Picture this. You walk out of the house, get halfway down the street, and suddenly wonder if you locked the front door. Normally, that little moment of panic would ruin the morning. But now? You can just check your phone, tap one button, and lock your home from anywhere.
Smart locks are having a moment. And honestly, it makes sense. They solve one of the oldest everyday problems. Losing keys. Forgetting keys. Hiding keys under the mat like criminals have never heard of that spot. Smart door locks remove all of that and replace it with a system that is safer, easier, and surprisingly fun to use.
For anyone already exploring smart home security with cameras, doorbells, and home monitoring systems, upgrading the lock is the next natural step. It brings your whole setup together and gives you peace of mind whether you are home or halfway across the country.
Below is a full guide to the best smart locks, how they work, and why they are becoming essential for homeowners who want convenience and security.
Quick Comparison Table – Best Smart Door Locks
| Rank | Smart Lock | Best For | Power | Key Features | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | August Wi-Fi Smart Lock | Best overall | Battery | Retrofit design, auto-unlock, built-in Wi-Fi | $$$ |
| 2 | Schlage Encode Plus | Best for Apple HomeKey | Battery | Tap-to-unlock with iPhone/Watch, no hub needed | $$$$ |
| 3 | Yale Assure Lock 2 Plus | Most versatile | Battery | Touchscreen + modules (Wi-Fi/Z-Wave/Matter) | $$$ |
| 4 | Level Lock+ | Most discreet | Battery | Completely hidden inside door, Apple HomeKey | $$$$ |
| 5 | Eufy Smart Lock S230 | Best fingerprint | Battery | Instant fingerprint, built-in Wi-Fi, IP65 | $$ |
| 6 | Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro Wi-Fi | Most unlock methods | Battery | Fingerprint + keypad + app + mechanical key | $$ |
| 7 | Lockly Secure Pro | Best anti-peek keypad | Battery | PIN Genie scrambling, fingerprint, Wi-Fi | $$$ |
| 8 | Kwikset Halo Touchscreen | Best for rentals/Airbnb | Battery | 250 user codes, built-in Wi-Fi | $$ |
| 9 | Wyze Lock Bolt | Best budget Bluetooth | Battery | Fingerprint + code, retrofits existing deadbolt | $ |
| 10 | Schlage Encode Smart WiFi | Best for Ring/SmartThings | Battery | Native Ring & Alexa integration | $$$ |
Why Smart Door Locks Matter Now
People are upgrading their locks for the same reason they upgraded their cameras or video doorbells. Convenience paired with smart home security feels too good to ignore. Once you try a smart lock, traditional keys feel ancient.
Smart locks give homeowners:
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Remote control from anywhere
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Temporary codes for guests or Airbnb
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No more lost keys
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Auto lock features when you leave
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Alerts when someone enters
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Better front door protection
They also pair perfectly with indoor and outdoor cameras, which makes your whole home monitoring system feel unified. A doorbell camera shows who is at the door, and a smart lock decides whether they get in. Simple but powerful.
The 10 Best Smart Door Locks
1. August Wi Fi Smart Lock (Best Overall)
August remains the top choice because it installs on the inside of your existing deadbolt. That means no major hardware changes and no stress.
Why it stands out:
You keep your current keys but still get every smart feature. Auto unlock when you get home. Auto lock when you leave. It is clean, easy, and the app is one of the best.
Great if you want smart home security without replacing your whole lock.
2. Schlage Encode Plus (Best For Apple Users)
This one works beautifully with iPhones, Apple Watches, and Home Key.
Why it stands out:
You can tap your phone or watch to unlock the door. And it works over Wi Fi without needing a hub.
Ideal for Apple households wanting a modern, seamless experience.
3. Yale Assure Lock 2 (Most Versatile)
Yale gives you options. Touchscreen, keypad, keyed, keyless, Wi Fi module, Bluetooth module. It is flexible in a way most locks aren’t.
Why it stands out:
Sleek design, strong hardware, and multiple versions so you can choose what fits your home.
Perfect for homeowners who like customizable security.
4. Level Lock Plus (Most Discreet Design)
Level hides its entire smart system inside the door. On the outside, it looks like a normal lock. No bulky hardware.
Why it stands out:
It supports Apple Home Key, so unlocking your house feels as effortless as tapping your phone.
