A smart lock is one of the most practical upgrades you can make to your home. It lets you lock and unlock your door remotely, grant access to guests without hiding spare keys, and monitor who comes and goes — all from your smartphone. The best smart locks combine security, convenience, smart home compatibility, and battery life in a package that fits your door and lifestyle.
Best Smart Locks at a Glance
| Product | Best For | Price | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yale Assure Lock 2 | Best Overall | ~$150–$240 | Versatile, multiple styles, works with Alexa, Google, HomeKit |
| August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) | Best Retrofit / Renter-Friendly | ~$146 | Installs over existing deadbolt, keeps your exterior keys |
| Schlage Encode Plus | Best for Apple HomeKey | ~$240 | Apple HomeKey, built-in Wi-Fi, high security |
| Level Lock Pro | Best Invisible / Premium Design | ~$350 | Looks like a standard deadbolt, Matter & Thread support |
| Eufy Smart Lock E32 | Best Value with Fingerprint | ~$140–$180 | Built-in Wi-Fi, fingerprint, Matter over Thread |
| Wyze Lock Bolt V2 | Best Budget Pick | ~$80 | Fingerprint, built-in Wi-Fi, under $100 |
Our Top Smart Lock Picks
1. Yale Assure Lock 2 — Best Overall
The Yale Assure Lock 2 is one of the most versatile and well-rounded smart locks available. It comes in multiple styles, including keyed, keyless, and touchscreen models, so you can choose the look and functionality that fits your door[reference:0]. It connects via Bluetooth and offers Wi-Fi models that work with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit[reference:1].
The lock is easy to install, replacing your existing deadbolt in about 15 minutes. The companion app is well-designed and even supports Apple Watch control[reference:2]. It offers multiple ways to lock and unlock — app, keypad, voice assistant, and even auto-unlock based on your phone’s location.
Best for: Homeowners who want a versatile, stylish smart lock that works with any smart home ecosystem.
Consider: Battery life on the Wi-Fi model is shorter than Bluetooth-only versions[reference:3].
2. August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) — Best Retrofit / Renter-Friendly
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is the best choice for renters or anyone who wants to keep their existing exterior hardware[reference:4]. Unlike most smart locks that require replacing the entire deadbolt, August installs over your existing lock on the inside of your door[reference:5]. You can continue using your original keys, and the exterior of your door remains unchanged[reference:6].
This 4th-generation model includes built-in Wi-Fi, so you don’t need an extra bridge for remote access[reference:7]. It works with Alexa, Google, HomeKit, and IFTTT[reference:8]. Features include Auto-Lock, Auto-Unlock via geofencing, guest keys, and DoorSense technology that tells you whether your door is securely closed[reference:9][reference:10].
Best for: Renters, apartment dwellers, and anyone who cannot change their exterior lock hardware.
Consider: Battery life is shorter than some competitors due to Wi-Fi connectivity[reference:11].
The Schlage Encode Plus is the best smart lock for Apple users who want the convenience of Apple HomeKey[reference:12]. It is the first smart lock to integrate Apple HomeKey, allowing you to unlock your door with a tap of your iPhone or Apple Watch[reference:13].
This lock offers enterprise-grade security with built-in Wi-Fi, eliminating the need for a separate bridge[reference:14]. It is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Apple HomeKit[reference:15]. The Encode Plus is also one of the most rugged and well-built smart locks on the market, with a heavier, more premium feel than many competitors[reference:16]. It received an AAA rating from Builders Hardware[reference:17].
Best for: Apple users who want HomeKey integration and premium build quality.
Consider: It is more expensive than many other smart locks and does not support Google Assistant natively.
4. Level Lock Pro — Best Invisible / Premium Design
The Level Lock Pro is the smart lock for anyone who wants smart features without the smart lock look[reference:18]. From the outside, it is nearly indistinguishable from a standard deadbolt, yet it packs Apple HomeKey support, Matter over Thread, and multiple unlocking methods inside its compact form[reference:19].
It is one of the first locks to fully embrace Matter and Thread, making it future-proof for the evolving smart home ecosystem[reference:20]. It supports Apple HomeKey, allowing you to unlock with a tap of your iPhone or Apple Watch[reference:21]. The lock includes a physical key backup and can be controlled via the Level app[reference:22].
Best for: Homeowners who want a premium, invisible smart lock that doesn’t look like a smart lock.
Consider: It is one of the most expensive smart locks on the market and lacks a built-in keypad[reference:23].
5. Eufy Smart Lock E32 — Best Value with Fingerprint
The Eufy Smart Lock E32 is a feature-packed smart lock at a mid-range price. It includes built-in Wi-Fi, fingerprint recognition, keypad access, and Matter over Thread for smart home integration[reference:24]. The fingerprint reader uses AI self-learning technology that gets more accurate over time[reference:25].
