Postscapes is an independent review site. We may earn money when you click on links on our site. Learn more.

Smart Lock Icon Header

Smart Locks

2019 Ultimate Buyers Guide

In this guide we are going to review the Bluetooth, Wifi and Z-wave smart locks that let you:

  • Use a keypad to open your door
  • Wirelessly add custom access codes for specific members of your families, renters, or for package deliveries
  • Remotely control and monitor your door lock from anywhere in the world with your iPhone or Android device.

Lets dive in with a few of our top picks.

Top Smart Lock Picks

Best for budget minded
August Smart Lock, 3rd Generation – Silver
Best for Homekit / Apple Users
August Smart Lock Pro + Connect Hub - Wi-Fi Smart Lock for Keyless Entry - Works with Alexa, Google...
Best App & Remote Control
Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt with Century Trim in Satin Nickel
Fingerprint and Door Knob Replacement
ULTRALOQ UL3 BT Bluetooth Enabled Fingerprint and Touchscreen Smart Lock (Satin Nickel) | 5-in-1...
Model
August 3rd Gen
August Pro 3rd Gen with Connect
Schlage Encode
Ultraloq UL3
$96.62
$188.10
Price not available
$199.00
2,498 Reviews
5,172 Reviews
1,709 Reviews
1,848 Reviews
Installation Type
Interior Deadbolt Replacement
Interior Deadbolt Replacement
Full Deadbolt Replacement
Handle or Full Deadbolt Replacement
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth
Keypad Access
With add-on
With add-on
Yes
Yes
Control away from home out of the box?
Best for budget minded
August Smart Lock, 3rd Generation – Silver
Review
Model
August 3rd Gen
$96.62
2,498 Reviews
Installation Type
Interior Deadbolt Replacement
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth
Keypad Access
With add-on
Control away from home out of the box?
Best for Homekit / Apple Users
August Smart Lock Pro + Connect Hub - Wi-Fi Smart Lock for Keyless Entry - Works with Alexa, Google...
Review
Model
August Pro 3rd Gen with Connect
$188.10
5,172 Reviews
Installation Type
Interior Deadbolt Replacement
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth
Keypad Access
With add-on
Control away from home out of the box?
Best App & Remote Control
Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt with Century Trim in Satin Nickel
Review
Model
Schlage Encode
Price not available
1,709 Reviews
Installation Type
Full Deadbolt Replacement
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth
Keypad Access
Yes
Control away from home out of the box?
Fingerprint and Door Knob Replacement
ULTRALOQ UL3 BT Bluetooth Enabled Fingerprint and Touchscreen Smart Lock (Satin Nickel) | 5-in-1...
Review
Model
Ultraloq UL3
$199.00
1,848 Reviews
Installation Type
Handle or Full Deadbolt Replacement
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth
Keypad Access
Yes
Control away from home out of the box?

For more lock comparisons click here.

Smart Lock Overview

We based our recommendations on:

  • Cost

    Basic pricing or any monthly fees?

  • Features

    From remote locking to access codes

  • Connectivity

    Does the lock connect via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or Z-Wave?

  • Integrations

    Does it have integrations with Homekit, Siri or Amazon Alexa?

  • Style and Design

    Our database includes finishes and design styles

  • Installation

    How hard is it to install based on your door type?

How we chose the top Smart Door Locks

100s Hours

Of research and hands on testing

Top Integrations

checked to see what works with what

50+

Real users reviews analyzed

Contents

Features Icon Invert

Part 1

Features & Benefits

Remote locking - Access codes - Smart Home Hub Integration and more

Best Icon Invert

Part 4

Reviews and Our Picks

Filter based on Best on a Budget, For Renters, Security Doors and more.

Choice Invert Icon

Part 2

Choosing the right lock?

Renting or owning? Keep your existing lock or not?

FAQ Smart Lock

Part 5

Things to Consider / FAQ

We answer your installation, security, and integration questions

Comparison Icon

Part 3

Smart Lock Comparisons

Filter and sort down to your exact specifications

Part 1

Smart Lock Features & Benefits

Smart Locks provide you with another layer of control and visibility to your home.

