Best Smart Locks Review
Comparison of different styles of smart Locks
Do you want to go key free and protect your home? We cover the best smart locks for you home, how to pick the right one and smart lock installation tips. Over the year’s i’ve tested and installed dozens of locks and wifi smart locks have come a long way in the past few years that make them a great addition to any smart home. I’ve had a smart lock installed in my home for over 5 years and it’s one of my favorite and most used upgrades that I’ve made to my home. My favorite smart lock is the Yale Assure Smart Lock because of it offers simple installation and is packed with features that make your life easier.
What Is A Smart Lock?
Smart Locks are locks designed to allow you to gain access to your home or business without a traditional key but also have other features built in that can help improve your safety and security with integrated technology. Typically smart locks are battery powered, and either have a phone app, fingerprint scanner or touch screen that replaces your keys.
What Can A Smart Lock Do?
Smart Locks typically connect to your wifi network or a smart home hub and allow you remote control access of your lock and front door. With a smart lock you can remotely unlock or lock your door from your phone as well as manage access to the smart lock.
With smart lock apps you can assign access codes to guests and track when your lock has been opened and who opened it. They can also be programmed to automatically lock after a certain amount of time if the lock was detected to be unlocked or left open. Many smart locks will also alarm or alert you if they detect the lock is being tampered with during an attempted break in.
Smart locks will also allow you to set schedules for your guests and access codes so that if you have a cleaning person, contractor or dog walker they will only have have access to your home during the times you assigned for them. Typically you can also set a start date and expiration date for the access codes which can be useful if you run a short term rental like an airbnb. The scheduling, codes and access are all managed from apps that give you full control over the smart lock.
What I like most about smart locks is that they can eliminate the need to carry keys around with you, and provide guests, contractors, dog walkers and easy access while keeping your house secure from unwanted visitors. Typically a smart lock will have a keypad that allows you to punch in a custom code for access or they use the gps and bluetooth on your phone to auto lock when you leave, and unlock when you get close to your door.
Some smart locks even integrate with voice assistants like Alexa, Google Home and Siri to allow you to remotely lock or unlock your door with your voice. This might sound like an extra unneeded feature but I have actually found it to be very useful when someone is coming to visit and you have your hands full in another part of the house and want to quickly let them in.
What Do I Need To Know Before I Buy A Smart Lock
Before your order a smart lock, it’s important that you understand the current type of door lock you have on your home, or the door you want to secure. It’s also important to understand the basic styles of smart locks and how they operate so you can pick a system that will work well for your lifestyle.
There are three main types of locks that you will find on your door: Deadbolts , Leverset/Knob Locks and Mortise locks
Deadbolt Locks - These are the most common type of lock you will find in residential housing securing exterior door. A traditional deadbolt has a key hole in the front and is secured by locking it with the key or a by turning a the bolt lever on the back of the door. Most modern doors are prepped for this deadbolt locks and the majority of smart locks are designed to be installed as deadbolts. They are high security and designed to be the primary way of securing an exterior door when you leave.
Typical Deadbolt Door Lock
Leverset/Knob Locks - Levers and Knobs have a latch in them that will automatically hold the door in place when shut. They can be secured with a key or unsecured and just used to open and close the door. These locks are less secure than deadbolts and are used on both interior and exterior doors.
Smart Locks are typically compatible with this style setup which is standard on many homes.
Mortise Locks - Mortise locks are typically found on older home or sometimes on newer homes where the builder uses non standard hardware. I don’t recommend ordering a door with mortise lock prep as there are very few smart mortise locks on the market. In a mortise lock configuration typically a large pocket is made inside the door where both a deadbolt and lever/knob are combined all in one unit with only one Key that disengages both locks. If you have a mortise lock currently installed on your door and want to use a smart deadbolt it is oftentimes easier get a new door prepped correctly than it is to try and retrofit a mortise lock for a deadbolt. If you want to leave your mortise lock in place there are several easy retrofit options that attach to the back of the door latch to operate your existing mortise lock. I recommend either the Sesame Smart Lock or the Keymitt smart lock for retrofitting an existing mortise lock. It’s important to note that both of these locks do require additional wifi lock access points in order to work with your wifi network so it’s a good idea to purchase those with the lock.