Great for people who like minimal, subtle security upgrades.
5. Eufy Smart Lock Touch & WiFi (Best Fingerprint Lock)
If you want fast entry without pulling out your phone, fingerprint unlock is amazing.
Why it stands out:
It recognizes your fingerprint in under a second. It also has built in Wi Fi, so no hub is required.
Excellent for families and busy households.
6. Kwikset Halo Touchscreen 
Popular with rentals, Airbnbs, and busy homes that need programmable access codes.
Why it stands out:
Wi Fi built in, simple controls, and temporary codes for guests.
Great for giving access without handing out physical keys.
7. Ultraloq U Bolt Pro WiFi (Most Ways to Unlock)
This lock has every unlock option you could think of. Fingerprint, keypad, phone, auto unlock, and even a hidden backup key.
Why it stands out:
Flexible, durable, and great value for what it includes.
Helpful if you want layers of access without overcomplicating things.
8. Lockly Secure Pro (Best Keypad Privacy)
Lockly created a keypad that scrambles the numbers each time, so strangers cannot guess the code by watching your fingers.
Why it stands out:
Strong security features and fingerprint unlock included.
Perfect for people who want extra privacy.
9. Wyze Lock (Best Budget Pick)
Wyze makes affordable products without sacrificing performance. Their lock is no exception.
Why it stands out:
Easy to install, works with your existing deadbolt, great for basic smart control.
Nice entry level upgrade for your smart home.
10. Schlage Encode Smart Deadbolt (Best For Security Systems)
If you use systems like Ring Alarm, this lock fits right in.
Why it stands out:
Strong, dependable, and a natural part of a full home monitoring setup.
Ideal for homeowners who want all devices communicating with each other.
How Smart Door Locks Improve Your Home Security
Smart door locks do more than replace keys. They add protection in ways traditional locks cannot. And when paired with indoor and outdoor cameras or a video doorbell, they become part of a complete, layered security system.
They let you see and control access in real time
If someone rings your doorbell, you can view them from your video doorbell, then unlock the door remotely if needed.
They give better control during travel
When you are on vacation, you can check your cameras, monitor your home, and control your lock from anywhere.
They reduce risk
Lost keys, copied keys, or keys hidden under a mat become irrelevant.
They provide detailed entry logs
You know exactly who entered and when.
They create safer package and delivery handling
Pairing a smart lock with a camera lets you secure packages indoors when you are away.
How to Choose Your Perfect Smart Lock – Quick Guide
| Your Need | Recommended Model |
|---|---|
| Keep existing keys & super-easy install | August Wi-Fi Smart Lock or Wyze Lock Bolt |
| Apple HomeKey & sleek premium design | Schlage Encode Plus or Level Lock+ |
| Lightning-fast fingerprint unlock | Eufy Smart Lock S230 or Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro Wi-Fi |
| Rentals / Airbnb / guest codes | Kwikset Halo Touchscreen or Yale Assure Lock 2 Plus |
| Maximum privacy & anti-peek keypad | Lockly Secure Pro |
Final Verdict – It’s Time to Ditch the Keys for Good
Carrying a metal key feels as outdated as a flip phone. The newest smart locks don’t just make life more convenient — they actively make your home safer:
- Lock or unlock from anywhere (yes, even from the beach)
- Get instant alerts the second someone opens your door
- Give cleaners, dog walkers, or Airbnb guests timed codes that disappear automatically
- Watch the doorbell camera and unlock for trusted visitors without getting off the couch
- Never again panic about “Did I lock the door?”
After testing dozens of models, our top 3 winners are:
- August Wi-Fi Smart Lock – The perfect all-around upgrade (10-minute install, works with every smart home)
- Schlage Encode Plus – The Apple household dream (tap your iPhone or Watch to open)
- Eufy S230 – Fastest fingerprint unlock + incredible value (under $200 on sale)
Right now, most of these locks are 25–45% off — the lowest prices we’ve seen all year.
So go ahead: pick the one that fits your life, install it this weekend, and join the thousands of homeowners who’ve already said goodbye to keys forever.
Your future self (the one who never gets locked out again) will thank you. 🔒✨
Ready to upgrade? Grab your favorite from the list above before the deals disappear!
Disclosure: We may earn a commission when you buy through our links — at no extra cost to you. Prices accurate as of December 2025.









