The Best Front Door Locks on a House

The research

• Why y'all should trust us
• Who should become this
• How we picked
• How we tested
• Security, privacy, and smart locks
• Our pick: Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro (with Span)
• Flaws but not dealbreakers
• Also great: Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt
• Go along your existing deadbolt: Wyze Lock
• Other good smart locks
• What to look forward to
• The competition
• Frequently asked questions
• Sources

Why you should trust us

I've been testing smart locks, as well as a broad range of smart-home hubs and accessories, since 2015. Every bit a reporter and editor, I've been covering technology and trends—and testing and reviewing a wide range of consumer electronics—for two decades at a number of respected national publications. I currently have four smart locks installed in doors in my home, as well as three smart thermostats, five smart bulbs, multiple smart switches, two smart outlets, two smart smoke detectors, a smart water valve, a smart security organization, a smart doorbell, three smart cameras, 7 smart speakers, a smart brandish, and a smattering of sensors. None of them work perfectly all of the time.

Who should become this

Smart locks are both the most useful and, theoretically, the most potentially risky smart devices you tin can install in your home. In the plus column, they brand entering and leaving your habitation far more than convenient past freeing you from having to deport keys (and in some cases a smartphone, too). Most brand it possible to securely grant admission to your home—to not only family and friends but also renters, tradespeople, and even mail carriers or package-delivery workers. And when paired with a smart-habitation system such as Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, or Samsung SmartThings, they can tell other smart devices to plow on or off, or even spark a series of automated deportment among a few devices—for case, having your lights plough off and the estrus or Ac kick on when y'all go far dwelling and unlock the door.

That convenience comes with a price, though, as smart locks cost more than their not-smart counterparts—though prices have dropped considerably. More importantly, connecting your front end door lock to the internet adds at least a theoretical new way for thieves to infiltrate your home. Such security concerns are a item source of contention for smart-home skeptics, who worry that assuasive a door lock to exist accessible over the cyberspace makes it fundamentally vulnerable.

Our view, which is shared among many professionals, is that, although it is technically possible for whatever smart lock to be infiltrated electronically (and likewise mechanically), the real-world odds of a potential burglar using a sophisticated hack to enter your home  versus simply relying on the most popular fashion of breaking into a door (past forcefulness, using something like a trusty crowbar) are vanishingly slim. (Nosotros'd too indicate out that anybody now lives in a ubiquitously connected world, and everything from your utilities to the entire global financial organization is fully net-connected.)

Similarly, we had casually added lock picking as an unofficial component to our testing and were surprised to find how relatively easy information technology was to successfully open a number of locks, including a few that have been picks. However, after some reflection and a expect at FBI burglary statistics, we've come to the conclusion that—wait for information technology—as with the logic regarding electronic hacks, it's simply not a real-world threat. Most residential burglars break downwards doors or simply go in unlocked ones. Burglars don't have the time (or skills) to fiddle with lock picks. (For more on this, run into It'due south Ridiculously Easy to Pick Some Smart Deadbolts, But Nosotros Aren't Alarmed).

In short: Information technology's important to consider security holistically; nosotros do our best to recommend only products from companies that are responsible and competent, and the smart locks nosotros recommend are equally safety equally or safer than their mechanical counterparts (which, for example, can't alert you lot when your front door is unlocked or opened). For a detailed expect at the way the companies nosotros recommend manage and secure customer data, come across Security, privacy, and smart locks.

Here are a few ways a smart lock might be a useful add-on to your abode:

• You don't demand to carry your keys anymore, whether you lot're popping out for a quick run or you're off to work for the day.
• You lot tin can create and share a custom code (or virtual due east-key) for a houseguest, or fifty-fifty a terminal-minute visitor—no need to make concrete copies of keys. This feature is peculiarly bonny for owners of rental properties.
• Parents with latchkey kids tin can keep runway of when they become home from schoolhouse (or a late-night party).
• You tin give a bodyguard, nanny, or firm cleaner ongoing or terminal-minute access.
• You can receive notifications whenever the door opens and closes, and proceed tabs on who'due south coming and going and when.
• If you're out and virtually when a trusted contractor or plumber comes past, you can unlock (and then relock) the door remotely or give that person a time-restricted east-key.