Mortise Locks are not compatible with most smart lock styles.
Smart Lock Functionality (Keypad / Fingerprint/ Phone Access Only)
In my mind one of the most important factors in choosing a smart lock is how it functions and how it will fit into your daily routine.
My favorite style of smart locks have keypads that you punch your code into for access. This is because I find using a keypad for access both reliable and easy. With keypad access you don’t need keys, you can use it while you have gloves on and it’s simple to assign guests their own easy to remember codes. Another reason I prefer keypad access is because I don’t need to have my phone with me for access but I can use my phone if I want to. With this style of smart lock the keypad is used for access into the house and a thumb turn is on the inside of the door to securely extend the deadbolt just like on a traditional style lock.
Some smart locks scan your fingerprint for access, however in the rain or winter it can be difficult to properly use fingerprint access. Typically fingerprint access locks also require that guests register their fingerprints which isn’t great if you’re not home when your guest arrives and their information isn’t already stored on the lock.
Some styles of smart locks rely only on your phone for access, which I’ve found is less convenient that keypad style locks because they require you to have your phone with you and your phone to be charged. When using this style of smart lock it’s recommended that you still carry a set of keys with you because you might get locked out if your phone is dead.
Smart Lock Operation ( Hub Or No Hub)
Most smart locks on the market are battery powered and then send a wireless signal to a small module which typically plugs into the wall, converts the signal from the lock and connects the lock to your wifi network and the internet. From their you can control the lock remotely via an app on your phone within your house or remotely with a data connection.
However there are some locks which require a Z wave or Zigbee smart home hub for operation rather than a signal module. It’s important to check and see how your smart lock is intended to connect to the internet. My preference is for smart locks that have plug in signal modules that connect to wifi and the internet because in my experience they are easier to set up for the average consumer.
So now that you know the different types of smart locks and different functions let’s get into the reviews for the best smart locks we recommend to protect your home. If you end up using a Z Wave or Zigbee smart lock to I recommend the smartthings home hub to manage your smart lock.
Best Smart Lock Reviews: Our Methodology & Testing
Our goal while working on the best smart lock reviews was to find a smart lock that at had the best balance of security, convenvincence, functionality and ease of installation and setup. In our testing we tested not only the how the lock functioned from the standpoint of how did it function as a lock to secure your door but also how did the app and interface function as a smart device. This meant we considered things you probably wouldn’t consider for a traditional lock like wifi connectivity range, battery life, and ease of setup on wifi.
In order for a smart lock to even make this list it had to maintain the same level of security as a traditional lock and then improve on it. Because let’s face it the whole point of a lock is to secure your home and if it doesn’t do that at the minimum to us it’s not useful.
In the comprehensive smart lock review process we also took into consideration how we’ve used smart locks over the past 5 years and the reviews from other smart home blogs like CNET, Wirecutter, Reviewed.com, Tom’s Guide, PC Mag and user feedback on Amazon. One thing we noted is that many smart locks have initially a slow launch and the user feedback was typically rated lower on during the first few months of operation and oftentimes companies provided software updates that either fixed initial complaints and the feedback improved or the smart lock had consistent problems and customer ratings declined. The locks we’ve listed below typically don’t suffer from this rating problem because they have been on the market long enough that any initial flaws they had were corrected.
# 1 Best Smart Lock: Yale Assure Lock Connected By August
Yale Assure Smart Lock Connected By August
This is my top smart lock pick because it combines that traditional security of Yale locks connected with the technology of August one of the leaders in the smart lock space. Yale has provided traditional locks and home security for decades and is well known to provide top quality locks. Millions of businesses and homeowners have trusted Yale to secure their homes since the company was founded in 1868 so you know it’s a lock that will do it’s duty protecting your family.
What I like most about this lock is it’s design, simplicity and available features. The front of the lock is a digital keypad with a smooth face and clean lines. It looks great on any door and comes in a variety of finishes to match your existing door hardware or design. I choose the brushed nickel/stainless steel finish because it matched my existing door knob hardware and looked good door.