Installation is easy and compatible with most standard US and Canadian deadbolts[reference:26]. It works with Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa, and SmartThings[reference:27]. The lock runs on 8 AA batteries for up to 8 months and includes IP53 waterproofing for outdoor use[reference:28][reference:29].
Best for: Buyers who want built-in Wi-Fi, fingerprint access, and Matter support at a mid-range price.
Consider: The exterior assembly is larger than some competitors due to the fingerprint sensor[reference:30].
6. Wyze Lock Bolt V2 — Best Budget Pick
The Wyze Lock Bolt V2 is the best smart lock for budget-conscious shoppers[reference:31]. For around $80, it offers built-in Wi-Fi, a fingerprint reader, a tempered glass keypad, and a tamper alarm[reference:32]. It is Amazon’s best-selling biometric security product with a 4.6-star rating[reference:33].
The fingerprint scanner is AI-powered and learns from each touch for faster, more reliable unlocks[reference:34]. The lock supports up to 50 unique access codes, auto-lock, and tamper alerts[reference:35]. It uses 8 AA batteries for up to 8 months of battery life and includes a physical key backup[reference:36][reference:37]. It supports both Bluetooth and 2.4GHz Wi-Fi[reference:38].
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who want built-in Wi-Fi and fingerprint access under $100.
Consider: The exterior keypad is larger than some premium alternatives and the app interface is basic.
How We Compare Smart Locks
- Security and physical build quality
- Installation type (replacement vs retrofit)
- Unlocking methods (app, keypad, fingerprint, key)
- Smart home compatibility (Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Amazon Alexa)
- Built-in Wi-Fi or bridge required
- Battery life
- App quality and features
- Renter-friendliness
- Price and overall value
Installation Types: Replacement vs Retrofit
Replacement Locks
Replacement locks require removing your existing deadbolt and installing a completely new lock. This includes brands such as Yale, Schlage, Level, Eufy, and Wyze. They offer the most integrated experience but may not be suitable for renters[reference:39].
Retrofit Locks
Retrofit locks install over your existing deadbolt on the inside of your door. They keep your exterior hardware unchanged, which is perfect for renters or anyone who wants to keep their existing keys. The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is the best example of this category[reference:40].
Smart Home Compatibility
Before buying a smart lock, check which smart home platforms it supports:
- Apple HomeKit / HomeKey: Schlage Encode Plus, Level Lock Pro, August Wi-Fi Smart Lock[reference:41][reference:42]
- Google Home: Yale Assure Lock 2, August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, Eufy E32[reference:43][reference:44]
- Amazon Alexa: Yale Assure Lock 2, August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, Schlage Encode Plus[reference:45][reference:46]
- Matter / Thread: Level Lock Pro, Eufy E32[reference:47][reference:48]
Battery Life Considerations
Battery life varies significantly between smart locks:
- Wyze Lock Bolt V2: Up to 8 months (8 AA batteries)[reference:49]
- Eufy Smart Lock E32: Up to 8 months (8 AA batteries)[reference:50]
- August Wi-Fi Smart Lock: ~3 months (4 AA batteries)[reference:51]
- Yale Assure Lock 2: Varies by model; shorter battery life on Wi-Fi models[reference:52]
- Schlage Encode Plus: 9V battery[reference:53]
- Level Lock Pro: CR2 battery[reference:54]
Most locks provide low-battery alerts through their companion apps, giving you time to replace batteries before they die.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which smart lock is the most secure?
Schlage Encode Plus and Yale Assure Lock 2 are among the most secure, with high physical security ratings and enterprise-grade encryption[reference:55][reference:56]. All of the locks in this guide offer Grade 2 or Grade 1 security.
Can I install a smart lock myself?
Yes. Most smart locks are designed for DIY installation and take 15–30 minutes with basic tools such as a Phillips-head screwdriver[reference:57]. Retrofits such as August are even easier to install.
Do smart locks work without Wi-Fi?
Most smart locks work via Bluetooth without Wi-Fi, allowing local control. For remote access, you need Wi-Fi or a separate bridge[reference:58].
Can I still use my physical key?
Yes. Most smart locks include a physical key backup for emergencies[reference:59]. Some models, such as August, allow you to continue using your existing keys.
Are smart locks worth it for renters?
Yes, especially retrofit models such as the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, which install over your existing deadbolt without changing the exterior hardware[reference:60]. Always check with your landlord before installation.
Final Thoughts
The Yale Assure Lock 2 is the best overall smart lock for most homeowners, offering versatility, smart home compatibility, and a sleek design. The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is the best choice for renters and anyone who wants to keep their existing exterior hardware. Schlage Encode Plus is the best Apple HomeKey option, while Level Lock Pro offers premium invisible design.
For budget-conscious buyers, the Wyze Lock Bolt V2 delivers fingerprint access and built-in Wi-Fi for under $100, and the Eufy Smart Lock E32 offers excellent value with Matter support and fingerprint recognition. Choose based on your budget, installation preference, and smart home ecosystem.