Forget about keys. A smart lock is secure, easy to set up, and convenient.
You can easily control it even when you are away from your house. More importantly, smart locks will strengthen the security of your home.
With an automatic locking mechanism and status notification, the best smart lock will do more than just simplify the security of your property.
Most of these locks will send notifications whenever the door is open. Besides this, it lets you access log history remotely.
In fact, you can even set a guest key code when you are far from the house so that your guest doesn’t have to look for the spare key to get into the house.
The Best Smart Locks
1. Schlage Encode
What sets this smart lock apart from other models on this list is its ANSI Grade 1 rating.
Basically, what it means is that it is a mechanical quality rating, requiring the deadbolt to withstand 10 door strikes with a hammer and 250,000 cycles.
Another good thing about this smart lock is that it has a very straightforward installation process, requiring only a screwdriver.
Moreover, the Schlage Home app has a clean and intuitive interface, simplifying the setup, management, and administration of several smart functionalities.
Pros
- Create multiple locks in different homes.
- Allows you to create temporary guest pass codes.
Cons
- Lacks auto-unlock feature
Price: $319
2. August WiFi Smart Lock
This newest release for August constitutes some improvement from previous models, especially when it comes to size.
The lock is 45 percent smaller than the original model. So, as you can imagine, it looks less bulbous on the door.
And the good thing is that it comes with WiFi built into the system. What it means is that you don’t have to install the August Connect bridge to link your lock to your smart home network.
It is also the best smart lock because it is easy to install. All you have to do is simply replace the part of your deadbolt that is inside your house.
This will allow you to continue using your existing keys, which is a smart backup just in case your lock’s battery runs out.
Other outstanding features associated with the August WiFi smart lock include DoorSense, which allows you to know when the door has been left open.
Apart from this, it also works with a huge range of other smart home systems, such as Google Assistant, Alexa, and Apple HomeKit.
Also Read, The Best Home Automation Systems for 2024
Pros
- It is compact in size.
- Easy to use and install
- Has built-in WiFi
- It works with several smart home devices.
Cons
- Keypad sold separately
Price: $200
3. Level Lock+ Connect
If you are looking to run a home with the best smart technology, then you should consider installing the Level Lock+ Connect lock.
This lock is compact, with the small lithium battery fitting into the door bolt, while the electronics and motor are all packed inside the lock.
On top of this, the hidden mechanics leave a clean, elegant, and logo-free exterior. Another thing that makes Level Lock Connect the best smart lock is that it supports Apple HomeKit.
Also, the Lock Connect WiFi bridge links the lock to your home network through Bluetooth, which supports Alexa and Google Assistant.
Perhaps its biggest differentiator is its flexibility. The Level Lock+ Connect offers more ways to open your smart lock than comparable locks.
Specifically, the lock comes with two keycards that you use to tap on the lock to open, as well as two physical keys.
There is also the option of using the app to unlock the lock. You can even set the smart lock to open automatically when your mobile device detects your presence.
Pros
- It is easy to install since all the components fit easily into a standard borehole over a latch on the bolt.
- Compatible with major smart home ecosystems like Apple HomeKit
- Highly flexible
Cons
- It is expensive.
Price : $349
4. Yale Assure Lock 2
If you are looking for a smart lock that can work seamlessly with several home standards, then you should consider investing in the Yale Assure Lock 2.
This lock works with HomeKit, Google Assistant, Alexa, and SmartThings. It is also Matter-compatible.
These integrations mean that you can easily control the lock with your smartphone.
But note that you will need to swap out an internal module to be able to switch from Bluetooth to either Zigbee or WiFi.
Also Read, ZigBee vs Z-Wave: Everything You Need to Know
Additionally, the Assure Lock 2 is an attractive lock that is easy to use and install. It doesn’t come with a manual key option.
But if the battery runs out, you can give it a temporary boost by tapping on the 9-volt battery to two contacts underneath the keypad.
The only issue we have with this smart lock is that you have to press the Yale logo whenever you want to input the keycode.
This extra step might confuse a lot of visitors. That is why we think that Yale Assure 2 is the best smart lock if you want to confuse others into thinking that you don’t have a smart lock.
