Top 5 Smart Locks
Most Customizable: Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt Best Value: Wyze Lock Easiest Installation: August Home Smart Lock Pro Best Fingerprint Access: ULTRALOQ U-Bolt Pro Smart Lock Best Code Access: Yale Assure Lock SL
Most Customizable: Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt
This smart lock from Schlage comes in two styles, each of which has four color options, allowing you to match the design of the lock to the design of your home. It has built-in Wi-Fi that allows you to lock and unlock your door from anywhere. It’s also easy to install, as it only requires a screwdriver to snap into place.
Key Features
Available in four color options Allows for smart device, code, and mechanical key unlocking Comes with a lifetime mechanical and finish warranty and a three-year electronics warranty
What Customers Are Saying
Customers praised this smart lock for being easy to use, having a long battery life, and being simple to install. Many customers also enjoyed the sleek look of the lock. However, some customers said that the auto-lock intervals you could choose from were too short. They also wished that the touchpad worked better with gloves.
Best Value: Wyze Lock
Key Features
Available in one color Allows for smart device and mechanical key unlocking Comes with a one-year warranty
What Customers Are Saying
Many customers highlighted how easy this smart lock was to use and install. Other customers liked that they could open the door for their family members or friends remotely. Negative reviews pointed out that the lock stopped working after a while and that it had trouble calibrating.
Easiest Installation: August Home Smart Lock Pro
This smart lock from August Home fits over your existing deadbolt, allowing you to quickly install it without removing the mechanical deadbolt underneath. Additionally, the August Home Smart Lock Pro tracks who is coming and going from your home. You can access this information in the mobile app with the 24/7 activity feed.
Key Features
Available in two colors Allows for smart device and mechanical key unlocking Comes with a one-year warranty
What Customers Are Saying
Best Fingerprint Access: ULTRALOQ U-Bolt Pro Smart Lock
This smart lock from ULTRALOQ can be opened with your fingerprint along with a mechanical key, mobile app, and code. This prevents anyone but you and your family from entering your home.
Key Features
Available in one color Allows for smart device, code, fingerprint, and mechanical key unlocking Comes with a lifetime mechanical warranty and an 18-month electronics warranty
What Customers Are Saying
Positive reviews pointed out that this smart lock was easy to install and use. In addition, reviewers liked that they could let their kids into the house remotely. However, this smart lock was criticized for how soon it stopped working.
Best Code Access: Yale Assure Lock SL
While the Schlage and ULTRALOQ locks in this review also provide code access, this lock from Yale uses a touchscreen instead of real buttons, giving it a more modern design. The Yale Assure Lock SL model also allows you to schedule access and make temporary codes to provide people with short-term entry to your home.
Key Features
Available in four color options Allows for smart device and code unlocking Comes with a lifetime mechanical and finish warranty and a one-year electronics warranty
What Customers Are Saying
Many customers highlighted that this smart lock had excellent tech support and a sturdy build. Other customers noted that the touchscreen was accurate. Negative reviews criticized this smart lock’s spotty connection and auto-unlock feature.
Buyer’s Guide
From installation to mobile app control, here are a few factors to consider before buying a smart lock.
Communication
Smart locks use one of three types of communication systems: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or Z-wave.
Bluetooth: Bluetooth locks must be within 40–300 feet of your phone to unlock. These devices have the best battery life out of the three communication systems, lasting a year or more before needing a battery change. Wi-Fi: Smart locks with Wi-Fi access must be connected to the internet for you to use them. This type of lock drains its battery the fastest, especially if it has extra features, such as voice control and geofencing. Z-wave: Instead of using a mobile app, this type of smart lock links to a Z-wave hub that’s connected to Wi-Fi. This hub can also connect to other Z-wave devices in your home, such as light switches and security systems.
App Control
Most smart locks connect to a mobile app, which allows you to unlock and lock your door with the push of a button. This app may also include other features, such as the ability to set up an access schedule for certain days and times.
Installation
There are two ways to install a smart lock—these methods can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour.
Retrofit: Retrofitted smart locks connect directly to the deadbolt that you already have and take 10–15 minutes to install. Replace: Other devices require you to completely remove your existing deadbolt and install the one that comes with your smart lock. This can take upwards of 30 minutes to complete.
Other Features
If you buy a more expensive smart lock, you could have access to some of the following features:
Voice control: Voice control allows you to unlock your door by saying a password within a certain distance of the device. Activity log: This feature allows you to view a history of who has entered and left your house and when. This information is usually displayed in a mobile app. Geofencing: This feature allows you to set a perimeter around your property. When you leave that perimeter, your smart lock will lock the door, and when you re-enter that perimeter, it will unlock the door. Auto-locking: This feature is similar to geofencing except it locks your door after a certain amount of time of being unlocked. Notifications: Some devices allow you to receive push, text, or email notifications every time someone enters or leaves your home. Tamper alarms: If the smart lock detects unauthorized entry, it will notify you on your mobile device or through email. Code: Some smart locks allow you to unlock the door by inputting a code with the included keypad. Biometrics: Some smart locks open when you place your finger on a built-in fingerprint scanner.
What is a smart lock?
A smart door lock is designed to lock and unlock a door from an authorized device. Some may also offer other means of entry, such as a keypad, fingerprint scanner, and manual key.
What should I do if the battery on my smart lock dies?
Most smart locks come with a backup regular key to prevent you from being locked out of your house when the battery dies. However, we recommend regularly checking your lock’s battery life, especially if you have a Wi-Fi device that drains batteries quicker, to ensure that you get a replacement before the battery completely dies.
How much do smart locks cost?
You should expect to pay at least a few hundred dollars for a smart lock. Here are the smart lock features you can get for each price range:
Around $100: These locks will typically use Bluetooth communication and retrofit over your current lock. $100–$200: Smart locks within this price range can retrofit and replace your current lock and use one or all of the three available communication systems. $200–$300: Smart locks within this price range offer some extra features, such as voice control, notifications, and tamper alarms. $300+: These devices have a variety of high-end features, such as built-in cameras.
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