Smart locks, especially keypad models, are perfectly suited for rental-belongings and vacation-abode owners, such equally Airbnb hosts, who tend to accept to deal with frequent key exchanges (in fact, with some locks, Airbnb now offers to automate code creation for guests). Similarly, smart locks can exist a useful tool for minor-concern owners who want to go on tabs on who might be coming and going through their doors when they aren't around.

One especially of import buying tip: If your door has a mortise lock, with the latch and bolt in an integrated unit, or a door handle and latch that are a single unit, none of the smart locks nosotros recommend volition fit (we promise to test some soon). In well-nigh of these cases, to adapt a new smart lock, you need to replace that integrated unit with a standalone doorknob or lever and perchance a deadbolt—and all that actress work and hardware may end up existence cost-prohibitive.

How we picked

For homes, there are two main categories of smart locks. The first type is a deadbolt adapter, an addition device that replaces the interior thumb turn of your door's existing deadbolt only not the deadbolt machinery itself. The second type is a full deadbolt replacement, which requires removing your existing deadbolt assembly and installing all-new hardware.

You lot tin can ready and manage nigh all models in both categories by using a companion smartphone app, and some tin integrate with smart-home platforms and controllers such equally Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, or Samsung SmartThings; they might as well permit y'all to control them through a third-party app that consolidates multiple smart devices into a single dashboard or interface. Most smart locks tin can at present trigger other smart devices likewise as automated actions, such as turning lights on or off or irresolute the mode of a thermostat. And while some smart locks work only when you are in close proximity (usually by relying on a Bluetooth signal from your smartphone), others let y'all command and monitor them remotely through an internet connectedness, which for nearly of the locks we tested requires using a device called a bridge (or hub); this is irresolute, however, every bit many new and soon-to-arrive locks tin can connect straight to your domicile Wi-Fi, and so are directly accessible over the internet.

Our goal was to observe a lock that offered the best balance of convenience, security, and useful smarts while requiring as little technical complexity, ongoing management, or troubleshooting as possible.

All of the smart locks we tested can integrate somewhat with other smart devices, though not as much as other smart-abode gadgets due to security concerns. For example, if you have an Alexa-uniform smart thermostat or light switches, you can take them adapt whenever you lot unlock your front door, merely you may not be able to have a smart lock trigger automatically unless you first input a code. If yous value such an ability, exist certain to check a model's compatibility with your existing (or intended) smart devices before buying.

To aid in our selection process, we consulted professional reviews from sites such as PCMag, Reviewed, and Tom's Guide, also as owner feedback on Amazon and other retailer sites. Information technology's noteworthy that while a handful of models consistently made reviewers' short lists, no lock has been a consensus option. Based on our research, we gathered our current lineup of picks, plus a handful of brand-new models, and ran intensive real-world tests.

How we tested

Our long term-testing smart lock rig with some of the models in our test grouping. Photo: Jon Chase

In the many thousands of hours of testing and using smart locks in everyday life since 2015, we've had only a few incidents where things went pear shaped: Two locks have had batteries die (just had warned u.s.a. in advance); one needed to exist restarted (only finally responded to a voice control); and our front door was stuck shut when a gust of wind slammed information technology closed, popping the spring on the door latch. So while mechanical quality and proper installation of a lock are absolutely critical factors, our focus in testing continues to be on the feel of using these devices, most especially their consistency, reliability, and ease of employ.

For our testing, we continue to go on our current picks installed and in everyday use whenever possible, and we supersede them with new test models equally needed for at least a week, in well-nigh cases for several weeks or even months. During that time we used the locks during everyday activity. Just we also methodically triggered the locks up-close using our smartphone via Bluetooth, as well as over our habitation Wi-Fi network, and then again remotely by connecting via cellular betoken. Our regimen has included countless entrances and the experiences of a family of users (including two kids). We accept installed several of the locks on a rig for longer-term testing, many of which you can detect in Other good smart locks.

