by Robert Fox
Are you just getting started on smart locks and don't know where to begin? Or do you have some unanswered questions regarding smart locks? Yes? Great. You are in the right place. The use of smart locks, also known as smart deadbolts, is one unique tool that allows you to unlock and lock your doors automatically. Smart locks can be remotely controlled.
Also, access can be granted to visitors while you are still at work with smart locks. You also get to restrict or manage access and get notified when someone accesses your door.
In this article, I have formulated a well-detailed review of the best smart locks based on my personal experience. The smart locks listed in this article have been tested and confirmed to be the best in the marketplace today. Just after the reviews is a well-detailed buying guide, which provides you with the vital factors to check out for when purchasing a smart lock. Following the buying guide are answers to some frequently asked questions about smart locks. Continue reading to find out more.
Contents
However, before we get to the reviews, have you ever wondered why these locks are labeled "smart"? Here's why?
Smart locks utilize Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Z-wave radio motions to communicate with Wi-Fi bridges, smartphone applications, or smart home hubs like Echo Show and Google Nest Hub.
Most smart locks operate with Bluetooth, which can connect to a smartphone's application. Smart locks under this category can be manually unlocked or locked using its application or automatically when the phone enters the Bluetooth range. Several products here have remote permit capacity, allowing them to operate and connect to a local network.
Smart locks that come with an in-built Wi-Fi linked to a home network utilize a phone's application for remote monitoring and operation. They can also be incorporated or connected with a smart home device such as Echo Show and Google Nest Hub and security systems. You should also note that smart locks under these categories drain batteries quicker than Z-wave and Bluetooth, which are low-energy radio waves.
The ones that employ Z-wave must connect to a Z-wave hub, which is then linked to your Wi-Fi network. It can then be controlled or monitored using a home hub or smartphone application. Like Bluetooth, Z-wave is a low-energy radio signal, although it has more powerful encryption and a stronger signal. This option is perfect if you already have a Z-wave hub and intend to bring in a full security system or add a few new devices. The use of Z-wave eliminates the competition for interference and bandwidth on the Wi-Fi network, and this is vital as there could be many smart devices in an automated home.
Product Reviews for The Best Smart Lock in 2023
Below is the list of the best smart locks today. Alongside each review are their corresponding features, pros, and cons.
This product comes with a price tag of around $219.99, and it is known to be one of the most versatile locks in the marketplace today. Like most smart lock models, the multifaceted Ultralog U-Bolt Pro smart lock features a keypad (for temporary time-based and permanent pin-codes) and a mobile phone application (for unlocking and locking your doors with your smartphone). There is also keyed cylinder and a fingerprint scanner.
Amazingly, this smart lock can be locked and unlocked using a voice command, making it one of the first smart locks with this feature.
A complete set of the Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro smart lock features a deadbolt assembly, a plug-in Wi-Fi hub, 4 AA batteries, exterior and interior escutcheons, mounting screws, and a drilling template.
The product can still be ordered without the Wi-Fi bridge at a lower price if you don't need one.
The smart lock is perfect for standard doors with a diameter hole of 2-1/8 inches, a backset of 2-3/8 to 2-3/4 inches, with a 1-5/16 to 2.0-inch thickness.
In summary, the Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro smart lock is a diverse lock that allows users to unlock their doors using a keypad, fingerprint scan, voice command, mobile application, or a standard key.
Features
Pros
Cons
This is not entirely different from the original August smart lock, and the only adjustments made were in terms of its functionality and size.
The August Wi-Fi smart lock is about 45% tinier compared to the original model, making it less bulbous and with an in-built Wi-Fi. Hence, you won't be needing the August Connect hub or bridge to connect your smart lock to your home (Wi-Fi) network.
The August Wi-Fi is exceptional because it has a couple of amazing features. These features include DoorSense (giving you information on the kind of ajar your door has), an easy-to-understand installation process, and its connectivity to a wide range of smart home systems like Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Xfinity.
The product also allows you to utilize the keys from your previous deadbolt.
Features
Pros
Cons
A wild alarm is a great hindrance when someone intends to tamper or hack into your lock, and this is why the Schlage Encode smart lock is one of the best locks in the market today. This product is known for its ability to blare out an extremely loud alarm once it notices an unusual activity.
In addition, the smart lock is a combination of a remote-controlled and manual lock, which supports Amazon Key services. The Amazon key needs a compatible safety camera to operate, which will cost you more.
