Best Smart Door Locks

Kiss lost keys goodbye and say hello to one of these smart door locks.

Most Versatile
August
August Smart Lock Pro
Model:
August Smart Lock Pro
Pro:
Retrofits existing deadbolt
Best Wi-Fi Smart Lock
Schlage
Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt
Model:
Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt
Pro:
Top security grade
Best for Rentals
Kwikset
Kwikset Halo Smart Lock
Model:
Kwikset Halo Smart Lock
Pro:
Custom access codes
Best Budget Buy
WYZE
Wyze Lock
Model:
Wyze Lock
Pro:
Uses your existing deadbolt
Mindy Woodall
Apr 27, 2023
Icon Time To Read8 min read

The days of fumbling around for your house keys, or getting locked out of your house are over. Smart door locks let you ditch those old-fashioned metal keys and allow you to just type in an access code instead.

The best smart door locks give both you and your guests flexible access to your property along with smart home features like voice control. Fire up your Alexa; it’s gonna be locking your doors for you from now on.

Best smart door locks of 2023 comparison
Model
Price
Integrations
Learn more
August Smart Lock Pro

$299.99

Wi-Fi*, Bluetooth, Z-Wave, Alexa, Google Assistant, HomeKit

Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt

$288.10

Wi-Fi, Alexa, Google Assistant, Amazon Key

Kwikset Halo Smart Lock

$239.99

Wi-Fi, Alexa, Google Assistant

Yale Assure Lock SL

$254.82

Wi-Fi*, Z-Wave**, Alexa**, HomeKit**

Wyze Lock

$129.98

Wi-Fi*, Alexa

Amazon.com List Prices (as of 04/26/23 10:33 PST) Full Disclaimer
* Requires Wi-Fi bridge.
** Requires additional module.

August Smart Lock Pro: Most versatile

The August Smart Lock Pro smartifys your current door lock.
August Smart Lock Pro

Source: August

The August Smart Lock Pro lets you keep your existing deadbolt and still get top-notch smart home features. You can control your locks from your phone or with your voice without having to rip out your door lock and change all your keys.

Pros
  • Retrofits your existing deadbolt
  • Comes with an array of smart home integrations
Cons
  • Requires separate Wi-Fi bridge

What we like

August kills it on the smart home front. Few smart door locks have as many integrations and features as this little baby does—and you don’t even have to replace your lock to get them.

August Smart Lock Pro price and features
Model
Price
Smart home integrations
Learn more
August Smart Lock Pro

$299.99

Wi-Fi*, Bluetooth, Z-Wave, Alexa, Google Assistant, HomeKit

Amazon.com List Prices (as of 04/26/2023 10:33 PST)
* Requires August Connect Wi-Fi bridge.

August works with all the major voice assistants, including HomeKit. It has Z-Wave capabilities and connects to your phone’s Bluetooth for auto-lock and auto-unlock features.

Auto-lock lets you set rules and schedules for when your door should lock automatically, whereas auto-unlock tracks your phone’s location and unlocks the door when you get home.

Easy installation

Most smart locks are harder to install because you have to remove the lock you already have and put in a whole new latch. August works with most single-cylinder deadbolts and goes right on your existing lock, so all you really have to replace is the part where you lock your door from the inside.

August Smart Lock Pro installation usually takes about 10 minutes.

What we don’t like

August has Wi-Fi connectivity, but it’s not built in. You’ll need the August Connect, which is a separate device that acts as a Wi-Fi bridge. It comes with the August lock itself, but it’s just one more thing you have to set up. And it’ll need to be plugged into the outlet nearest your front door or your back sliding door.

If you want to skip the bridge, August does make model with the Wi-Fi built in. Check out our August Wi-Fi Smart Lock review.

Still requires a key (or your phone)

The outside of your front door will look exactly the same with the August Smart Lock pro as without it. That means you still need your usual key to get in and out of your house unless you want to pull out your phone and launch the August mobile app every time (or depend on auto-unlock).

August does sell a separate keypad you can use to enter with an access code. But you have to find somewhere on your door to put it, which can be tricky if you already have things like a doorbell camera taking up space.

Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt: Best Wi-Fi smart lock

The Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt is a hefty lock with impressive smart features.
Schlage Encode Wi-Fi Smart Deadbolt

Source: Schlage

The Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt is one of the sturdiest, smartest deadbolts around. It connects to your Wi-Fi network without making you install a separate bridge, and it works with your favorite voice assistants, as well as Amazon Key.

