After comparing prices, security ratings, customer reviews, and ease of use to choose the most secure electronic locks, the August Wi-Fi wins as the best smart locks for homes. It has the easiest installation and complements smart home systems nicely.
If you like smart locks with keypads (the August Wi-Fi’s optional keypad is sold separately) or that unlock with a fingerprint scanner, you might prefer the other smart locks on this list. Some locks will help more for people looking for convenience (hands-free options for when you're busy or have an arm full of groceries) while others are high-grade security picks that put protection first.
Here are the best keyless smart locks of 2022
- : Best overall
- : Best for Amazon Key
- : Budget pick
- : Best design
- : Best fingerprint lock
Compare the best smart locks
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*Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.
1. August Wi-Fi (4th Generation): Best overall
$36 offAmazon.com price as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read full disclaimer.
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is a pioneer of smart locks and keyless entry—especially for renters and anyone who doesn't want the hassle of brand-new lock installation.
Sleek design Auto-lock/unlock feature Home automation compatibility Easy installation Simple mobile app
PriceyWe love August as the best door lock because it’s packed with features:
- Low battery alerts
- Remote control through app
- Secure built-in Wi-Fi connection
- Bluetooth connection for better at-home battery performance
- Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Google Assistant compatibility for voice control and automations
- Geofencing that unlocks door automatically as you approach
The Schlage electronic lock design works with the lock you already have, so it took us just minutes to get up and running. It's a bit pricier than previous versions, but it doesn’t need a hub. That means faster installation and one less device in your outlets.
August Wi-Fi doesn’t have a security rating, unlike the Schlage Encode. But this is probably because the August lock becomes your deadbolt’s knob and isn’t a deadbolt itself. Pair it with these top lock choices for the best security.
Learn more about August locks in our full August smart lock review.
The August Wi-Fi electric door lock isn’t compatible with all existing deadbolt models, so make sure yours is compatible before making the investment.
2. Schlage Encode: Amazon Key
Amazon.com price as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read full disclaimer.
For top-notch protection, you can’t beat the Schlage Encode. The Encode ranks as the best keypad deadbolt on this list and the best Amazon Key–compatible pick to prevent porch pirate thievery.
Built-in alarm Backup key Strong construction Amazon Key compatibility
High price tag Poor battery lifeThe Schlage Encode boasts ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 Certification. That means this keyless lock comes with the highest security rating available for any lock.
We especially like that you don't have to connect this smart home door lock to a smart home hub, thanks to its built-in Wi-Fi. This is a significant improvement over the Schlage Connect, which works 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.
3. Wyze Lock: Budget pick
Amazon.com price as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read full disclaimer.
The Wyze Lock is the most affordable digital door lock on this list, but affordable doesn’t mean cheap. This lock is durable and has a long battery life.
Long battery life Geofencing capabilities Easy installation
Bulky buildWe love that Wyze Lock batteries aren’t too needy. During testing, we found it could go for months without needing a fresh set of batteries. That’s rare for most smart lock brands.
Wyze’s geofencing capabilities are nifty too. Like August Wi-Fi, this lock uses your phone’s location to lock/unlock doors accordingly. So when it senses that you’re heading up the steps to your front porch with your hands full of groceries it will unlock hands-free. You can turn this feature off if you’d like.
The only real downside is that the lock is a bulky box. It’s not pretty, but it gets the job done.
4. Schlage Connect: Best design
Amazon.com price as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read full disclaimer.
If you want smart lock functionality without sacrificing style, the Schlage Connect Smart Lock is for you. It comes in a variety of designs and colors to match just about any decorating style.
Many designs and colors Ring Alarm system compatibility ANSI Grade 1 rating
Hard to programThe Schlage smart lock works with Ring Alarm Systems thanks to its Z-Wave capabilities. When you arm your security system, the doors can lock automatically.
It also has its own little alarm system built in. If someone tries to tamper with the lock or force the door open, it’ll sound an alarm. Plus, it’s strong. Like the other Schlage on this list, it has an ANSI Grade 1 security rating.
While the Connect is easy to install, users report trouble with smart home device connection and getting the codes to work correctly. You may need to google some how-to videos since the instructions aren’t incredibly clear.
5. Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro: Best unlocking options
*Amazon.com price as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read full disclaimer.
The Ultraloq U-Blot Pro is durable and has the most unlocking capabilities of our top picks. You can use the keypad, app, voice commands, or your fingerprint to unlock it.
Fingerprint reader IFTTT compatible ANSI Grade 1 rating
Unusual design No key optionThe Ultraloq is also the only lock on our list that uses IFTTT alongside voice assistants like Alexa and Google. This means you can set up almost endless automations with your lock and other smart devices. An example: set your front door to lock automatically when your smart porch light turns on.
Like the Schlage Encode, the Ultraloq lock is super durable and has an ANSI Grade 1 rating.
It also allows you to hide your code within a stream of numbers in case someone is looking over your shoulder. So if your code was 4432, you could tap in 44320134, and the door would still unlock. The longer code would be harder for someone behind you to memorize, and you’d still be able to get into your house.
Unfortunately, there are two drawbacks. One, there’s no key option for unlocking the U-Blot Pro. Two, it looks . . . weird. It may not blend in with your decor.
More smart locks 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.
Yale Assure Lock SL
The Yale Assure Lock SL has a slick keyless touchscreen. Though we were ready to love this keyless entry door lock when we first learned of it, hands-on testing turned us sour.
This Yale smart lock keypad is glitchy. It left us locked out more than once, and getting help with customer service was a nightmare.
And, 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.
Kwikset Aura
Kwikset is one of the most well-known names in home locks. 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 required only a tap on the lock itself. But it's still convenient for most folks.
Despite the trusted brand name, the Aura smart device isn’t a customer favorite—though it fares better than other Kwikset smart locks. This smart deadbolt has quite a few customer reviews complaining about the lock quality. Reliability, slow response time, and glitches with the app are among top concerns.
This 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.
Learn more in our Kwikset smart locks review.
Final word
The August Wi-Fi is our pick for the best smart door lock. It’s easy to install, works directly with your smartphone (thanks to built-in Wi-Fi), and connects with nearly every smart device in your home automation system.
The Schlage Encode is a good pick if you want a deadbolt lock with a keypad. It offers a rigid construction that stands up to abuse and earns it a Grade 1 security rating.
Smart lock FAQ
Our top smart lock pick for security is Schlage Encode. It's keyless, convenient, and boasts ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 certification (the highest rating available).
An electronic door lock can be your gateway to a fully automated smart home. Folks who are skeptical or intimidated by home automation often find a smart lock easier to understand.
After experiencing the magic 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.
They may move on to 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.
Watch our video on smart home addiction
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.
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 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.
Here’s a quick reference to demystify the jargon you may encounter:
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, a smart door lock is vulnerable to remote hacks. 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.
How we reviewed the best smart locks
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 researched locks for overall security, functionality, reliability, and customer satisfaction. We considered national standards for lock security as well as expert ratings and customer reviews.
- 75+ hours researched
- Dozens of hours of hands-on testing
- 30+ products considered
- 2,500+ customer reviews consulted
- 368 ounces (or much more!) of coffee consumed
Learn more about how we review products and services on our Safewise methodology page.
Related articles on SafeWise
- 5 Best Door Locks for Apartments and Renters
- Best Smart Garage Door Openers
- Best Smart Home Automation Systems
- 5 Best Smart Thermostats for a Smarter Home
- Best Video Doorbell Cameras
- Best Smart Plugs and Outlets for Your Home
Contributing writer: Rebecca Edwards
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