Best Smart Locks in 2026 (Tested & Ranked)
Our Top Picks at a Glance
| # | Product | Best For | Price | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | August WiFi Smart Lock (4th Gen) | Best smart lock overall | $229 | 9.3/10 | Visit Site → |
| 2 | Yale Assure Lock 2 | Best for home security integration | $249 | 9.1/10 | Visit Site → |
| 3 | Schlage Encode Plus | Best for Apple Home Key | $299 | 9/10 | Visit Site → |
| 4 | Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi | Most unlock methods | $199 | 8.7/10 | Visit Site → |
| 5 | Kwikset Halo | Best budget WiFi lock | $159 | 8.5/10 | Visit Site → |
| 6 | Level Lock+ | Most discreet design | $329 | 8.4/10 | Visit Site → |
| 7 | Wyze Lock Bolt | Best under $100 | $69 | 8/10 | Visit Site → |
Last Updated: March 2026
A smart lock is the single most useful smart home upgrade you can make. You stop carrying keys, give temporary codes to guests and cleaners, see who comes and goes, and never wonder if you locked the door. The best smart locks do all this reliably while maintaining the security standards of a traditional deadbolt.
We tested seven smart locks over three months, evaluating reliability, app experience, battery life, security standards, and smart home integration. These are our picks.
Best Smart Locks at a Glance
| Lock | Price | Connectivity | Unlock Methods | Smart Home | Battery Life |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| August WiFi (4th Gen) | $229 | WiFi + BT | App, auto-unlock, keypad*, key | Alexa, Google, HomeKit | 6 months |
| Yale Assure Lock 2 | $249 | WiFi + BT | App, keypad, key | Alexa, Google, HomeKit | 9 months |
| Schlage Encode Plus | $299 | WiFi + BT | App, keypad, Apple Home Key, key | Alexa, Google, HomeKit | 12 months |
| Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi | $199 | WiFi + BT | App, keypad, fingerprint, key | Alexa, Google | 9 months |
| Kwikset Halo | $159 | WiFi + BT | App, keypad, key | Alexa, Google | 6 months |
| Level Lock+ | $329 | WiFi + BT | App, NFC, Apple Home Key, key | HomeKit | 12 months |
| Wyze Lock Bolt | $69 | BT only | App, keypad, fingerprint | None | 6 months |
*August keypad sold separately ($49)
1. August WiFi Smart Lock (4th Gen) — Best Overall
August has been refining smart locks longer than almost anyone, and the 4th generation WiFi model represents their best work. It retrofits over your existing deadbolt in minutes, keeps your exterior hardware unchanged, and delivers the most polished app experience of any lock we tested.
What Makes It Stand Out
- Retrofit design: Installs on the interior side of your existing deadbolt — your outside looks unchanged
- Auto-unlock: Uses your phone’s GPS to unlock as you approach the door (works reliably after calibration)
- DoorSense: Built-in sensor detects whether your door is closed and locked, not just whether the deadbolt is engaged
- Guest access: Share permanent or temporary access via the app — no keypad needed
- Activity log: Complete history of every lock/unlock event with timestamps
Auto-unlock is August’s signature feature, and it’s the reason this lock wins our top spot. Walk up to your door with your phone in your pocket, and the door unlocks. In three months of testing, it worked about 95% of the time — the 5% failures were typically when we approached quickly from an unusual direction. The DoorSense feature adds genuine value: knowing your door is both closed and locked (not just deadbolted with the door ajar) matters for security.
The main limitation is that the optional keypad ($49 extra) isn’t included, so out-of-the-box, entry requires your phone or a physical key.
Buy August WiFi Lock — $229 →2. Yale Assure Lock 2 — Best for Security System Integration
Yale Assure Lock 2 is the smart lock designed to work within a broader home security ecosystem. It integrates deeply with security systems from SimpliSafe, Ring, ADT, and Vivint — locking automatically when you arm your system and unlocking when you disarm.
What Makes It Stand Out
- Security system integration: Works with SimpliSafe, Ring Alarm, ADT, and Vivint as part of the security ecosystem
- Multiple module options: Choose WiFi, Z-Wave, Zigbee, or Matter connectivity modules
- Backlit keypad: Full touchscreen keypad with temporary codes, one-time codes, and scheduled access
- Auto-relock: Configurable auto-lock timer (30 seconds to 5 minutes)
- ANSI/BHMA Grade 2 certified: Commercial-grade security rating
The security system integration is what sets Yale apart. When you tell SimpliSafe “Goodnight,” it arms the system, locks the Yale, and activates your cameras — all from one command. This is how smart locks should work within a security ecosystem. For more on choosing a security system to pair with, see our best home security systems guide.