Pros
  • Grade 1 security rating (highest available)
  • ADA compliant
Cons
  • No HomeKit integration

What we like

The Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt has thought of everything. Not only does it provide smart-lock protection with a more traditional look, but it has built-in Wi-Fi connectivity plus integrations with the major voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant. It also works with Amazon Key, so you can let delivery drivers leave your Amazon packages in your house and thwart those pesky porch pirates.

Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt price and features
Model
Price
ANSI/BHMA grade
Smart home integrations
Learn more
Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt

$288.10

Grade 1

Wi-Fi, Alexa, Google Assistant, Amazon Key

Amazon.com List Prices (as of 04/26/2023 10:33 PST)

The Schlage Encode also comes with larger-than-average, well-lit buttons. It’s easier to use for people with larger fingers or dexterity issues. (There’s nothing more frustrating than hitting the wrong tiny button for the fourth time.)

The lock is also ADA-compliant, so it’s a good choice for people with certain disabilities or for a rental property you want to make more accessible.

Works with Ring doorbell cameras
Info Box

The Schlage Encode integrates with Ring doorbell cameras, so you can simultaneously see your camera’s livefeed and unlock the door for a visitor.

Top security grade and built-in siren

The Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt has a top security grade for residential locks (ANSI/BHMA Grade 1). If you’re worried about break-ins, this lock comes with some serious peace of mind.

Plus, this lock comes with a built-in siren. That makes it like a hint of a security system all by itself. If someone tries to bust through the lock, the Schlage will sound an alarm.

What we don’t like

Even though the Schlage has pretty good smart home integrations by smart lock standards, it doesn’t work with Apple HomeKit. It also doesn’t work with Samsung SmartThings or Wink, so you might not be able to integrate with your favorite smart home hub.

Kwikset Halo Smart Lock: Best for rental properties

The Kwikset Halo gives you custom control over guest access codes.
Kwikset Halo Smart Lock

Source: Kwikset

The Kwikset Halo Touchscreen Smart Lock is, shall we say, industrial chic. This lock definitely looks secure, and it comes with built-in Wi-Fi and voice assistant integration that gives you convenient smart home control.

Pros
  • Allows 250 unique access codes
  • Allows custom access code scheduling and labeling
Cons
  • Touchscreen can be temperamental

What we like

The Kwikset Halo Smart Lock gives you multiple entry options. You can unlock the door with your phone, enter an access code, or use a regular key like a true old soul. It also gives you up to 250 custom access codes. It’s safe to say you’ll never hit that limit.

Kwikset Halo Smart Lock price and details
Model
Price
ANSI/BHMA grade
Smart home integrations
Learn more
Kwikset Halo Smart Lock

$239.99

Grade AAA

Wi-Fi, Alexa, Google Assistant

Amazon.com List Prices (as of 04/26/2023 10:33 PST)

Our favorite thing about the Kwikset Halo’s access codes is that it lets you label each one. So you don’t have to try to remember which code you gave the babysitter and which one you gave the dog walker.

With Kwikset smart locks you can also set schedules and rules for each access code. If you only want the dog walker to have access between 3 and 4 p.m., then you can do that. You can also set codes to expire automatically after a certain time, which is great if you just need to give someone one-off access for a couple of hours.

Great for rental properties and Airbnbs

All those different access codes make this lock a great choice if you have a rental property or an Airbnb. For short-term guests, you can give everyone their own codes, clearly labeled in your account, and set up for the duration of their stay.

This way, you don’t have to meet people in person for check-ins, and you can set the codes to automatically expire after their check-out time. Easy peasy.

What we don’t like

Sometimes there are downsides to using a digital lock. The touchscreen on the Kwikset Halo looks fancy, but it’s also temperamental. You have to wake up the touchscreen before you can enter your access code, and it can be a little finicky. It’s easiest to touch it with the palm of your hand to wake, but even then, sometimes it takes a few tries.

If the touchscreen thing really drives you nuts, Kwikset smart locks offer a version of the Halo Smart Lock with a traditional rubber keypad.