Once connected via some type of communication technology (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, Z-Wave) a smart lock can connect either to your smart phone, smart home hub, or your Internet router to allow you to access your door in new ways.

Here are several features of smart locks that make them a worthwhile purchase for your home with added convenience and peace of mind.

Features Icon
Features Keypad
Access Code Graphic

Door Access Codes

Need to provide delivery drivers one time access? Give your kids a specific codes, or for your visitor or Airbnb guest?

Smart locks typically provide more than one way to lock and unlock the door and provide access for others.

  1. Via an app
    All smart locks typically have this option where you download an app and then when you come into proximity of the lock can open and if authorized can control the door
  2. Built-in keypads
    Some smart locks come with physical buttons or touchscreen keypads so you can enter a code directly into the lock to open it from the exterior
  3. Add-on keypad
    Attached somewhere near your door these accessories talk to your lock directly so when an authorized code is added will open the lock.

Featured Lock:
The Yale Assure lock features a physical keypad.

Smart Door Locks 1 image Yale Assure Lever Lock
Yale Assure Lever Lock
$450.02
Access Codes
Features Remote Lock
Remote Locking Graphic
Remote Control Icon

Remote Locking

Check on the door's status and also unlock and lock your door from the comfort your bedroom, or even when you are away from the house on vacation.

What kind of connectivity your lock has will determine what range your lock is able to be controlled from.

  1. Bluetooth only:
    Control and access basically within ear shot of the door.
  2. Bluetooth + Wi-Fi hub:
    Many locks have an add-on Wi-fi device that connects to your router. This will let you access for your lock from anywhere you have Wi-Fi and throughout a larger home.
  3. Wi-Fi only:
    Control from a large home as well as remotely from work or anywhere you have a Wi-fi connection.
  4. Zigbee / Z-Wave:
    These rely on smart home hub that is connected to your home router. This hub is not included with the lock and will be an additional cost. Once connected to your router you will be able to control from anywhere with Wi-Fi access.

Featured Lock
The Schlage Encode lock is Wi-Fi enabled so you can connect and control it from anywhere without having to purchase an additional accessory.

Smart Door Locks 2 image Schlage Encode
Schlage Encode
$499.98
Features Video
Video camera icon

Video Camera / Doorbell Integration

Using HD security video cameras along with your new smart lock you can now get a complete awareness and control on what is happening:

Detect and record activity at your door.

Talk to your visitor using two-way audio.

Open the door remotely based on your interaction.

There are several ways smart locks get this capability.

  1. Built-in video camera in locks
    At the moment only a few locks have a built-in video camera.
  2. Separate camera
    Most locks on the market integrate with their own stand-alone video cameras using their app to manage both camera and lock.
  3. Separate camera from another company
    If the company does not produce their own video security camera systems they will often integrate with 3rd party providers like Ring or Arlo and show you the video stream via connecting the two services inside the app.

Featured Lock
The Gate Labs product is one of the few available that has a built-in video camera.

Smart Door Locks 3 image Gate Labs Camera Smart Lock
Gate Labs Camera Smart Lock
Price not available
Voice
Smart Lock Voice Control

Smart hub integration and voice control

Tell Siri, Amazon Alexa, or the Google Assistant to lock or check the status of your door from your phone, smart watch or smart speaker.

If this is an important feature for you there are a few things for you to look out for:

Many smart hub companies will market their product as "Alexa enabled" but oftentimes will require an additional Wi-Fi hub to be purchased for this functionality to work.

This feature mostly comes down to the connectivity type of the smart lock you choose and if the company has made a voice assistant "skill". In general:

  1. Bluetooth only
    Can offer voice control but only in close range.
  2. Bluetooth with Wi-Fi add-on / Wi-Fi
    This should offer you voice control out of the box. Make sure to look for if the lock maker has an Alexa Skill or Google Assistant Action developed. (Note: We have added links for these on each specific lock page if they are available)
  3. Z-Wave and Zigbee
    Will work with voice controls using your smart home hub built in integrations or app. See here for how SmartThings interacts with Alexa for an example.