At $249, it’s priced competitively for the feature set. The modular connectivity approach means you can swap from WiFi to Matter when your setup evolves.
Buy Yale Assure Lock 2 — $249 →3. Schlage Encode Plus — Best for Apple Users
If you’re deep in the Apple ecosystem, the Schlage Encode Plus is the smart lock to buy. It’s one of the few locks that supports Apple Home Key — tap your iPhone or Apple Watch to the lock and it opens. No app, no code, no fumbling. Just tap and enter.
What Makes It Stand Out
- Apple Home Key: Tap iPhone or Apple Watch to unlock — works even when phone battery is low (power reserve mode)
- Built-in WiFi: No hub or bridge required for remote access
- ANSI/BHMA Grade 1: Highest residential security rating available — this lock is built like a vault
- Snap-and-stay design: Easiest installation we tested — the mounting plate snaps into place
- 12-month battery life: Longest battery life of any WiFi-connected lock we tested
The Apple Home Key experience is genuinely seamless — faster and more reliable than any phone-based auto-unlock. Hold your wrist near the lock, feel the haptic tap, door opens. In our testing, it worked 100% of the time with no perceptible delay. The Grade 1 security certification also means this lock meets commercial-grade security standards — the highest rating available for residential locks.
At $299 it’s not cheap, but for Apple households, nothing else delivers this experience. It also works with Alexa and Google Home, so you’re not locked into Apple-only.
Buy Schlage Encode Plus — $299 →4. Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi — Most Unlock Methods
The Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro gives you every possible way to unlock your door: fingerprint, keypad code, smartphone app, auto-unlock, and physical key. If you want options — or if household members have different preferences — this is the lock.
What Makes It Stand Out
- Fingerprint reader: Capacitive fingerprint scanner unlocks in under 1 second — stores up to 100 fingerprints
- 6-in-1 unlock: Fingerprint, code, app, auto-unlock, shake-to-open, physical key
- Anti-peep keypad: Enter random digits before your code to prevent observers from guessing your PIN
- USB-C emergency power: Dead battery? Touch a portable charger to the USB-C port and unlock immediately
- Dual-direction bolt: Works with both left-swing and right-swing doors without adjustment
The fingerprint reader is the standout. It’s faster than any keypad, more convenient than pulling out your phone, and works reliably even with slightly damp hands. We registered 4 fingerprints each and experienced maybe 1 false rejection per week — always resolved on the second touch.
At $199, the Ultraloq offers the most features per dollar of any lock on this list.
Buy Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro — $199 →5. Kwikset Halo — Best Budget WiFi Lock
Kwikset Halo delivers reliable WiFi smart lock functionality at the lowest price point for a full-featured WiFi lock. It lacks fingerprint scanning and fancy features, but the core experience — remote lock/unlock, keypad codes, auto-lock, and activity history — works well.
What Makes It Stand Out
- SmartKey Security: Allows you to re-key the lock yourself in seconds — no locksmith needed
- Built-in WiFi: No hub required for remote access and control
- SecureScreen: Randomized digits on keypad prevent smudge-pattern attacks
- Alexa and Google: Full voice control integration
- Affordable: Lowest-cost WiFi-connected smart lock from a major brand
SmartKey re-keying is Kwikset’s killer feature that nobody talks about. Moving into a new home? Rekey the lock in 15 seconds with the included tool. Want all your exterior locks to use the same key? Rekey them all to match. No locksmith, no cost, no hassle.
At $159, the Kwikset Halo is the best value for someone who wants a reliable WiFi smart lock without paying for features they won’t use.
Buy Kwikset Halo — $159 →6. Level Lock+ — Most Discreet Design
Level Lock+ is invisible. From the outside, your door looks like it has a normal deadbolt. All the smart lock technology is hidden inside the lock body itself — no bulky interior housing, no touchscreen panel, no exterior keypad. If aesthetics matter to you, nothing else comes close.
What Makes It Stand Out
- Invisible design: Looks like a standard deadbolt from both sides
- Apple Home Key: Tap iPhone or Apple Watch to unlock (shares this feature with Schlage Encode Plus)
- Compact interior: The thinnest smart lock interior profile on the market
- NFC card unlock: Included NFC key cards work for family members without smartphones
- No keypad: Entry via app, Home Key, NFC card, or physical key only
The design commitment is impressive — Level engineers fit WiFi, Bluetooth, motor, and batteries inside a standard deadbolt form factor. The trade-off is no keypad, which means guests need the app, an NFC card, or a physical key. For some households that’s fine; for others, a keypad is essential.
At $329, it’s the most expensive lock on this list. You’re paying for the engineering and design, not for extra features.
