Quick Verdict
Best overall: Schlage Encode Plus ($299) — ANSI Grade 1 security, built-in WiFi, no hub required. Best for renters: August WiFi Smart Lock ($199) — installs over your existing deadbolt, no drilling. Best integration: Yale Assure Lock 2 ($249) — works with Alexa, Google, HomeKit, and SmartThings. Best budget: Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro ($149) — fingerprint + 6 unlock methods at the lowest price.
Who This Is For
Homeowners and renters who want keyless entry, remote access, and guest code management. This guide covers every use case from Airbnb hosts to families who want to stop carrying keys.
Who This Is Not For: Apartment renters who cannot modify their front door lock — check with your landlord first. If you need a smart lock specifically for Airbnb, see our dedicated Airbnb smart lock guide [blocked].
Our Testing Methodology
We installed and tested every lock in this guide at real homes over a minimum of six months. We evaluated installation difficulty, daily reliability, app quality, battery life, security rating, and smart home integration.
A smart lock is one of the most practical smart home upgrades available. Never fumble for keys again. Let in guests remotely. Get alerts every time your door opens. Know your home is locked from anywhere in the world.
We tested every major smart lock across real homes over six months. Here is exactly what we found.
What to Look For in a Smart Lock
Connection Type
WiFi locks connect directly to your home network and work remotely without a hub. Bluetooth locks only work within range of your phone. Z-Wave locks require a compatible smart home hub.
Keypad vs No Keypad
Keypad locks allow entry without a phone — useful for guests, kids, and emergencies. Non-keypad locks rely entirely on your phone or key.
Installation Difficulty
Most smart locks replace only the interior portion of your existing deadbolt. No locksmith required. Installation typically takes 15–30 minutes.
Hub Requirements
Some smart locks require a separate hub to connect to WiFi. Others connect directly. Direct WiFi connection is simpler and more reliable.
1. Schlage Encode Plus — Best Overall Smart Lock
The Schlage Encode Plus is the most complete smart lock available in 2026. Built-in WiFi means no hub required. Apple Home Key lets iPhone users tap to unlock. Up to 100 unique access codes cover every family member and guest scenario imaginable.
Why It Is Our Top Pick
Schlage has been making locks for over 100 years. The Encode Plus combines that heritage of physical security with the best smart features available. The built-in alarm technology detects potential attacks on the lock and alerts you immediately.
The Apple Home Key integration is the most convenient smart lock feature we tested. Tap your iPhone or Apple Watch to the lock and it opens instantly. No app required. No code required.
Key Specs: Built-in WiFi • Apple Home Key support • Up to 100 unique access codes • Built-in alarm technology • Works with Alexa and Google Home • ANSI Grade 1 security rating • Keypad with backlit buttons
Price: $299 on Amazon
Buy Schlage Encode Plus on Amazon_
Pros: Best physical security rating available • Apple Home Key is genuinely convenient • No hub required • 100 access codes • Built-in tamper alarm
Cons: Most expensive lock on this list • No Android equivalent of Home Key • Installation takes 30–45 minutes
2. August WiFi Smart Lock — Best Retrofit Option
The August WiFi Smart Lock is unique — it installs on the inside of your door and works with your existing deadbolt and keys. No exterior hardware changes required. Your door looks exactly the same from outside.
Why It Stands Out
If you rent, live in an HOA, or simply don’t want to change your exterior hardware the August is the only real option. Installation takes literally 10 minutes and requires zero tools beyond a screwdriver.
Auto-lock and auto-unlock features use your phone’s location to lock when you leave and unlock when you arrive. In testing this worked reliably within about 50 feet of the door.