In each companion app, we tested the various settings and preferences bachelor—such every bit turning audio signals or LED lights on and off and enabling auto-lock and motorcar-unlock functions when applicable—and we took note of the speed, reliability, and usefulness of the notifications and the ease of adding and managing codes. Our tests included the utilize of companion apps on both iOS and Android smartphones where applicable, though all long-term testing was performed using an iPhone 11.

In assessing the physical hardware, nosotros took a close look at the ease of installation and the quality of the materials used for the various components. Nosotros also considered the physical robustness of each lock and, where applicative, the keyway.

Locks are graded on their ability to withstand fauna-force entry attempts based on criteria devised by the American National Standards Plant (ANSI). For deadbolts, Class 1 is the top ranking, reserved for a commercial-apply lock with a ane-inch-thick latch bolt that's able to take 10 strikes of 75 pounds and a million open/close cycles. A Course ii lock is considered closer to residential level, with a bolt that is ⅝ inch thick and able to withstand v strikes of 75 pounds and 800,000 cycles. All of the locks we picked were Grade i (the Wyze Lock is an exception, since information technology relies on your existing lock and so has no ANSI grade).

A major security consideration with smart locks is whether to enable automobile-lock and automobile-unlock. These features trigger the lock based on your location (also known as geofencing), via some combination of Bluetooth, cellular signal, GPS, and Wi-Fi. Having your door automatically trigger as you walk upwardly to it is the essence of convenience, but it necessarily puts y'all at risk of an adventitious trigger that leaves your front door open up to anyone. Some models include a little magnet, which you install near the lock, to determine when the door is closed or open up; that ensures you don't lock the deadbolt when the door is left ajar, which is helpful. Another option for some locks is to use HomeKit geofencing as a trigger, which requires that yous confirm the unlock signal on your phone before it can activate, which is a far more than secure just also less convenient approach.

In our testing over the past few years, nosotros've had multiple instances when devices car-unlocked when they shouldn't have—both when nosotros were home and away (the worst case was late at night when we were at home and in bed). More contempo testing has shown greatly improved accuracy, but overall we believe menu blanche geofence triggering is essentially risky, most especially for city dwellers who are more than susceptible to an opportunistic thief (who may exist in the vicinity when a door is mistakenly unlocked). If you live in a suburban or rural location, we think the risks are more of a personal judgment telephone call.

Security, privacy, and smart locks

Wirecutter takes security and privacy issues seriously and, equally much as possible, investigates how the companies whose products nosotros recommend bargain with customer data. As part of our vetting process, we research all of the security and data privacy practices backside our picks. We as well reach out to all the companies that produce our top picks and ask them to respond to an extensive questionnaire to confirm issues that we recollect should be of primary business concern for whatsoever potential heir-apparent. Here are the results for our smart lock picks.

	Yale Assure Lock SL	Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro	Schlage Encode	Wyze Lock
Is a username or countersign required to use this device?	Yes	Yes	Yeah, if you desire to use smart features	Yeah
Does this device offering 2-factor hallmark? If so, is information technology required?	Aye	No	No	Yes; it is optional
Is a user's identifying data (email addresses, Wi-Fi logins) encrypted when stored in the cloud?	No; transport to the cloud is encrypted, and access to data is restricted to August-owned devices and requires 2FA	Yes; also, fingerprint images are encrypted and stored just on the device	Yes	Yes
Does this device tape and share location data?	Location recording is optional and used only for sure features similar auto-unlock	Location recording is optional and used only for certain features like auto-unlock	No	Location recording is optional and used only for sure features like automobile-unlock
Does the manufacturer share information with third parties, affiliates, and partners? If so, what data, and for what purpose (including location, tracking, marketing, or whatsoever other purpose)?	Only if you integrate with third-party platforms	No, and no API is available for third parties	Yes, if you cull to integrate with third-party platforms; customers may opt out of sharing data past emailing dataprivacy@allegion.com	No
Does this device contain inactive or active but unadvertised hardware such as cameras or microphones?	No	No	No	No

Wirecutter long-term tests all of its picks, a process that includes keeping track of app, firmware, and policy updates likewise as hardware and software incidents. Should any privacy or security bug be institute with whatever of our picks, we'll report that hither and, if necessary, update or change our recommendations.

