A full security system may be the peace of mind you and your loved ones need
What is a Smart Lock?
A smart lock transforms a traditional lock into a keyless entry door lock to your home. Most smart locks connect to your home’s WiFi, and are easy to lock and unlock using a touchscreen pin code or the lock’s mobile app. You’ll be able to unlock your door when you’re outside your home if your hands are full or give visitors access if you’re away.
Understanding the Different Types of Smart Locks
There are many types of smart locks to choose from. Commonly, there are two types of smart locks – a touchscreen or a mechanical keypad. A touchscreen smart lock allows you to enter your code on a screen. The best touchscreen smart locks are fingerprint-resistant to keep criminals from guessing your code using a keypad with worn numbers that could be your code. Some touchscreen keypads also include biometric fingerprint entry to open your door using your finger.
On the other hand, keypad smart locks use a button-press system to enter your code to lock and unlock your door. Keep in mind that it’s more likely for some of the numbers to easily become worn. On the bright side, most mechanical keypad locks include a traditional keyhole to unlock and lock your door as you usually would if you’d like.
10 Best Smart Locks
Our take
Simplisafe gives you the power to control your smart lock the way you want. Use the built-in
keypad, your SimpliSafe key fob or your smartphone. The lock is compatible with most standard door locks, deadbolts and keys for easy installation. Simplisafe has also tested its lock to prevent damaging your door by not extending the deadbolt until your door is shut tight. It comes in multiple finishes to match your door.
Stand-out features include
- Use Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant voice commands to lock and unlock your door
- Multiple ways to lock and unlock including the built-in keypad, key fob and your smartphone
- Automatically locks when your system is armed or after a set timer
Our take
The Yale Lock with Nest Connect is a powerful home protection system. The lock’s tamper-proof, keyless deadbolt deters burglars. And you’ll get real-time alerts every time someone enters your home. The one-touch feature allows you to lock your door with the touch of a button and unlock it using a voice assistant, the Nest app or a unique code.
Stand-out features include
- Tamper-proof design that automatically sends a mobile notification if the lock is altered
- Give friends and family unique passwords to unlock your door
- Pairs with the Nest Secure alarm to automatically disable the alarm when the door is unlocked
Our take
The August Smart Lock + Connect features August’s Door Sense technology that notifies you if the door is locked or left open, and lets you remotely lock it from your smartphone. This smart lock comes with a variety of customizations, including the option to auto-lock the door after it’s closed, and auto-unlock when you’re near the door.
Stand-out features include
- Pairs with Bluetooth, Apple HomeKit, Z-Wave Plus and other smart home technology to conveniently lock and unlock your door
- Use auto-lock functionality to automatically lock your door if you forget
- Give keyless entry access to trusted loved ones when you’re away from home using the August mobile app
Our take
The Yale Assure Lock replaces your standard deadbolt and keys with a smart home control touchscreen keypad. You’ll also be able to create custom codes for family members. The Yale Assure Lock comes with Auto Relock to automatically lock the door behind you. It’s battery-powered and easy to install with a screwdriver and the BILT app.
Stand-out features include
- Create customized codes for keyless access
- Touchscreen keypad with backlight
- Auto Relock to automatically lock
- Battery-powered smart deadbolt
Our take
The Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro gives you six ways to unlock your door. Use your smartphone app, fingerprint, code, auto-unlock, magic shake or a mechanical key. You can also enter random numbers before and after your access code to add extra protection if someone’s trying to see your code. And if guests are on the way, the Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro lets you assign temporary passcodes from your smartphone for them to enter your home. This battery-powered smart lock also comes with a micro-USB to use for emergency power.
Stand-out features include
- Includes 6 ways to unlock your door
- Dual data encryption to protect your smart lock’s data
- Battery-powered smart lock with micro-USB for emergency power
Cost | $279 | $99 | $149.99 | $299 | $179 | $139.99 | N/A | $249.99 | $148.88 | $49.99 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Type of lock | Touchscreen deadbolt | Touchscreen | Touchscreen keypad | Touchscreen keypad | Touchscreen keypad | Mechanical keypad | Mechanical keypad | Touchscreen deadbolt | Touchscreen keypad | Mechanical keypad |
Power source | Battery-powered | Battery-powered | Battery-powered | Battery-powered | Battery-powered | Battery-powered | Battery-powered | Battery-powered | Battery-powered | Battery-powered |
Number of key codes | 20 | 1 | 220 | 25 | 120 | 30 | 30 | 100 | 95 | 10 |
Built-in WiFi | No | No | No | Yes | No | No | No | Yes | No | No |
Z-wave compatible | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | No | No |
Voice command enabled | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | No | No |
Smart Lock Buyer's Guide
Anti-theft smart door locks
Intruders often have a harder time opening smart locks for a few reasons. High-tech anti-theft features often make it tough to invade. Lock bumping is a popular intrusion method that opens the door by aggressively pushing or bumping against the door with force to open it. With smart locks, the smart door lock includes bump proof mechanisms such as a built-in small, sturdy bar to make the lock bump proof.