Buy Level Lock+ — $329 →7. Wyze Lock Bolt — Best Under $100
Wyze Lock Bolt proves that a functional smart lock doesn’t have to cost $200+. At $69, it offers fingerprint unlock, keypad codes, Bluetooth connectivity, and a solid app experience. The catch is Bluetooth-only — no WiFi means no remote access when you’re away from home.
What Makes It Stand Out
- Fingerprint + keypad: Both biometric and code entry at this price point
- $69 price: Least expensive smart lock with fingerprint scanning
- No subscription: All features work without any monthly fee
- Quick fingerprint recognition: Under 1 second unlock with reliable recognition
- Compact design: Smaller interior footprint than most competitors
The Bluetooth-only limitation is significant: you can’t unlock remotely, check status from work, or get real-time notifications when away from home. But if you primarily want keyless entry — stop carrying keys, give codes to guests, use your fingerprint — the Wyze Lock Bolt does that for less than a third of the competition. For more Wyze products, see our coverage of Wyze in our best DIY home security guide.
Buy Wyze Lock Bolt — $69 →Smart Lock Buyer’s Guide
Connectivity: WiFi vs. Bluetooth vs. Z-Wave
- WiFi: Remote access from anywhere, no hub needed. Higher battery drain. Best for: most users who want full smart lock functionality.
- Bluetooth: Local-only control, longer battery life, no remote access. Best for: budget setups or simple keyless entry.
- Z-Wave/Zigbee: Requires a hub (SmartThings, Hubitat) but integrates into broader smart home systems. Best for: existing Z-Wave smart home setups.
- Matter: The emerging universal standard. Best for: future-proofing, but still limited device support in 2026.
Security Ratings Explained
- ANSI/BHMA Grade 1: Highest security. Commercial-grade. (Schlage Encode Plus)
- ANSI/BHMA Grade 2: Standard residential security. Most smart locks fall here.
- ANSI/BHMA Grade 3: Basic residential. Acceptable but less durable.
Always choose at least Grade 2 for an exterior door.
Must-Have Features
- Auto-lock: The lock should re-engage automatically after a set time
- Activity log: Know who locked/unlocked and when
- Backup entry: Physical key or emergency power port for dead batteries
- Low-battery alerts: Warnings before the battery dies completely
- Tamper alerts: Notifications for forced entry attempts
Related Guides
- Best Home Security Systems — Complete security system rankings
- Best DIY Home Security (No Monthly Fee) — Security without subscriptions
- Best Video Doorbells — Smart doorbells to pair with your lock
- Vivint Review — Premium smart home security with integrated locks
Frequently Asked Questions
Are smart locks safe?
Yes. Smart locks from reputable brands use AES-128 or AES-256 encryption for Bluetooth and WiFi communication, making them extremely difficult to hack remotely. The mechanical components meet the same ANSI/BHMA Grade standards as traditional deadbolts. The most common security risk isn't the lock itself — it's weak PIN codes or shared access credentials. Use unique codes, enable auto-lock, and keep firmware updated for maximum security.
Do smart locks work when the power goes out?
Yes. All smart locks on this list run on batteries (AA, CR2, or lithium packs) and operate independently of your home's electrical system and WiFi. During a power outage, the lock continues to function via Bluetooth, keypad, fingerprint, or physical key. You'll lose remote access and notifications until WiFi returns, but the lock itself keeps working for 6-12 months on a set of batteries.
Can smart locks be hacked?
Theoretically, yes — any connected device has some attack surface. Practically, smart lock hacking is extremely rare and far harder than picking a traditional lock or kicking in a door. Published exploits typically require physical proximity (Bluetooth range), specialized equipment, and specific firmware versions that get patched. A burglar is far more likely to break a window than hack your smart lock.
Do smart locks work with Alexa and Google Home?
Most do. August, Yale, Schlage Encode Plus, Kwikset Halo, and Ultraloq all support Alexa and Google Home voice control. Schlage Encode Plus also supports Apple Home Key (tap-to-unlock with iPhone or Apple Watch). Level Lock+ works with Apple HomeKit. Before buying, check that your specific smart home ecosystem is supported.
What happens if the smart lock battery dies?
Every quality smart lock includes a backup entry method. Most locks on this list include a physical keyhole that works with a traditional key. The Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro has a USB-C emergency power port — touch a portable battery to the port and the lock powers up long enough to unlock. Smart locks also send low-battery warnings weeks before dying, giving you plenty of time to replace batteries.
Can I install a smart lock myself?
Yes. Most smart locks install in 15-30 minutes with just a screwdriver. They replace your existing deadbolt using the same door prep (standard bore holes). If your current deadbolt works, a smart lock will fit. The hardest part is typically aligning the mounting plate — follow the manufacturer's video guide and you'll be fine.