Our pick: Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro (with Bridge)

Photograph: Jon Chase

Our pick

Compatibility: Amazon Alexa and Google Home

After living with the Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro (with Bridge) installed for about a twelvemonth, we can report information technology has become the one device we recommend to friends, family, and anyone else we tin convince regarding the wonderfulness of the Smart Home. In the world of smart locks, the Ultraloq U-Commodities Pro is the closest we've come up to finding The One: Information technology has lovely precision-made hardware, it offers multiple ways to become into your domicile quickly (including via fingerprint), and information technology'south whisper-quiet. And we think it's just the correct size and style to be at abode on any door. Although the U-Bolt Pro isn't as widely compatible with smart-home platforms as our other picks, nosotros think that's a pocket-sized shortcoming with fiddling functional impact.

The U-Commodities Pro has been updated since our last round of testing and has new rubber number buttons that encircle a fingerprint reader in the center; the front face pulls downward to reveal a hidden keyway, a nifty design move. The pollex-turn housing is thinner than that of most of any of the other models nosotros tested (except for the Level Lock Touch). Setup of the lock is on a par with that of all the other locks we've tested and involves fully removing your existing deadbolt to supervene upon information technology with the U-Bolt Pro. The companion app, which is very similar to the August one in terms of arrangement, walks you through the necessary steps and lets you manage users and codes in a straightforward manner, without fuss or confusion. In our tests, we found using the app to command the lock and create codes—both while nosotros were standing in front of it and when we were abroad from dwelling house—to exist quick and easily understandable to anyone who has used a smartphone app.

Technically, the U-Bolt Pro provides six methods of triggering the lock (including shaking your phone when you lot're in front of it); however, the most useful and, we call back, the almost likely to be used are the fingerprint and door code methods. The process for scanning a fingerprint volition be familiar to anyone who has done it with a smartphone: Yous repeatedly place, arrange, and reposition your finger over the scanner (you lot can store ii fingerprints per user). Then, when you arrive home, you button your finger onto the reader, and in half a 2d or so a ring around the scanner lights up green and the lock opens with a gentle whir (or it turns cherry, which means you have to rescan). The fingerprint scanner has been improved in the Version 2.0 model, and even though we occasionally had to scan twice, it works actually well.

To use a lawmaking, you push the button with the Ultraloq logo, enter your unique Pivot, and push the logo again. One clever security feature lets you lot choose to printing a string of random numbers before and/or after you enter your actual code, and so that someone observing y'all won't be able to see the code and memorize it (unless the observer tin memorize long strings of numbers—in which case, utilise the fingerprint reader).

In society to access the U-Commodities Pro remotely, and to receive notifications when it locks and unlocks, you need to purchase and install the plug-in Ultraloq Bridge, which we highly recommend—we call back those features are a large part of why smart locks have value. The Bridge also gives you the ability to use Alexa or Google Assistant with the lock, which in our tests worked well. We could ask Alexa if the door was locked or unlocked, and also take Alexa unlock it (to do so, you accept to state aloud a custom PIN).

We call up that if you aren't interested in using a smart lock to trigger or automate other smart devices (or if y'all're content with the Alexa or Google Assistant ecosystem), the U-Bolt Pro is the lock to get. It'south the one I've kept on my front door for long-term testing.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro doesn't integrate with many smart-home platforms, which some users may be interested in.

Also great: Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt

Photo: Jon Chase

Also great

Compatibility: Amazon Alexa and Google Home

If you're looking for a low-profile, no-fuss lock with a foolproof keypad and the power to connect to Wi-Fi without requiring a plugin adapter, we like the Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt. The capacitive keypad is well-nigh identical to those on previous picks from Schlage, the Sense and Connect, and nosotros think it'due south the most intuitive version to use, as the numbers have a textured surface and requite ever and then slightly as you lot press them. It's also got a built-in alarm, a soul-shattering shriek powerful enough to rouse the deceased—y'all can arm it to trigger if someone attempts to bust the lock or if the door is rammed. The Encode is smaller than its Schlage forebears (though non as small as the U-Bolt Pro), and information technology installs quickly. Unlike most smart locks, it has Wi-Fi built-in, then it connects direct to your home network (whereas nearly locks use Bluetooth to connect to a plug-in adapter that then connects to your Wi-Fi network). Amazingly, the Wi-Fi doesn't seem to especially tax the batteries, which in our tests lasted several months without fail. The Encode is compatible only with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

