Best Smart Locks of 2024 - CNET

Article updated on September 28, 2024 at 1:27 PM PDT

Physical keys are so old-school. With the best smart locks, you can bring convenience and security to your smart home.

CNET’s expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise.

What to consider

Installation

Are you looking for a retrofit over your existing lock? Or do you want a full deadbolt replacement? Would you prefer a handle or lever replacement instead?

Access

Does the lock offer easy app controls and the ability to grant and control temporary passes to other users? Are you interested in a keypad, or a fingerprint scanner? Do you want compatibility with Apple Home Key or similar services?

Compatibility

Does the lock work with your existing security system or preferred voice assistant? Does the lock have Matter compatibility?

Security and privacy

Does the lock include a strong ANSI grade for physical durability? Is access date properly encrypted on the app?

Design

Is the design compact enough for your door? Does it match your other fixtures? Are there different colors or shades available?

CNET’s expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise.

What to consider

Installation

Are you looking for a retrofit over your existing lock? Or do you want a full deadbolt replacement? Would you prefer a handle or lever replacement instead?

Access

Does the lock offer easy app controls and the ability to grant and control temporary passes to other users? Are you interested in a keypad, or a fingerprint scanner? Do you want compatibility with Apple Home Key or similar services?

Compatibility

Does the lock work with your existing security system or preferred voice assistant? Does the lock have Matter compatibility?

Security and privacy

Does the lock include a strong ANSI grade for physical durability? Is access date properly encrypted on the app?

Design

Is the design compact enough for your door? Does it match your other fixtures? Are there different colors or shades available?

When you usually tell people that you've got a smart lock in your house, it's almost guaranteed that you'll be met with a healthy amount of skepticism. We get it: physical keys have done the trick for so long now. Counterpoint: the best smart locks are a godsend for anyone who often has various people entering their home. For example, if you need to let in a baby or pet sitter, or if you're inviting friends over for a night-in, etc. Now, they don't need a spare key, just access to your smart lock, which is free.

Furthermore, a smart lock makes it so that you can even lock your door without getting up when you get into bed, only to realize you forgot to lock up. We've all done it, so let's not pretend otherwise. Better yet, smart locks often offer other safety features, such as fingerprint readers, touchpad controls, and even built-in sensors that can tell you if the door is left open (whether it be a crack, or open wide) and let you lock it with a mere press of the button. Smart locks have options for retrofit (you get to keep your current lock and put smart lock tech over it) or replacement (you choose a shiny, brand-new deadbolt to complement your door).

Our experts have spent the past few years testing dozens of smart locks and access control devices. Read on to see our favorites.

Our top pick for the best smart lock for most folks is the Aqara Smart Lock U100. We test a lot of smart locks, and in our review of the Aquara product, we noted it's one of the most complete smart locks we've seen so far. The device offers fingerprint, code and digital pass options as well as native compatibility with Apple HomeKit. The design is solid and pleasantly reactive, and if you add an Aqara hub, you can get full Matter support and remote control. It’s excellent for front-door home security, especially if you want to add a smart doorbell or security cam to the mix.

Aqara's smart lock deadbolt replacement looks and feels great.

Aqara brings the latest smart lock technology together in excellent form with its combination deadbolt and sleek entry pad. It offers Apple compatibility out of the box, but when you add a compatible Zigbee hub you also get full Matter support and compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Home, along with long-distance control options. It's one of the best Siri-friendly locks and is compatible with Apple's latest Home Key passes. Or if you're interested primarily in hardware, we found the IP65-rated lock to be durable, efficient and relatively easy to install (plus it looks and feels great).

The list of features behind Aqara's smart lock is lengthy, but we noted important standouts. In addition to the keypad for entry, the lock includes a fingerprint reader and emergency key access. Apps allow you to create one-time passes (a vital part of any modern smart lock), while a built-in gyroscope ensures the door automatically locks if it's left unlocked for too long. You can adjust these features and many other options, including guest passes and geofencing, in the Aqara app.

Even after a few weeks of steady testing, the Aqara lock barely lost 1% of battery life, which is a good sign of longevity. There's also an emergency USB-C port if you need power immediately. Overall, it's a complete replacement package.

