Best Smart Locks
April 2026
Biometric fingerprint readers, auto-lock mechanisms, Matter compatibility, and app-based access control—ranked across 10 top-rated smart locks for keyless home security.
⚔️ Head to Head Battle
Schlage Encode Plus
Best smart lock OverallThe Schlage Encode Plus earns the top spot as the only consumer smart lock with ANSI Grade 1 certification, the highest security rating available for residential locks. Built with a commercial-grade deadbolt mechanism, it resists forced entry, lock picking, and bumping at a level that most consumer locks simply cannot match. Apple Home Key support lets iPhone and Apple Watch users unlock with a tap — no app needed, no fumbling for credentials. The lock also supports Alexa, Google Assistant, and the Schlage Home app with built-in Wi-Fi that requires no additional hub or bridge. The keypad provides backlit touch-screen entry with programmable codes for up to 100 users, plus auto-lock and built-in alarm sensing. In testing by , and independent reviewers, the Encode Plus consistently ranked as the overall best smart lock for its unmatched combination of physical security, smart features, and platform compatibility.
✅ Pros
- Only ANSI Grade 1 consumer smart lock available
- Apple Home Key for tap-to-unlock with iPhone/Watch
- Built-in Wi-Fi — no hub or bridge required
- Up to 100 programmable user access codes
- Commercial-grade deadbolt resists forced entry
- Built-in alarm sensing detects tampering
✖ Cons
- Premium price at ~$300
- Apple Home Key requires iPhone or Apple Watch
- Battery life shorter with heavy Wi-Fi usage
- Large interior housing may not suit all doors
- No fingerprint reader — keypad codes only
Aqara U200
Best Smart Lock ValueThe Aqara U200 is the most versatile smart lock on this list, combining fingerprint recognition, Apple Home Key, NFC, keypad codes, physical keys, and app control into one compact deadbolt. Matter over Thread certification means it works natively with every major ecosystem — Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Samsung SmartThings — without requiring a proprietary hub. The fingerprint reader unlocks in under half a second with a false rejection rate below 2%, and stores up to 50 fingerprints. The lock’s compact design fits standard American door preparations without modification, and installation takes roughly 15 minutes with basic tools. Auto-lock, auto-unlock via geofencing, one-time access codes for guests, and detailed access logs round out the feature set. At approximately $190, it offers Apple Home Key and Matter certification at a significantly lower price than the Schlage Encode Plus, making it the best value premium smart lock available.
✅ Pros
- Six unlock methods including fingerprint and Home Key
- Matter over Thread for universal ecosystem support
- Sub-half-second fingerprint recognition
- Apple Home Key at a lower price than Schlage
- Compact design fits standard door preparations
- Geofencing auto-unlock for hands-free entry
✖ Cons
- ANSI Grade 3 security lower than Schlage Grade 1
- Thread border router required for remote access
- Battery life varies with Thread network traffic
- NFC unlock requires compatible device
- Newer product with shorter track record
Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch
Best Fingerprint LockYale brings over 180 years of lock-making expertise to the smart home with the Assure Lock 2 Touch, featuring a capacitive fingerprint reader that stores up to 25 prints and unlocks in under one second. The modular design lets you choose between Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Matter connectivity modules — swap one out later without replacing the entire lock. This future-proofing approach is unique in the smart lock market. The DoorSense hinge sensor confirms whether your door is actually closed and locked, eliminating the common smart lock problem of auto-locking against an open door frame. Yale’s partnership with August (now owned by Assa Abloy) means deep integration with the August app, Apple HomeKit, Alexa, and Google Assistant. The lock supports auto-lock, auto-unlock, guest access with scheduled codes, and integrates with popular alarm systems like Ring and ADT. Professional-grade construction with an ANSI/BHMA Grade 2 rating provides strong physical security.
✅ Pros
- Swappable connectivity modules for future-proofing
- DoorSense confirms door is actually closed and locked
- 180+ years of Yale lock-making expertise
- Capacitive fingerprint reader unlocks in under 1 second
- Works with Ring and ADT alarm systems
- Up to 250 programmable access codes
✖ Cons
- Connectivity module sold separately for some configs
- Fingerprint reader exposed to weather on exterior
- Higher price than similarly featured competitors
- Module swaps require app reconfiguration
- Interior assembly is bulkier than August retrofit
Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi
Best Multi-Auth LockThe Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi offers the widest range of unlock methods at its price point: fingerprint, anti-peep keypad, smartphone app, auto-unlock, mechanical key, and even shake-to-open. The anti-peep keypad lets you enter random digits before and after your real code to prevent shoulder surfing — a thoughtful security feature missing from most competitors. Built-in Wi-Fi means no hub required for remote access, and the lock integrates with Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control. The fingerprint sensor stores up to 120 prints (the highest capacity on this list) and recognizes prints in under 0.3 seconds. Ultraloq’s app supports advanced features like one-time codes, scheduled access for service workers, and detailed entry logs with timestamps. The 6-in-1 unlock versatility makes it particularly well-suited for Airbnb hosts, families with children, and homes where different household members prefer different access methods.