Fifty-fifty without using 3rd-party smart platforms, the Schlage Habitation app sends notifications when the Encode locks or unlocks, and y'all can apply the app to add together or alter existing lock codes. With those basic skills, we remember the Encode is the all-time pick as a simple but smart gatekeeper for a vacation or rental property, specially as it's the one lock we've tested that needs no caption for anyone to figure out: Simply enter your lawmaking, and it opens. Just press the padlock push button to lock information technology when you leave.

Proceed your existing deadbolt: Wyze Lock

Photo: Wyze

Budget pick

Wyze Lock

A versatile nevertheless depression-cost option

For anyone who wants to continue an existing keyway, the Wyze lock is fast and quiet. It also has a built-in sensor to notice when your door is ajar and includes a tiny plug-in Wi-Fi adapter.

Ownership Options

Compatibility: Amazon Alexa and Google Home

The Wyze Lock is as expert a smart-habitation bargain equally we've seen, with its precise hardware, built-in door sensor, and tiny Wi-Fi adapter all included for about half the toll of our top picks. The Wyze Lock isn't a deadbolt replacement; instead it attaches to your existing keyway and all its smart bits are tucked into the internal housing, a slim metal unit with a thumb turn for engaging the deadbolt. Since it has neither a keypad nor a fingerprint reader, to unlock your door you need to access the companion app on your smartphone or enable the automobile-unlock way to trigger when you lot get in home, the latter of which presents a potential security risk if the lock misfires. All the same, depending on your needs and how yous plan to utilize the Wyze Lock, it may be an ideal selection if you occasionally need remote admission to a lock or want to get keyless.

Like the popular August line of smart locks, the Wyze Lock is a conversion kit that adds smarts to traditional mechanical deadbolts. Installation is easy enough, though it requires both a regular-size screwdriver and a mini Phillips-head screwdriver (which is abrasive to discover mid-installation). Once you've secured it to your door, you pair the lock to the Wyze app and so plug in and pair the included Wi-Fi adapter, which acts equally the wireless go-between for your smartphone and lock when you aren't within close proximity. In our tests, setup was delightfully hiccup free, with the mechanical and app components all connecting seamlessly.

What makes the Wyze Lock a standout is its built-in proximity sensing, which indicates whether the door is properly close or has been left open up. That feature allows you to enable smartphone alerts so that you'll know if someone leaves the door open up accidentally. You can also have the lock ready off its internal chime if the door stays open up for too long, which can be useful (or aggravating if y'all are the spouse of a writer and product reviewer and y'all just want to open the door to let in some fresh air, for crying out loud).

Currently the Wyze Lock works with its companion app only can also pair with Amazon Alexa and Google Domicile, which let you use voice commands to lock the door; yous tin can as well use Alexa or Google Assistant to unlock the door if you programme a Pin code.

Wyze turns on a few optional features by default that you should exist aware of. For case, the Wyze Lock is set to auto-lock a few seconds afterwards you unlock and then open and shut the door, something we discovered after popping exterior for a minute, hearing a whir, and so turning around to realize nosotros were locked out of our house. Wyze also turns on the open up-door alarm, which my spouse alerted me to when the lock began beeping maddeningly because she had left the dorsum door open.

The Wyze Lock's motorcar-unlock characteristic makes information technology more useful but likewise potentially more dangerous, and we've seen several early reports of owners having their door unlock at unwanted times—simply also seeing it neglect to unlock, which means they have to drag out their telephone, open up the app, then trigger the lock (or simply use a key). This is a problem shared by every lock we've tested that has an auto-unlock feature, and nosotros think it has a lot to do with the instability of wireless and GPS signals, which these locks rely on to detect when a device owner is in range. Our thinking has been that, depending on your environment, the actual security risk may exist negligible, especially if the lock is prepare to motorcar-lock afterward a short period. For some people, especially those who live in urban environments, the hazard is just non worth taking, and so opting for another smart lock may be the best road. Wyze now has a Bluetooth keypad, which we haven't withal tested.

