From our tests of August, Schlage, Yale, Kwikset, and other brands, these are best smart locks 2024.
Beyond just convenience, a smart lock can provide you piece of mind knowing that, should you be away from home, you will be aware whether someone has entered your house. Giving temporary electronic keys to dog sitters and caretakers will also help to prevent someone inadvertently replicating an actual key to your house.
Based on testing hundreds of models, we believe the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is the best smart lock available to most individuals. Works with all kinds of smart home systems, lets you use the keys that came with the lock you’re replacing, is really reasonably priced, and is quick to install.
If that model does not meet your requirements, however, we have examined many different models and applications with such capabilities as fingerprint scanners and Apple Watch unlocking of your door.
Deadbolt replacements and deadbolt adapters are the two main varieties of smart locks available generally. The first replaces your whole deadbolt, whereas the latter calls for you to merely replace the component of your deadbolt located within your residence. Both kinds can be found among our top options; we discuss in our “what to look for when buying a smart lock” section the benefits and drawbacks of both.
The Quick List
- August Wi-Fi Smart Lock
- August Smart Lock
- Schlage Encode Plus
- Yale Assure 2
- Level Bolt
- Lockly Secure Plus
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock
Specification
- Lock Type: Deadbolt adapter
- Smart Home Compatibility: Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit
- Number Pad: Optional
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- Alarm: No
- App: Yes
- Codes: Unlimited
- ANSI/BHMA rating: n/a
- Reasons For Purchase: Wi-Fi built in, Easy to use, Smaller size, Works with lots of smart home devices
- Reasons to Steer Clear of: Keypad sold separately
Although August’s smart lock wasn’t particularly improved upon, the company went ahead and modified its original to create a smaller, simpler model. It looks less bulbous on your door since the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is 45 percent smaller than the original. Now that Wi-Fi is integrated in, you won’t need to install the August Connect bridge to join your lock to your house network.
Everything we appreciated about the August Pro is right here: Installing it is easy; you just replace the deadbolt component inside your house to enable you to keep using your current keys, which is a good backup should the batteries for the lock run low. The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock runs up to six months before the batteries need to be changed, so you shouldn’t have too frequent concerns about that. If you want still another way to unlock your door, you may also buy a wireless keypad available separately.
During our tests, the lock distinguished itself from the others in a few other ways. DoorSense, which alerts you whether your door has been left open, is most importantly among them. From Alexa to Google Assistant to HomeKit to Xfinity, the August lock also performs brilliantly with a wide spectrum of other smart home systems.
August Smart Lock
Specification
- Lock Type: Deadbolt adapter
- Smart Home Compatibility: Alexa, Google Home
- Number Pad: Optional
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, Z-Wave Plus
- Alarm: No
- App: Yes
- Codes: Unlimited
- ANSI/BHMA rating: n/a
- Reasons For Purchase: Auto-Lock and Auto-Unlock features, Works with HomeKit, Alexa, Google Assistant and more, Easy to install
- Reasons to Steer Clear of: No Apple HomeKit nor Amazon Key support, August Connect module sold separately
The August Smart Lock includes most of the tools you’ll need, at a fair price, if you want some smarts in your house without breaking the budget. This clever, fully functional lock is less than $100.
The August Smart Lock is the ideal smart lock if you rent your house since it’s easy to install atop an old deadlock without altering the cylinder or key. The cylinder will keep your landlord happy as it will keep working with your current keys; replacement is not necessary. And you can quickly and easily remove the lock and replace the old one when you move out, therefore safeguarding your deposit.
If you wish to monitor and control the lock from a distance, you will also need the August Connect module—about $60, sold separately. That module is a wonderful low-cost choice for adding remote control to several doors at once since it can manage many locks. Support for Apple HomeKit is the one lacking.
Schlage Encode Plus
Specification
- Lock Type: Deadbolt replacement
- Smart Home Compatibility: Alexa, Google Home, HomeKit
- Number Pad: Included
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- Alarm: Yes
- App: Yes
- Codes: 100
- ANSI/BHMA rating: A156.36 Commercial Grade 1
- Reasons For Purchase: Built in alarm, Works with HomeKit, Unlocks via iPhone, Apple Watch
- Reasons to Steer Clear of: Supports fewer codes than other smart locks
If all you have to do to access your door is tap your phone to a smart lock, then why put in codes? For at least iPhone owners, that is the main advantage of the Schlage Encode Plus. Connected with HomeKit, all you have to do to lock or unlock your iPhone or Apple Watch is touch it to the Encode Plus. That’s simplicity.
