Best Smart Locks Review
Written by
A smart lock allows you to bypass traditional key locks by wirelessly syncing with a mobile app that will let you lock and unlock your door when you aren’t home. Many smart locks are voice-activated and touch-activated or have a number keypad that allows you to enter a pin code to unlock the door without needing a key.
With a variety of smart lock options available, it can be challenging to determine which product is right for you. Read on to learn more about the best smart locks on the market and which will help improve overall home security.
Best Smart Locks on the Market
August Smart Lock Pro + Connect | A great option for those that live in apartments, the August Smart Lock + Connect is easy to install. Using Wi-Fi, you can lock and unlock this smart lock from anywhere by simply using your phone. | Allows you to use your existing deadbolt and existing keys if necessary Tracks activity with 24/7 activity feed Locks automatically behind you and unlocks as you approach | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Yale Assure Lock SL Key Free Touchscreen Deadbolt |
This is an attractive smart lock that comes in numerous metal finishes and has the slimmest touch screen option on the market. |
Users can lock, unlock, and manage pin codes and receive notifications from anywhere on your smartphone Super quiet and fully motorized Users can use a unique pin to unlock the touchscreen keypad and automatically lock the door when they leave |
|
|
Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt |
This smart lock is easy to install and connects directly to Wi-Fi without needing a plug-in adapter, making it great for renters. |
Built in Wi-Fi allows you to connect without additional hardware Works with Amazon Alexa, allowing you to lock/unlock and check battery status Touchscreen for ease in unlocking and one-touch locking |
What Is a Smart Door Lock?
A smart door lock is a device that allows you to remotely manage the locking and unlocking of your front door via a mobile app or keypad. This type of lock typically replaces a traditional key with a keypad so that you can control the deadbolt lock with a unique pin or mobile app.
Some smart door locks can just be set to lock at specific times, while others can integrate with smart home devices, unlocking your door and turning on your smart lights simultaneously. Smart door locks are also programmable and can come with temporary pins for family, friends, house keepers, and other guests.
How to Install a Smart Door Lock
Some smart door locks are easier to install than others, and some work better for renters that can’t replace a deadbolt. Here’s how to install a smart door lock by type of lock.
Smart door lock that fits over an existing deadbolt
An example of this type of lock is the August Smart Lock that can fit over an interior existing deadbolt and will continue to let you use existing keys if the battery or Wi-Fi connection dies.
- Using a screwdriver, remove the interior latch hardware for the deadbolt.
- Select the correct mounting plate and correct adaptor.
- Attach the smart lock.
- Sync your mobile app to the smart lock so that you can remotely lock and unlock your deadbolt.
Smart door lock that replaces an existing deadbolt
An example of this smart lock is the Yale lock that can replace an existing deadbolt and its hardware.
- Using a screwdriver, remove the existing deadbolt and hardware.
- Install the new deadbolt.
- Install the strike plate on the interior.
- Install the keypad on the outside of the door.
- Install the mounting plate.
- Install the lock.
- Pair the mobile app to the smart lock so that you can remotely lock and unlock your smart lock.
What to Consider Before Buying a Smart Door Lock
Before buying a smart lock, consider factors such as price, installation, and smart home automation.
- Price—Some basic smart home locks cost around $100, while more expensive locks with features like voice commands, push and email notifications, and tamper alarms will cost between $200–$300.
- Installation—If you’re renting, you may want to consider a simple install that works with the existing door deadbolt, as it’s easier to install and uninstall this type of lock.
- Smart home automation—Consider other smart home devices that you want to pair to your smart home lock. For example, August and Schlage offer locks that work with Apple HomeKit, while Z-Wave and Zigbee locks will sync up with control hubs like SmartThings, Wink, and Piper.
Best Smart Door Lock Comparison
Here’s a breakdown of some of the key features we have found with the smart locks we have recommended above.