Other good smart locks

Though we're confident that the Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro is the best choice for most people, several of the other models we've tested would certainly satisfy those with specific needs.

The Yale Assure Lock SL with Baronial Connect was a longstanding summit selection and is a versatile, meaty, and largely terrific smart lock. If you prize flexibility in using it with smart-abode systems or would like a smart lock that is completely keyless, it'south worth considering. We put it here instead of making it a choice due to its now comparably high $300 price. And we recollect installing it is fussier than with many of the newer models available (notably, we've received several complaints of wireless modules dying, however we haven't experienced that with our test unit of measurement).

The $199 Level Bolt and $329 Level Lock Impact are ii models with gorgeously engineered hardware—and a premium price tag of two to three times the price of our pick, the Wyze Lock. The Bolt is i of a kind: a motorized assembly that replaces your existing lock's deadbolt only allows you to use your existing keyway and thumb plough. So visually you can't tell there's a smart lock installed. The Lock Bear on is a deadbolt replacement where all the smart guts are built into the internal deadbolt assembly. The Bolt relies on geofencing to trigger auto-unlock, and the Touch is triggered by touching the metallic housing of the keyway. As with whatever geofenced lock, in our testing of this one we saw occasional missed or just very tardily auto-unlock triggers; this so means you take to whip out your telephone to unlock your door, which isn't more user-friendly than using a key. As with our pick, the Wyze lock, or the August lock ( below), you can only trigger the device once before y'all have to get out a ⅛-mile radius effectually your home, so neither model may be a nifty fit for city dwellers who pop out downward the block and then come home. Information technology is one of the few HomeKit-compatible smart locks around.

The Nest x Yale Lock is largely identical to the Yale Assure Lock SL, except that information technology is uniform only with other Nest smart devices and has a slightly larger keypad—which we actually prefer. If you take a smart-home system that is entirely Nest-based, peculiarly a Nest How-do-you-do doorbell, information technology'south a great option.

If you desire a HomeKit-compatible lock, the Kwikset Premis is a nifty, reliable device, and information technology'southward been a selection in the past. Its hardware is relatively large compared with that of our electric current picks, and it is less elegant, merely information technology works well.

The Schlage Sense, a HomeKit-enabled model virtually identical to the Schlage Connect, is a previous choice. Like the Connect, the Sense has a terrific keypad and height-quality ANSI Grade one hardware, but over many years of testing, it has suffered from Bluetooth range issues that brand it unreliable when we're trying to connect to it remotely—despite being within spitting altitude of both our Wi-Fi beacon and an Apple tree TV acting as a hub. A Wi-Fi adapter, which besides enables Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility, is available merely removes HomeKit compatibility. Still, the Sense is a solid model and a good pick for rental backdrop. The Schlage Connect is a low-cost option for anyone who already uses a Z-Wave hub.

The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is nigh half the size of the company'south Smart Lock Pro. Information technology functions almost identically but also has built-in Wi-Fi, which enables you to connect to it remotely without having to rely on a plug-in hub. As with all other August devices, its usefulness is wholly dependent on its auto-unlock feature, which requires that you lot leave the vicinity of your domicile for several hundred feet before information technology tin can be triggered. If you popular off to a neighbor'due south house or the corner store, it won't work, and y'all'll need to consult your phone to open the door. If you live in an area where you only lock the doors at night, information technology may be a fine option.

The Kwikset Halo Touch is a deadbolt replacement model with a mod-styled keyway and a fingerprint reader. It'south pretty, and the fingerprint reader works well, merely yous can't readily share access to your home like you can with keypad models (you'd need to register a fingerprint for every visitor). The door mechanism also sounds suspiciously like the relatively aged Kwikset Kevo, which is to say it's loud and a bit pokey. Yet, for everyday use it works well, and the fingerprint reader was flawless.

What to await forward to

The Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi Smart Lock is an updated version of our top selection, but includes born Wi-Fi and so you don't demand a divide plug-in hub and a sensor to detect when your door is open or shut. We volition be testing it in Dec.