Featured Lock
The August Connect Pro with the additional Wi-Fi add-on will give you control from Siri, Alexa and Google Assistant.

Smart Door Locks 4 image August Smart Lock Pro 3rd Gen
August Smart Lock Pro 3rd Gen
$179.00
Features Autolock
Smart Lock Unlock

Auto Lock & Geo-fencing

Smart locks can provide two different features for unlocking and locking when you arrive and leave.

  1. Hands Free Unlock
    Juggle more grocery bags. Many locks give you a touch or proximity unlock feature as long as you have the app running on the background of the phone and have access.
  2. Auto-lock when leaving
    Peace of mind. Almost all smart locks come with an auto-locking feature that can be time based to lock behind you as you leave. The typical default time for most lock is 30 seconds but can usually be adjusted in the settings.
Features Fingerprint
Unlock Options Smart Lock

Other Unlock Options

Don't want to deal with access codes or keys?

Smart locks can offer several other ways to access your home without a physical key.

They include:

  1. Fingerprint Access
  2. Key Fob
    Typical uses Bluetooth to communicate with your door
  3. NFC or RFID Card
    Uses a more traditional control access technology to tap the door with the card to open.
  4. App
    Covered in earlier section
  5. Voice Control
    Covered in earlier section
  6. Keypad (Button and Touchscreen)
    Covered in earlier section

Featured Lock
The Lockly smart lock features optional fingerprint access technology.

Smart Door Locks 5 image Lockly (pin genie) Secure
Lockly (pin genie) Secure
Price not available
Smart Lock Installation

How hard are smart locks to install?

Smart locks are no harder to install then a regular deadbolt or handle lock.

Typically the only tool you need is a screwdriver and will take you around 20 minutes.

Below is a sample installation of the Schlage Connect lock to show you the steps:

Featured Lock
The easiest lock to install using just 3M tape is the Sesame Smart Lock

Smart Door Locks 6 image Sesame Smart Lock 2nd Gen
Sesame Smart Lock 2nd Gen
Price not available

Security of using a smart lock?

The security of your home is paramount.

Smart locks almost always use bank level encryption for storing access code information.

If you have some concerns on the security of enabling voice control, etc on your door lock please view our FAQ for a deeper dive into these questions.

Part 2

How to choose your smart lock?

Ok, excited about the convenience and features of having a smart lock installed for your home?

Now we can dive into how to select a lock based on your specific situation and requirements.

Choice Icon

QUESTION #1

Rent or Own?

Do you live in a home or apartment that you own, renting, or are renting out on a vacation rental service?

Smart Home Own

I Own:

You should not have any issues here and should be able to use any smart lock that fits your particular door.

Continue to the door type section below to find a lock that fits.

Smart Lock Rental

I Rent:

In this case you need to look at some very particular locks that will keep your existing key, and not modify the outside appearance of your door and locks.

airbnb smart lock

I run a vacation rental:

If you need a smart lock for your vacation property there are options that allow you to automatically create specific access codes for each guests and be alerted after they successful check-in.

QUESTION #2

Keep Existing Keys or Replace?

Are keeping your current keys important

The majority of the smart door locks on the market are going to provide you with a new set of keys with your purchase.

That being said there are a few options where the locking mechanism is placed on top of your existing deadbolt lock or only the interior section of your deadbolt is replaced letting you keep your current keys.

These locks have an additional positive security benefit in it doesn't announce to anyone walking by that you have a smart lock installed as your lock looks the same from the exterior.

 

interior-replacement-yes-01-01-01-01

Interior Replacement

attach-yes-01-01-01

Interior Attachment

QUESTION #3

What door are you installing the lock on?

Smart Lock Access Door

Most Common

Access Door

This includes:

  • Front/Back Door
  • Side Access Door
  • Sliding Glass Patio Door

Please proceed to the next question to select your door type below.

Interior Door Locks

Interior Door

Sometimes you need to keep someone (or roommates) out of a specific part of your home.

There are a number of internal smart door locks that should work for you.

Outdoor Smart Gate Icon

Outdoor Gate

Need some additional control and security for a side outdoor access or driveway gates?

QUESTION #4

Access Door: What type of door do you have?