Features | August Smart Lock Pro + Connect | Yale Assure Lock SL Key-Free Touchscreen Deadbolt | Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Pricing |
|||
|
Connectivity |
WiFi |
WiFi |
WiFi |
|
Smart home integration |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Mobile app |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Touchpad |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Power back-up |
No |
No |
Yes |
|
Voice activation |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
August Smart Lock Pro + Connect
The Smart Lock Pro + Connect is the third generation of this version of smart lock and connect bundle. This lock offers a DoorSense open and close function and WiFi connectivity. The newest version of the August Smart Lock is slimmer, and its low profile allows you to fit the lock over your interior existing deadbolt while keeping a traditional thumb-turn lock to lock and unlock your front door.
This smart lock is a great option for renters and those who don’t want to replace their entire deadbolt set up. Users can manage the smart lock with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and the August mobile app, HomeKit, Z-Wave, WiFi, and Bluetooth. Those wanting an easy-to-install, relatively inexpensive smart home lock that works with existing deadbolts and has wireless connectivity to lock and unlock the door would benefit from the August Smart Lock + Pro Connect.
Yale Assure Lock SL Key Free Touchscreen Deadbolt
The Yale Assure Lock SL Key Free Touchscreen Deadbolt boasts a sleek design with numerous metal finishes to finish the look of your front door with a keyless lock and black onyx touchscreen. The Yale smart lock replaces an existing deadbolt and works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and HomeKit. For an additional cost, you can purchase modules for Zigbee or Z-Wave.
The Yale Smart Lock allows you to lock the door behind you with a touchscreen keypad and is a great option for homeowners who are willing to replace their entire deadbolt lock and replace it with a simple touchpad interface. There’s not a battery backup for this lock, so if you lose power or WiFi, you’ll need to use a 9V battery to touch the contacts to the bottom of the touchpad to get enough power to unlock and open your door.
Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt
The Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt is not only a smart lock, it’s an addition to your home security alarm system. This smart lock comes equipped with a siren alarm that will sound when someone tries to break into your home. It’s a combination of a manual, keycode, and remote-controlled lock, providing users with numerous options to ensure their home is locked and protected.
Schlage works with a variety of smart home hubs like Amazon Key service, which allows for Amazon deliveries to be placed inside your home, Ring, Alexa, and Google Assistant. There currently isn’t integration with Apple’s HomeKit. You can also use the Schlage mobile app to control your smart lock. This is a great option for someone who wants a variety of arming options to secure their home, with the added security of a built-in alarm.
Looking for comprehensive security packages for your home? Check out our recommended provider:
Frequently Asked Questions About Smart Door Locks
What are the benefits of a smart door lock?
A smart door lock is beneficial for someone who loses or misplaces their keys frequently, for those who need to set individual pins for friends, family, or home caregivers, for those who want additional security, and for those who want to add another layer to their smart home automation.
How do smart door locks work?
A smart door lock device locks and unlocks the door’s deadbolt by a numeric pin entered onto the keypad, via wireless control from a mobile app or by physical key.
What types of smart door locks exist?
There are smart locks that integrate and use existing deadbolts, and there are those that replace the entire deadbolt locking system. Some have keypads, while others operate only with a mobile app.
How much do smart locks cost?
Smart locks start at $100 and can cost up to $300 depending on the setup and accessories you need. There are no monthly fees associated with the use of a mobile app for smart locks—the cost is solely from the hardware and installation.
Are smart door locks safe?
Yes, but there are some ways you can make them even safer. Never share your individual pin with others, lock down your home WiFi, and consider installing a lock with a built-in alarm.
Our Rating Methodology
We back up our home security recommendations with a detailed rating methodology that we use to objectively score each provider. Our research includes analyzing product specifications, reviewing service and plan information, speaking with customer service representatives, and analyzing customer reviews. We then score the provider against our review standards for system options, special features, installation options, connectivity and smart-home automation features, pricing, contract terms, warranty, usability, availability of a trial period, and trustworthiness to arrive at a final score out of 100.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.