Yale Assure Lock SL: Best for Google Nest systems

The Yale Assure Lock SL ditches keys completely in favor of a touchscreen.
Yale Assure Lock SL

Source: Yale

If you’re truly ready to ditch keys forever, then the Yale Assure Lock SL is a good pick. It doesn’t even bother with a keyhole—all you need is an access code. And the Yale Assure Lock SL works with the August app.

Pros
  • Key-free touchscreen face looks great
  • Back-up battery terminal (in case of power loss)
Cons
  • No Google Assistant integration

What we like

The Yale Assure Lock SL looks good and works reliably. It gives you easy access with either a code or your smartphone, and it has some smart home integrations depending on which module you add (if you add one at all).

Yale Assure Lock SL price and details
Model
Price
ANSI/BHMA grade
Smart home integrations
Learn more
Yale Assure Lock SL

$254.82

Grade 2

Wi-Fi*, Z-Wave**, Alexa**, HomeKit**

Amazon.com List Prices (as of 04/26/2023 10:33 PST)
* Requires August Connect Wi-Fi bridge.
** Requires additional module.

Like a lot of smart locks, the Yale Assure Lock SL requires a Wi-Fi bridge to connect to your network. Because this lock works with August, you can use the August Connect Wi-Fi bridge to get everything set up. (The bridge is included in the starter pack with the lock.)

The Yale also offers a handful of smart home integrations with a caveat: you have to buy a separate module. You can choose from an August, Z-Wave, or HomeKit module, depending on if you want the lock to work with August, Z-Wave, or Apple HomeKit. (You can't have all of them.)

What we don’t like

The whole module thing gives you a choice of what smart home integrations you want (Z-Wave versus HomeKit), but it’s also an extra thing to think about. And you have to choose whether you want HomeKit or Z-Wave support.

If you don’t care about HomeKit very much, then we recommend the Z-Wave module. That way, the lock works with Samsung SmartThings and Wink, two of the most popular smart home hubs.

No Google Assistant integration

Heads up that, module or no module, the Yale Assure Lock SL doesn’t work with Google Assistant. But you do get Amazon Alexa control if you opt for the Z-Wave module.

Wyze Lock: Best budget buy

The Wyze Lock gives you similar features to the August but for less money.
Wyze Lock

Source: Wyze

The Wyze Lock gives you a lot of the same perks as the August Smart Lock Pro but at a much lower price. At a little more than $100, the Wyze Lock is the cheapest smart lock on our list. By, like, a lot.

Pros
  • Super affordable
  • Uses your existing deadbolt
Cons
  • No Google Assistant integration

What we like

Just like the August Smart Lock Pro, the Wyze Lock retrofits your existing deadbolt. You don’t have to take out your entire existing lock and install a new latch, which makes the installation process super easy. Plan on spending 10–15 minutes getting this thing set up.

Wyze Lock price and details
Model
Price
Smart home integrations
Learn more
Wyze Lock

$129.98

Wi-Fi*, Alexa, Google Assistant

Amazon.com List Prices (as of 04/26/2023 10:33 PST)
* Requires Wyze Lock Gateway Wi-Fi bridge.

The Wyze Lock doesn’t have as many smart home integrations as the August Smart Lock Pro, but it still gives you voice control through both Amazon Alexa. It also connects to Wi-Fi, although you’ll need an additional bridge for that (the Wyze Lock Gateway).

What we don’t like

The Wyze Lock doesn't work with Google Assistant just yet, which is a pain if all your smart home speakers answer to "Okay, Google." Wyze says the integration is on its way, so hopefully this won't be an issue soon.

Other than that, the biggest inconvenience with Wyze is the lack of keypad. You can buy a keypad separately, but if not, you’ll have to use a key or your phone to get inside. Like the August, Wyze does have an auto-unlock feature, so you could also go with that if you like. But sometimes an access code is just easier.

Without a keypad, the Wyze Lock makes it harder to give guests access to your house. That person coming over to fix your furnace is going to have to download the Wyze app before you can grant them access and, let’s be real, that’s way too big a hassle.

Recap

When you’re ready to up your door game and embrace home automation, then smart locks are the key to your future house. Choose the lock that will work best for your needs, whether that’s extra high security or extra smart features.

August Smart Lock Pro: Most versatile—The August Smart Lock Pro uses your existing deadbolt but gives you all the smart home features of a full-on smart door lock—and then some. The August gives you mobile control, voice command, and more.

Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt: Best Wi-Fi smart lock—If you want a super-secure lock with accessible code entry and built-in Wi-Fi, then it doesn’t get much better than the Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt.

Kwikset Halo Smart Lock: Best for rental properties—The Kwikset Halo has a stubborn touchscreen. But its customizable access codes are great if you run an Airbnb or rental property and want to control guest access.

Yale Assure Lock SL: Best keyless entry—If you’re ready to ditch your keys forever then the Yale Assure Lock SL removes the key option entirely. Just know you have to buy an extra module to get certain smart home features.

Wyze Lock: Best budget buy—The Wyze Lock retrofits your existing lock, a lot like the August Smart Lock Pro—but for a much lower price.

Do you use a smart door lock? Do you still carry keys every day? Tell us about your experience in the comments!

FAQ

Not all door locks are created equal and there are so many to choose from. Smart locks are rated based on the same security grades as regular deadbolts. Security grades usually come from the ANSI (American National Standards Institute) and BHMA (Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association). The highest possible grade is a Grade 1 or AAA. The lowest is Grade 3 or CCC.1

That said, smart locks have some security flaws that regular deadbolts don’t. For example, if you use auto-unlock, anyone who has your phone can get into your house. Smart locks can also be opened by anyone with the access code—the same way a regular lock can be opened by anyone who has a key.

The nice thing about smart locks is you don’t have to change the entire lock to deny someone access—you can just change the passcode. You also don’t have to lend out spare keys that could potentially be copied or that you could forget about. Most smart locks let you assign temporary access codes that you can deactivate later.

Auto-unlock uses geofencing to track your location and unlock your door when you’re nearby. It actually tracks the location of your phone, not you yourself. It knows you’re home because your phone (or smartwatch) is nearby.

This feature can be convenient, but it can also be a security risk. If someone steals your phone, they can get into your house. Your lock can’t tell the difference between you and a stranger.

Auto-unlock can also be a bit glitchy. Sometimes it will unlock your front door when you go in through your garage, for example. That means your front door could be sitting unlocked without you knowing.

The most secure residential door locks are those with a Grade 1 or AAA security rating from ANSI (American National Standards Institute) and the BHMA (Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association).

In the case of smart locks, you can also look for features like bank-grade encryption.

No, not all smart door locks require Wi-Fi to work. There are some smart door locks that can connect via Bluetooth or Z-Wave.

However, Wi-Fi-connected smart door locks offer more advanced smart features. Connecting your device to Wi-Fi enables your smart lock to integrate with other smart devices, and allows you to lock and unlock your door from anywhere, while also receiving security alerts straight to your phone.

The good news is if your smart lock battery dies, it will stay locked. The bad news? If it's a digital smart lock with no key, you might have to perform a battery jump start to open it again. 

Smart door locks can usually withstand most weather conditions, such as rain and wind, hot and cold temperatures, and direct sunlight. If you live in an area with more severe weather conditions, be sure to check your smart lock's weatherproof rating.

Because it's an electric device, a smart lock gets its power from batteries. Usually your smart home lock will have a hidden battery compartment and will alert you when your battery is running low.

Smart locks typically cost anywhere between $30 and $300. The cheapest smart locks will usually offer a simple keypad deadbolt, while top-end smart locks offer more features like digital screens, integration with your smart home or home security system, or a Wi-Fi connection.

Unfortunately, if your smart lock has Wi-Fi, is bluetooth-enabled, or is equipped with Z-wave capabilities, it is at risk of being hacked like any other wireless technology. But remember, it's a lot harder for a thief to hack a smart lock than it is for them to pick a dumb one.

Yes, there are! You can find many different styles and sizes of smart locks for sliding doors, ranging from simple deadlocks, handles, or even electric fingerprint locks.

You totally can, but make sure to choose one that functions as an external attachment. Some smart locks can be attached on top of your existing deadbolt to provide some reinforced security. That way, whenever you decide to move, you can simply remove the lock and install it at your new place.

Sources

Certain Content that appears on this site comes from Amazon.com. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Reviews.org utilizes paid Amazon links.

Mindy Woodall
Written by
Mindy has been writing about technology for seven years. She covers all things smart home for Reviews.org, and keeps track of the latest robot gadgets. Mindy attended the University of Utah and her work has been featured on the likes of Parents.com, Digital Care, Hostfully, and more.

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