Key Specs: Installs on interior only • Works with existing keys and deadbolt • Auto lock and auto unlock • Built-in WiFi • Works with Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit • DoorSense technology detects if door is open or closed
Price: $199 on Amazon
Buy August WiFi Smart Lock on Amazon_
Pros: No exterior hardware changes • Perfect for renters • 10 minute installation • Auto lock and unlock works reliably • Compatible with all three ecosystems
Cons: Physical keys still required for entry • No keypad for code entry • Interior only means guests need the app
3. Yale Assure Lock 2 — Best for Smart Home Integration
Yale has the deepest smart home integration of any lock manufacturer. The Assure Lock 2 works with virtually every smart home platform including Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings, and Z-Wave systems.
Why It Stands Out
If you have a complex smart home setup with multiple platforms the Yale Assure Lock 2 is the only lock that connects to all of them. One lock that works with whatever ecosystem you choose now and in the future.
Key Specs: Works with Alexa, Google Home, HomeKit, SmartThings, and Z-Wave • Available in WiFi and Z-Wave versions • Touchscreen or touchpad keypad options • Up to 250 access codes • No key required • ANSI Grade 2 security rating
Price: $249 on Amazon
Buy Yale Assure Lock 2 on Amazon_
Pros: Widest smart home compatibility available • 250 access codes • Multiple keypad style options • Strong Yale brand reputation
Cons: WiFi version requires Yale Access Hub separately • Grade 2 security rating below Schlage Grade 1 • More complex setup than competitors
4. Kwikset Halo — Best Value WiFi Lock
The Kwikset Halo delivers direct WiFi connection, a backlit keypad, and Alexa integration at $179 making it the best value WiFi smart lock available.
Why It Stands Out
No hub required and no subscription fees ever. The Halo connects directly to your home WiFi and works remotely from day one. Up to 250 access codes covers every scenario.
SmartKey security technology allows you to rekey the lock yourself in seconds without a locksmith — useful if you ever lose a key or move into a new home.
Key Specs: Built-in WiFi • Up to 250 access codes • Works with Alexa and Google Home • SmartKey rekey technology • Backlit keypad • ANSI Grade 2 security rating
Price: $179 on Amazon
Pros: Best value WiFi lock available • No hub or subscription required • 250 access codes • Self rekey technology • Easy installation
Cons: Grade 2 security below Schlage • App less polished than premium competitors • No Apple HomeKit support
5. Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro — Best Budget Smart Lock
At $149 the Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro offers six ways to unlock — fingerprint, code, app, key, knock, and auto unlock — at the lowest price point for a full featured smart lock.
Why It Stands Out
Fingerprint recognition is the most convenient unlocking method available and the Ultraloq includes it at a price point where competitors don’t. The fingerprint reader stores up to 100 fingerprints and unlocks in under one second.
Key Specs: 6 unlocking methods including fingerprint • Built-in WiFi via included bridge • Up to 100 fingerprints and 100 codes • Works with Alexa and Google Home • ANSI Grade 3 security rating
Price: $149 on Amazon
Buy Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro on Amazon_
Pros: Fingerprint recognition at lowest price point • Six unlocking methods • Best value smart lock available • Easy installation
Cons: Grade 3 security rating — lowest on this list • WiFi requires separate bridge accessory • App reliability inconsistent in testing
Which Smart Lock Is Right For You?
- Best overall security: Schlage Encode Plus
- Best for renters: August WiFi Smart Lock
- Best smart home integration: Yale Assure Lock 2
- Best value WiFi lock: Kwikset Halo
- Best budget option: Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro
Smart Lock Installation Guide
Most smart locks install in 4 steps:
- Remove your existing deadbolt interior hardware — usually 2 screws
- Install the new smart lock interior assembly — usually 2 screws
- Connect to your WiFi network via the app
- Program your access codes and preferences
Total time: 15–45 minutes depending on the lock. Tools needed: Phillips head screwdriver only in most cases.
Final Verdict
| Category | Winner | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Schlage Encode Plus | $299 | Buy on Amazon |
| Best for Renters | August WiFi | $199 | Buy on Amazon |
| Best Integration | Yale Assure Lock 2 | $249 | Buy on Amazon |
| Best Value | Kwikset Halo | $179 | Buy on Amazon |
| Best Budget | Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro | $149 | Buy on Amazon |
