The Best Smart Locks
Home security just got a whole lot smarter. That's because smart tech has made its way into our locks. Besides delivering an unprecedented degree of convenience when locking your doors, this smart technology can really help upgrade your home security. Many of these devices sport Bluetooth connectivity for pairing with a smartphone, and some can even link to a virtual assistant like Alexa for voice commands. Once paired up, you can give voice commands and customize an array of settings to help keep you and your home safe, even when you're away. Read on to discover our a few of our favorites in smart locks, from the Best on a Budget to the Premium Pick.
UltraLoq U-Bolt Smart Lock
The Ultra-Secure Keyless Lock
Imagine a future free of cumbersome metal keys. Well, with UltraLoq, the future is now. This top-of-the-line smart lock has a “Magic Shake” feature that opens the lock with the shake of your phone. You don’t even need to unlock your phone to get it to work. And if you don’t like shaking your phone around, the UltraLoq also has an auto-unlock setting that will unlock the door as soon as it detects your smartphone is in front of it. So the next time you come home encumbered with bags of groceries, you can forget about fumbling around with a ring of keys.
The UltraLoq is replete with convenient settings like these. It features automatic lock options, Ekey sharing, an anti-peep keypad, and much more. Best of all, this smart lock comes at a fantastic price point, so we say grab one while you can.
Pros
- Fantastic price point, especially considering how most comparable competitors are double the price
- The sturdy steel construction is strong enough to last a lifetime
- The energy-saving design can be powered for a year on just four AA batteries
- Installation is easy as pie
Cons
- You’ll have to pay extra for the UltraLoq Bridge, which is necessary for using the smart lock with a virtual assistant like Google or Alexa
Schlage Encode Smart Wifi Deadbolt Lock
Automatic Home Security
Do you ever fall into bed after a long day, start to drift off to sleep, and then realize that you forgot to lock up the house? Next time that happens, you don’t have to get out of your warm, snuggly bed. Instead, with the Schlage Smart Lock, you can simply fire off a voice command to your Alexa or Google Hub and get right back to snoozing. This sleek system lets you lock or unlock from anywhere, bringing you one step closer to total home automation. The hardware is also awesome and boasts a modern aesthetic and powerful steel deadbolt locking. We also love the integrated alarm system and the ability to hold 100 different access codes for personalized entries. With Schlage, home security is just a voice command away.
Pros
- Works with both Amazon Key and Schlange Home apps, and both are equally as easy to navigate and intuitive
- The keypad is wear-resistant and won’t pick up fingerprints, adding an extra degree of security
- You can assign each family member and friend their own access code, so you can see on the log when your teenager returned home after curfew
Cons
- Batteries will need to be changed every 4 to 6 months, though the app and lock will give you a big heads-up when they’re running low
- The longest auto-lock interval is only 4 minutes, which isn’t very long
August Wifi Smart Lock, 4th Gen
Don't Ditch the Deadbolt
Not does this option from August Home upgrade the security on your already-existing locks, it also features one of the easiest installations. The setup is simple: attach the mount around the existing deadbolt panel, pop on the smart lock, twist, and voila. In less than ten minutes, the August Smart Lock is ready-to-go. And once it’s in place, you can start customizing features, auto-lock settings, and Ekey passwords using the intuitive app. Best of all, this option installs on the inside of the door, so from the outside, no one would ever guess that your door is secure through smart technology. Oh, and for all the voice assistant fans out there, don’t worry: August Home Smart Locks work with Alexa, Google Assistant, and even Siri.
Pros
- Incredibly easy to install
- Detects your phone and Ekey and automatically unlocks when you get home
- Doesn’t replace your existing deadbolt, so you can still use your original keys if necessary
Cons
- Kind of pricey, but worth it for those that want premium security and convenience
Wyze Smart Door Lock
The Wise Choice
Smart locks can be expensive, with some costing hundreds of dollars. Fortunately, there are some quality picks that won’t break the bank. For those that want an affordable option that sports all the best features, we say go with Wyze. This pick is simple in appearance, yet powerful in design. It features easy installation, keyless entries, multiple auto-lock settings, and even the ability to pair with Alexa for voice commands. And despite the low price tag, Wyze Smart Locks offer a couple of extra features that are hard to come by on even the most expensive options, such as door positioning detection and 128-bit encryption to keep your passcodes secure. If you’re strapped for cash, Wyze is a wise choice.
Pros
- Another option that installs over your preexisting deadbolt, so you don’t have to take your door apart
- The app’s tutorial guides you through the set up step-by-step
- Replete with convenient features, like door position detection and automatic locking
- The affordable price fits into most budgets
Cons
- You can run into some software hurdles if you don’t install everything in the correct order, so make sure you do your research and follow the installation guide carefully
Kwikset Smart Lock
Feel Safe, Look Good
Another fantastic overall option, this pick from Kwikset is designed to bring a little style and flavor to the world of smart locks. It’s available in three classy styles, Venetian Bronze, Satin Nickel, and Polished Brass. Of course, we wouldn’t recommend a smart lock based on looks alone. This is a high-performance beast of a lock with an incredibly low price tag. It has all the most important features, such as notifications, customizable access codes, and keyless entry. And although it can’t connect to your Alexa, the Kwikset is a smart choice for anyone looking for a stylish design at a bargain price.
Pros
- Quality materials and a smart look for an affordable price
- The codes are responsive and the operation is quiet
- Although you will have to replace your existing deadbolt, installation is still quite fast
Cons
- The included instructions aren’t super helpful, but if you’re savvy with this kind of stuff it can be a breeze to install
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my smart-lock-of-choice work with my phone?
All of the smart locks on our list can be paired to a smartphone via Bluetooth or Wifi. Once paired, you can use your phone to lock the door remotely, receive notifications, and program custom settings. The apps for these locks are usually universal, so whether you have an Android phone or an iPhone, they should work for you. Obviously, there are some older devices that these locks may not be compatible with, but any phone manufactured within the last five years should work just fine.
Do I need a Wifi connection to get my smart lock to work?
In most cases, you will need a Wifi connection to remotely control your smart lock. However, if the Wifi is down, you should still be able to control the lock via Bluetooth as long as you and your smartphone are within range of the lock.
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.