Lockly has released the Flex Touch, a low-profile deadbolt replacement model with a keyway and fingerprint reader. We hope to test it presently.

Schlage announced the Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt at CES 2022. The $300 lock, available in late spring 2022, will be the manufacturer'south first to back up Apple Domicile Keys, allowing consumers to unlock their door only by property out their iPhone or Apple Watch. The deadbolt will also piece of work Thread, and will let Alexa and Google Assistant users to control the lock using their voice.

The competition

Our experience with the smart locks we tested was largely positive, though nosotros should note that every smart lock nosotros've always used has had instances where information technology didn't function correctly or required troubleshooting of some variety—an inevitability to be aware of when you're choosing to install one of these devices in your dwelling house. We have yet to meet a set-information technology-and-forget-information technology smart-home device.

We tested the Alfred DB1 and were largely impressed, especially with its touch-to-unlock machinery, which worked well if not perfectly—several times we arrived habitation and touched the keypad, but the lock failed to unlock. Information technology's a fine option, though notably it'south a lot larger than our other picks, it doesn't integrate with every bit many smart-dwelling house platforms, its included Wi-Fi adapter is a clunky mess, and its app is far too disruptive to use for setting upward Pivot codes. The DB1 has a smartphone-sized touchpad that works similar those of most other competing models, as well every bit a particularly oversized internal housing (which is ane reason we decided not to make it a top selection). However, if y'all have 1 Touch Unlock enabled, when you arrive abode it recognizes your smartphone's bespeak, and yous tin simply press the keypad to unlock the door—near of the time. Information technology'due south a very proficient lock, but simply not as good as other picks.

The Baronial Smart Lock Pro is the most widely compatible smart lock nosotros've always tested, and August has consistently updated and improved its products over time. This model requires a Wi-Fi hub, and so nosotros'd recommend getting the August Wi-Fi instead.

The Eufy Secure Smart Lock Bear upon and Eufy Secure Smart Lock Touch & W-Fi are keypad locks with a built-in fingerprint reader. The former model doesn't offering remote admission, the latter does and then you can control information technology when you aren't home. Both endure from sharing an internal housing that is the largest we've e'er seen, and a similarly large external one, then we'd recommend looking for ane of the many other smaller devices available.

The Lockly Secure Plus keypad lock (deadbolt version) is in many means a great smart lock, but we found it to be oversized, and the quality of the plastic internal components is inferior compared with the metallic ones of our summit picks. In addition, when we tested information technology, the lack of remote access fabricated it a nonstarter. The newer Secure Pro model is available for purchase with a wireless bridge, but at $300 it's not a good value compared with our picks.

The Lockly Vision is another smart lock that includes a built-in doorbell. While we appreciate the cleverness and technical chops of joining two seemingly related devices together, we retrieve a small smart lock and battery-powered doorbell cam are a better and more applied solution for near anyone—the fact that Lockly thoughtfully includes printed metal signs that instruct visitors to printing the push button on the lock spell out the likely confusion this device will create.

We accept not tested Igloohome'due south Smart Deadbolt 2S Metal Greyness, as nosotros constitute its housing and keypad to be far besides big compared with those of competing models. And although we appreciate its clever token system for letting owners create and share new Pin codes remotely without having the lock always connect to the internet, that as well means you can't control it remotely or get notifications when the lock is triggered.

The Kwikset Kevo is a previous pick but has become notably dated, and as some commenters have pointed out, it is seemingly unique among smart locks in that it isn't uniform with a big variety of popular Android devices—you can render it incompatible if you buy a new phone. (Nosotros haven't encountered this effect with whatsoever other lock nosotros've tested.) Because that, plus the sheer length and breadth of the back up-issue reports and complaints we continue to receive, besides as the expense and extended look period for the gateway (which is required for remote admission), we no longer recommend the Kevo.

We were pleased with the performance and looks of the Yale Assure Lock Touchscreen Deadbolt (YRD226), a former alternative to our top pick (the YRD256). Unfortunately, in the course of long-term testing nosotros found that we were able to option its keyway with very footling effort and with only novice lockpicking skills, something we have been able to exercise repeatedly. Although nosotros understand that domicile thieves generally utilise fauna-forcefulness methods to enter homes (or but enter unlocked doors), low-toll, finer unpickable keyways are widely bachelor every bit a standard characteristic, so if you want a keyway, we recommend choosing some other model that uses those technologies.

