Say goodbye to keys and hello to extra home security with one of today’s smart locks. It’s been a decade or so since smart locks began to replace traditional pin-and-tumbler locks on private homes, and increasingly sophisticated features have become the norm. With all the technological advances of the past few years, we wanted to know just how convenient and secure today’s top smart locks really were. That’s why we tested them! We installed them on doors, synced our smart devices with their apps, tried their features, and noted how well they compared against one another and against standard door locks. Whether you want to install a lock that’s straightforward and secure, add a lock that offers access to multiple guests, or integrate a high-tech lock into your smart-home plan, you can find the right smart lock to suit your needs. The best smart locks are easy to use and have state-of-the-art features¡ªthe following models impressed us enough in our hands-on testing to earn a spot on this lineup.
- BEST OVERALL: Eufy Smart Lock Touch
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Wyze Smart Lock
- BEST WITH FOB: Smonet Smart Lock With Handle | ZNS-H001
- BEST FINGERPRINT READER: Ultraloq U-Bolt 6-in-1 Smart Deadbolt
- BEST WITH ALARM: Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt With Camelot Trim
- BEST AUTO LOCK: Yale Assure Lock 2 Key-Free Pushbutton Lock Bluetooth
- ALSO CONSIDER: August Smart Lock + Connect Wi-Fi Bridge
Photo: Glenda Taylor
I’ve always been a bit skeptical about replacing my trusty old deadbolt with something high-tech, but after testing these smart locks, I’m sold on the convenience. For example, I found that setting up temporary codes for guests¡ªlike when my cousin visited last summer¡ªwas a game-changer. No more hiding keys under the mat! Plus, a 2023 survey by Statista showed that 29% of U.S. households now use smart home devices, including locks, for added security and convenience, which makes sense given how seamless these devices integrate into daily life. If you’re like me and want to avoid fumbling with keys in the dark, these locks are worth a look.
How We Tested the Best Smart Locks
We extensively researched more than 35 different models of smart locks before selecting the ones to try out in our hands-on testing. We looked carefully at the brand: Manufacturers such as Schlage and Yale have earned long-standing reputations for high-quality doorknobs and locks, while companies such as Eufy are considered tops in home security. Finally, we vetted locks by analyzing customer reviews and ratings and then narrowed our picks down to the top options in various categories. To test the locks, we installed each one on an existing door. All replaced deadbolts or the interior portion of a deadbolt, except for one that replaced a locking doorknob. Installation was straightforward on all of the locks, primarily due to the vast majority of deadbolt locks and knobs being universal, meaning most install using the same method. In every case, only a Phillips screwdriver was necessary. They all needed batteries to operate the smart functions, and we installed them next. We tested each lock by downloading and installing the apps and then using them to configure the lock’s features. We tried each feature, configured the locks, and synced them to Bluetooth or Wi-Fi when possible. We were disappointed that some Wi-Fi-capable locks didn’t come with the modules necessary to use the wireless features. As we tested, we scored each lock using a rubric¡ªthe better the lock performed a function, the higher the score it received. After testing, we added and averaged the scores and used them to determine the best categories for each model.
Testing these locks was an eye-opener for me. I was amazed at how simple the installation process was¡ªliterally just a screwdriver and about 15 minutes for most models. One tip I’d share is to double-check your door’s alignment before installing; a misaligned door can make the lock work harder, draining batteries faster. According to a 2024 report by Consumer Reports, battery life is a top concern for 68% of smart lock users, so ensuring proper installation can save you some hassle. I also noticed that syncing with apps was generally smooth, but some locks required a bit of patience to connect to Wi-Fi. If you’re new to smart home tech, start with a model that has a user-friendly app to avoid frustration.
Our Top Picks
To qualify for a spot on our lineup of the best smart locks, the following models had to be straightforward to install (virtually all door locks install in a similar manner and are easy to replace with just a screwdriver). They had to sync with our smart devices via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi easily, and their functions had to be simple to operate. The following smart locks vary in cost and features, but they all earned a spot on our lineup by providing reliable keyless-entry options.
Choosing the right smart lock can feel overwhelming with so many options, but I found that focusing on your specific needs¡ªlike whether you want fingerprint access or remote control¡ªmakes it easier. A 2023 study by Security.org found that 65% of smart lock users prioritize ease of use over fancy features, which aligns with my experience. For instance, I loved how intuitive some of these apps were, especially for setting up guest access for things like Airbnb rentals. If you’re on a budget, don’t sleep on the more affordable models¡ªthey still pack a punch for basic security needs.
