Smart entry locks are the biggest improvement to home security since the lock-and-key system was invented more than a thousand years ago. In many cases, smart locks dispense with physical keys altogether in favor of PINs, fingerprints, NFC tags, smartphone apps–even your smartphone or smart watch. And with some of the latest models, you can even unlock your door with just your face! Smart locks deliver lots of other benefits, too.
They invariably have logging systems, so you can keep track of who’s coming and going–and when. That’s incredibly useful whether you have a teenager who tends to break curfew or merely want to give temporary access to houseguests, service providers, or Airbnb guests. Smart locks are an incredible upgrade over the old way of doing things, and these are our top picks in several categories.
Why you should trust us
TechHive’s editors and contributors have been testing smart locks since the very first models came to market, and we continuously evaluate the latest models along with their accompanying apps. We’ve tested keyless smart locks, retrofit locks, locks with keypads, Bluetooth-only locks, locks that support geofencing, and more. You can trust us to guide you to the right smart lock for your needs.
Our top picks for smart locks
Level Lock+ Connect — Best smart lock overall
Pros
- Understated industrial design that doesn’t scream “it’s a smart lock!”
- Supremely easy to install and set up
- Compatible with Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit (including Apple’s “home key” NFC tech
- Thread radio onboard for eventual Matter certification
Cons
- No biometric security
- Pricey
Why we like the Level Lock+ Connect
Now bundled with the Level Connect Bluetooth-to-Wi-Fi bridge, the Level Lock+ Connect is fully compatible with all three of the major smart home platforms: Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit (including Apple’s “home key” NFC tech), and Google Home. The inclusion of the bridge also erases the biggest cons we had for this minimalist lock that looks as good as it operates. It remains our highest-rated smart lock–there is nothing better on the market today. Now a division of Assa Abbloy, Level is now in the process of activating the the Thread radios on Level Locks to add Matter compatibility.
Who should buy the Level Lock+ Connect
Activating the Thread radio in the Level Lock+ Connect renders it compatible with Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Home, and Matter devices, ironing the kinks Alexa and Google Home users might have experienced. The lock had already earned Matter certification, even with the dormant Thread radio.
Read our full
Level Lock+ (Level Connect bridge included) review
Kwikset Halo Select — Best mainstream smart lock
Pros
- Solid operation plus high-grade security certification from BHMA
- Wi-Fi built in, along with Matter over Thread
- Excellent geofencing system
Cons
- Buggy initial setup had to be fixed with a factory reset
- Matter connections remove some of the best features of the lock
- Expensive
Why we like the Kwikset Halo Select
You can integrate this attractive smart lock into your smart home system using either Wi-Fi or Matter over Thread, which will deliver much better battery life. While enabling the latter disables some of Kwikset’s own special features, the the system you’re integrating it into can presumably provide equivalent functionality. We also appreciate that Kwikset made the effort to obtain BHMA certification for this lock, not all manufacturers do.
Who should buy the Kwikset Halo Select
The Kwikset Halo Select strikes a good balance between the minimalism of our top pick in smart locks, the Level Lock+ Connect, and the ultra-sophisticated–and uber-expensive–Lockly Visage Pro. While it lacks a fingerprint reader and doesn’t support Apple Home Keys, it delivers lots of other features and it supports all the other smart home ecosystems, including Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings.
Read our full
Kwikset Halo Select Touchscreen Wi-Fi and Matter Enabled Smart Lock review
Wyze Lock Bolt — Best budget-priced smart lock
Pros
- An amazing smart-home value
- Inclusion of a fingerprint reader is impressive at this price
- Worked perfectly throughout our evaluation
- You can establish temporary PIN codes from afar, even without Wi-Fi
Cons
- Bluetooth only, no Wi-Fi connectivity
- Can’t be incorporated into a broader smart home system
- Uninspired industrial design
- Can’t detect if the door is open or closed
- No physical key
Why we like the Wyze Lock Bolt
At $70, Wyze Labs’ Lock Bolt Bluetooth smart lock is dirt cheap compared to what the rest of the smart lock industry has to offer. Even better, it even includes a few features even advanced smart locks tend to miss. Installation is easy, you can create temporary PIN codes from anywhere, a fingerprint reader is included (a rarity at this price), and best of all, the lock worked flawlessly during our testing process.
Who should buy the Wyze Lock Bolt
If you can do without Wi-Fi connectivity, the Wyze Lock Bolt is a phenomenal value for a full-fledged smart lock (this isn’t just a retrofit device), especially given that it includes a fingerprint reader. Just be aware that as a Bluetooth-only device, the Wyze Lock Bolt lacks support for geofencing, voice commands, or integrations with broader smart home ecosystems. Still, this lock is a great value for the money.
