Simply put, a smart lock replaces traditional door locks and keys with an electronic lock with smart tech features for improved security and safety.
5 Best Smart Locks
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August Smart Lock
Best Overall
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Schlage Smart Lock
Best Touchscreen Lock
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Yale Lock
Best Compatible Smart Lock
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ADT Smart Lock
Best for Mobile Access
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Kwikset Deadbolt
Easiest to Install
10 Best Smart Locks
Our take
This smart door lock is easy for renters to install using a screwdriver and still accessible using the property’s keys. The smart lock is compatible with Amazon’s Alexa and the Google Assistant to conveniently lock and unlock the door using voice commands and the August Connect Wi-Fi Bridge.
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
This Schlage smart lock is a deadbolt to improve resistance and offer extra home protection without needing a key. The lock includes a built-in LED backlight touchscreen keypad with fingerprint resistance to ensure your code is undetectable after years of use.
Stand-out features include
- Motorized bolt that automatically locks and unlocks when the keycode is entered
- Auto-locking functionality to automatically lock after 30 seconds
- Convenient door locking and unlocking using a mobile device or smartphone
Our take
This smart deadbolt lock connects with Google Assistant and other Nest smart home devices to conveniently lock and unlock your door securely. You’ll also automatically receive mobile notifications when family members enter and leave your home using the Nest app.
Stand-out features include
- Tamper-proof design that automatically sends a mobile notification if the lock is altered
- Powered by a 9V battery, and automatically sends alerts when the batteries are low
- Pairs with the Nest Secure alarm to automatically disable the alarm when the door is unlocked
4. ADT Smart Lock
Our take
The ADT Smart Door Lock gives you extra security and peace of mind if you leave your keys. Using the ADT Pulse app, you’ll be able to double-check that the door’s locked and automatically enable your security system. With ADT’s powerful smart lock, you’ll even receive mobile alerts when someone enters and leaves your home.
Stand-out features include
- One-touch button on the ADT Smart Lock to quickly and securely lock your door
- Built-in keypad backlight to easily enter the keycode in the dark
- Uses special bump guard technology to protect against thieves bumping the door to intrude
5. Kwikset Electronic Deadbolt
Our take
This easy-to-install lock is battery powered and only uses a screwdriver during setup. Kwikset’s smart deadbolt lock uses both a keypad and keys as two locking options. The smart door lock also automatically locks the door after 30 seconds for peace of mind.
Stand-out features include
- Includes a key-free touchpad to easily lock and unlock your door
- Includes a one-touch lock button to quickly and securely lock your home
- Create up to 16 entry keycodes for added protection
6. Yale Assure Lock
Our take
Yale’s keyless door lock is a powerful deadbolt that can easily be monitored using the Yale Secure mobile app or Apple HomeKit. This smart deadbolt lock includes Auto Relock enabling your door to automatically lock just in case you forget.
Stand-out features include
- Pairs with Siri’s voice commands, Apple TV and the Apple Home mobile app to easily lock and unlock your home
- Create 25 different keyless entry codes for loved ones to access your home using the Yale Secure mobile app
- LED-backlit touchscreen keypad for easy keyless entry – even at night
7. Lockly Smart Lock
Our take
This Pin Genie smart lock is designed to keep you aware of who enters and exits your home with automated mobile notifications using the Pin Genie Smart Lock app. It also stores the history of your lock’s activity 24/7 for you to easily review using the app and your smartphone.
Stand-out features include
- Unlock the door using a randomly generated access code to keep intruders from copying the code
- Create individual Pin Genie e-keys for each family member to safely enter the home while providing extra security
- Includes a built-in backup 9V battery to continue powering your smart door lock when batteries are low
8. Ultraloq Smart Lock
Our take
Ultraloq’s smart lock uses low-power consumption for extended battery life up to 8,000 lock access times. The smart lock is also equipped with a low-battery mobile alert for a quick and convenient reminder on the go. You’ll even have the power to knock on your smartphone to unlock your door for true key-free entry.
Stand-out features include
- Provides five keyless entry options within the one lock including your smartphone, entry code and fingerprint recognition
- Create up to 95 different keyless entry codes to unlock your door using the smart door lock’s touchscreen
- Use a smartphone to review the smart lock’s activity, control codes and double check that your door’s locked
9. Samsung Digital Door Lock
Our take
The Samsung smart lock allows you to create 21 unique entry codes for loved ones to access your home. The smart door lock is equipped with auto-locking functionality and double-locking to keep your home safe and secure.
Stand-out features include
- Automatically alarms the indoors of the home when the lock is tampered with
- Uses radio frequency identification (RFID) for quick and easy scanning to unlock the door
- Requires entering two numbers prior to entering the pin to confuse lurking thieves
10. TurboLock Smart Lock
Our take
The TurboLock smart lock is built to withstand weathering with sturdy steel to support outdoor use. TurboLock’s Code Camouflage keeps your family safe by entering the first digit of the code, any following numbers, and the rest of the keyless code to confuse those lurking nearby.
Stand-out features include
- Automatically locks the door only three seconds after it’s unlocked
- Supports up to eight users with varying code lengths to improve security
- Designed to work for both left and right hinged doors
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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.
The Benefits of Smart Locks
Smart locks are the first step to keeping your home protected without worry. You’ll be able to leave home without wondering whether or not you left the door unlocked, or where you last had your keys. With many varying options and features to choose from, there are a few big benefits to expect.
Keyless entry
With smart locks, you’ll be able to lock the door and throw away the key. Smart door locks are designed to be convenient but provide extra security key-free entry such as passcodes, fingerprints, and unlocking the door using your smartphone. Your guests will even have easy access to your home when you give them a securely generated passcode specially created for their use.
Extra safety and security
Thieves will have a harder time cracking your passcodes and breaking through sturdy bump proof structures. They may find it harder to pry your door open than most traditional locks. Most smart door locks even have extra measures to shuffle your code immediately after entry or add extra digits before and after the code. And with your smartphone, you’ll always have comfort in knowing who comes and goes with instant mobile notifications.
A smarter home
Pairing your smart lock with your Amazon Alexa, smart security system or lights will give you extra control with the touch of a button even when you’re away. Check out our Buyers Guide for Home Automation Products to learn how interconnectivity is key throughout your smart home.
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
What is a smart door lock?
How do smart locks work?
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.
What types of smart locks are available?
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 smart 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 smart 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.
Are there any door components for smart locks?
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.