To use the lock you wake it with a fingerpress then enter your 4-6 digit entry code. The hardened glass face is smooth and easy to use. The numbers you use to enter the code are well lit and easy to identify even in the darkest of nights or with the sun glaring down. Locking and unlocking the Yale Assure smart lock is intuitive which makes it easy to give someone their own code that needs access.
From the outside the glass touch screen is normally dark and you wake it with the simple press of your fingers for the numbers to appear. After entering your smart lock code you press the check mark on the lock and you can hear the deadbolt retracting smoothly into the lock for entry into your home. It takes only a few seconds to enter the code and I have found it much easier and much faster than fumbling with keys.
The lock is paired with the Yale - August app which then allows you remotely control and manage the lock. From the app you can also unlock or lock the door remotely from your phone and the lock is even designed to work with Alexa, Siri and Google Home for remote control of the lock.
Within the August smart lock app you can assign lock access codes, change them or delete them. What I like about the app is that you can assign schedules to the lock access codes so that they are only valid during certain days of the week or certain times so that you can control when someone you’ve given access can enter your home. This is great for limiting access for dog walkers or contractors to only times during the day when they should be in your home.
You can also assign expiration dates for the access codes so they automatically expire after a certain date which is great if you have guests or are using a smart lock to run and airbnb. It’s also easy to share codes directly from the app with a few simple clicks or just tell your guest their assigned code which is shown in the app.
One unique feature of the Yale August smart lock is that the lock with automatically interface with several short term rental platforms to automatically assign an access code when you accept a guest reservation. The process is completely automated and will assign and access code that is only valid for the duration of the stay and will delete it when the guests check out.
Inside the app you an also track when codes are used and who had access during certain days, which is great for seeing when your kids get home from school or when your airbnb guests have checked in.
Within the app there are a number of settings that you can adjust related to both security and convenience. You can set the lock to automatically lock after a certain amount of time (which I highly recommend) or a timed lock out after too many incorrect entries, which is a feature designed to prevent people from guessing your code.
I use the auto locking setting so that I never need to worry if I locked my door or not, because I know it will keep my house secure even if I forget to lock the door or I’m in a hurry. Other settings allow you to turn turn the sound on and off, enable one touch locking and changing the volume level.
What I love about this smart lock is that it makes it easy to ditch your keys instead using a simple code to gain access to your house. The smart lock is powered by 4 AA batteries that have a lifetime from 6 months to a year depending on your daily usage. The lock will warn you via the app and a verbal warning when the batteries are getting low and give you ample time to replace the batteries before they die. I got almost 3 full weeks of low battery warnings with constant use before the lock went completely dead. If you don’t use the lock the batteries will maintain the charge and lock operation for a much longer time even if the low battery warning appears. Even if the batteries are completely dead you can still gain access to the house with by placing a 9V battery on the contacts on the exterior of the lock and entering your code.
The lock has been reliable and operates flawlessly in both warm weather and cold weather. But I have noticed that cold weather does wear down the batteries slightly quicker than warm weather months but not anything to be concerned about. I have noticed that in cold weather not all gloves will activate the touch screen and often you need to take your gloves off to unlock the lock. However if you have gloves that work with phone touch screens they will still activate the smart lock touch screen.
Installing the lock was easy and for most people all it takes is a simple screwdriver to remove your old lock and install the Yale August touch screen smart lock. It takes about 15 minutes to install the lock and between 5 and 15 minutes to set the lock up on the August App. We’ve also included a guide and tips for installing your smart lock below that can help if you come across any issues.
The August app walks you through installation instructions and setup with easy to follow steps and pictures guiding you through the process. The Yale smart lock connects to your wifi network for control with the included connect adapter that plugs into an outlet and wirelessly pairs with the lock and your wifi network. Once connected you can control the lock remotely within your home or anywhere that you have wifi or cell service from the app.
The Yale Assure Lock SL is designed as a deadbolt lock which the most common method people use to secure exterior doors because they have a full extended “bolt” which secures the lock and door into the door frame.
Yale Smart Lock Leverset
Yale and August also offer a similar model of the smart lock with a leverset in lieu of a deadbolt. We don’t consider this a different smart lock, just a different model. Leversets don’t have a deadbolt that extends several inches into the doorframe so they are typically less secure. A leverset smartlock is typically used to secure interior doors, or lower security doors that don’t need the added protection that a deadbolt offers.
