7 Best Smart Locks in 2024

You might think that smart locks are a luxury you can’t afford, but the truth is, they’re more accessible than you think. With so many options available, you’re bound to find one that fits your budget and meets your needs. From keyless deadbolts to Wi-Fi enabled locks, each type offers unique benefits. For instance, the Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt stands out with its remote management and monitoring capabilities, while the Kwikset Contemporary Electronic Keypad Deadbolt is ideal for families. But which ones are the best? Let’s explore the top 7 smart locks that can upgrade your home’s security and convenience.

M210AB Mechanical, Keyless Deadbolt

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The M210AB Mechanical, Keyless Deadbolt is a hassle-free, high-security locking solution that doesn’t require batteries.

It offers a lifetime warranty and is constructed with solid steel that can withstand harsh weather conditions.

You’ll appreciate the ease of use and programmable code, making it simple to grant access to others.

Plus, the FREE EZ mounting plate included makes installation a breeze.

With its durable construction and weather-proof design, this lock is built to last.

You can expect it to withstand the elements and provide reliable security for years to come.

Best For: Individuals and families looking for a hassle-free, high-security locking solution that doesn’t require batteries and is easy to use.

Pros:

• Easy to install and use, with a programmable code and solid steel construction that can withstand harsh weather conditions.
• Offers a lifetime warranty and comes with a FREE EZ mounting plate for easy installation.
• Durable and weather-proof design ensures reliable security for years to come.

Cons:

• Only one code can be set at a time, limiting its use for multiple users.
• Cannot be connected to the internet, making it less convenient for remote access.
• Changing the code can be a bit of a pain, requiring the lock to be taken apart.

Kwikset Contemporary Electronic Keypad Deadbolt

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The Kwikset Contemporary Electronic Keypad Deadbolt is the ideal choice for homeowners who want to eliminate the hassle of lost or forgotten keys, thanks to its keyless entry convenience and customizable automatic door locking feature.

You’ll appreciate the flexibility of creating up to six individual user codes, making it perfect for families or households with multiple residents.

The motorized driven deadbolt guarantees 1-touch locking, and the low battery indication alerts you so you’re never caught off guard.

Plus, the temporary code feature is perfect for granting access to visitors or service personnel.

With easy installation and programming, you’ll be enjoying the convenience of keyless entry in no time.

Best For: Homeowners who want to eliminate the hassle of lost or forgotten keys and need a convenient and customizable keyless entry system.

Pros:

• Offers keyless entry convenience with up to six individual customized user codes
• Features a motorized driven deadbolt for 1-touch locking and low battery indication
• Has a customizable automatic door locking feature after 10-99 seconds for peace of mind

Cons:

• Some users have reported minor issues with battery life and delay in response time
• Requires perfect alignment of the deadbolt and striker plate for smooth operation
• Keypad deactivates for 45 seconds after 5 wrong entries, which may be inconvenient in some situations

Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt with Camelot Trim in Satin Nickel

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The Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt with Camelot Trim in Satin Nickel combines sleek design with advanced smart features, allowing you to control and monitor your door from anywhere.

With built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, you can remotely manage your lock, grant access to guests or service providers, and receive notifications for potential security breaches.

The Camelot Trim design in Satin Nickel finish offers a timeless aesthetic that complements various architectural styles.

You’ll also appreciate the fingerprint-resistant touchscreen, unique Snap ‘n Stay technology for easy installation, and compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice commands.

Best For: Homeowners who want a smart deadbolt with advanced features, remote access, and voice command compatibility.

Pros:

• Remote management and monitoring capabilities through the Schlage Home app or Key by Amazon app
• Advanced security features, including built-in alarm technology and customizable access codes
• Sleek and durable design with a fingerprint-resistant touchscreen and Satin Nickel finish

Cons:

• Requires 4 AA batteries, which may need to be replaced periodically
• Limited warranty on electronics (3 years) compared to mechanical and finish warranty (lifetime)
• Potential for Wi-Fi connectivity issues or app glitches

SCHLAGE Camelot Keypad Entry with Accent Levers

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The Schlage Camelot Keypad Entry with Accent Levers stands out as a top choice for homeowners seeking a reliable, keyless entry solution that offers enhanced security and convenience, particularly for those who need to manage multiple users or require flexible access control.