OK, for your front or side access doors? Do you have a deadbolt and a handle hole, just a deadbolt, or is this for a sliding door?

Smart Lock Door Types
Door Type Lever

Lever / Knob / Handle

I have just one hole in my door.

Deadbolt Type

Deadbolt

I have two holes in my door. One for the deadbolt and one for a handle or knob.

Mortise Smart Lock

Mortise Style Locks

I have a longer/larger locking mechanism.

Sliding Smart Lock

Sliding Smart Door Lock

I need a lock for a sliding glass or patio door.

QUESTION #5

How important is cost when making a smart lock purchase?

The average price of a smart lock is a little higher than a standard door lock. For a budget lock expect to pay between $100 and $150 and for more features expect the price to go into the $200-$400 range.

Something to look out for is some of the lower base models will say they offer some features like Alexa support and remote locking but neglect to explain that it only works with the purchase of an additional Wi-fi bridge device (typically an additional $50-75 dollars)

Not a primary concern
I am looking for only the highest grade of finishes to match my front door style.

Important, but not critical
Budget conscience, but also want to make sure you get a high-quality lock? In this case, we recommended using our door type section to get the best match for you.

Very Important
If budget is your primary filter please use this section to find latest sales and filter the most budget friendly options (Currently starting at under $179)

QUESTION #6

Android or iOS/Apple User?

These days most smart lock companies create apps for both of the main mobile phone ecosystems today.

That being said there are a wide range of app quality for each lock maker and we have highlighted top-rated and most reviewed apps for each ecosystem below and then for controlling your devices using a 3rd party app.

Stand-alone smart lock apps
The following are a few of the most reviewed and top rated apps for Android users.

Smart Door Locks 7 image

Schlage Home App

  •  4.3/5 with 855 Reviews
  • Smart Door Locks 8 imageSchlage Encode
  • Smart Door Locks 9 imageSchlage Sense
  • Smart Door Locks 10 image

    Nuki

    •  4.2/5 with 2,497 Reviews
    Smart Door Locks 11 image

    Lockly

    •  4.4/5 with 43 Reviews

    iOS / Apple Itunes

    Stand-alone smart lock apps
    The following are a few of the most reviewed and top rated apps for Apple users.

    Smart Door Locks 7 image

    Schlage Home App

    •  4.7/5 with 9,800 Reviews
  • Smart Door Locks 8 imageSchlage Encode
  • Smart Door Locks 9 imageSchlage Sense
  • Smart Door Locks 10 image

    Nuki

    •  4.7/5 with 87 Reviews

    Smart Home Control

    Integrated Apps
    If you are looking for an app to integrate your lock along with a home security or smart hub system these are the top apps..

    Smart Door Locks 29 image

    Vivint Smart Home App

    •  4.6/5 with 16,400 Reviews

    ADVANCED SMART LOCK SELECTION

    By Connectivity Type

    Filter locks based on specific communication protocols that fit your need.

    Not sure on which one you need? Here is a high level overview and where each protocol shines for smart locks and how they will fit in your overall smart home system.

    Connectivity Path
    Communication Type Range Remote monitoring & Control Connects with smart phone? Good For Links
    Smart Door Locks 32 image Bluetooth For most products think in the same room of your device No, needs additional hub Yes Don't have a Wi-Fi router Bluetooth Locks
    Smart Door Locks 33 image Wi-Fi Think in your house and outside your house to 100 feet or so Yes Yes Don't want to buy a separate hub and want remote monitoring Wi-Fi Locks
    Smart Door Locks 34 image Zigbee Think in your house and just outside Needs additional hub connected to cellular or Wi-Fi Yes, via additional hub Already have smart home hub Zigbee Locks
    Smart Door Locks 35 image Z-Wave Think in your house and outside to 100 feet or so Needs additional hub connected to cellular or Wi-Fi Yes, via additional hub Already have smart home hub Z-Wave Locks
    Smart Door Locks 36 image Homekit Uses Bluetooth or Wi-Fi typically Yes with Apple TV (4th Gen & above) or HomePod Yes, iOS devices Already have Apple TV (4th Gen and above) or HomePod HomeKit Locks
    Bluetooth
    Bluetooth

    Overview

    With Bluetooth already enabled on your smartphone, Bluetooth locks seem like an obvious choice to monitor and control your lock from.

