We're not quite out of the weeds with COVID-19, so remember to take a few seconds to wipe down the doorknobs and locks around your home. For more information on how to disinfect your home, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have a helpful article about cleaning and disinfecting your house.
The Schlage Encode sits atop our rankings because it has more robust security than the competition. It complements smart home systems nicely, but you can also program pin codes on the keypad without a mobile app or smart hub.
We compared prices, security ratings, customer reviews, and ease of use to pick the most secure electronic locks for your front or back door.
Here are the best keyless electronic door locks of 2021
Compare the best electronic locks
| Best for security | Best smart features |
Best keyless touchscreen | Budget Bluetooth pick | |
| Schlage Encode | August Wi-Fi Smart Lock | Yale Assure Lock SL | Kwikset Aura | |
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| List price* | ||||
| Physical key option |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
| Keypad |
Yes |
Optional accessory |
Yes |
Yes |
| Open with app |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Compatible with Alexa |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
| View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
| Read review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review |
*Amazon.com list price as of 4/28/2021 at 3:00 p.m. (MT). Read full disclaimer.
Best keyless electronic locks reviews
1. Schlage Encode: Best for security
For top-notch protection, you can’t beat the Schlage Encode. This smart lock is one of the most expensive on our list (averaging around $250), but it delivers on both convenience and security.
This keyless lock comes with the highest security rating of any door lock we considered. The Schlage Encode boasts ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 certification, which is the highest rating available.
Built-in alarm Backup key Strong construction Voice control with Alexa Easy installation
Slow customer service High price tag Poor battery lifeWe especially like that you don't have to connect this lock to a smart home hub thanks to its built-in Wi-Fi. This is a big improvement over the Schlage Connect, our previous top pick, which worked only with Z-Wave (or Zigbee) smart homes.
Still, Wi-Fi uses a lot of juice, so don't expect more than a couple months' worth of battery life on this Wi-Fi smart lock.
2. August Wi-Fi Smart Lock: Best smart features
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is a pioneer when it comes to smart locks and keyless entry—especially for renters and anyone who doesn't want to go through the hassle of brand-new lock installation.
Enjoy remote control, low battery alerts, and a secure built-in Wi-Fi connection. There's also a Bluetooth connection for better battery performance when you're at home.
Sleek design Auto-lock/unlock feature Home automation compatibility Easy installation Simple mobile app
No security ratings Pricey Short battery life Keypad costs extraAnd when it comes to looks, this lock stands out. Because it installs on the inside of your door, you’ll appreciate the compact, unobtrusive modern design that complements most home dรฉcor.
We really like that it has a smaller size that isn't as bulky on your door. It's a bit more expensive than the previous versions, costing around $250.
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock works with existing deadbolts, which is convenient. However, it isn’t compatible with all deadbolt models, so make sure yours is compatible before making the investment.
Learn more about this company's locks in our full August smart lock review.
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is nearly $50 off right now. If its higher price was a deterrent for you to consider it more seriously, this is a good time to snatch it.
3. Yale Assure Lock SL: Best keyless touchscreen
The Yale Assure Lock SL has a slick keyless touchscreen that makes it a stylish addition to your front door. While we prefer the Wi-Fi version that uses the August Home app, there are also Z-Wave, Zigbee, and HomeKit variants so you can connect this lock to your smart home platform of choice.
It features an easy-to-use touchscreen keypad that is backlit. You can program and save up to 250 entry codes—more codes than any other smart deadbolt on our list.
Up to 250 unique codes Easy installation Voice control with Alexa or Google
PriceyThis keypad door lock also comes with a privacy setting that lets you disable some or all codes for a specified amount of time. This feature could come in handy for a few reasons, but our favorite scenario is locking out teens who try to sneak in (or out) after curfew.
Although the backlit touchscreen is attractive, users express concern about wear and leftover fingerprints that could tip off a thief.
Read our Yale smart lock review to learn more about the Yale Assure Lock SL.
The Nest x Yale is generally more affordable than the Wi-Fi version of the Yale Assure SL. It's a perfect choice for Google-centered smart homes, but isn't compatible with Amazon Alexa or Apple HomeKit.
4. Kwikset Aura: Budget Bluetooth pick
Kwikset is one of the most well-known names in home locks, and the Kwikset Aura Bluetooth lock combines the look of their conventional keypad locks with high-tech functionality.
Aura uses Bluetooth to connect to your smartphone so you can lock and unlock your door with the app. Unlocking isn't as seamless as it was on the Kwikset Kevo, which only required a tap on the lock itself, but it's still convenient for most folks.
Bluetooth One-touch locking Keypad and traditional key options Affordable
Lower customer satisfaction Glitchy app No remote accessThis Bluetooth lock doesn't connect to the internet, so you can control it only when you're close to the lock. It's disappointing that there's no remote access, but it practically cuts the price in half compared to Wi-Fi smart locks.
Despite the trusted brand name, the Aura isn’t a customer favorite, though it fares better than other Kwikset smart locks. This smart deadbolt has a number of customer reviews complaining about the quality of the lock. Reliability, slow response time, and glitches with the app are among the top concerns.
The Kwikset Halo is essentially a Wi-Fi version of the Aura, though it is more expensive and has a shorter battery life on average.
More brands we considered
SimpliSafe
The SimpliSafe Smart Lock is a newcomer to the smart lock scene that gives you a keyless lock option for the SimpliSafe ecosystem. Unfortunately, it requires a SimpliSafe monitoring subscription, so it's not useful to folks without a SimpliSafe system.