Read our full
Wyze Lock Bolt review
Level Bolt Connect — Best retrofit smart lock
Pros
- The champion of unobtrusive retrofit smart locks
- Very easy to set up and use
- Near flawless operation in daily use
Cons
- Geofencing didn’t work
- Minimal activity logging
- iPhone users will need a HomeKit hub for away-from-home control
- Android phone users will need an Amazon Sidewalk bridge in order to control the lock while away from home
Why we like the Level Bolt Connect
Level Home’s Level Bolt Connect is our favorite retrofit smart lock, thanks in large measure to its ability to disappear. The smart components of the Bolt hide inside your door, where they replace the interior mechanical elements of your existing deadbolt. You re-attach your existing interior and exterior components, so that your door’s overall aesthetic doesn’t change in the least.
Who should buy the Level Bolt Connect
Now that it comes bundled with the Level Connect Bluetooth-to-Wi-Fi bridge, the Level Bolt Connect is compatible with all three of the major smart home ecosystems–Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Google Home–making it a great choice for those looking to retrofit their locks regardless of their smart home platform. Level is also in the process of activating the Level Bolt’s Thread radio, adding Matter support to its long list of features.
Read our full
Level Bolt (now marketed as Level Bolt+ Connect, which includes the Level Connect bridge) review
Lockly Visage Zeno Series Facial Recognition Deadbolt — Most sophisticated smart lock
Pros
- Facial recognition tech is a game-changer
- Supports most every other access method, too
- PIN Genie is a brilliant invention
- Long-life battery, with a spare in the box
Cons
- Unattractive industrial design
- Awkwardly placed fingerprint reader
- App still feels like it’s in beta
Why we like the Lockly Visage Zeno Series Facial Recognition Deadbolt
This smart lock’s facial recognition technology works delightfully well, and it can be opened via a host of other ways, too: Fingerprint, PIN code, smartphone app, NFC tag, and for those in the Apple Home camp, either an iPhone or an Apple Watch. Our enthusiasm is mildly tempered by this lock gargantuan proportions and less-than-elegant industrial design, but there’s just no competition in terms of its sophistication.
Who should buy the Lockly Visage Zeno Series Facial Recognition Deadbolt
Yes, it’s a very expensive smart lock; and no, it doesn’t support Matter, but if you want the ultimate flexibility when it comes to opening your door, there’s nothing quite like Lockly’s high-end offering.
Read our full
Lockly Visage Zeno Series Facial Recognition Deadbolt review
As you’ve doubtless realized by now, not all smart locks are made alike. Some smart locks are designed to completely replace an old “dumb” lock, while others are meant to retrofit an existing lock. Some smart locks will let you create PINs for guests, while others can unlock automatically once you cross a virtual geofence. Here’s a guide to some of the key design options and features in the smart lock category.
Smart home hub integration
If you have an existing hub like a Samsung SmartThings, Homey Pro, or an Apple TV, you’ll want to ensure your chosen smart lock is compatible from the start. Many smart locks support Bluetooth, so they work with your phone, but lack the technology needed to connect with your home network.
Some Bluetooth locks, like the Yale Assure system and the August Smart Lock, offer a radio module as an add-on to connect to your home network. If you’re using a smart home hub like the Samsung SmartThings or a Homey Pro, look for a lock that supports Z-Wave or Zigbee, instead.
Then there’s Matter, the new smart home standard that promises to unite the major smart home ecosystems. The good news is that smart locks are included in the Matter specification; the bad news is that for now, only a few Matter-enabled smart locks are available. We look forward to checking out more Matter smart locks in the weeks and months ahead.
Entry means
From apps and keypads to fingerprint readers and good, old-fashioned keys, there are myriad ways to unlock a smart lock. Make sure to pick a model that supports the entry method (or methods) you prefer.
Power backup
What do you do if the batteries inside the lock die—and you’re stuck outside? Some locks allow for emergency power to be applied should this happen. Yale’s Real Living locks feature external posts to which you can connect a 9-volt battery, giving you enough juice to get the door open. Other models retain the traditional key cylinder for backup, while still others have a USB-C port for quick-charging an onboard battery.
Geofencing
Bad about manually locking the door when you leave? A geofencing system automatically locks the door when it detects your phone has left the vicinity, and can be set to automatically open up when it finds you’ve come home.
Guest access features
Most smart locks let you set up temporary keys for houseguests, which you can delete when they’ve returned home. Smarter systems even let you set time restrictions around when each access code can be used.
Frequently asked questions about smart locks
What benefits do smart smart locks deliver?
You can thank the hospitality industry for finally pushing locks into the digital age. Hotels learned long ago that keys are easily lost, expensive to replace, and simple to bypass, as thieves can pick locks or simply make copies of a key to allow for unfettered future access.
On the flipside, hotel guests have readily accepted key cards (and in some cases, smartphone-based solutions) as the primary means of getting into their room. The electronic solution is just so much simpler. Lost hotel key card? Replacing it is no big deal.