The Yale Smart Lock leverset offers all of the same features as it’s deadbolt smart lock just in a different package.
#2 Best Smart Lock: Nest X Yale Smart Lock
The Nest x Yale smart lock was created as a collaboration between Yale and Nest. If you think it looks a lot like the Yale August Smart Lock, you’re right because these two smart locks are more similar than they are different. Once again Yale worked with a leading smart home company (Nest) to provide the reliable mechanical smart lock parts and pieces and Nest provided the software to operate the smart lock features.
The biggest difference between the Yale August smart lock and Nest X Yale smart lock is that the Nest smart lock is designed to work on the Nest App and Nest platform and interact with your other Nest smart home devices. For those of you that prefer to have all of your smart home devices on one app for access, the Nest Smart lock offers you the simplicity of accessing your smart thermostat, smart cameras, smart doorbells and Nest smart lock all from one easy to use interface.
Stylistically the Nest X Yale Smart lock looks and operates a lot like the Yale August Smart lock. The lock comes in three different finishes (Brushed Nickel, Brass and Oil Rubbed Bronze). It has a glass touch screen with backlit numbers that light up when you tap the lock face to wake up the lock. You then enter your code and press a check mark to activate the lock and retract the deadbolt to gain access.
You can operate the lock with three different methods, by entering the code, pressing lock or unlock button in the appy or by using your voice with google assistant to lock the door.
The biggest advantage I see with the Nest smart lock is it’s interoperability with other nest devices if you are already invested in the Nest ecosystem. For instance if someone rings your Nest smart doorbell you can swipe them in on the Nest app and let them in by activating your Nest smart lock. The Nest smart lock also integrates with your Nest security system to automatically disarm when you enter the correct access code on the smart lock. It even works with your smart thermostat to detect when you are home or away and will automatically set your HVAC system to your desired “home mode” temperature when you enter the access code. I imagine as time goes on and Nest continues to expand their ecosystem there will be more interaction between the smart lock and other Nest smart home devices.
The Nest Lock app interface provides an easy portal to adjust the settings and track the usage of the lock. Within the app you can assign access codes, create access schedules and invite authorized guests to create their own access codes.
You can control the days and times that access codes are valid and you can also set automatic expiration dates. The tracking features show who used a code and when they used the code within the nest app.
The lock is powered by 4AA batteries and has a similar battery life (6-12 months) just like the Yale August lock. The operation of the lock is reliable and it connects to your wifi network through a small module that plugs into an outlet connects the lock to the internet through wifi.
The Nest x Yale smart lock offers simple to follow installation instructions which walk you through each step in the process. QR codes on the back of the lock make paring the locks with your existing nest devices and the Nest app simple. Just scan the code and follow the in app instructions to get the lock setup. The smart lock Installation takes between 15-45 minutes and in most cases can be completed with just a screwdriver.
# 3 Best Smart Lock: Schlage Wifi Encode
Just like Yale, Schlage is one of the most trusted brand names in home security. Schlage has been putting out smart locks for several years and with the Schlage Wifi Encode lock they have perfected the formula for a smart lock using everything they’ve learned over the years.
The Schlage smart lock is a smart keypad lock that allows you to gain access by entering your access code, or controlling the smart lock from your phone. As an added bonus the lock also works with Alexa and Google Home for voice locking and unlocking functionality. The lock is also compatible with the Amazon “Key” program that allows your amazon package deliveries to be placed inside your home by amazon delivery staff.
This lock is battery powered and connects directly to your wifi network. There is no extra plug in wifi module required like there is for the Yale locks. The Schlage Smart lock also uses a durable plastic cover vs the glass touch screens found on the Yale smart locks. The advantage of this that I’ve found is you can still use the Schlage smart lock with your gloves on while the Yale smart locks require you to take your gloves off for proper operation. The Schlage smart lock also maintains a traditional keyway on the front of the lock should you like the idea of having a backup key to gain access if the batteries go dead.