Consider investing in a smart lock that acts as a deadbolt. Deadbolt door locks are known to be sturdier than locks with latches with springs. They extend the door frame protection with extra heavy metal built in. Deadbolts often require a key to unlock, while other locks can easily unlocked using a door knob or sliding latch. Simply put, if you’ve installed both a latch lock and a deadbolt on one door, intruders may be able to unlock the latch a little easier, but the door won’t open because the deadbolt door lock requires a key on the outside to unlock the door – even while twisting the doorknob.
Bluetooth vs. Z-wave smart locks
Bluetooth smart locks are often the best low-power wireless connection options, but keep in mind that Bluetooth technology is designed to work over short distances before disconnecting. The same is for smart door locks that are Bluetooth enabled. Thankfully, Bluetooth smart locks often include a mobile app for convenient remote control.
Z-wave connected smart locks require a bit more to enable smart tech features. They require a hub that is often included with the smart lock. You’ll want to sit the hub close to your door inside your home to send Z-wave’s low-power radio waves and connect to your home internet to transmit and convert the radio waves. The biggest benefit of a Z-wave is that it’s specially designed to connect smart home devices. For smart door locks, a Z-wave hub will give you the remote access needed to double-check your door and control other features using your smartphone and a mobile app.
Owning vs. renting
Picking the perfect smart lock boils down to whether you’re buying or renting your home. Some smart locks require professional installation that property managers may not all since installation requires drilling and removing the original lock. If you’re renting your home, consider a deadbolt smart door lock that works with the existing lock. These are often battery operated, connect to Wi-Fi and only require one a screwdriver for clean installation and removal. Our Best of the Best Smart Lock is a popular option.
Homeowners have more smart door lock options to choose from. You’ll be able to choose a style that works best for your home and door without being limited by installation. You’ll have the power to remove the existing lock and mount the new smart lock you choose. But, if you’re looking for easy-to-install locks without removing your current lock, consider a smart lock conversion kit to turn your traditional lock into a smart door lock. Trade the interior of your lock, and for the converter smart lock’s design and continue smart lock set up as normal.
Now that you understand the ins and outs of smart door locks you’ll be able to pick the one that’s best for you with ease. Next, take what you’ve learned from our experts to pick the best smart lock for your home.
Smart Lock FAQs
Simply put, a smart lock replaces traditional door locks and keys with an electronic lock with smart tech features for improved security and safety.
Smart locks are connected to Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or low-power radio waves known as Z-wave technology to control the smart lock. They’re often battery-operated for low-energy consumption and easily installed since they’re wire-free. Once the smart lock is powered up, you’ll connect it to your home’s Wi-Fi to lock and unlock your door. Smart locks can also be connected for a full home security system for added surveillance.
Smart locks offer many options to lock and unlock doors. The most popular key-free entries are passcodes, key fobs and smartphone controls. Passcodes allow you to enter a series of numbers to open the door. The best digital door locks allow you to create multiple passcodes for each family member. They also include anti-theft features to confuse thieves that may try to memorize the code to intrude. Key fobs are the most popular smart locks used by property managers managing rental properties. There’s less worry about the master key because key fobs allow you to program any fob to fit each property, and disable the key if tenants change or the key is lost. To unlock the door, simply press the key fob against the lock and open the door as instructed by the provider. Key fob smart door locks are also popular for homeowners. Lastly, smartphones now have the power to open doors using the provider’s mobile app. Simply use the app to open the door without needing a key. Some digital door locks also allow voice commands from Amazon’s Alexa, Google Assistant or Siri to open the door for convenience. Other smart lock options include fingerprint, radio frequency identification (RFID) badges, and even face recognition to extra security.
Although there’s no particular door design that works for a smart lock, you’ll want to double check the measurements of the new lock and compare them to your door to make sure the lock fits perfectly. If you’d like to keep your existing deadbolt, make sure the current lock is compatible with your smart lock or your old keys won’t be of any use if you choose to use them.