Furthermore appealing are the lock’s built-in alarm and its direct Wi-Fi connection as well as a very large number pad. It has less codes, though—just 100—than rival smart locks like the August. This could thus not be the finest smart lock for you if you do not own an iPhone.
Yale Assure 2
Specification
- Lock Type: Deadbolt replacement
- Smart Home Compatibility: Alexa, Google Home, Home kit
- Number Pad: Yes
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, Zigbee, Z-Wave Plus, Wi-Fi
- Alarm: No
- App: Yes
- Codes: Unlimited
- ANSI/BHMA rating: BHMA Grade 2
- Reasons For Purchase: Attractive, simple design, Support for Amazon Alexa, Google Home and Apple HomeKit, Matter-compatible
- Reasons to Steer Clear of: Have to tap Yale logo to activate lock
Yale Assure Lock 2 is among the best smart locks available thanks to the backing for several smart home standards. Along with Matter, it operates with Alexa, Google Home, HomeKit and SmartThings. Whether you have one of the best iPhones or top Android phones, or a smart speaker like the Amazon Echo, Google Nest Mini, or Google Nest Hub Max, you can manage it from your smartphone. To move from Bluetooth to, say Wi-Fi or Zigbee, you must replace an internal module though.
Like its predecessor, the Assure SL, the Assure Lock 2 is a rather pleasing, well-made lock that is simple to install. Although there is no manual key option, it is a keycode (unlimited!), app or nothing. Touching a 9v battery to two connections beneath the keypad will momentarily boost the battery should it run out.
Our main complaint is that entering the keycode requires pressing the Yale logo first. It’s an additional step, and one that guests might not grasp. Furthermore absent this time is a brass finish choice; that’s more of a nitpick than anything.
Yale has various variations on this lock: Comprising a fingerprint reader with up to 20 distinct fingerprint storage capability, the Assure Lock 2 Touch For $199.99 (Bluetooth and Apple HomeKit Only) and $279.99 (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Apple HomeKit), it is offered as a keyed or key-free touchscreen device.
Apple Home keys are supported by the Yale Assure Lock 2 Plus, which lets you tap your iPhone or Apple Watch on the lock to access your door. Available as a key-free touchscreen variant for $209.99 ( bluetooth and Apple HomeKit Only) and $289.99 (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Apple HomeKit).
Level Bolt
Specification
- Lock Type: Deadbolt replacement
- Smart Home Compatibility: HomeKit, Alexa
- Number Pad: None
- Connectivity: Bluetooth
- Alarm: No
- App: Android/iOS
- Codes: Unlimited
- ANSI/BHMA rating: Grade 1
- Reasons For Purchase: Works with Alexa, HomeKit-compatible, Fits completely inside door
- Reasons to Steer Clear of: Requires adapter for remote control, No door-open alert
Unlike all other smart locks, the Level Bolt ones hide their mechanism entirely from view after they are fitted. That’s so since its operations cleanly fit within your door. This implies not only that you’re not advertising to people that you have a smart lock but also that you won be ruining the look of your door with a device. And you may still keep using your keys to lock and unlock the door since the Level Lock makes use of the hardware of your door.
The Level Bolt teams with HomeKit, Alexa, Google Assistant, and Ring. If you wish to remotely monitor and manage the lock, you will need a compatible smart home hub — or spring for the Level Bolt Connect, which contains a plug-in-Wi-Fi adaptor (available separately for $79) as it just has Bluetooth built in. Apart from this restriction, the Level Lock performed admisably in our tests.
Level also sells a wireless keypad ($79) you may put near the entrance if you want to avoid depending on your phone. Level additionally allows you unlock the door using an NFC key card; it also offers the Level Lock+, which replaces the whole door lock. But neither the Bolt nor the Lock+ support Apple Home Key, thus you can’t unlock your door with your Apple Watch like you can with the Yale Assure and Schlange Encode Plus.
Lockly Secure Plus
Specification
- Lock Type: Deadbolt or lever replacement
- Smart Home Compatibility: Lockly
- Number Pad: Included
- Connectivity: Bluetooth
- Alarm: No
- App: Yes
- Codes: Unlimited
- ANSI/BHMA rating: Grade 1
- Reasons For Purchase: Includes a manual lock, Lock can be opened with a fingerprint
- Reasons to Steer Clear of: No built-in support for Alexa, Google Home or HomeKit, Can’t unlock remotely without purchasing WiFi adapter
The Lockly Secure Plus requires just your finger; one touch to the fingerprint sensor on the right side of the lock body opens the lock. Entering a code also opens the door; interestingly, the touchscreen keypad moves the numerals around so thieves cannot guess your code by just glancing at finger smudges.