Aqara's smart lock deadbolt replacement looks and feels great.

Smart locks aren't famous for their budget options, which still tend to go well above $100 if you want the best features. This Ultraloq model is one of the best matches we've found between affordability and features, including a durable keypad and built-in fingerprint sensor. Our tests also found that the Ultraloq's Wi-Fi range was particularly excellent for a smart lock, making this a good choice for a sublease, granny pod, Airbnb apartment and many similar situations.

Options like eKey sharing and management make it easy to offer digital passes to friends and family and control how they're used, while the IP65 rating ensures that weather is no problem no matter how harsh your seasons get. Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility round off this lock nicely, but we do miss Apple support.

Not everyone has a deadbolt or wants a deadbolt replacement to get smart lock features. We're impressed with Schlage's alternative, a smart Wi-Fi lever to replace your current door handle and still provide many of the same amenities. The built-in Wi-Fi lets you set up to 100 entry codes, customize notifications, review activity logs and set schedules for autolocking. The lock is primarily focused on code entry with app management, but it does work with Alexa and Google Assistant for additional voice control options

One downside: The smart handle is one of our priciest picks, so it may not be in everyone's budget range. This Schlage lock is available in a variety of colors and styles, and some do cost less than others depending on supply, so it’s worth taking a look at different designs and finding what matches your home while saving some money.

This August lock has been on our list for some time now, has frequently starred as an Editor's Choice selection and continues to impress, especially as a retrofit model. That means you don't have to replace your existing deadbolt to use it: The August lock fits over the bolt to control via an app or voice assistant, a somewhat bulky (August continues to slim down its hardware) but extremely convenient option.

August's locking features cover all the bases, including auto-locking, the DoorSense open/close notifications and a log of all activity. As with many locks on our list, you also have the handy ability to send guest access passes with customized deadlines (very convenient for managing anyone from a house cleaner to vacationing friends).

Although August's latest lock doesn't have Matter quite yet, it's still fully compatible with Alexa, Google Home and Apple Home, so you aren't missing much. Plus, we're finding the fourth-gen August lock for under $150, an excellent deal compared with its original price and another way to save with this retrofitting option. Keep in mind, you will have to manage the rechargeable lithium battery when using this lock.

August's third-gen Smart Lock and Connect bundle comes with a DoorSense open-close sensor and the August Connect plug-in Wi-Fi bridge. The low-profile, retrofit design means you won't need to replace your existing deadbolt lock, and installation is easy, although, as with similar August models, users will need to replace the "thumbturn" on the inside of their door to use it. If you’re renting, absolutely check with your landlord and lease before installing one of these, even as a retrofit: Landlords often like to handle home security tech themselves and will need to sign off.

Once the lock is installed, you’ll get those great August features, including virtual key passes, an activity feed, auto-unlock and auto-lock, and even the ability to access the lock with your Apple Watch.

With that August Connect Wi-Fi bridge pairing the lock with your home network, this version of the August lock is compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa for voice control. And you'll find the same great remote access features in the August mobile app. About the only August feature you don't get here is compatibility with Apple HomeKit (sorry, Siri). Available in silver or dark gray, it's the first smart lock I'd recommend if you live in an apartment and don't want to remove your existing lock.

Many of our picks are mostly keyless, but Yale takes the concept to the next level with a smart lock as smooth-looking as it is smooth to use. Once installed, the deadbolt offers a keypad, fingerprint scanner and app control options for locking or unlocking. Autounlock features are also available if you prefer to enable them. You also get unlimited passes to share (and track) with family and friends.

Yale is another brand doing very well with smart home compatibility, offering support for the three big voice assistants. We also like that it's available in a few different finishes to better match your existing fixtures. If you're still looking for a good Airbnb smart lock, this Yale model costs more than our Ultraloq pick, but it works directly with the Airbnb app for easier scheduling, sending passes directly to guests and so on.