✅ Pros
- Six different unlock methods including shake-to-open
- Anti-peep keypad prevents shoulder surfing
- 120 fingerprint capacity — highest on the list
- Built-in Wi-Fi with no hub required
- 0.3-second fingerprint recognition
- Ideal for Airbnb with one-time code support
✖ Cons
- No Apple HomeKit or Matter support
- ANSI Grade 3 security is entry-level
- Shake-to-open can trigger accidentally in pocket
- App interface less polished than Yale or Schlage
- Wi-Fi connection occasionally drops requiring reset
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock
Best Retrofit LockThe August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is the king of retrofit installations — it replaces only the interior thumb turn of your existing deadbolt, keeping your exterior hardware and physical keys completely unchanged. This means you can add smart lock functionality to your front door in under 10 minutes without any tools, drilling, or modifications to your door. Built-in Wi-Fi eliminates the need for the separate August Connect bridge that older models required. The lock works with Apple HomeKit, Alexa, Google Assistant, and Samsung SmartThings, with auto-lock and auto-unlock based on your phone’s GPS. The compact, puck-shaped design sits discreetly on the interior of the door and is available in multiple finishes. DoorSense technology detects whether the door is open or closed. For renters, apartment dwellers, and anyone who doesn’t want to replace their existing deadbolt hardware, the August is the clear choice — and the reason it’s been ’s top retrofit pick for three years running.
✅ Pros
- Retrofit install in 10 minutes with no tools
- Keeps your existing exterior hardware and keys
- Built-in Wi-Fi — no bridge needed
- Works with all four major smart home platforms
- DoorSense detects door open/closed status
- Auto-unlock via GPS geofencing
✖ Cons
- Battery life shorter than competitors (6 months)
- No fingerprint or keypad — phone-dependent
- Interior puck adds bulk to door
- Retrofit design limits security to existing deadbolt
- GPS auto-unlock occasionally triggers prematurely
Level Lock+ (Matter)
Best Invisible LockThe Level Lock+ is the only smart lock that is completely invisible from the outside — it hides entirely inside your existing deadbolt, preserving your door’s original exterior appearance with zero visible technology. This stealth design appeals to homeowners in historic districts, HOA-regulated communities, and anyone who prefers their smart home tech to be unseen. Matter over Thread certification provides universal ecosystem compatibility with Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Alexa, and SmartThings. Apple Home Key support lets you unlock with a tap of your iPhone or Apple Watch. The lock fits inside most standard deadbolts and installs in about 15 minutes by replacing only the interior mechanism. Touch-to-unlock on the interior side and NFC card support round out the access methods. The trade-off for the invisible design is that there’s no exterior keypad or fingerprint reader — you need your phone, watch, NFC card, or physical key to enter from outside.
✅ Pros
- Completely invisible from exterior — stealth design
- Apple Home Key with Matter over Thread
- Fits inside existing deadbolt with no exterior change
- Perfect for HOA and historic district restrictions
- Thread mesh networking for reliable connectivity
- Sleek minimal interior with touch-to-unlock
✖ Cons
- Highest price on this list at ~$330
- No exterior keypad or fingerprint reader
- Requires phone, watch, or NFC card to enter
- Thread border router needed for remote access
- Not compatible with all deadbolt brands
Eufy S230 Touch & WiFi
Best Keypad LockEufy’s S230 brings the brand’s privacy-first approach to smart locks with a capacitive fingerprint reader that stores prints locally on the device — no cloud uploads, no server storage. The sensor recognizes fingerprints in 0.3 seconds and stores up to 100 prints, making it suitable for large families or small businesses. Built-in Wi-Fi provides remote access and control through the Eufy Security app without requiring a separate hub or bridge. The BHMA Grade 3 deadbolt supports keypad codes, fingerprint, app control, and physical keys. Integration with Alexa and Google Assistant enables voice commands for locking (but not unlocking, for security). The keypad features an anti-fingerprint coating to prevent code detection from smudge patterns. At roughly $150, the S230 offers fingerprint recognition with local storage and Wi-Fi connectivity at a significantly lower price than Yale or Schlage alternatives, making it the best mid-range keypad lock available.
