Having a smart lock on your door can change your life, especially if you are the kind of person who never knows where your keys are hidden. Paired with a mobile app, the best smart locks allow you to remotely lock, unlock, and monitor your front door.
You can unlock it for a service provider or a friend with just the tap of a button or with one Voice command, And peace of mind knowing that if you lose your key you will not be locked. A smart lock provides convenience, security, automation and peace of mind. But which smart lock option is right for your door?
Choosing the best smart lock for your home depends on a few things. For some, scheduling and user code limitations will be important. For others, the door can be retro locked instead of replacing an existing deadbolt which is a must have. We have tested the best smart locks on the market today and these are our favorites, which we will update regularly as we review new products.
Chris Monroe / Tips Clear
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock includes a retrofit August lock and a Dorcandis open-close sensor. Wi-Fi is built into this model, so you won’t need to buy an $ 80 Connect module to enable remote access.
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is 45% smaller than the previous August model. It works with Siri, Google Assistant and Alexa for voice control and smart home integration. You will get unlimited user access and codes, as well as a log of every action that takes place at your door.
Wi-Fi enables remote access to lock and unlock your door from your Android or iOS devices when you’re not home. The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is a capable, easily installed Smart Lock and winner of our Tips Clear Editors’ Choice Award. Read our August Wi-Fi Smart Lock review.
Tyler Lizenby / Tips Clear
August’s $ 200 third-gen Smart Lock and Connect bundle comes with a Dorcandis open-close sensor and connected Wi-Fi module. The low profile, retrofit design means you won’t need to replace your deadbowl lock, and the installation is easy, offering convenience for renters.
The August Smart Lock with Connect setup works with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa and can be run remotely via the August mobile app. You won’t get Apple HomeKit compatibility or Z-Wave Smart to connect to the Smart Hub. Nevertheless, this August Smart Lock is a moderately priced, smart door lock capable of keyless entry. It is the best smart lock if you live in an apartment.
editor’s Note: In August 2020, PCMag and Bitdefender released a report saying that August and Yale Android apps were vulnerable to a hack during setup mode that could take away Wi-Fi credentials when working with Connect Modes. In Tips Clear’s latest August response, it stated, “If Connect’s firmware is up-to-date and the user’s August Android app is up-to-date, their device will not be vulnerable to the original attack even upon entering the unit. Setup Mode. ”Read our August Smart Lock (2017) review.
Best smart lock design
Free touchscreen deadbolt of Yale Assure Lock SL
Chris Monroe / Tips Clear
Yale’s SL Touchscreen Deadbolt features a small, sleek design with a touchscreen keypad that looks good on almost every door, and comes in three finishes. The latest $ 299 Smart Deadbowl Bundle includes the August Smart (Wi-Fi Module and Dorvis Sensors) with the August Kit to unlock your door or join it with the August app to lock it. This keyless lock works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and HomeKit.
There is also a version with interchangeable modules for ZigBee or Z-Wave if you need to connect your home lock to a smart home device. Those modules cost $ 50 each. Read our Yale Assure SL Touchscreen Deadbolt Review.
editor’s Note: In August 2020, PCMag and Bitdefender released a report saying that while working with Connect Mods, August and Yale Android apps were vulnerable to a hack during setup mode that could take away Wi-Fi credentials. In Tips Clear’s latest August response, it stated, “If Connect’s firmware is up-to-date and the user’s August Android app is up-to-date, their device will not be vulnerable to the original attack even upon entering the unit. Setup Mode. ”
Tyler Lizenby
The $ 235 sycophant encode doesn’t do it all. You will not get HomeKit compatibility, and you will be limited to 100 user codes. Still, I’m a huge fan because you won’t need a Z-Wave device or a Zigbee hub or Wi-Fi module to connect this door lock to your smart home.
It has built-in Wi-Fi and is easy to work with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, with linking via their app. It is also compatible with the facility of providing Amazon keys for home-delivery services. The sleek keypad design is available in both modern and traditional style and multiple finishes. Read our sycophantic encode smart wi-fi deadbolt review.
Other models we’ve tested
In our search for the best smart locks, these are some of the other products we’ve tested:
Nest yale lock: Nest and Yale partnered for a Google-centric smart lock with a touch keypad. This $ 279 smart door lock has the good looks of the old Yale model, but is not quite as capable as other keyless locks when it comes to smart home integration.
Array by Heritage Connected Door Lock: This $ 299 lock has solar powered battery backup and built-in Wi-Fi, but is expensive and not an option to work with Homekit Or Google Assistant yet.
QuickSet Kevo Bluetooth Deadbolt: Kwikset’s $ 222 second-gen Kevo is a good Bluetooth smart lock and a simple answer to smarten your door if you don’t need remote control access. If you do, you will need to buy the Kevo Plus Connect module. You can use the mobile app or key fob for keyless door entry.
Shlence Sense Bluetooth Deadbolt: Schlage’s $ 175 Sense Smart Lock is inexpensive, but not clooney, and not as simple to install as its encoding sibling. To connect to Google Assistant or Alexa, you will also need a Schlage Lock Wi-Fi adapter.
things to remember
Smart lock technology adds convenience, but it is important to remember that this option is first and foremost a security device. It is important to take security features seriously. Use a PIN code to unlock any voice control, and make sure you only give an access code to unlock the door for those you trust. Enabling the auto unlock feature is also a good idea, so if you forget the door will close behind you.
If your smart home is based in a Wi-Fi voice assistant and you don’t use the hub, I would recommend a lock that works with your Wi-Fi network (or at least the Wi-Fi adapter). Consider whether you prefer a keypad and can replace your existing deadball (you’ll need a new physical key for locking), or prefer a simpler, retrofit design.
No matter which smart lock you choose, adding one to your smart home offers a lot of benefits. With these tips and the best smart lock on your door, managing access for family members, roommates, service providers and guests is a breeze.
Check it out:
Your guide to buying the right smart lock
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