If biometrics have caught your eye, and you'd like to upgrade your current door with a fingerprint sensor, Lockly's retrofit adds a minimal scanner that's bound to fit your current door. With a compact form both inside and out, this Lockly offering includes a separate Wi-Fi hub to manage the internet connection from a nearby nook or entryway table. In addition to fingerprint scanning, users can sign in with the app or a scannable QR code. Digital keys and badges provide a variety of options for short-term access without collecting everyone's fingerprints.

We also like the battery life, rated for nine months (on the higher end of our research), plus there's a backup battery in case things go wrong. Overall, if you're worried that your current single-cylinder deadbolt just doesn't have enough room for smart features, Lockly is ready to change your mind.

In our search for the best smart lock, these are some of the other products we've tried out.

The Kwikset Halo Touch is a no-frills fingerprint lock with built-in Wi-Fi and support for Alexa or Google Assistant.

Nest Yale Lock: Nest and Yale partnered up for a Google-centric smart lock with a touch keypad. This Nest app smart door lock has the good looks of Yale's earlier models, but it isn't quite as capable as other keyless locks when it comes to smart home integration.

Array by Hampton Connected Door Lock: This lock has solar-powered battery backup and built-in Wi-Fi, but it's expensive and doesn't have the option to work with HomeKit or Google Assistant yet.

Kwikset Halo Touch: The Halo Touch is a simple, straightforward fingerprint lock that costs $249 (currently discounted to $149). With built-in Wi-Fi, there's no need for any additional hub hardware -- just install it, pair it with your home network, and you'll be all set. It was a strong performer in our tests, with a snappy, responsive fingerprint scanner and a relatively quiet design, and it supports voice controls via Alexa or Google Assistant (no HomeKit support, though). If it were me buying, I'd try to catch it on sale for less than $200, but this is definitely a smart lock worth considering if you want fingerprint access at your front door.

Kwikset Kevo Bluetooth Deadbolt: Kwikset's second-gen Kevo is a good Bluetooth smart lock and a simple answer to smartening your door if you don't need remote control access. If you do, you'll need to buy the Kevo Plus connect module. You can use the mobile app or the key fob for keyless door entry.

Wyze Smart Lock: We like how affordable the Wyze lock is. For around $30 more, the Ultraloq model offers a lot more, so it's currently our top budget pick. Also, Wyze has had a string of security issues that it hasn't been able to resolve at the level of other brands, like August, so we'd like to keep an eye on Wyze for a while.

The Lockly Flex Touch has a built-in fingerprint scanner but you need to pay an extra $80 for the plug-in Wi-Fi hub.

Lockly Flex Touch: An understated fingerprint lock, the Flex Touch looks like a standard deadbolt on the outside, apart from the small fingerprint sensor that dangles underneath. That fingerprint sensor worked great when we tested it out, but the interior part of the lock is made of faux-stainless-steel plastic which feels a bit cheap to the touch. In addition to that, you'll need to buy an overpriced $80 plug-in Wi-Fi hub if you want to control the lock via your phone from beyond Bluetooth range.

Schlage Sense Bluetooth Deadbolt: Schlage's Sense smart lock is affordable, but clunky and not as simple to set up as its Encode sibling. You'll also need a Schlage lock Wi-Fi adapter to connect with Google Assistant or Alexa.

Eufy Smart Lock Touch with Wi-Fi: At a retail price of $260, Eufy's sleek-looking, finger-scanning smart lock is too expensive for us to recommend outright, but it performed well when we tested it out, apart from a few minor hiccups during setup. With both a fingerprint scanner and a touchpad for coded entry, it's about as versatile as smart locks get, but it's probably more than most people need.

The CNET team has spent years testing and reviewing smart locks. For our most recent batch of tests, we tried out several new models at our own homes.

For starters, we took a critical eye on each lock's design, as well as the simplicity of the installation process. It's usually not a complicated process, and in most cases, you'll only need a Phillips head screwdriver, but it still might feel intimidating for some.

Most smart locks do a good job of including detailed instructions in the box and in the app, but others, like the Kwikset Halo Touch, go a step further by clearly labeling and separating the different parts and screws you'll need to use. That can be a big help if you've never swapped out a door lock before.

Some smart locks, like the Kwikset Halo Touch, make installation a breeze.