The Schlage smart lock app allows you to set up to 100 user codes, and the lock will also alarm or alert you if it’s detected that the lock is tampered with. For instance you’ll receive an alert in the Schlage app if the door is kicked or multiple wrong codes are entered.
The Schlage smart lock app doesn’t have the same level of polish as the Yale, Nest and August smart lock apps, however it has pretty much all of the same features and executes them in a reliable fashion. The Schlage smart lock app allows you to schedule access codes, set up recurring access and pick which hours and days you want to allow access for users.
Another unique feature of the Schlage Encode wifi smart lock is that it works the Ring Doorbell, Ring Security System and Ring App to allow you to unlock the door directly from the Ring App while viewing your front doorbell video feed. This is great if you need to let in a cleaning service or contractor.
In summary the Schlage Encode smart lock offers a reliable smart lock in simple package that works and has cross functionality with several smart home platforms.
Best Smart Lock (For Renters) - August Pro
The August Pro smart lock serves a unique niche in that it’s the only smart lock on the list that lets you keep your existing deadbolt hardware in place. This leads to a quicker installation, and if you’re a renter you can upgrade your lock to a smart lock while still maintaining the keyed access that most landlords require because you aren’t removing the existing key cylinder. It’s also advantageous if you have existing door hardware that you are trying to match or your condo association won’t let you change the door hardware or you don’t want people to know you have a smart lock. From the outside this smart lock looks just like a regular door lock, but on the inside it’s packed with smart home functionality.
The August door lock works by replacing interior door latch with a smart lock mechanism that can then be controlled by your phone. The smart lock is battery powered and still allows you key access, and lets you lock or unlock the door using the a knob on the back of the door. Because the front face of the lock uses your existing hardware there is no built in keypad on the lock. However August does offer an add on keypad that wirelessly connects to the smart lock to allow you keypad access.
Without the keypad you can still use your standard key for access, unlock your door using the smartphone app or use your gps location on your phone to lock or unlock the August Pro automatically.
Within the app you can add users and send access by sending visitors a link for access to your August smart lock. It requires visitors to download the August App for access which then allows them to lock or unlock the lock remotely from the app. As the primary user you still maintain full control of the lock and can revoke access or schedule access at anytime. The only downside to this is that it takes more steps to assign access and requires visitors to have the app in order to gain access to the lock.
In my opinion the ease of access with smart locks with built in keypad locks makes them easier to manage than smart locks without a keypad. For this reason I recommend adding the August Lock wireless keypad to the August Pro smart lock to increase the functionality. With the keypad you can then assign codes to guests as needed.
Smart Locks With Fingerprint Scanners - Why We Don’t Like Them
There is a fairly large number of smart locks out there that offer fingerprint scanners. However in our testing smart locks with fingerprint scanners have several disadvantages. We’ve found that fingerprint scanners can get blocked by debris such as dust, water or even pollen which can lead them to malfunctioning when you’re trying to get into your home. They also require you to remove gloves when you’re entering your home which is a minor inconvenience if you live in a colder climate. Sweaty hands after exercise can also prevent the fingerprint scanner from properly reading your prints.
How To Install A Smart Lock & Installation Tips
All of the locks above have more specific recommendations in their instructions for proper smart lock installation but we’ve found that there are a few universal tips that can help when installing a smart lock that will make the installation go smoothly. Typically smart installation can take anywhere between 15 minutes and an hour which largely depends on the conditions of the existing door in latch.
Smart Lock Installation Tips
Leave Your Existing Door Frame Latch In Place - Many times you’ll find that the existing latch plate for the deadbolt on the door frame will work with the new smart lock your installing so it’s a good idea to leave the latch installed until you try it with the new smart lock, which could save you time and work. It doesn’t hurt anything to try the new smart lock installation with the existing latch in place.
Save The Existing Hardware - When removing the smart lock save the existing hardware. If for some reason you can’t get the smart lock installation complete you want to be able to have the existing hardware as a backup to install. Make sure you save all the small screws and hardware when you are taking off the old lock in a bag.