You’ll appreciate the Flex-Lock feature, which provides an additional layer of security, and the illuminated keypad that makes it easy to enter your code at night.

With a capacity for 19 user codes and 10,000 possible combinations, you can grant access to family members, friends, or service providers with confidence.

Plus, with a battery life of over three years, you won’t need to worry about frequent replacements.

Best For: Homeowners seeking a reliable, keyless entry solution with enhanced security and convenience, particularly those who need to manage multiple users or require flexible access control.

Pros:

• Easy to install and program
• Offers enhanced security with Flex-Lock feature and 10,000 possible user code combinations
• Convenient keyless entry with illuminated keypad for easy use at night

Cons:

• Requires battery replacements (although battery life is over 3 years)
• May require occasional programming updates
• No additional features beyond keyless entry (e.g., no smart home integration)

Yale Assure Lock SL Keyless Entry Door Lock

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The Yale Assure Lock SL Keyless Entry Door Lock offers a hassle-free keyless entry experience with a convenient 4-8 digit entry code on its back-lit keypad.

You’ll appreciate the Auto-Lock feature, which gives you peace of mind, and the one-touch lock feature for added convenience.

Installing the lock is relatively easy, taking around 2 minutes, and it’s compatible with standard doors (1-3/8′ to 2-3/4′ thick).

You can also upgrade to Wi-Fi with the Yale Access Upgrade Kit (sold separately) and integrate it with smart home systems like Amazon Alexa or SmartThings.

With a lifetime limited warranty on finish and mechanical, and a 1-year warranty on electronics, you can trust the Yale Assure Lock SL to provide reliable security for your home.

Best For: Homeowners seeking a convenient, keyless entry door lock with advanced features and reliable security.

Pros:

• Offers a convenient keyless entry experience with a 4-8 digit entry code on a back-lit keypad
• Features an Auto-Lock feature and one-touch lock for added convenience and peace of mind
• Compatible with standard doors and can be integrated with smart home systems like Amazon Alexa or SmartThings

Cons:

• Some reviewers experienced issues with setup instructions and a beeping noise
• Requires installation, which may be challenging for some users
• Upgrading to Wi-Fi requires a separate purchase of the Yale Access Upgrade Kit

CHAMBERLAIN Clicker Keyless Entry Garage Door Opener Keypad

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With its universal frequency recognition and compatibility with over 90% of garage door openers in North America, the CHAMBERLAIN Clicker Keyless Entry Garage Door Opener Keypad is an ideal choice for homeowners seeking a reliable and widely compatible keyless entry solution.

You’ll appreciate the convenience of this keypad’s backlit display, secure encryption, and sliding cover that protects it from the elements.

Plus, it’s easy to set up and install, with a simple wireless programming process that takes just seconds.

With a 4.4-star rating based on over 10,000 customer reviews, you can trust that this keypad will provide you with reliable keyless access to your garage.

Best For: Homeowners seeking a reliable and widely compatible keyless entry solution for their garage door openers.

Pros:

• Easy to set up and install with a simple wireless programming process
• Compatible with over 90% of garage door openers in North America
• Backlit display and secure encryption provide convenient and secure keyless access

Cons:

• Battery life may vary depending on usage
• No specific features for advanced security or smart home integration
• Limited customization options for the keypad design and layout

Hugolog Electronic Keypad Deadbolt Door Lock

  Get it now on Amazon.com

You’ll appreciate the Hugolog Electronic Keypad Deadbolt Door Lock’s keyless entry and auto-lock features, ideal for homeowners seeking convenience and modern design in a smart lock.