Rather than installing the locks in our front doors, we installed them in a mock door display cut to standard specifications. That allowed us to move each lock after installing it, which helped to test their wireless range when controlling them over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

Some locks did great -- most notably the U-Bolt Pro with Wi-Fi, which worked flawlessly even in a backyard, on the fringes of a home Wi-Fi network. The Level Lock was another standout thanks to a neat range-boosting feature that allowed us to control the lock over Bluetooth from nearly twice the distance as other Bluetooth smart locks (albeit at the expense of battery life).

The U-Bolt Pro with built-in Wi-Fi was the top finisher in our range tests and worked even from a backyard.

From there, the testing is largely experiential. We pay attention to important physical considerations like the size of the lock and how loud the motor gets when the deadbolt turns, as well as practical considerations like app features, ease of use and the range of compatibility with different smart home platforms and peripheral devices.

Some smart locks, particularly coded smart locks, are better for sharing access with guests. Others, including Bluetooth locks with auto-unlocking smarts whenever you draw near, are better for users who are more convenience-minded. Whatever the lock's approach, the features need to work well if it wants to earn our recommendation.

Smart design matters too. Apart from the fact that these locks are likely going to be sitting on the front face of your home's exterior and making a first impression on visitors, good design can make for better implementation of core features.

For instance, the U-Bolt Pro stood out for its clever build, with the fingerprint-scanning front face of the lock folding down entirely to reveal a standard keyhole backup. Hiding the keyhole makes a lot of sense. Most of the time, you aren't going to use it to get in, and putting it out of sight gives the lock a smaller footprint on your front door than other fingerprint-scanning locks. We also liked the physical buttons on that lock for coded entry, as buttons like those are easier to use in inclement weather than touchscreen controls. Another nice design touch: You can punch in dummy digits before or after your code, and the lock will still let you in. That's a good feature if you're worried about people snooping over your shoulder as you unlock the door.

Smart locks are a highly visible part of your home that you'll use just about every day, so it's important to find a reliable pick that meshes well with your smart home. Here are the factors you should be thinking about as you shop.

A retrofit smart lock like the August lock will replace the interior of your current lock but not the exterior keyhole or the deadbolt.

Most smart locks will replace the entirety of your existing lock, including the interior thumbturn, the exterior keyhole, and the deadbolt in the middle. Locks like those will also come with their own keys, which will replace the ones you're using now.

Others, like the August Smart Lock, and the Lockly fingerprint model, are designed instead to work with at least some of your existing lock hardware. With a retrofit lock like that, you probably won't need new keys at all, and you might not even need to swap out the deadbolt. Locks like those can sometimes be a better fit for apartments, where the building owners might not allow you to replace the entire lock.

Different smart locks will take different approaches to letting you in. On a basic level, most smart locks will let you lock and unlock the door wirelessly from your phone, using an app. Others add in keypads for coded entry, which can help you rely on your keys a little less while also making it easier to share access with others. Some of the newest smart locks add in touch sensitivity or fingerprint scanning to let you inside with just a tap. Apple has also added a Home Key feature in iOS15 that lets you store a digital house key in your Apple Wallet, which lets you open compatible smart locks using the NFC radio in your iPhone or Apple Watch.

It may be overkill to pay up for a smart lock that offers all of that, so it's fine to dial in on the mode of access that interests you most. You've got a diverse mix of options these days.

The Schlage Encode Plus is the first smart lock to support Apple Home Key. It lets you unlock your door using an iPhone or Apple Watch.

If your household includes multiple types of smart home devices, then your best bet is to control them all from a single smart home platform. That way, you won't need to juggle multiple apps to keep everything automated. The most popular picks are Amazon Alexa, the Google Home app and the Google Assistant voice controls that come with it, and Apple HomeKit, which brings Siri into play. Samsung SmartThings is another option for a hub-centric smart home.

That brings us to Matter: Matter (and its tagalong protocol Thread) is an important smart home protocol designed in coordination with major brands including Google, Amazon, Apple, and many others. It helps guarantee compatibility across different platforms and adds in extra security and data transfer benefits — definitely something buyers should be watching for.