The smart lock is compatible and easily integrated with smart home devices like Google Assistant and Alexa. However, it is not compatible with Apple HomeKit.
Features
Pros
Cons
This is perfect for people living in a rental home. The August smart lock is a very easy-to-install lock that can retrofit an existing deadlock without changing the key or cylinder.
Since you won't be replacing the cylinder or keys, you won't have any issues with the house owner. With this type of smart lock, you can also decide to uninstall it, replacing it with the old lock whenever you choose to move out. This way, you get to keep your deposit secure.
Also, for you to monitor and control this product remotely, it needs to be linked to an August Connect module (which is sold separately, at about $60). The module can regulate multiple locks at a time. Hence, it's a great way for you to add remote control to numerous doors.
The only setback is that the lock is not compatible with Apple HomeKit.
Nevertheless, if you are on a low budget and still want a high-quality smart lock, you should check out the August smart lock. It comes with most of the features you need and can be purchased for less than $100.
Features
Pros
Cons
Being able to support many smart home standards is why the Yale Assure SL is one of the top smart locks in the market. The smart lock is compatible with Google Home, Alexa, SmartThings, and Apple HomeKit. This means that you can control and monitor this smart lock with your smartphone; it doesn't matter if it's an Android phone or iPhone, or even a smart speaker such as Google Nest Hub Max or Google Nest Mini, and Amazon Echo.
The Yale Assure SL smart lock is a well-built, attractive lock that is equally easy to install. It features no manual key, and thus, it's either you use the application or keycode.
Features
Pros
Cons
This is yet another great smart lock from the Lockly store. This lock utilizes fingerprints, requiring you to place your finger on the fingerprint reader at the right part of the lock to unlock the door. There is also a touchscreen keypad that allows you to open your door by inserting some codes.
Amazingly, the smart lock switches or rotates the numbers on the touchscreen after inputting your code. This way, no one can guess your code from your finger smudges.
Another unique feature the smart lock comes with lies in the lock type. Unlike most smart locks featuring a deadlock lock, the Lockly secure pro smart lock features a lever lock.
Also, this model is compatible it other smart home devices like Google Home and Alexa, with an in-built Wi-Fi, unlike the previous model that requires a Wi-Fi adapter, worth about $70.
Features
Pros
Cons
This smart lock made it to the list of best smart locks because of its unique features. The product features voice commands, keys, fingerprints, and a smartphone application. However, I'd expect better compatibility for third-party integration with the price tag it comes with.
The Eufy smart lock is popular for its easy installation process, stylish design, and fingerprint reader. However, it lacks compatibility for third-party integration.
This model is worth about $259.99, which is like $60 more expensive than the previous model but still has the same features as the previous model apart from the in-built Wi-Fi. It is a nice product, but it lacks third-party integration.
This model is the same as the previous one in terms of design and appearance too. The only difference lies in the finishing, as users now choose between nickel, black, and silver finishes.
Also, a Wi-Fi bridge is not needed as it comes with an in-built Wi-Fi network.
The Eufy Smart Lock package features an exterior and interior escutcheon, keys, a deadbolt, and numerous mounting hardware, in numbered boxes corresponding to the steps in the installation guide.
Features
Pros
Cons
You must consider several factors if you intend to get the best from your smart lock purchase. These factors are discussed below.
As long as smart locks are concerned, there are many kinds. Thus, it is important to review the various types available and how they operate before choosing the one that works for you.
So many smart lock models are wireless and keyless, and this means that it utilizes or operates using a Wi-Fi connection. And, with Wi-Fi, you can remotely unlock and lock your doors no matter where you are in the world.
However, one thing about wireless and keyless smart locks is that they usually do not come with an application unless purchased as a home security system component. Hence, to use them on your smartphone via any smart home system like Alexa, you have to buy a smart home hub such as Wink, Amazon Echo, and other smart home technology.
Also, smart locks that can connect to an Apple HomeKit utilize Bluetooth in communicating with Apple's smart home system. Additionally, most of these locks come with their dedicated applications, ensuring that they work independently without the need for a smart home system, as long as they employ Bluetooth.
Some other smart lock brands offer a general bridge-like accessory, allowing users to link their smart locks to their Wi-Fi network. This, in turn, allows for remote monitoring, accessing, and controlling of these smart locks.