    The downsides compared to other connectivity options is sometimes a reduced range and the fact that you can't control them past Bluetooth range without an additional Wi-Fi add-on that connects to a Wireless network.

    Good for: If you are living in an apartment or don't need remote control and access monitoring.

    Top Pick

    Smart Door Locks 4 image August Smart Lock 3rd Gen
    August Smart Lock 3rd Gen
    $96.62
    Wi-Fi
    Wifi Icon

    Overview

    As the most ubiquitous of protocols Wi-Fi stands alone in terms of being able to easily connect to your home network and stay online.

    Once connected to your home router your smart lock will be able to add access codes while you are away while also getting the option to monitor your door.

    There are not too many locks with built-in Wi-Fi (most use an additional hub)

    Good For: Need long distance monitoring, have a large home, or you don't want to deal with a full smart home system.

    Top Pick

    Smart Door Locks 2 image Schlage Encode
    Schlage Encode
    $499.98
    Z-Wave
    Zigbee and Z-Wave Locks

    Overview

    Zigbee, Z-Wave and Z-Wave Plus are all protocols associated with complete smart home systems.

    If you already have a smart home hub like SmartThings, Wink or voice controlled devices like Alexa or Google/Nest Hub than a lock with them enabled will be a perfect fit.

    Create new recipes and sequences for your smart home system with your lock included or manage the lock from existing devices and apps.

    Good for: Those already with a smart home hub controller of some kind

    Top Pick

    Smart Door Locks 2 image Schlage Connect
    Schlage Connect
    $177.78
    Homekit
    Homekit

    Overview

    If you are all in on the Apple ecosystem having a Homekit enabled lock is key.

    Although not technically a communication protocol on its own (it rides on the back of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi) it allows you to connect to your lock locally from your Apple Watch or using Siri and if you have an Apple TV (4th Gen and up) or a HomePod will give you additional remote long distance control and monitoring capabilities.

    Good for: Those all in on Apple products and want Siri and Apple Watch integration.

    Top Pick

    Smart Door Locks 4 image August Smart Lock Pro 3rd Gen
    August Smart Lock Pro 3rd Gen
    $179.00

    Additional: Cellular and NB-IoT Smart Locks

    Part 3

    Smart Lock Comparisons

    In this section you can use our filtering menu to narrow down based on style, finish and features.

    We also have a section on head-to-head comparisons like the difference between August and August Pro.

     

    Comparison Icon
    August Smart Lock Pro + Connect Hub - Wi-Fi Smart Lock for Keyless Entry - Works with Alexa, Google...
    August Smart Lock + Connect Wi-Fi Bridge, Satin Nickel, Works with Alexa, Keyless Home Entry from...
    Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt with Century Trim in Satin Nickel
    Kwikset 99100-078 SmartCode 910 Traditional Smart Keypad Electronic Deadbolt Door Lock with SmartKey...
    ULTRALOQ UL3 Fingerprint Door Lock (Satin Nickel), 3-in-1 Keyless Entry Door Lock with Keypad and...
    Yale Assure Lock SL with Z-Wave, Key-Free Touchscreen Deadbolt, Satin Nickel
    Model
    August Pro (3rd Gen) with Connect Wi-Fi Bridge
    August (3rd Gen) with Connect Wi-Fi Bridge
    Schlage Encode
    Kwikset 910
    Ultraloq UL3
    Yale Assure Lock SL
    Reviews
    5,172 Reviews
    575 Reviews
    1,709 Reviews
    1,060 Reviews
    343 Reviews
    1,015 Reviews
    Lock Type
    Interior Deadbolt Replacement
    Interior Deadbolt Replacement
    Complete Deadbolt Replacement
    Complete Deadbolt Replacement
    Complete Deadbolt or Handle Replacement
    Complete Deadbolt or Handle Replacement
    Connectivity
    • Apple Homekit
    • Bluetooth
    • Wi-Fi Via Bridge/Hub
    • Z-Wave Plus
    • Bluetooth
    • Wi-Fi Via Bridge/Hub
    • Apple Homekit
    • Wi-Fi Via Bridge/Hub
    • Z-Wave Plus
    • Zigbee
    Siri / Homekit Integration
    Yes
    No
    No
    No
    No
    Yes
    Alexa Integrations
    Yes, with Wi-Fi Bridge
    Yes, with Wi-Fi Bridge
    Yes
    Yes, with smart home hub
    Yes
    Yes
    Keypad
    Add-on
    Add-on
    Built-in Touchscreen
    Built-in Buttons
    Built-in Touchscreen
    Built-in Touchscreen
    App
    Smart Door Locks 12 image