✅ Pros
- Fingerprint data stored locally — never uploaded to cloud
- 0.3-second fingerprint recognition
- Built-in Wi-Fi with no hub required
- 100 fingerprint capacity for large households
- Anti-fingerprint keypad coating prevents smudge detection
- Strong value at ~$150 with fingerprint + Wi-Fi
✖ Cons
- No Apple HomeKit or Matter support
- BHMA Grade 3 is entry-level security
- Voice unlock disabled for security reasons
- Eufy app less refined than Schlage or Yale
- No auto-unlock geofencing feature
Kwikset Halo Touch
Best Fingerprint DeadboltKwikset’s Halo Touch combines the brand’s patented SmartKey Security anti-pick deadbolt with a capacitive fingerprint reader for a strong balance of physical and digital security. SmartKey allows you to rekey the lock yourself in seconds without a locksmith — particularly useful when moving into a new home or after giving temporary access to contractors. The fingerprint sensor stores up to 100 prints and recognizes them reliably even with slightly wet or dirty fingers. Built-in Wi-Fi connects to the Kwikset app for remote access, scheduling, and user management without requiring a hub. The lock integrates with Alexa and Google Assistant and supports one-time access codes for guests and service providers. Kwikset’s ANSI/BHMA Grade 2 security rating provides strong physical protection against forced entry. At approximately $220, it occupies the sweet spot between the premium Schlage Encode Plus and budget options like Wyze.
✅ Pros
- SmartKey allows instant rekeying without a locksmith
- ANSI Grade 2 with anti-pick and anti-bump protection
- Fingerprint works with wet or dirty fingers
- Built-in Wi-Fi — no hub required
- 100 fingerprints plus 250 access codes
- Trusted Kwikset brand with wide parts availability
✖ Cons
- No Apple HomeKit or Matter support
- Exterior fingerprint reader exposed to weather
- Higher price than similar-featured Eufy
- App interface could be more intuitive
- No auto-unlock geofencing
Wyze Lock Bolt
Best Budget LockThe Wyze Lock Bolt strips smart locks down to the essentials: a fingerprint reader and Bluetooth connectivity for under $70. It’s the most affordable fingerprint smart lock on the market, and Wyze’s approach of Bluetooth-only (no Wi-Fi) actually simplifies the user experience — there’s no cloud dependency, no internet requirement, and no concerns about remote hacking. The fingerprint reader stores up to 50 prints and recognizes them quickly and reliably. The anti-peep keypad supports backup PIN codes. The lock runs on four AA batteries with an estimated 6-month battery life. Where the Wyze Lock Bolt falls short is remote access — without Wi-Fi, you can’t lock, unlock, or check status when away from home. There’s also no integration with voice assistants or smart home platforms. For users who simply want a keyless entry solution with fingerprint recognition at the lowest possible price, the Wyze Lock Bolt delivers remarkably well on its focused promise.
✅ Pros
- Most affordable fingerprint lock at ~$70
- No cloud dependency — all local Bluetooth
- Simple setup with no Wi-Fi configuration
- Reliable fingerprint recognition
- Anti-peep keypad for secure PIN entry
- No internet means no remote hacking risk
✖ Cons
- No remote access without Wi-Fi
- No Alexa, Google, or HomeKit integration
- Bluetooth range limited to ~30 feet
- 50 fingerprint limit may be low for businesses
- No auto-lock or geofencing features
- ANSI Grade 3 is entry-level security
Lockly Secure Pro
Best PIN Pad LockLockly’s Secure Pro features a patented PIN Genie keypad where the number positions shuffle randomly with every use, making it impossible for anyone to guess your code by watching you type or analyzing fingerprint smudges on the keypad. This rotating PIN technology is Lockly’s signature innovation and provides a level of keypad security no other smart lock can match. The 3D fingerprint sensor stores up to 99 prints and uses capacitive plus infrared scanning for higher accuracy than single-layer sensors. Built-in Wi-Fi enables remote access, and the lock supports Alexa and Google Assistant voice commands. The Secure Pro also includes Offline Access Codes — time-limited codes generated in the app that work even when the lock is offline. ANSI Grade 3 certification provides baseline physical security. At roughly $230, it’s priced in the premium tier, but the rotating PIN keypad is genuinely unique and solves a real security concern that other locks ignore entirely.
✅ Pros
- Patented PIN Genie shuffles keypad numbers each use
- 3D fingerprint sensor with infrared scanning
- Offline Access Codes work without internet
- Built-in Wi-Fi with no hub required
- Solves shoulder-surfing and smudge-detection attacks
- Time-limited codes ideal for rental properties
✖ Cons
- No Apple HomeKit or Matter support
- ANSI Grade 3 is entry-level security rating
- Shuffling keypad takes getting used to
- Higher price for Grade 3 security
- App can be slow to connect via Bluetooth
- Larger exterior housing than competitors