This sleek, rectangular-shaped lock is made of aluminum and has a modern, black finish.

It’s easy to install and program, and it’s powered by 4 AA batteries that last around a year on average.

You’ll enjoy the touch control method and the convenience of not having to carry keys.

With a 4.2-star rating and over 4,000 customer reviews, this lock has proven to be a popular choice among homeowners.

However, some customers have reported issues with the electronic bolt not engaging properly due to misaligned doors or thick weatherstripping.

Best For: Homeowners seeking a convenient and modern keyless entry door lock solution.

Pros:

• Easy to install and program
• Keyless entry and auto-lock features provide convenience and modern design
• Battery backup and 1-year average battery life ensure continued use

Cons:

• Some customers have reported issues with the electronic bolt not engaging properly due to misaligned doors or thick weatherstripping
• A few customers have experienced problems with battery life or functionality
• May not be suitable for doors with thick weatherstripping or misaligned doors

Factors to Consider When Choosing Smart Locks

When selecting a smart lock, you’ll want to verify several critical factors to guarantee you’re getting the right one for your needs.

You’ll need to ponder the key features that matter most to you, such as biometric authentication or remote access.

From there, you’ll want to evaluate the lock’s security and privacy measures, as well as its ease of installation and battery life, to name a few.

Key Features Comparison

When selecting a smart lock, consider the level of customization you need for user codes. Some models allow for temporary access for guests or service providers, while others may limit the number of user codes. Do you need a lock with auto-locking capabilities, or are you okay with manual locking?

If remote monitoring and control are essential, look for locks with Wi-Fi connectivity. This feature grants you peace of mind and the ability to grant access to others remotely.

Other features to ponder include fingerprint-resistant touchscreens, low-battery indicators, and adjustable automatic locking timers. These enhance security and convenience.

The number of user codes you can program varies across lock models, so think about how many unique codes you’ll need. Some locks allow up to 100 codes, while others are limited to a single code or a few dozen.

Security and Privacy

Security and privacy concerns are paramount when selecting a smart lock, as a single vulnerability can compromise your entire home’s safety.

You should verify the level of encryption used to protect your data and guarantee the lock’s software is regularly updated to prevent vulnerabilities. Look for smart locks with advanced encryption and secure protocols to protect your data and prevent unauthorized access.

Some smart locks offer two-factor authentication, which adds an extra layer of security to prevent unauthorized access.

When choosing a smart lock, it’s crucial to examine the security measures in place, especially if you plan to access the lock remotely. You don’t want hackers gaining unauthorized access to your lock and compromising your privacy.

Keyless entry systems eliminate the risk of lost or stolen keys, which can compromise your home’s security and privacy.

Ease of Installation

As you’ve verified your smart lock is secure, you’ll want to think about how easily it can be installed, since a complicated setup process can quickly turn into a frustrating experience.

You don’t want to spend hours figuring out how to connect your lock to your Wi-Fi network or pair it with your smartphone.

Look for locks with a straightforward installation process, ideally with a step-by-step guide or video tutorials to help you along the way.

Some locks may require a hub or bridge to connect to your router, while others can connect directly to your Wi-Fi network.

Consider the type of door and lock you have, as some smart locks are designed specifically for certain types of doors or locks.

You should also think about the level of DIY expertise you have – if you’re not comfortable with tools or technical setup, look for locks with a more user-friendly installation process.

Battery Life Concerns

The battery life of smart locks can vary greatly, ranging from a few months to several years, depending on factors such as usage, quality of batteries, and type of lock.

On average, smart locks require 4-6 batteries, which can last anywhere from 6-12 months with normal usage. However, some locks, like the Yale Assure Lock SL, can last up to 1 year on a single set of 4 AA batteries.

Factors that can affect battery life include temperature, usage, and the type of batteries used.

To minimize battery drain, look for locks with features like auto-lock and low-battery warnings, such as the Schlage Encode. By choosing a lock with energy-efficient designs and power-saving features, you can extend the battery life and reduce the hassle of frequent replacements.