Smart Lock Hole Enlargement - In some cases the existing hole might be too small for you to install the new smart door lock. If that’s the case you’re going to need to enlarge the door hole. You can enlarge the door lock hole with either a door lock hole saw kit or by using a cutting drill bit with cutting blades on the side. I’ve found that it can often be hard to use a hole saw kit to enlarge an existing door hole because the blades have a tendency to skip or get caught in the existing hole. That’s why I prefer using cutting drill bit attached to a drill. I’ve found the cutting drill bit is easier to control and great for removing a small amount of material at a time. I just make slow passes enlarging the hole until the new smart lock installation will fit in the existing hole. A file or dremel tool can also be useful for fine adjustment to expand the hole. The drill cutting bit has teeth built into the drill bit which allows it to remove material along the length of the shaft which makes it perfect for enlarging holes in a precise manner. I usually use pencil marks or tape to outline how much larger I need to make the hole so I can get an exact fit. Most smart locks have a wide face on the front and back so they will cover up any imperfection from expanding the hole. Just take your time and go slowly, checking the fit of the smart lock as you enlarge the hole.
If you don’t use the cutting drill bit method and plan on using a hole saw drill bit kit, it’s important to get a kit that will solidly secure to the door and will keep the hole saw aligned as you expand the lock hole. It’s also important to make sure that you setup the hole saw drill bit kit correctly checking both the spacing from the edge of the door and the vertical alignment of the smart lock before you begin. It’s critical that you get the smart lock alignment correct so that the smart lock will fit properly and the hole is in the right place.
Smart Lock Won’t Close or Latch Properly - If you installed your smart lock and you’re having problems with the smart lock latching or properly closing there’s several things you can do to get the lock working properly. The first thing I recommend is checking the alignment. To do this open extend the smart lock deadbolt and gently close the door to the frame to check both the vertical and horizontal alignment of the latch. If it needs to be adjusted remove the screws from the door frame latch and adjust the position. Sometimes the alignment is very close and using a file or the cutting drill bit you can remove a small amount of material to make the smart lock deadbolt run better.
Once you’ve checked the alignment you should also check the depth of the deadbolt latch hole. Sometimes it needs to be made deeper to accommodate the smart lock deadbolt, You can extend the deadbolt latch hole by slowly removing material with a drill bit or chisel.
Another place to check for proper alignment of the door is weather stripping, sometimes the weather stripping can push the door to far backwards for the deadbolt to properly engage. If this is the case, it’s best to either move the deadbolt latch rearward, or remove a small amount of material from the rear of the latch plate so that it will properly secure.
Extra Security For Smart Lock Hardware - When installing your smart lock it’s best to use the longest screws that are reasonably possible for securing the door latch. Ideally 2.5-3.5” screws will offer the most protection on the door latch side. Using longer screws helps prevent the door from being kicked open as the longer screws can grab into the structure of the door fame and prevent the latch from being kicked out. Using smaller screws can make your door more vulnerable to a kick open attack. Thankfully many smart locks have tamper or kick open alarms that alert you if the door lock is being tampered with or if someone is attempting to kick open the the door.
Smart Lock Screw Holes Are Stripped - If the screw holes are stripped, it can sometimes can cause difficulties properly securing the latch hardware. Longer or wider screws can often solve the problem but if that doesn’t work. You can break off toothpicks in the hole and fill the holes with wood glue, then insert your screws. The toothpicks will provide a firm grip for the screws and the wood glue will make it a firm permanent fit.
Smart Lock FAQ:
What happens when the batteries run out on a smart lock?
Typically when the batteries start to get low on a smart lock they will give you both an in app warning and either a beep, flashing light or verbal warning on the lock that you need to change the batteries. I’ve found that all of the smart locks listed above typically give you ample warning and will give you 2-3 weeks of regular usage before the batteries are completely dead. If you don’t use the lock during that time the batteries will last much longer.
If you don’t change the batteries before they are dead you can either gain access using a traditional key if your smart lock is equipped with a keyway. If you’re smart lock doesn’t use a traditional backup key the manufacturers have built in two contacts on the bottom face of the lock that allow you to “jump start” the lock with a 9V battery by placing it on the contacts which then powers up the lock for you to enter the code.
I found that the low battery notice the smart locks give you is more than ample to change the batteries.
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