Oft asked questions

What is geofencing and practise I need to utilize it?

Smart locks typically provide a few ways for a homeowner to trigger them, which may be any combination of using: a smartphone app; a code with a keypad; touch; wireless dongles; a fingerprint scanner; and using the wireless signals of your smartphone to decide your location—otherwise known as geofencing. The idea is that your smart lock is connected to your home'south Wi-Fi network, and then as you depart your home, your lock is fabricated aware based on the fading signals of your smartphone—yous accept gone out of the invisible "fence" around your home. When you lot return, your smartphone's various wireless connections—cellular, GPS, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi—serve as beacons that variously let your smart lock anticipate your return. With many smart locks, you can use that signal to automatically trigger your lock when y'all leave or arrive home.

Machine-unlocking your door based on geofencing is the hallmark feature of deadbolt adapter-style smart locks, such as those made by Baronial; these devices supersede the thumb plow of your existing deadbolt with a motorized mechanism inside a housing. Unlock with smart locks that have a congenital-in keypad, or fingerprint scanner, these locks rely on geofencing in order to exist more convenient than just carrying a cardinal—otherwise you accept to whip out a telephone, open an app, look for it to load, and then trigger the lock. With geofencing, when things work perfectly the lock triggers as you lot approach it, no muss no fuss.

In our testing experience, which includes a few dozen locks over thousands of hours and several years, we have never found a geofencing system that works flawlessly, and in fact we've often had a buggy experience; sometimes the lock triggers way as well early on when nosotros're hundreds of feet from home, or not at all, or after a long interruption, with the finish result being that you end up having to pull out a phone to trigger the lock anyway, which may be less convenient than using a cardinal. There's a lot of moving parts to explicate why this happens: poor wireless connexion of any blazon, flukes with smartphone software, firmware changes, hardware issues and other ghosts in the motorcar. As such I've never relied on geofencing for personal use, and have always been reluctant to recommend it to others as a primary method of interacting with a smart lock. There's just too many other amend options.

Simply, and information technology'due south a big but, many people merits to use geofencing and enjoy it, and so if the potential downsides aren't a major business organisation for you—chiefly, early on triggers before you lot're actually home, or a failure to trigger at all—then information technology may be a handy tool that allows you to make the about of a smart lock. If I lived in a rural or even suburban locale, for instance, I'd be much more inclined to consider information technology.

Can I use a smart lock if my door's lever and lock are one unit?

Short reply is aye, though at that place are very few compatible models available in the United states, and we don't currently accept a pick for one—but nosotros hope to remedy that before long. Locks that are a combination of a knob or lever with a bolt in a single unit are referred to as a handleset or leverset. And different deadbolt locks, which typically insert through a round hole between the outer and inner sides of the door, handlesets are mortise locks that slide into the side of a door. We oasis't tested them, but the Igloohome Smart Mortise two and Lockly Lux Compact Mortise Lock are both mortise models from established companies.

Practice smart locks demand Wi-Fi to work?

No, you lot tin trigger a smart lock without having to connect it to the internet—yet, if you desire the sorts of features that brand a lock "smart," like the power to command it when you aren't home, receive notifications when it'southward triggered, or accept it connect upwards with other smart devices, and so yep, you'll need to connect it to Wi-Fi. Until recently most smart locks would demand to exist paired with a small plug-in device (variously referred to as a bridge, hub or gateway) that acts equally the go-between to your lock (via Bluetooth) and your home Wi-Fi network. There are now many models that accept Wi-Fi built-in, and so can connect straight to your dwelling Wi-Fi network without needing a helping paw from some other device.

Sources

1. John R. Delaney, The Best Smart Locks for 2021, PCMag , July eight, 2021

2. Mike Prospero, Best smart locks in 2021, Tom's Guide , July 28, 2021

3. Nick Schmiedicker, Sarah Kovac, Whitson Gordon, The Best Smart Locks of 2021, Reviewed , June 21, 2021

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Source: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-smart-lock/

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