    August

    •  4.8/5 with 60,400 Reviews
    •  4/5 with 5,664 Reviews
    Smart Door Locks 12 image

    August

    •  4.8/5 with 60,400 Reviews
    •  4/5 with 5,664 Reviews
    Smart Door Locks 7 image

    Schlage Home App

    •  4.7/5 with 9,800 Reviews
    •  4.3/5 with 855 Reviews
    Smart Door Locks 44 image

    SmartThings

    •  4.0/5 with 7,300 Reviews
    •  4.2/5 with 303,918 Reviews
    Smart Door Locks 45 image

    Ultraloq

    •  3.9/5 with 61 Reviews
    •  4/5 with 219 Reviews
    -
    $188.10
    $149.00
    Price not available
    $172.13
    Price not available
    $229.95
    August Smart Lock Pro + Connect Hub - Wi-Fi Smart Lock for Keyless Entry - Works with Alexa, Google...
    Our Review
    Model
    August Pro (3rd Gen) with Connect Wi-Fi Bridge
    Reviews
    5,172 Reviews
    Lock Type
    Interior Deadbolt Replacement
    Connectivity
    • Apple Homekit
    • Bluetooth
    • Wi-Fi Via Bridge/Hub
    • Z-Wave Plus
    Siri / Homekit Integration
    Yes
    Alexa Integrations
    Yes, with Wi-Fi Bridge
    Keypad
    Add-on
    App
    Smart Door Locks 12 image

    August

    •  4.8/5 with 60,400 Reviews
    •  4/5 with 5,664 Reviews
    $188.10
    August Smart Lock + Connect Wi-Fi Bridge, Satin Nickel, Works with Alexa, Keyless Home Entry from...
    Our Review
    Model
    August (3rd Gen) with Connect Wi-Fi Bridge
    Reviews
    575 Reviews
    Lock Type
    Interior Deadbolt Replacement
    Connectivity
    • Bluetooth
    • Wi-Fi Via Bridge/Hub
    Siri / Homekit Integration
    No
    Alexa Integrations
    Yes, with Wi-Fi Bridge
    Keypad
    Add-on
    App
    Smart Door Locks 12 image

    August

    •  4.8/5 with 60,400 Reviews
    •  4/5 with 5,664 Reviews
    $149.00
    Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt with Century Trim in Satin Nickel
    Our Review
    Model
    Schlage Encode
    Reviews
    1,709 Reviews
    Lock Type
    Complete Deadbolt Replacement
    Connectivity
    Siri / Homekit Integration
    No
    Alexa Integrations
    Yes
    Keypad
    Built-in Touchscreen
    App
    Smart Door Locks 7 image

    Schlage Home App

    •  4.7/5 with 9,800 Reviews
    •  4.3/5 with 855 Reviews
    Price not available
    Kwikset 99100-078 SmartCode 910 Traditional Smart Keypad Electronic Deadbolt Door Lock with SmartKey...
    Our Review
    Model
    Kwikset 910
    Reviews
    1,060 Reviews
    Lock Type
    Complete Deadbolt Replacement
    Connectivity
    Siri / Homekit Integration
    No
    Alexa Integrations
    Yes, with smart home hub
    Keypad
    Built-in Buttons
    App
    Smart Door Locks 44 image