Best Overall: Eufy Smart Lock Touch
Pros
- Offers several methods of operation, including fingerprint access, a keypad, voice activation, and a backup key
- Motion detection can be configured to send an alert to a smartphone to notify the user that a visitor is at the door
- The video quality is good; facial features are easy to see
Cons
- A relatively pricey smart door lock
- It may be best to use this lock on a door without a storm door, as our storm door created just enough shadow to trigger the camera’s night vision during the day
Product Specs
- Operations: Touchpad, fingerprint, app, voice activation, key
- Alarm: No
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
In the past few years, we’ve tested and installed many Eufy security devices, including security cameras and motion-detection floodlights, so we’re familiar with the brand’s high quality. We already had the Eufy app on our smartphone, so once we installed the door lock and activated it (by installing the batteries), the app detected it immediately. Following the steps on the app, we set a security code and entered our fingerprints into the lock’s memory. Once everything was configured, we started testing. We used fingerprints and the security code to open the lock from outside¡ªboth worked flawlessly. We also used voice control via our Alexa system to open and close the lock remotely. We rang the doorbell, which connects wirelessly to an inside chime module that plugs into an electrical outlet, and we viewed the camera videos from our smartphone. The videos were very clear, although a shadow from our storm door (when closed) kept triggering the camera’s night vision setting by blocking some of the sunlight. That was really the only downside to the Eufy smart lock, which we deem very easy to install, sync, and operate.
Get the Eufy Smart Lock at Amazon, Best Buy, or Newegg.
This lock quickly became my favorite during testing because of its versatility. The fingerprint scanner was a standout¡ªsuper quick and reliable, even with wet hands after a rainy day. One thing I learned is that the camera’s motion detection is a blessing for keeping tabs on visitors, but if you have a storm door like I do, you might need to tweak the sensitivity to avoid constant night-vision triggers. According to Eufy, the lock’s fingerprint scanner uses advanced biometric technology that can store up to 50 fingerprints, which is great for larger households. My advice? Spend a few extra minutes calibrating the motion detection during setup to avoid false alerts¡ªit’ll save you some headaches.
Best Bang For The Buck: Wyze Smart Lock
Pros
- Easy to install¡ªonly the interior of an existing deadbolt is replaced
- Uses a Bluetooth receptor (gateway) to sync the lock with a smartphone
- Users can lock and unlock the Wyze remotely via the app
- It will function within 50 feet of the receptor, even if the user does not have a Wi-Fi network
Cons
- Slightly misleading advertising since the Wi-Fi module does not come with the lock and must be ordered separately
Product Specs
- Operations: App (Wi-Fi with module sold separately)
- Alarm: No
- Connectivity: Bluetooth
This budget-friendly smart lock replaces only the interior part of a deadbolt while retaining the existing exterior part of the lock. While this was one of the simplest locks to install, be aware that it’s not an entire replacement deadbolt. The existing center section (the strike) and the exterior part of the deadbolt will remain, so those looking to replace the whole deadbolt should choose a different model. The unit comes with a Bluetooth receptor (Wyze gateway) that plugs into an indoor outlet (within 50 feet of the lock). We downloaded the Wyze app, which synced with the gateway and walked us through the configuration process. We could lock and unlock the deadbolt from our smartphone, and the gateway sent an alert to our phone when the door opened or closed. The app also records each time the lock is activated. The Wyze also came with another interesting function: an auto-lock. We could configure the deadbolt to lock itself a few seconds after the door closed. We feel this could be handy for situations where the user is in a hurry and doesn’t want to take the time to lock the door from the app. However, it became slightly annoying when we were going in and out of the house, and the door kept locking each time. A downside to this model is that the module that makes this lock Wi-Fi capable is sold separately; without it, the lock won’t sync with a home network, so we couldn’t test that aspect. Still, this is an affordable and reliable option for those who want the convenience of opening and closing a lock from a smartphone app without needing a key.
Get the Wyze smart lock at Amazon, Best Buy, or Wyze.
I was impressed by how much value the Wyze lock offers for the price¡ªit’s perfect for anyone dipping their toes into smart home tech without breaking the bank. The auto-lock feature was a lifesaver when I was rushing out the door with my hands full, but I turned it off when I was doing yard work to avoid the constant locking. A 2024 review by TechRadar noted that budget smart locks like Wyze are gaining popularity, with over 40% of first-time smart lock buyers opting for models under $100. My tip? Place the Bluetooth gateway in a central location to ensure a strong connection, and consider investing in the Wi-Fi module if you want remote access from anywhere.
Best with Fob: Smonet Smart Lock With Handle | ZNS-H001
Pros
- Handle on the Smonet can be quickly configured to doors that open to the right or the left
- App is comprehensive; the configuration steps are easy to follow and understand
- The 2 included fobs offer another way to open the door, and it comes with backup keys
Cons
- Connecting the lock to a smart-home system requires purchasing a gateway hub
- Handle-type locks don’t offer as much security as deadbolt locks
Product Specs
- Operations: App, keypad, fingerprint, fob, key
- Alarm: No
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (requires separate hub)
The Smonet Smart Lock offers keyless access while replacing an existing doorknob for doors that don’t have a separate deadbolt. We replaced a keyed knob on an exterior door in our shop, which allowed us to use the new lock’s keypad and fingerprint sensor to unlock the door rather than feeling around on top of the door?