Best Smart Locks & Access Control Systems

Whether you're upgrading a dated deadbolt or building out a fully connected home, choosing the right smart lock can feel overwhelming with so many options on the market. This category brings together in-depth reviews and practical guides covering deadbolts, lever locks, and garage door controllers from leading brands — including Schlage, August, Yale, Kwikset, and Level — so you can find the right fit for your door, your phone, and your budget.

What Our Smart Lock Reviews Cover

A smart lock is only as good as its weakest point, which is why our assessments go well beyond the spec sheet. Every review examines the factors that matter most in day-to-day use and long-term security:

• Entry methods — app control, keypad codes, key fob, fingerprint, & voice assistant support
• Encryption standards & resistance to relay, brute-force, & bump attacks
• Battery life under real-world conditions & low-battery alert systems
• Installation complexity for standard and non-standard door preparations
• Smart home compatibility with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, & Matter
• Auto-lock, auto-unlock, & geofencing reliability
• Guest access management & activity log features

Picking the Right Lock for Your Setup

Not every smart lock suits every home. Renters who can't modify their door hardware will find our guides on retrofit locks — models that attach over an existing deadbolt — especially useful. Homeowners doing a full upgrade can compare full-replacement deadbolts that offer a cleaner look and stronger physical construction. If your garage is the main entry point, our garage door controller reviews cover smart openers and retrofit add-ons that bring keyless & app-based access to an often-overlooked vulnerability.

Connectivity matters too. Wi-Fi locks offer remote access straight from your phone without a hub, while Z-Wave and Zigbee locks deliver stronger reliability and lower battery drain when paired with a compatible smart home hub. Our compatibility breakdowns make it easy to see which locks slot seamlessly into your existing ecosystem — whether that's a SmartThings setup, a Home Assistant instance, or an Apple Home hub.

Security First, Convenience Second

A lock that's easy to use should never come at the cost of being easy to defeat. Our guides pay close attention to ANSI / BHMA grade ratings, deadbolt throw length, and the security track record of each manufacturer's companion app — including past vulnerabilities and how quickly they were patched. We also cover practical tips like disabling unnecessary Bluetooth advertising, setting strong unique access codes, and keeping firmware up to date so your front door stays as secure as it is smart.

Browse the guides below to find your next smart lock, compare your top contenders, or solve a setup problem you're running into right now.