    SmartThings

    •  4.0/5 with 7,300 Reviews
    •  4.2/5 with 303,918 Reviews
    $172.13
    ULTRALOQ UL3 Fingerprint Door Lock (Satin Nickel), 3-in-1 Keyless Entry Door Lock with Keypad and...
    Our Review
    Model
    Ultraloq UL3
    Reviews
    343 Reviews
    Lock Type
    Complete Deadbolt or Handle Replacement
    Connectivity
    Siri / Homekit Integration
    No
    Alexa Integrations
    Yes
    Keypad
    Built-in Touchscreen
    App
    Smart Door Locks 45 image

    Ultraloq

    •  3.9/5 with 61 Reviews
    •  4/5 with 219 Reviews
    Price not available
    Yale Assure Lock SL with Z-Wave, Key-Free Touchscreen Deadbolt, Satin Nickel
    Our Review
    Model
    Yale Assure Lock SL
    Reviews
    1,015 Reviews
    Lock Type
    Complete Deadbolt or Handle Replacement
    Connectivity
    • Apple Homekit
    • Wi-Fi Via Bridge/Hub
    • Z-Wave Plus
    • Zigbee
    Siri / Homekit Integration
    Yes
    Alexa Integrations
    Yes
    Keypad
    Built-in Touchscreen
    App
    -
    $229.95

    Part 4

    Reviews & Our Picks

    Just looking to quickly make a decision for your smart lock purchase?

    We have narrowed down a few top picks based on common selections.

    Best Smart Lock Icon
    Alexa Smart Lock

    Best Smart Lock to use with Alexa?

    Our Pick: Smart Security Provider Locks
    Runner-Up: August Pro (Alexa Skill: 2.5/5)

    If you are already have an Echo or Show from Amazon in your home interacting with Alexa comes second nature.

    With support for smart locks Alexa will let you check the status of the door and lock and unlock it from your Alexa app or your Alexa enabled device. “Alexa, is the front door locked?”, "Alexa, lock the back door"

    For the most part the smart lock companies creating Alexa Skills have gotten poor customer reviews, so our pick for this award comes from the highly rated home security system makers.

    Vivint

    vivintcom.png

    Alexa Skill
    (4.5/5 with 4k Reviews)
    Best Compatible Lock:
    Kwikset 910

    Protect America

    protectamerica

    Alexa Skill
    (4.0/5 with 100 Reviews)
    Best Compatible Lock: 
    August Pro

    Best Smart Lock to use with Siri / Apple / Homekit

    Our Pick: Schlage Sense
    Runner-Up: August Pro

    If you are already deep into the Apple ecosystem with your phone, laptop and watch it makes sense to continue that path with your smart home products.

    The Schlage Sense wins our top spot for Apple connectivity with Homekit support out of the box and a top rated iOS app.

    Note: The Siri control will only work in Bluetooth range. If you want remote long-distance control you will need to have an Apple Home Pod or Apple TV 4th Gen or later. This is true for all smart locks.

    Smart Door Locks 2 image Schlage Sense
    Schlage Sense
    $181.90
    Smart Door Locks 7 image

    Schlage Home App

    •  4.7/5 with 9,800 Reviews
  • Smart Door Locks 8 imageSchlage Encode
  • Smart Door Locks 9 imageSchlage Sense
  • Best Smart Lock for SmartThings and other Z-Wave or Zigbee Home Automation Hubs?

    Our Pick: Schlage Connect
    Budget Winner: Yale Assure or Kwikset Obsidian

    Samsung's SmartThings home hub has emerged as one of the most affordable and full-featured smart home hub devices on the market.

    Enabled with both Wi-Fi, Zigbee and Z-Wave the hub allows for a wide range of locks to connect to it and opens up the possibility to check its open status, lock/unlock, and then combine your lock with other home automation routines (ie: "good-night" or "vacation" modes).

    That being said some locks will have more support than others using this hub. We have awarded the Schlage Connect top honors overall. For budget friendly locks the Yale Assure, or Kwikset Obsidian both work with SmartThings out of the box.