Next are the smart locks with fob keys. This kind of smart lock does not use smartphones. Instead, they make use of a key-fob, a small tool that can be used to open up your smart lock effortlessly. To unlock your lock using a key fob, all you need to do is place it on the lock.
Also, a key fob is capable of unlocking numerous smart door locks. For instance, the key fob used in opening the smart lock on the front door can be used on the side and back, among others, as long as all the smart locks belong to an interrelated system of locks.
Smart locks with keypads will require a pin code to unlock. These types of smart locks are quite easy to install. Amazingly, owners can set up unique pin codes for distinct people, and this helps them keep track of who goes in and out of the house and when they do. Most of the smart locks under this category feature a touchscreen, while very few still utilize physical buttons.
There are also smart locks with combination keypads such as keypad deadbolts (with a knob or lever) and keypad deadbolts (with handle sets). While some models cannot be connected to any other home equipment, others feature an optional advanced feature, allowing it to be linked with other smart home gadgets like the ones with the Z-wave functionality.
A biometric or fingerprint smart lock will require a fingerprint to unlock doors. Fingerprints are unique to every individual and very hard to alter or fake. And because they can not be misplaced or lost, fingerprint smart locks make an excellent security choice.
Smart locks with fingerprints function by scanning a fingerprint, translating it into a numerical prototype or template. In other words, when you place your finger on the smart lock's scanner for the first time, your fingerprint data is noted and saved by pre-saved principles of identification. With this, you don't only gain access; you can also grant access to other people.
However, there are many potential problems with smart fingerprint locks. Firstly, unlike a passcode, it is impossible to reset a fingerprint; thus, users often replace the smart lock. Secondly, most times, power outages and scratches or cuts on one's finger could leave the owner locked out.
Hence, it is important that when purchasing this kind of smart lock, always go the models with a mechanical or keypad lock. You can always gain access to your home when your fingerprint can't be read. You also need to check out the false rejection rate (FRR) and avoid smart locks with high rejection rates.
Also, avoid smart locks made from aluminum. Rather go for the ones made from solid steel or brass. And last but not least, ensure you note the number of fingerprints that can be stored on the smart lock.
For you to remotely monitor and control your smart lock, it must be connected to your home network. This can be achieved in numerous ways, of which Z-wave, Zigbee, and Bluetooth are the most popular for smart locks. They need a little power to function and a bridge or hub if you want to control your lock remotely. With the help of one of the top smart home hubs or bridges like Amazon Echo, Samsung SmartThings, and Apple HomePod mini, you can achieve this. However, make sure that your preferred hub matches your smart lock.
Progressively, most smart locks feature an in-built Wi-Fi, making it easy to connect to your home network. However, this means you will have to change your smart lock's batteries more often.
The present-day Smart locks feature a whole lot of distinctive features. This is why it is important to consider the features you would love to have in your smart lock before purchasing one. Some of these features are discussed below. Take a look.
While most bundled smart locks feature a remote control, stand-alone smart locks do not. Hence, if the remote control is a feature you need in your smart lock, you have to ensure you purchase smart locks that feature an application. This is so you can enjoy features like using an in-home delivery option like Amazon Key and monitoring your guest access remotely.
Most smart home appliances employ a hub or any other techniques for transmitting orders, giving the owner automated control over them. These techniques or methods include Alexa, IFTTT, Wink, and other home automation systems.
There are so many kinds of smart locks which belong to the one-touch lock category. And for you to unlock them, all you need to do is walk closer to the lock and touch it with the corresponding key chain.
This is a convenient feature. Hence, if you want it, you have to ensure you purchase a one-touch smart lock for installation.
However, you should note that some of these one-touch locks, mainly the most recent ones, are quite expensive. Also, most brands will charge you an extra fee if you intend to grant full access to someone else.
This is yet another important feature as most smart homes, with the help of an application, give its user access and the power to control and monitor their products and system. With the help of an application, you get to receive mobile alerts, retrieve your lock's history, and so on. So, if you want to get the best experience with your preferred smart lock, ensure it is compatible with a mobile phone, whether it is an Android device or an iOS device.
Smart locks are not only meant for front doors as they can be used on any other door in the house, be it inside or outside.
Therefore, the next factor to consider before purchasing any smart lock is where you will be installing your locks. This will help determine the number of locks you need, the type of lock to purchase, and the total amount to pay.
