If you’ve been meaning to add additional security to your residence or business, one of the best gadgets you can invest in is a smart lock. Like many smart home devices, smart locks are relatively simple to use, are often packed with awesome features, and require little in the way of installation. You can even purchase some locks that can be placed over your door’s existing deadbolt assembly.
Many smart locks also offer multiple lock and unlock methods, including fingerprint scanners, digitized keypads, and even geofencing-triggered locking and unlocking from your smartphone. Nothing beats the peace of mind and convenience that a smart lock can offer, and this list includes the top models you can buy right now.
From one of America’s most respected lock companies, the Yale Assure Lock 2 is straightforward and highly dependable, with an intuitive app and all the bells and whistles you’d expect from a late-model smart lock. It can automatically unlock for multiple registered users and allows for automatic re-locking after a customizable period.
Whether you use Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit to control your various smart home devices, the Assure 2 will work swimmingly alongside them. It’s even primed for compatibility with SmartThings, Z-Wave, and Matter smart wireless networking, though you’ll need to pony up for a separate, dedicated wireless module from Yale to get it up and running.
We noticed that the lock would be slow to respond at times, delaying the locking and unlocking function for a few seconds, but if you’re willing to invest, it’s one of the best you can get. And as one of the new releases, we expect it to see a bevy of useful software updates that could potentially fix any underlying issues.
One of the first reasons to consider the August Smart Lock is that you can retrofit it to most deadbolts with minimal modification. Not only is it easy to install, but the 4th-generation model is also even smaller than its already compact predecessors. You won’t have to deal with a bulky and unsightly addition to the inside of your door. Another improvement compared to older models is that this one finally has the Wi-Fi bridge built-in, eliminating the need for a separate device.
Once it’s installed and configured, you can use Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri to issue simple voice commands or activate preset routines and automation. August also offers geolocation-based auto-locking and unlocking, so you don’t have to search for your keys. Finally, you can access all those features and assign multiple guest keys without additional payments or any kind of subscription.
Not being particularly advanced is one of the strengths of the affordable Wyze Lock. You can install it without replacing your current deadbolt, which means you won’t be advertising to the world that you have a new smart lock. Plus, you can continue to use your old keys. It’s compatible with both Alexa and Google Assistant, and you can use either to lock, unlock, or check its current status. It does require you to use a hub to connect to your home Wi-Fi network, though.
While the hub is included, it will take up an empty AC outlet, which can be slightly inconvenient. Unfortunately, while you can link it to several automations in conjunction with other Wyze smart devices, it’s not compatible with most third-party smart home electronics.
Also, we didn’t like that the built-in gyroscope got a bit glitchy during testing, causing the lock to think the door was open even when it was closed. Although this lasts only a short time, it can be frustrating. There were also occasions when the Lock Gateway didn’t connect promptly, so we had to make multiple attempts to achieve a stable connection. All factors considered, the Wyze Lock is a reasonably priced device and can be a great pick for those who don’t want to change their existing deadbolt.
If you don’t want to hassle with replacing your entire deadbolt, the Eufy Security S230 is one of the best options. It supports fast and reliable auto-unlocking, one of a smart lock’s most convenient features. It’s also sleek enough to fit in with most exterior decor and won’t stand out or look especially gaudy or technical from the outside. In addition, the app is easy to use and provides straightforward access from anywhere the internet can be accessed.
One minor complaint is that it doesn’t support advanced protocols, such as IFTTT, but hopefully, Eufy will implement these in the coming months, as this is a relatively recent release. We would have recommended the S330 instead since it’s more advanced than this model, but we can’t due to the privacy concerns surrounding Eufy’s cameras. The company has yet to prove that cameras are end-to-end encrypted, so until then we’ll do our best to avoid any Eufy product with a camera on it.
Renters don’t always have the luxury of installing whatever smart devices they want, which is why the SwitchBot Smart Lock is such a great investment. The SwitchBot is designed to slide over the interior portion of your existing deadbolt; just use the included adhesive strip to stick it in place. Once powered, you can control the lock using the SwitchBot app, along with popular voice assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, SmartThings, and IFTTT.
Other great features include automatic locking whenever your deadbolt is left unlocked for a certain period, as well as Home Sharing that grants lock permission to friends and family members. While you’ll need to purchase the SwitchBot Hub Mini to use voice controls or the Hub 2 for Apple Home compatibility, the SwitchBot Smart Lock lets you add quick and simple automation with little to no tools required for assembly.
We, however, found out during the testing process that the SwitchBot Smart Lock doesn’t allow you to set auto-locking schedules, a feature that can come in handy if you want your door to lock automatically at a specific time. Additionally, the adhesive mounting system is not the most reliable, so it would be beneficial if SwitchBot would create a better way to attach the lock.
