Rankings based on published specifications, published review-body scores and long-term owner reports, not paid placement.
Eight smart locks ranked by installation type, power source and backup access methods from manufacturer specifications.
Quick Answer
Quick answer: For deadbolt replacement: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (keeps existing keys). For complete replacement: Yale Assure Lock 2. For Airbnb: Schlage Encode Plus with built-in WiFi. Budget: Wyze Lock under $100.
The Picks
1. August August Wi-Fi Smart Lock
Price: Check August store for current price
Honest take: Installs over existing deadbolt (keep your keys), built-in Wi-Fi, works with Alexa/Google/HomeKit.
Downside: More expensive than competitors. Battery life 3-4 months. Larger on inside of door.
2. Yale Yale Assure Lock 2
Price: Check Yale store for current price
Honest take: Touchscreen keypad, Wi-Fi or add modules for Zigbee/Z-Wave, works with all platforms.
Downside: More complex installation (replaces entire deadbolt). No key override on keypad model.
3. Schlage Schlage Encode Plus
Price: Check Schlage store for current price
Honest take: Built-in WiFi, works with Apple Home Key, touchscreen keypad, battery backup.
Downside: Higher price point. Key override costs extra. Requires iOS for Home Key.
4. Wyze Wyze Lock
Price: Check Wyze store for current price
Honest take: Budget-friendly, installs over existing deadbolt, auto-lock/unlock, works with Alexa/Google.
Downside: Requires Wyze Gateway for WiFi. No HomeKit. Reliability concerns in reviews.
5. Kwikset Kwikset Halo
Price: Check Kwikset store for current price
Honest take: Built-in WiFi, touchscreen keypad, works with Alexa/Google, key override included.
Downside: No HomeKit support. Battery life shorter than competitors.
6. Level Level Lock+
Price: Check Level store for current price
Honest take: Invisible from outside (fits inside door), works with HomeKit/Home Key, no keypad.
Downside: Apple ecosystem only. More expensive. No keypad option.
7. Lockly Lockly Vision Elite
Price: Check Lockly store for current price
Honest take: Built-in camera, 3D fingerprint sensor, works with Alexa/Google, rechargeable battery.
Downside: Very expensive. Camera quality mediocre. Overkill for most homes.
8. Ultraloq Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro
Price: Check Ultraloq store for current price
Honest take: 6-in-1 access (key, code, fingerprint, app, auto, shake). No WiFi hub needed.
Downside: Fingerprint reader quality varies. App less polished. No HomeKit.
How We Rank
- Installation type (over existing vs full replacement)
- Power source (batteries, how often to replace)
- Backup access (key, keypad, emergency power)
- Remote access capability
- Auto-lock and auto-unlock features
- Ecosystem compatibility
How to Choose
- Want to keep existing keys? August or Wyze Lock
- Want keypad entry? Yale, Schlage, or Kwikset
- Apple user wanting invisible lock? Level Lock+
- Need camera too? Lockly Vision (but consider separate camera)
- Budget tight? Wyze Lock
Running Costs
Smart lock: $100-350. WiFi hub if needed: $30-50. Professional installation: $100-200. Battery replacement: $10-20 every 6-12 months. Backup batteries: $10.
What We Skip
- Locks with known jamming issues
- Products discontinued by manufacturer
- Locks requiring expensive gateways
- Models with poor emergency power backup
Related Smart Home Products
Consider these complementary devices:
FAQ
Are smart locks secure?
Quality smart locks are as secure as traditional deadbolts. Look for ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 rating. Biggest risk is weak PIN codes, not the lock itself.
What happens if battery dies?
Most have low battery warnings weeks in advance. Most support emergency 9V battery contact to power temporarily. Some have key override.
Can I still use physical keys?
Depends on model. August/Wyze let you keep existing keys. Yale/Schlage keypad models often have no keyhole (optional).
Will smart lock work without internet?
Yes, keypad and auto-lock features work offline. You lose remote access and notifications.
How hard is installation?
August-style (over deadbolt): 10-15 minutes, just screwdriver. Full replacement: 30-60 minutes, requires drilling. Hire locksmith if uncomfortable.
Common Pitfalls
- Not measuring door thickness before buying
- Choosing keypad-only with no backup access
- Using weak PIN codes (1234, 0000)
- Not testing auto-lock distance before relying on it
- Installing without checking door alignment (causes jamming)
Sources & Data
Prices and specifications in this guide come from the manufacturers’ published data:
- August Wi-Fi Smart Lock — Over-deadbolt installation specifications
- Yale Assure Lock 2 — Module options and compatibility
- Schlage Encode Plus — Home Key and WiFi specifications
- Level Lock+ — Invisible installation requirements
Specifications and availability change; check the maker’s page for the latest.
Update note: This guide is refreshed quarterly. Last updated: 2026-11-06.