Best Smart Locks 2026 — Five Options Compared

Your front door lock is the single most important security device in your home. It’s also the one you interact with multiple times a day. A smart lock should make that interaction effortless — no fumbling for keys, no wondering whether you remembered to lock up — without compromising on the security side. The five locks below range from a retrofit module that sits on your existing deadbolt to full keypad replacements with fingerprint readers.

This guide is a research-based comparison built on manufacturer product pages and specifications. Prices are US list prices in USD from the official stores, checked on 23 October 2026 (list price for the default finish; sale prices and availability change); no measurements or test results are published here. The Yale and August official stores serve the US and Canada.

Quick Comparison Table

1. Schlage Encode Plus — Best Overall

Price: from $329 (Schlage US store)

The Schlage Encode Plus pairs a BHMA-rated deadbolt with built-in Wi-Fi and Apple Home Key support, which is why it is the pick for “best overall” here. Schlage’s product page cites a “best-in-class BHMA rating in security, durability and finish”; the exact grade for the model you buy is not stated in that copy, so confirm it on the product’s specification sheet.

You don’t need a separate hub or bridge. Schlage states that built-in Wi-Fi and encrypted connections provide remote control and monitoring “no additional accessories needed”, so you get remote lock/unlock and notifications through the Schlage Home app. Apple Home Key lets you tap your iPhone or Apple Watch to unlock. Schlage lists voice control through Alexa, Siri and Google Assistant.

Schlage lists a limited 3-year electronic warranty and a limited lifetime mechanical/finish warranty.

Pros:

• BHMA security rating cited by Schlage
• Built-in Wi-Fi, no hub or bridge needed
• Apple Home Key support
• Voice control with Alexa, Siri and Google Assistant
• Limited lifetime mechanical/finish warranty

Cons:

• No fingerprint reader
• Not a retrofit — you replace the entire deadbolt
• Premium price point

2. Yale Assure Lock 2 — Best Design

Price: $279.99 for the Wi-Fi model; Bluetooth-only models start at $169.99 (Yale US store, list price, default finish)

Yale’s Assure Lock 2 is a touchscreen or keypad deadbolt with auto-lock (DoorSense detects whether the door is closed) and entry codes you can share and schedule. The slim interior and flush touchscreen are why it gets the design pick here.

Connectivity depends on the model. Every Assure Lock 2 has Bluetooth built in; Yale sells Wi-Fi versions and a separate Yale Wi-Fi Smart Module that adds remote access to the Bluetooth versions. Without Wi-Fi, Yale says you need an Apple TV, HomePod or HomePod mini as a home hub to control the Bluetooth lock remotely through HomeKit. Apple Home Key is built into the separate Assure Lock 2 Plus ($309.99 with Wi-Fi; shown as out of stock in the default finish on 23 October 2026), and fingerprint access is on the Assure Lock 2 Touch ($299.99 with Wi-Fi). Yale sells a different product, the Yale Smart Lock with Matter, for Matter and Google Home setups.

Yale lists the Assure Lock 2 Touch as ANSI/BHMA Grade 2; the grade was not confirmed for the other Assure Lock 2 variants, so check it for the exact model you buy.

Pros:

• Slim, modern design with touchscreen or keypad options
• Choice of Bluetooth or Wi-Fi models, plus an optional Wi-Fi module
• DoorSense built in for auto-lock
• Temporary and shareable access codes
• Fingerprint (Touch) and Apple Home Key (Plus) variants available

Cons:

• ANSI/BHMA Grade 2 listed for the Touch model (not Grade 1)
• Home Key and fingerprint need the Plus or Touch models, which cost more
• Bluetooth models need the Wi-Fi module or an Apple home hub for remote access
• Full deadbolt replacement required

3. August WiFi Smart Lock — Best for Renters & Retrofit

Price: $199.99 (August US store)

If you rent your home or simply don’t want to replace your existing deadbolt, the August WiFi Smart Lock is built for that. August states it attaches to the interior side of your existing single-cylinder deadbolt in under 10 minutes, so you keep your existing keys and the outside of the door unchanged.

It has built-in Wi-Fi (no bridge needed), auto-lock between 30 seconds and 30 minutes, geofenced auto-unlock, and works with Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit/Siri; August’s product page does not list Matter support. The app includes an activity feed of who locked and unlocked the door. It comes with a DoorSense sensor and two CR123 batteries, and August lists a 1-year warranty.

The trade-off is that you lose the keypad unless you add one: the August Wi-Fi lock has no keypad of its own, though August sells the Yale Keypad ($119.99 for Keypad Touch with fingerprint, per August’s cart listing). Because it sits on your existing hardware, the security rating depends on your existing deadbolt.

Pros:

• True retrofit — keeps your existing keys and exterior deadbolt
• Built-in Wi-Fi, no bridge required
• Auto-lock and geofenced auto-unlock
• Works with Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit
• Positioned by August for renters

Cons:

• No keypad or fingerprint reader included
• Security depends on your existing deadbolt quality
• No Apple Home Key
• August states up to 3 months of battery life
• Single-cylinder deadbolts only

4. Level Lock Pro — Best for Apple Users

Price: $349 (Level US store)

The Level Lock Pro hides its electronics inside the door. Level states that it “invisibly integrates technology inside your door” with a 62% smaller footprint than other smart locks (a manufacturer claim). It replaces your deadbolt rather than sitting on top of one, so check Level’s compatibility information for your door; Level sells the separate Level Bolt ($199) as its retrofit lock.