Currently, smart lock companies are still adopting the Matter standard. Our top pick uses it and is one of the best options we’ve found. Some Schlage Encode locks use it, but it hasn’t made its way to our Schlage Smart Level pick quite yet, and the same goes for Yale Assure. August has also announced it's working to bring Matter to its smart locks, so in some cases, it just be a “matter” of waiting for the right firmware update.

Smart locks aren't quite as data-sensitive as devices with built-in cameras and microphones, but you'll still want to make sure that you're keeping things secure. Most, if not all of your options will use some form of encryption to keep the wireless transmissions between your lock and your phone or home network secure — you should also look for locks that use two-factor authentication to keep your account safe from malicious logins. And, as with any connected device in your home, you'll want to be sure to keep your lock updated to the latest firmware and to set a strong password in the app.

As for lockpicking and other physical concerns, you can look for the lock's ANSI grade to get a sense of its durability, and how well it might stand up against a brute-force entry attack. ANSI grade 3 is the most basic rating, but a growing number of smart locks offer ANSI grade 2 or grade 1 ratings, which tell you that they're built with commercial-grade durability. If you're concerned about forced entries, a lock like that might be a good investment.

Your smart lock is going to sit right on the front of your home's exterior, so it's worth aiming for something you won't hate looking at. Some smart locks go out of their way to show off their gadgety features with light-up touchscreens, color-coded LED indicator lights and tech-minded designs. Others take the opposite approach, doing their best to blend in and look just like a standard lock, from the outside at least. Picking a preference between the two approaches will help you narrow your options.

You'll also want to consider how the lock stays powered. Most smart locks will run off four AA batteries, but some take a different approach. The Level Lock, for instance, runs off of a single CR2 battery that sits inside of the deadbolt itself. Meanwhile, Eufy's touchscreen smart lock runs off of a rechargeable battery pack.

Here are the answers to some of the most common questions about smart locks.

Smart locks from major developers, like Yale and Schlage, are reliable security devices, but only if you use them correctly. In the same way a lock three feet from a key hidden under a doormat isn't very secure, a smart lock with the PIN 1-2-3-4 won't be very secure. Smart locks can even be more secure than conventional locks, since keys are easier to lose than, say, your fingers, if you're using a fingerprint lock.

Like most smart home tech, smart locks are getting more affordable all the time, but that doesn't mean they're cheap. Between the conventional hardware (which often includes a deadbolt and other parts of the lock mechanism), the "smart" hardware (which includes computer chips and various kinds of radios) and the software (which includes digital security measures like encryption), a lot goes into a smart lock. So finding one for under a hundred bucks, which isn't unusual these days, is actually a solid deal.

Smart locks, like any Wi-Fi-connected device, can be hacked. As long as you're finding smart locks from reliable developers, the communications that would allow a hacker to trigger the lock should be thoroughly encrypted, making hacking pretty difficult. It's important to keep in mind, that robberies are often crimes of convenience. So unless you live in a totally secure compound, protecting one-of-a-kind jewels, an unlocked window or an open garage door is a more likely point of entry than your theoretically hackable smart lock.

Smart lock hacking isn't much of a risk to your individual home's security thanks to encryption, but that doesn't mean smart locks pose zero risks. Battery-powered smart locks can lead to problems in the long run if you're not diligent about keeping them powered. Smart home hacking is very, very unlikely, but you can mitigate that sort of risk by setting strong passwords for the apps that control your smart home, and by using security-minded features like two-factor authentication.

With basic DIY skills, you won’t have to worry about calling a locksmith, unless things go badly wrong. Even deadbolt replacements are doable if you can find out how to disassemble your current deadbolt and measure very carefully. Top brands are good at providing installation videos and other in-depth instructions to show you how to wield that screwdriver and get the job done. Expect the project to take around an hour if it’s your first time setting up a smart lock.

Smart locks use battery power when they're activated, so battery life greatly depends on how many people are opening and closing or locking and unlocking your door throughout the day. You can expect the average smart lock to last at least several months before it needs new batteries. If batteries are running out in only a couple of weeks or less, there’s probably something wrong, like an update the doorbell is trying to install or a Wi-Fi connection that keeps reconnecting.