    Smart Door Locks 2 image Schlage Connect
    Schlage Connect
    $177.78
    Smart Door Locks 1 image Yale Assure Lock SL
    Yale Assure Lock SL
    $346.22
    Smart Door Locks 57 image Kwikset Obsidian Smart Lock
    Kwikset Obsidian Smart Lock
    $185.75
    Sesame Lock

    Best Smart Lock FOR RENTERS?

    Our Pick: Sesame Lock
    Runner Up: August Pro

    If you are renting and need to keep your keys almost all of the smart locks on the market will not work for you.

    There is one exception. The Sesame lock uses a unique mounting solution harnessing the crazy strength of 3M tape products to attach to your existing lock.

    This lets you keep your keys, and hides from the exterior that you even have a smart lock installed. A win-win for everyone including your guests who no longer need to get a spare set from you when visiting from out of town.

    Smart Door Locks 6 image Sesame Smart Lock 2nd Gen
    Sesame Smart Lock 2nd Gen
    Price not available

    Best Smart Lock With Video Camera Support?

    Our Pick: Schlage Encode
    Runner-up: Next x Yale

    Video cameras require a large amount of storage and bandwidth.

    Because of this we recommend buying a lock that has integrations with the best smart security cameras (versus a built-in camera) so that you can setup the camera in the best position for your door and buy the best in class camera.

    In this case the Encode lock shines. It is Wi-Fi enabled out of the box and integrates directly with the popular Ring doorbell series of cameras to unlock and lock your door from Live View in the Ring app (AndroidiOS).

    Smart Door Locks 2 image Schlage Encode
    Schlage Encode
    $499.98

    Best DIY Smart Lock

    Do you have some technical chops and not afraid of a little coding?

    Below are a list of DIY smart lock projects that you can follow-along with a create for yourself at home.

    Collin Amedee

    Bluetooth Arduino Door Strike

    BLUETOOTH ENABLED DOOR LOCK WITH ARDUINO + ANDROID Instructable by Collin Amedee

    An instructable that uses Bluetooth SPP App and a 4 digit pin to unlock the strike from your Android phone. 

    Twillio JONATHAN GOTTFRIED

    Twilio, Arduino, and Node.js

    Build you own lockitron

    This project uses an Arduino Uno, a servo, and Node.js to lock and unlock your door via SMS.

    Dheera Venkatraman

    Arduino Uno, HC-05 Bluetooth module, and Google

    Ok Google

    Uses an Android smart watch and voice commands to open your lock.

    HeshamO

    RESTFUL API, Node JS and Raspberry PI

    Web Enabled Door Lock using Rest API and...

    Uses an electronic switch and Raspi to open your lock when connected to the same network.

    MAKE: Simone Giertz

    Bean Lock

    MAKE: Bean Lock

    This MAKE project uses a LightBlue Bean controller, iPhone app and a modified off the shelf remote control deadbolt

    Paolo Bernasconi

    Pi Lock - RASPI + RFID Access Control

    Pi-Lock

    Using a Wi-Fi Dongle, Raspi, keypad and RFID module this project comes with a complete front and back-end server.

    Windows IoT: Ethan Kusters, Masato Sudo

    Facial Recognition Door

    Facial Smart Lock

    Using either a Raspi or MinnowBoard this project utilizes a basic Webcamera to create a door that unlocks itself via facial recognition (via Microsoft Project Oxford).

    Hacker Shack

    Raspi & Deadbolt Actuator

    Blynk Smart Lock

    This project uses a heavy duty servo, 3d printed deadbolt attachment a  Raspi and the drag and drop Blynk app for its operation.

    Part 5

    Things to Consider / FAQ

    We have covered a large number of features, benefits and selection criteria above.

    There are still a few things that might be helpful to know before and after you purchase a smart lock for your home to make the installation easy and avoid any annoying hassles with its use.

    FAQ Smart Lock

    FAQ

    Installation

    Integration and Connectivity

    Security

    Still not sure?

    At Smart Lock Scout our mission is to help educate and match people with the best smart lock for their home.

    Have a unique door setup?

    Looking for a specific lock feature?

    Need multiple locks?

    How we chose the top Smart Door Locks

    100s Hours

    Of research and hands on testing

    Top Integrations

    checked to see what works with what

    50+

    Real users reviews analyzed