Aqara makes some of the best security devices for smart home automation, and the Smart Lock U100 is just as dependable as the products the company has been offering over the years. Featuring an advanced biometric system that only takes 0.5 seconds to recognize stored fingerprints, this device will give you quick access to your home without compromising security. Plus, it can store up to fifty fingerprints, meaning everyone in your household can use the fingerprint reader.
Users will like that this smart lock locally generates one-time passwords without Wi-Fi, so there’s no reliance on the internet to unlock the door. Alternatively, configurable passwords, a predetermined combination, can also be set for a scheduled period. The lock also supports NFC cards, but you’ll have to buy one separately. Best of all, it comes with a mechanical key that you can use as a last resort.
When it comes to smart home integration, the U100 works with Google Home, Apple HomeKit, and Aqara Home without a hub, while Matter, Alexa, and IFTTT require a hub. Concealed inside the U100 is a gyroscope that will engage the bolt immediately after you shut the door, so you won’t have to worry about locking up when in a rush. This Aqara lock is durably built and has an IP65 rating for water and dust protection. It draws its power from four AA batteries and has a well-placed USB-C charging port for emergencies.
One of the hallmarks of the entire Nest ecosystem is that its devices and app are about as streamlined as anything else on the market. So, if yours is one of the many households invested in many Nest products, the Nest x Yale smart lock will fit right in. As it’s clearly endorsed by Google, the owner of the Nest family of products, it’s no surprise that you can access most of its features with Google Assistant voice controls. This includes simple tasks like checking whether it’s locked, locking or unlocking it, and activating custom Google Routines.
As you might imagine, though, Apple HomeKit and Amazon Alexa users are out of luck. It’s also worth noting that many of its best features — including in-depth remote access — require the Google Nest Hub, but anybody who loves the Nest family, in general, is probably already using one.
Apple HomeKit may not get as much recognition as Alexa and Google Assistant, but that doesn’t mean it should be ignored. In fact, if you’re carrying your Apple gear at all times, the Schlage Encode Plus is one of the best HomeKit smart locks on the market. Once connected to Wi-Fi, you’ll be able to create and configure Apple Home keys for your iPhone and Apple Watch. Simply tap your device on the face of the Schlage to lock or unlock whatever door it’s attached to.
The installation process is quick and easy, and you’ll be able to control and customize your lock experience using the Schlage Home and Apple Home apps. Create lock/unlock schedules, input up to 100 codes, and more. The Encode Plus even includes a built-in siren for warding off would-be intruders if they try tampering with the device.
For those looking to chain up a bike or lock a backyard shed, the Megafeis Smart Padlock is the gizmo for the job. With its stainless steel padlock beam and IP65 rating, the Megafeis will keep your valuables safe for up to 2,500 unlocks, or up to six months of standby activity. And thanks to its USB-rechargeable design, it’s quick and easy to power up the 150mAh battery once it’s depleted.
With the free Megafeis app, you’ll be able to lock and unlock the padlock using Bluetooth, set authorized users, and check the last 1,000 unlocks. You can also use the app to create and store up to 100 sets of fingerprints. While keeping the Megafeis in an uncovered outdoor setting for prolonged periods is not recommended, it’s definitely one of the most capable smart padlocks for a reasonable price.
A smart lock with a latch-style door handle is a sight to behold, and there isn’t a better product than the Lockly Secure Pro Latch Edition. This 6-in-1 device, available in many complementary colors, can be locked and unlocked using fingerprints, the digital keypad, scan-to-open QR codes, the Lockly app, voice controls through Alexa and Google Assistant, as well as physical keys. So accessibility, for those that need it, is super easy.
Other awesome features include auto-lock controls, randomized PIN input locations, and offline access codes. It may not be the cheapest smart lock on this list, but if you’re looking for a reliable security device from a trusted brand, Lockly is a great choice.
Smart locks have been around for a minute, and these web-connected gadgets continue to improve and evolve. They’re also getting easier to install, especially when with devices that include a robust and intuitive companion app that walks you through the setup process.
In the vast world of smart locks, there can be only one top choice, and the Yale Assure Lock 2 is the best model for most folks. It offers touch controls and keypad entry, and will even start to support Matter soon.
For those who can afford to choose the best that money can buy, the August 4th Generation Smart Lock is a good budget pick. It offers one of the most powerful and stable Wi-Fi connections, works with all three major voice assistants, and lets you assign multiple guest keys without a monthly subscription.
Looking to save as much money as possible? You can still get a decent smart lock like the one by Wyze. The Wyze Lock is quick and easy to install and even works with Alexa and Google Assistant, although you’ll need to use the required hub to access these Wi-Fi features and others.
Maybe if we start telling people the brain is an app they will start using it!