Pros
- Support for Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Google Home
- It is Matter-compatible.
- Sleek, simple design
Cons
- You have to tap the Yale logo each time you want to activate the lock.
Price: $234
5. Locky Secure Plus
The Lockify Secure Plus is the best smart lock when it comes to fingerprint reading.
With this lock, all you need to unlock it is your finger. Just one touch to the fingerprint reader will open the lock.
Of course, you can also unlock the door by just entering a code.
This will enable the touchscreen keypad to shift numbers around, making it hard for intruders to guess your code by looking at finger smudges.
As you may already know, the majority of the locks on the market are deadbolts. So, the Secure Plus is somehow unique given that it is a lever lock.
The only issue with lock is that it doesn’t work directly with other smart home systems.
Instead, you will need either a $70 WiFi adapter or an upgrade to Lockify Secure Pro if you want to connect to Google Home or Alexa.
Pros
- Includes a manual lock
- This lock can be opened with a fingerprint.
Cons
- It lacks built-in support for Google Home, Alexa, and HomeKit.
- Can’t unlock remotely without buying a WiFi adapter.
Price : $269
6. Wyze Smart Lock
Despite being a budget smart lock, you will easily mistake the Wyze smart lock for a premium model. It not only has a solid construction, but it also comes with advanced features that other locks lack.
Another thing that makes Wyze the best smart lock is that it is easy to install. The process involves replacing the existing interior portion of the deadbolt with your new Wyze smart lock.
In fact, you can complete the whole setup process within five minutes with only a single screwdriver. The good thing is that you can pair the lock with your smartphone using the Wyze app.
Another interesting thing is that it has a gyroscope that is built directly into the lock. It relays the real-time status of your smart door and can alert you if something goes amiss.
Pros
- An internal sensor tells you if the door is open or closed.
- Easy-to-program rules with apps and smart assistants
Cons
- Requires a WiFi bridge for remote access.
Price: $80
Also Read: Wyze Home Security Camera Reviews 2024
7. Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi Smart Lock
Ease of use, multiple lock and unlock options, and sturdy construction are what make the U-Bolt Pro the best smart lock.
The lock features an alloy exterior component that contains a biometric fingerprint scanner, a traditional keyway, and a keypad.
The built-in WiFi helps you connect the lock to your home network.
Moreover, you can lock and open the lock from anywhere using your smartphone or even Google Assistant and Alexa voice commands.
Pros
- Includes a fingerprint reader
- It has built-in WiFi.
- Supports voice commands
- Supports multiple third-party devices
Cons
- It doesn’t have support for Apple HomeKit.
Price: $149
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
As we speak, there are quite a number of smart locks in the US that are Matter-compatible.
These locks include the SwitchBot Lock, the Yale Assure SL, and the Aqara U100 locks. There is also news that Austria-based Nuki has released a Matter-over-Thread smart lock.
This lock mainly works for European-style doors.
The benefit of using a Matter smart lock has more to do with future-proofing. With Matter on board, your smart lock should work with all major smart home platforms.
It also means that you can share your lock across different platforms without the need to download extra apps, link services via the cloud, and set up accounts.
Smart door locks are the best in terms of keeping your home safe.
They offer solid security and convenience in terms of control. Generally, premium smart locks like Schlage Encode, August WiFi Smart Lock, Level Lock+ Connect, and Yale Assure Lock 2 are more expensive than your traditional lock.
But the good thing is that they have more advanced features that add more security and convenience to how you control entry to your house.
Some smart locks on this list can connect to your other smart home devices and services, like Google Assistant and Alexa.
So, it is possible to control your door lock using Alexa and similar smart digital assistants. Others are even Matter-compatible, therefore improving their integrability.
Final Thoughts
Smart locks are arguably the most important component of your smart home.
They allow you to easily lock and unlock the door, and some can even monitor entries into and out of your home.
Just make sure to invest in the best smart lock. This way, you are guaranteed better security and convenience.
Thankfully, most of the models we have listed here work seamlessly with major smart home systems and devices.