Any brand and smart lock type are suitable for locking the back and front doors. These are the major areas where people install smart locks.
Smart locks come with two lever sets; the right-handed and left-handed lever set. Hence, you must ensure you pay close attention to the type you are purchasing.
Additionally, smart locks for exterior doors are always different in design compared to interior doors. This is why you must confirm the smart lock is marked for exterior doors when you purchase one for your front and back door.
Smart locks for bathrooms and bedrooms are not different from every other smart lock. Of course, apart from a little difference lies in the labeling. Just like I already stated above, all smart locks used for interior doors are marked "interior doors" and can only be used for the said purpose. These smart locks come with numerous finishing and colors that match the already existing interior decoration.
There are so many available easy-to-install smart locks for garage doors. The smart locks under this category come in different types. While most of them can be connected to your home's Wi-Fi network and are well-suited for centralized tools like Google Assistant, Z-Wave, and IFTTT protocols, some are just simple enough to fit into the wall switch of all standard garage doors (based on how old the house is). Other models feature temperature gauges, remote door sensors, and a mobile phone application. Some models can be customized as well.
This is one, if not the weakest, door in any home. This is because sliding doors can be easily tampered with or broken into. There are no smart locks for this door other than the 2-way keyless locks. Hence, to secure your sliding doors, you have to devise a means to secure their glass.
Like every other smart home gadget, the price tag of smart locks differs. Hence, it is important to take a close look at your budget, as it will help you decide what product to purchase.
The price tag of any smart lock is dependent on a couple of factors. These factors include features, connectivity, functionality, location of installation, among other essential factors like the number of smart locks you intend to purchase.
Smart locks have an average cost of about $200.00. This price can also be significantly raised depending on if you will be going for a non-connected or a connected smart lock
In a simple word, the answer is "No." A smart lock can function without being connected to the internet. However, suppose you are looking for those features that make them "Smart," such as connecting other smart home devices, remote controlling and monitoring, and receiving notifications, then the answer is yes. The smart lock needs to be connected to a Wi-Fi network.
Before now, most smart locks must be paired with a little plug-in tool (often referred to as a hub, bridge, or gateway). This tool links the smart lock (using Bluetooth) with the home Wi-Fi network. But, today, most smart lock model features an in-built Wi-Fi, while others without this feature can directly connect to the user's home Wi-Fi without the help of a bridge or hub.
Installing a new smart lock can be achieved in two main ways. The first method is by retrofitting your old lock with a new smart lock. In other words, you will be incorporating the new smart lock into the old one. The second method is by replacing the entire deadbolt with a new smart lock.
Hence, it's important to make up your mind about this before purchasing. Do you need a new smart lock installed on your door, or would you rather prefer retrofitting the old one? Both methods have their distinct merits.
Once you get your smart lock, the best thing to do before beginning the installation process is to learn how the existing locks were assembled. This will help guide you throughout the installation process if you encounter any problem by any chance. This act is not compulsory, but it is recommended.
If you finally decide to retrofit your existing deadbolt with a new smart lock, you will be going for products that support this function. Also, before making any purchase for this reason, ensure that your chosen smart lock is compatible with the already existing deadlock. Most smart lock models used for retrofitting existing deadbolts are constructed to lock over the existing lock, and they are also generally compatible with a lot of traditional deadbolts.
Unlike those designed to retrofit existing locks, others are constructed to replace the old deadbolts completely. This method will, of course, give you a lot of great smart locks to choose from.
Nevertheless, installing a new smart lock will take a little more effort and time. The good thing is new smart lock feature a step-by-step installation guide. Also, the whole installation process is quick, easy, and doesn't require any form of experience.
Before mounting a smart lock, you should first consider doing a couple of things. Please keep reading to discover them.
1. Ensure you purchase and only use quality batteries.
2. Ensure that the thumb-turn of the new lock comes with enough clearance, with no potential obstruction.
3. Before purchasing and installing a new smart lock, ensure you get a written permit from the house owner if you live in a rental home.
4. Ensure that there is a backup plan for you and your family in case of a power outage or malfunction. Most brands have recently added a keyed backup feature in their products if there is a malfunction, of which some of these keyed backups are bump-proof and pick-proof.
5. Ensure you purchase your new smart lock from the same brand that manufactured your old lock. This is only significant if the product comes with a key component.
