole is concealed beneath the external panel.) There’s a fingerprint sensor, Bluetooth recognition (the lock opens as you approach, which is useful if your arms are full), numeric code entry, a smartphone app, and “magic shake” capability (also through the app). If you’re concerned about random people seeing you input your code, you can use the keypad to add random digits before and after your actual number sequence to confuse them.
Overall, this practical deadbolt is simple to install on external and interior doors around your home. The Wi-Fi bridge is difficult to set up correctly, and you may need to relocate your router closer to the door for it to function. The auto-open option is also not always reliable. There is, however, a low-battery indication; once you see it, you have 1,000 more times to open the lock before it loses power. In a pinch, you may charge it from the outside using a micro-USB connection, though you might not have one with you every time you leave the house. If you have any issues with your lock, you may get in touch with Ultraloq’s customer care.
Wyze Smart Lock
Key Features
- Door Ajar Alarm
- Budget-Friendly
- Shared-Access Capabilities
- Voice Control Capability
Overview
The Wyze Lock is a robust budget-friendly smart lock that performs admirably in all important areas. As it comes with its own smart hub and easily integrates into the Wyze ecosystem of smart devices, it’s a perfect option for a standalone smart device or a starting step toward establishing your smart home. If you already have an Alexa or Google Nest, this low-cost lock readily pairs with them. The Wyze app displays an activity log of who has accessed your home, allowing you to feel in control of your surroundings. Because this lock only replaces the inside of your deadbolt, you may keep your existing house key, ensuring that you can still enter your home even if the batteries fail while you’re away.
If your home already has Apple HomeKit or another Z-Wave hub, the Wyze Lock will not pair with it. While access codes can be easily sent via email, there is currently no method to send them by SMS. Anyone who wants to use the code you give them must first download and install the Wyze app. The Wyze Lock deadbolt receives the lowest ANSI security grade, Grade 3, which is commonly regarded as acceptable for most domestic security. Overall, there’s a lot to appreciate about Wyze’s all-inclusive, high-value smart lock, making it an excellent choice for many people.
Final Words
The right smart lock can provide beneficial functions as well as essential peace of mind that you did not leave the door unlocked by accident. However, inferior smart locks offer minimal value over far less expensive “dumb” keypad locks. We hope this guide on the best smart door locks has assisted you in finding the best and most beneficial product for your home.
Smart locks have opened doors to a new era of security. With the world becoming more modern and wireless, it is only natural to resort to smart locks that can connect to the owner’s smartphone and tell them who is coming, going, and when. Smart locks include apps that can be used as a virtual key. A virtual key can be distributed to family members, acquaintances, and others that the owner trusts. It is a fantastic alternative for families, children, and the elderly.
FAQ
What are ANSI/BHMA Grades?
Grade 1 is the most secure of the three ANSI/BHMA lock classes because it is the most resistant to forced entry and lock picking. Grade 2 locks provide superior security against home intruders. Grade 3 locks simply meet the bare minimum of door security criteria. Some generic deadbolts do not have a particular rating at all.
How Do I Get Guest Access?
Locks that use smartphone apps frequently provide an infinite number of guest keys, giving them an edge over keypad locks. Locks with keypads normally have a restricted amount of codes that can be generated, but this isn’t an issue until you need more than 20 numbers.
What is the Best Smart Lock Battery Life?
The less you use your lock, as with all battery-powered gadgets, the longer the battery lasts. The average smart lock’s battery life is about 12 months. August and Lockitron only last about three and eight months, respectively, so if you don’t want to replace batteries as frequently, you might consider a different lock.