With the right lock and batteries, you can enjoy the convenience of a smart lock without the worry of dead batteries.

Compatibility and Integration

When selecting a smart lock, you’ll need to ponder whether it seamlessly integrates with your existing devices and systems, providing a hassle-free experience.

This is vital because you want to be able to control your lock from your smartphone, tablet, or voice assistant.

Check if the lock is compatible with your device’s operating system, whether it’s iOS or Android.

You should also consider if the lock integrates with popular smart home systems like Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit.

This integration enables you to control your lock with voice commands or automate certain tasks.

For instance, you can set your lock to automatically lock when you leave your home or open when you arrive.

Make certain the lock also supports popular protocols like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or Z-Wave to facilitate seamless communication with your devices.

Durability and Build

You’ll want to verify your smart lock is built to last, with a durable construction that can withstand the elements and heavy use over time.

A solid and durable construction is essential, and a weather-proof design is a vital feature. The material of your smart lock also plays a significant role in its durability and resistance to corrosion.

For instance, stainless steel or aluminum locks are more durable than others. Additionally, consider a deadbolt with a spring-loaded design, like the M210AB Mechanical, Keyless Deadbolt, which makes it easier to open for kids and adults alike while providing added security.

The lock’s finish, such as satin nickel or brushed chrome, can also impact its durability and resistance to wear over time.

Furthermore, a long-lasting battery life is essential. You don’t want to be replacing batteries every few months. Look for locks like the Yale Assure Lock SL, which can last up to a year on just four AA batteries.

Cost and Value

Your budget will play a significant role in determining which smart lock is right for you, as prices can vary greatly depending on the features and functionality you need.

You’ll need to weigh how much you’re willing to spend and what features are must-haves for you. Do you need advanced biometric authentication or will a simple keyless entry suffice? Do you want integration with your smart home system or voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant?

As you weigh your options, ponder the long-term value of your investment. A more expensive smart lock might offer advanced features, but it may also provide better security and durability in the long run.

On the other hand, a more affordable option mightn’t have all the bells and whistles, but it could still provide the basic functionality you need.

Ultimately, you’ll need to strike a balance between cost and value. Evaluate your needs, prioritize your features, and look for smart locks that offer the best bang for your buck.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Smart Locks Be Controlled Remotely Through Mobile Apps?

You can control smart locks remotely through mobile apps, allowing you to lock/unlock, grant access, and monitor activity from anywhere, giving you peace of mind and convenience at your fingertips.

Are Smart Locks Compatible With Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant?

You’re exploring the smart home landscape like a pro, and now you’re wondering if your locks can harmonize with Alexa and Google Assistant. Fortunately, many smart locks seamlessly integrate with these voice assistants, allowing you to lock up with just your voice.

Do Smart Locks Require a Hub or Bridge for Wi-Fi Connectivity?

You’ll find that some smart locks need a hub or bridge for Wi-Fi connectivity, but others can connect directly to your router, so it depends on the specific lock model you’re using.

Can Smart Locks Be Integrated With Existing Home Automation Systems?

You’ll be happy to know that many smart locks can seamlessly integrate with your existing home automation system, allowing you to control and monitor your locks alongside other smart devices with ease.

Are Smart Locks More Vulnerable to Hacking Than Traditional Locks?

You’re as exposed as a house key left on the doorstep if you think smart locks are impervious to hacking. Unfortunately, yes, they can be more vulnerable to cyber attacks than traditional locks due to their connectivity.

Conclusion

As you stand at the threshold of upgrading your home’s security, remember that the right smart lock is the key to gaining peace of mind.

With these top 7 options, you’re spoiled for choice.

From mechanical to Wi-Fi enabled, each one is a puzzle piece that fits snugly into your unique needs.

So, take the leap and turn your home into a fortress, where safety and convenience entwine like the threads of a strong rope.