The Secure Plus is also uncommon in that it is a lever lock; other smart locks are deadbolts. The Lockly Secure Plus does not, however, interface with smart home systems. You will need either a $70 Wi-Fi adaptor or to splurge for the $299 Lockly Secure Pro, a separate device with built-in Wi-Fi allowing it to connect to Alexa and Google Home.
I should get what kind of smart lock?
Most smart locks are deadbolt replacements, meaning you must first totally remove your deadbolt first before installing the smart lock; most are made to operate with your deadbolt. A few others, most notably the August smart locks, are deadbolt adapters, which just need you to remove the portion of your deadbolt found inside your property.
Each has advantages and drawbacks; a deadbolt adapter lets you use the keys you currently have and is usually easier to install; but, if you wish to be able to open your door using a keypad, you will have to buy and install that separately.
Conversely, a lock replacement usually includes a keypad, fingerprint reader, or some other access method integrated into it even if it will take more time to install.
Although lever smart locks are increasingly becoming more popular, we advise these solely for use on internal doors, such the one leading from an attached garage into your house.
Other factors to give thought while looking for a smart lock:
Design
Your smart lock should fit your house décor. Brass, silver, and bronze are among the several finishes and styles most locks come in.
Security
Smart locks give one or more ways of access; so, it is your choice what you would want.
Keys
Certain smart locks feature a classic keyhole, much as conventional locks do. For simpler transition, some can even be re-keyed.
Keypads
Keypads are the most often used entrance mechanism; most smart locks will allow you create and control hundreds, if not thousands of keycodes.
Virtual code
Sending a virtual code to someone who can use the smart lock app on their phone can unlock your door. You can control these active codes.
Fingerprint readers
Some smart locks today have fingerprint readers, so you no longer have to recall a code or your keys; simply touch your finger against the reader to access. s
Tag-based NFC cards
Some smart locks have NFC tags or cards, which one can tap to unlock the lock. Others have gone so far and let you activate your Apple Watch or iPhone by touching it to the lock.
Connectivity
Connecting a smart lock to your home network allows you to monitor and operate it from a distance. There are various methods one may accomplish this. Since Zigbee, Z-Wave, and Bluetooth run little electricity, they are the most often used radios included into smart locks.
If you wish to monitor the lock from a distance, though, these versions call for a hub or bridge of some sort. One of the top smart home hubs—like Apple HomePod mini, Amazon Echo, or Samsung SmartThings—will assist you with this; but, you need ensure the hub fits the lock.
More and more smart locks are include Wi-Fi built in, which simplifies linking them to your house network. This could mean, though, that you will have to change their batteries more regularly.
Compatibility in smart homes
The better smart locks should be able to interact with Alexa, Google Assistant, HomeKit, which lets you link them in to other smart home devices. Saying “Siri, Goodnight,” for instance, will cause Apple’s assistant to automatically lock your doors and turn off your lights.
Should you have a home security system, you can also link some locks to it such that they lock automatically upon your leaving the house.
ANSI/BHMA certification
Any smart lock you wish to install on your door should be certified either by nANSI or BHMA. Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association is BHMA; the American National Standards Institute is ANSI.
ANSI door lock grades run three levels; Grade 1 is the most secure, Grade 3 is the least safe. Strength and operational tests abound in ANSI tests to gauge a lock’s performance during forceful entry as well as regular use. (This page provides a complete ANSI test explanation.) Usually, you should only get a lock rated either Grade 1 or Grade 2.
Conclusion
Top Recommendation
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock identified as the best overall choice for most users due to its compatibility with various smart home systems, easy installation retaining existing keys, and affordability.
Alternative Picks
- Schlage Encode Plus stands out for its built-in alarm and convenient iPhone unlocking via HomeKit.
- Yale Assure Lock 2 offers extensive compatibility across Alexa, Google Home, HomeKit, and SmartThings.
- Level Bolt provides a discreet solution by hiding smart features within the door, maintaining aesthetic appeal.
- Lockly Secure Plus features a unique fingerprint sensor and lever design, though requiring additional accessories for full smart home integration.
Considerations
Choose based on specific needs such as integration with existing devices, enhanced security features, and design that complements home decor.
Overall
Each reviewed smart lock offers distinct advantages, ensuring there’s an option suitable for various household requirements and preferences.