But the biggest benefit of electronic entry systems is that they are highly configurable. Digital locks can be changed at a moment’s notice (which is why that old hotel key card in your wallet isn’t good for anything), and the property owner can generate a record of when each door was opened.
In a more advanced setting, different keys can be generated for the same lock, so a homeowner can tell when each member of the family came in, or when the housekeeper arrived.
How do you pick a smart lock? (No pun intended)
This is a young and wildly immature space, and many products on the market are still extremely rough around the edges. Even top products can balk when dealing with old or stiff deadbolts, doors that don’t shut well, or environments where non-standard fixtures are in use.
The bottom line is that it’s tough to declare that any product is universally perfect for every home. That said, here are some key considerations to take into account to help you narrow down your shopping list.
Are some smart locks smarter than others?
Some “smart locks” don’t work with a smartphone app or any smart home networking hubs at all; they’re really just electronic locks that use a code instead of a key to open up.
One step up from that, you’ll find Bluetooth-only locks. These work with a smartphone app, but can’t be monitored remotely or via a smart home system. That’s fine if you’re looking to get rid of the keys in your pocket, but less impressive if you want to make your entrance portals a true part of your home network.
Finally, there are full-on smart locks that connect to your smart home system via Zigbee, Z-Wave, or Wi-Fi.
Do I need to completely replace my old lock to install a smart lock?
You’re forgiven if you don’t want to replace your antique doorknob on your vintage Victorian with a metallic device that looks like it would be more at home keeping people out of a strip mall bank branch.
A sizeable number of smart lock products don’t require you to replace all your existing hardware. Instead, they are installed on the inside of the door only, replacing only the interior part of the deadbolt. You can continue to use a standard key from the outside or open the lock via a smartphone app.
Other notable smart locks we’ve reviewed
We’ve evaluated many other smart locks. If none of our top picks check all the boxes for you, take a look at these other products. We’ve also listed some smart locks that you should avoid.
- Abode Smart Lock: There’s nothing remarkable about this retrofit smart lock–apart from it’s $130 sale price at launch–and our enthusiasm for it was further dampened when the first review unit we were sent turned out to be defective.
- Eufy Smart Lock E30: Matter over Thread support is this smart lock’s primary claim to fame, but we had difficulty incorporating it into any of the Matter smart home hubs we have on had. If that feature doesn’t matter to you, this lock has several other great features to recommend it.
- Eufy Video Smart Lock S330: This remarkable replacement smart lock features a touchscreen keypad, a fingerprint reader, and an integrated video doorbell. This lock’s gargantuan dimensions–and a few day-to-day operational glitches–temper our enthusiasm for this lock, but there’s no denying Eufy’s ambition level.
- Kwikset Halo Select: Kwikset has long been one of our favorite smart lock brands, and this model doesn’t disappoint. It supports both Wi-Fi and Matter (over Thread) connectivity, and we found it fabulously easy to install.
- Lockly Duo: The Lockly Duo effectively combines a latch and deadbolt in a single smart unit, but the resulting device is enormous–and a bit wonky.
- Philips 4000-series smart deadbolt: We reviewed the Bluetooth version of this inexpensive smart deadbolt that has an integrated fingerprint reader, but you can buy a $40 bridge that will connect it to your Wi-Fi network.
- Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt: This robustly built smart lock is compatible with nearly every modern smart home ecosystem: Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit, including the latter’s “home key” NFC technology that allows you to unlock the door by holding your iPhone or Apple Watch next to it.
- Securam EOS: Connectivity drops are a big problem with this otherwise innovative and solid smart lock.
- Yale Approach Lock with Wi-Fi + Keypad: Retrofit locks are an attractive option for enters who can’t change their locks and homeowners who don’t want to change the exterior aesthetic of their existing door hardware, but this Yale product took longer to install than a full replacement lock.
- Yale Assure Lock 2 Key-Free Touchscreen with Bluetooth: Yale is a strong player in the smart lock market, and its products are priced accordingly. This one is a Bluetooth only model, but you can add Wi-Fi connectivity with an $80 bridge.
- Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch with Wi-Fi: This step-up model from Yale adds a fingerprint reader and it comes with a Wi-Fi bridge, but we found that its numeric keypad is nearly impossible to see in direct sunlight. We had to shade it with one hand while tapping our PIN code with the other. On the bright side, it supports Apple HomeKit (but not Apple Home Key) in addition to Alexa and Google Home.
- U-Tec Ultraloq Bolt Fingerprint Matter: This smart lock has an excellent fingerprint reader and it supports Matter over Thread (so, you’ll need a Thread border router to connect it to your Wi-Fi network). But we were very disappointed with the grinding and whining motor noise this lock produced, which is uncharacteristic of this brand.