For a deeper look at this lock, read our SimpliSafe Smart Lock review or check out our video review on YouTube.
SoHoMiLL
The SoHoMiLL Electronic Door Knob is affordable (under $50) and works with both left- and right-hinged doors. But we wish it could hold more codes—you can only store up to eight, compared to hundreds on other electronic lock models. And this isn’t a deadbolt, so it adds more convenience than extra security.
How to fake a smart lock
If you're not ready for a full new smart lock system right now, consider supplementing your regular lock with smart lock accessories. These products grant you strong security and modern convenience without fully replacing your current lock.
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Sesame Smart Lock |
Haven Connect Smart Lock |
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| Pros | Turns a regular lock into a smart lock Installs easily Military-grade encryption |
Supplements deadbolt security Hands-free entry Notifies you of tampering or attempted break-in |
| Cons | Doesn’t function as a lock on its own High price tag |
Requires additional purchases for full functionality |
| Where to find it | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
Final word
The Schlage Encode offers a rigid construction that stands up to abuse and earns it a Grade 1 security rating. It even works directly with your smartphone thanks to built-in Wi-Fi, though it doesn't have the best battery life.
Overall, door locks and deadbolts offer varying levels of security and convenience. And they're the first line of defense for your home and family, so they need to be reliable. Stick with us a little longer by checking out our list of frequently asked questions about smart locks.
Our approach
Using your fingerprint to unlock the front door may seem like sci-fi, but the future is here! We pushed through all the high-tech razzle-dazzle to find the best smart and electronic keyless door locks for your home.
To find the best electronic door locks, we reviewed 20 locks for overall security, functionality, reliability, and customer satisfaction. We considered national standards for lock security as well as expert ratings and customer reviews.
More than 20 hours of independent research went into comparing and contrasting the benefits and downsides of each lock to determine our top picks.
- 30 hours researched
- 28 products considered
- 2,500+ customer reviews consulted
- 368 ounces of coffee consumed
Learn more about how we review products by reading our methodology.
Smart Lock FAQ
An electronic door lock can be the first step toward a fully automated smart home. People who are skeptical or intimidated by home automation often find a smart lock easier to understand, making them more likely to give it a try.
After experiencing the benefits of a keyless lock, they just can’t wait to make something else smart. Maybe something as simple as a crock pot or more advanced like smart lighting or a smart thermostat.
Before you know it, they’re seeking out smart home hubs like Amazon Alexa or Google Home to control all their smart devices with the sound of their voice. If you find yourself sliding down the slippery slope of smart home automation, do it the right way by checking out some of our related articles.
Subscribe to our Youtube channel for more videos like this one! Learn how to protect your home, your loved ones, yourself and your belongings.
The ANSI/BHMA (American National Standards Institute/Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association) grading system is the most common rating used to provide consumers with quality assurance when it comes to the smart door lock you use to protect your home.
These organizations put consumer locks through a series of tests to determine operational function, pull strength, key torque cycles, and impact resistance. Look for locks with an ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 or Grade 2 for the best security. These industry standards ensure your locks work now and for years to come.
Depending on the lock, you might see a letter rating instead—like AAA. The three letters cover three categories respectively: durability, strength/security, and finish. Grade A is the highest rating in a given category and Grade C is the lowest.
When it comes to how your smart deadbolt works, there is a lot of tech lingo floating around. Here’s a quick reference to demystify the jargon:
- Bluetooth: Bluetooth locks use your smartphone’s Bluetooth to connect to a mobile app. This type of smart door lock has a short range, requiring an adapter to connect to your Wi-Fi network.
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi locks connect directly to the internet, but aren’t as common as Bluetooth, Z-Wave, and Zigbee because they drain batteries faster. It’s typically the priciest type of smart lock.
- Z-Wave or Zigbee: These smart home devices use mesh networks where all the devices that talk to each other. Both Z-Wave and Zigbee require a smart hub to communicate with mobile apps.
- Radio frequency identification (RFID) or near-field communication (NFC): RFID locks use a key fob or card for entry. Radio waves from the key card communicate with the lock to allow entry. This is the same tech behind most mobile payment platforms like Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Both convenience and security play big roles in an effective smart lock, so it’s wise to choose a smart lock with equal helpings of each. But it’s also okay if you prefer one over the other:
- Convenience: Remote access, no more spare keys, and hands-free entry are all big perks of smart locks. When you’re coming in with an armload of groceries or letting in the dog walker from somewhere else, you can’t beat a smart door lock. In essence, smart locks are about convenience.
- Security: While smart locks aren’t stronger than traditional locks, they do control who has access to your home and when. Locks that allow you to create a virtual key or pin code for users (and disable it as needed) give you much more security than traditional keys.
Yes, but the biggest difference is that a smart door lock is vulnerable to remote hacks, so a burglar no longer has to be on-site to bypass your lock. But most hackers aren’t interested in breaking into homes when they can target bigger fish for similar effort.
Considering the downfalls of a traditional lock (losing keys, lock picking), the risks aren’t any greater—and they may actually be less likely to occur.
Smart locks don’t use a standard key tumbler, so they look different from other door locks. Some believe the sleek, modern look of smart locks signals to a burglar that you like to spend money on fancy gadgets.
But this is speculation and there’s no evidence to support that fear. If this concerns you, seek out a smart lock that looks more like a traditional deadbolt.
Related articles
*Amazon.com list price as of 4/28/2021 at 3:00 p.m. (MT). Product prices and availability are accurate as of this date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any prices and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Safewise.com utilizes paid Amazon links.
Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.
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