This is one of the common frequently asked questions about smart locks. Smart locks can be accessed or controlled using a touchpad or without anything. There are also other ways to access your smart lock in terms of connectivity, from Bluetooth (for short-range) to wireless networks.
Most locks nowadays feature a geofencing tool, which allows users to unlock their doors only when they are within a set perimeter.
If the installation is properly completed, smart locks offer more security than regular door locks. Smart locks of today come with fingerprint access, facial recognition, password combination, among others. However, even with the features mentioned above, if the smart lock has a loophole from the producers or isn't properly programmed, it will be vulnerable to hacking. This is why you should purchase your smart locks from prominent brands that produce reliable smart locks.
Also, it is best to always opt for strong passwords with over 16 characters, 2-factor authentication, and AES encryption.
August Wi-Fi, (4th Generation) Smart Lock - Fits Your Existing Deadbolt in Minutes, Silver - Walmart Link
August Smart Lock + Connect Wi-Fi Bridge, Satin Nickel, Works with Alexa, Keyless Home - Walmart Link
Yale Assure Lock SL - Key Free Smart Lock with Touchscreen Keypad - Works with Apple - Walmart Link
Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt with Camelot Trim in Aged Bronze - Walmart Link
Google Nest x Yale Lock - Tamper-Proof Smart Lock for Keyless Entry - Keypad Deadbolt - Walmart Link
SCHLAGE BE479AA V CAM 619 Satin Nickel Sense Smart Deadbolt with Camelot Trim - Walmart Link
Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt with Camelot Trim in Satin Nickel (BE479 CAM 619) + Handleset - Walmart Link
Schlage Lock Company BE468CEN625 Connect Century Touchscreen Deadbolt, Bright Chrome - Walmart Link
August Smart Lock, 3rd Generation - Silver - Walmart Link
August Smart Lock, 2nd Generation, HomeKit enabled (Silver) - Walmart Link
Kwikset Obsidian Keyless Touchscreen Electronic Deadbolt (Amazon Key Edition - Amazon - Walmart Link
Kwikset 99530-002 Obsidian Slim Modern Electronic Touchscreen Keyless Deadbolt, Venetian - Walmart Link
August Wi-Fi, (4th Generation) Smart Lock - Fits Your Existing Deadbolt in Minutes, Silver - eBay Link
August Smart Lock + Connect Wi-Fi Bridge, Satin Nickel, Works with Alexa, Keyless Home - eBay Link
Yale Assure Lock SL - Key Free Smart Lock with Touchscreen Keypad - Works with Apple - eBay Link
Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt with Camelot Trim in Aged Bronze - eBay Link
Google Nest x Yale Lock - Tamper-Proof Smart Lock for Keyless Entry - Keypad Deadbolt - eBay Link
SCHLAGE BE479AA V CAM 619 Satin Nickel Sense Smart Deadbolt with Camelot Trim - eBay Link
Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt with Camelot Trim in Satin Nickel (BE479 CAM 619) + Handleset - eBay Link
Schlage Lock Company BE468CEN625 Connect Century Touchscreen Deadbolt, Bright Chrome - eBay Link
August Smart Lock, 3rd Generation - Silver - eBay Link
August Smart Lock, 2nd Generation, HomeKit enabled (Silver) - eBay Link
Kwikset Obsidian Keyless Touchscreen Electronic Deadbolt (Amazon Key Edition - Amazon - eBay Link
Kwikset 99530-002 Obsidian Slim Modern Electronic Touchscreen Keyless Deadbolt, Venetian - eBay Link
One of the best and more effective ways to keep your home safe is securing your doors, and this is where smart locks come in. Smart locks are not only here to make life easier. They are also here to provide us with extra security. With these amazing products, you can monitor and control who has access to your home as well as gain access to your home even when you forget your key. I hope that the above buying guide will help you make the right decision(s). I also hope this was an interesting piece.
Don't forget to share with family and friends.
About Robert Fox
Rob Fox is a former hydro worker who used to teach self defence in Miami for 10 years. He's currently enjoying his retirement, playing cribbage and golf with his buddies, locksmithing and home security in his spare time. Rob is an avid reader, and has even written a few books on the subject of self defence.
You can Get FREE Gifts. Furthermore, Free Items here. Disable Ad Blocker to receive them all.
Once done, hit anything below