Level supports Apple home keys: tap an iPhone or Apple Watch (or the included NFC key fobs) to unlock. Matter over Thread is built in, and Level lists Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa and SmartThings as supported platforms, but a Matter-over-Thread hub is required for remote access (or Level’s Wi-Fi bridge). Level lists ANSI Grade 1/A and BHMA AAA certification, a CR2 battery with 9–12 months of rated battery life, and door open/closed detection.

There’s no keypad built in. Level sells an optional Level Keypad separately; otherwise you use your phone, Apple Watch, an NFC fob or a physical key. At $349 it’s the most expensive option here.

Pros:

• No visible smart-lock hardware, per Level
• Apple Home Key plus Matter over Thread
• ANSI Grade 1/A and BHMA AAA certified, per Level
• Door open/closed detection
• Works with Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa and SmartThings through Matter

Cons:

• Most expensive on this list
• No built-in keypad (optional Level Keypad costs extra)
• Matter-over-Thread hub or Level Wi-Fi bridge needed for remote access
• Replaces your deadbolt (check Level’s compatibility information)
• No fingerprint reader

5. Aqara U200 — Best for Matter + Fingerprint

Price: check the current price at Aqara or your retailer

The Aqara U200 combines Matter over Thread, fingerprint access via its external keypad unit, Apple Home Key support, and a retrofit design that installs over compatible existing deadbolts. Aqara’s spec page lists Thread, Bluetooth 5.1 and NFC, and unlock options include mechanical keys, PIN codes, fingerprint and the Aqara Home app.

Aqara’s store page lists Matter compatibility with Apple Home, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings, Amazon Alexa and the Aqara Home app, and says its Hub M3 enables remote unlocking and automations with other Aqara devices; the page also states the U200 is “exclusively compatible with the Aqara M3 hub for optimal performance”. Adding Matter-over-Thread accessories needs a Matter controller and Thread border router set up first. The lock runs on an Aqara rechargeable battery or 4 AA batteries; the keypad runs on 4 AAA batteries or a wired 12–24 V supply and is rated IPX5.

Check Aqara’s compatibility information against your existing deadbolt before buying, and note that long-term reliability data for this lock is not covered here.

Pros:

• Matter over Thread
• Fingerprint reader on the keypad unit
• Retrofit design
• Apple Home Key support
• Multiple unlock methods (fingerprint, PIN, NFC, app, key)

Cons:

• Needs a Thread border router / Matter controller for remote access
• Compatibility with your existing deadbolt must be checked
• Exterior keypad is only rated IPX5
• Price varies by retailer and bundle

Best For Summary

• Best overall: Schlage Encode Plus — BHMA-rated deadbolt plus built-in Wi-Fi and Home Key
• Best for Apple users: Level Lock Pro — hidden hardware with Home Key and Matter over Thread
• Best for renters/retrofit: August WiFi Smart Lock — non-destructive install on your existing deadbolt
• Best for Matter + fingerprint: Aqara U200 — Matter over Thread, fingerprint and Home Key in a retrofit
• Best design: Yale Assure Lock 2 — slim touchscreen with a choice of connectivity

What to Consider Before Buying

Security rating matters. If you’re replacing a deadbolt entirely, compare the grade each manufacturer lists: ANSI Grade 1/A and BHMA AAA for the Level Lock Pro, ANSI/BHMA Grade 2 for the Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch, and a BHMA rating (exact grade not confirmed) for the Schlage Encode Plus. Retrofit locks inherit the rating of your existing hardware.

Connectivity determines convenience. Wi-Fi locks work remotely out of the box. Thread and Bluetooth locks need a hub, border router or bridge for remote access. Check what fits your smart home ecosystem.

Ecosystem compatibility. If you’re building a Matter-based smart home, the Aqara U200 and Level Lock Pro (both Matter over Thread) are the Matter locks on this list. Apple households should look at locks with Home Key support: Schlage Encode Plus, Yale Assure Lock 2 Plus, Level Lock Pro and Aqara U200.

Retrofit vs. full replacement. Renters and those who want to keep their existing keys should look at the retrofit locks (August, Aqara). Level Lock Pro and the Schlage and Yale locks replace the deadbolt.

If you’re just starting your smart home from scratch, a smart lock is one of the highest-impact first purchases you can make. And if security is your primary concern, pair any of these locks with a monitoring-free security system for comprehensive protection without recurring fees.

See how we compare products for our full methodology.

FAQ

Do smart locks work if the power goes out?

These locks are battery powered (the manufacturers list AA, CR2, CR123 or rechargeable packs, depending on the model), so a power outage at the house doesn’t switch them off. A Wi-Fi outage limits remote features; Level, for example, says Bluetooth, NFC and the physical key still work. Check each lock’s low-battery and emergency-access options before you buy.

Can smart locks be hacked?

In theory, any connected device can be compromised. Manufacturers describe encrypted connections (Schlage lists an encrypted connection; August cites Bluetooth Low Energy encryption, TLS in its apps and two-factor authentication). The bigger risk is usually a weak Wi-Fi or account password or a shared PIN code. Use strong passwords and rotate guest codes regularly.

Do I need a hub for a smart lock?

It depends on the lock. The Schlage Encode Plus and August Wi-Fi Smart Lock have built-in Wi-Fi — no hub needed. Yale’s Wi-Fi models don’t need one either, while its Bluetooth models need the Yale Wi-Fi module or an Apple home hub for remote access. Matter-over-Thread locks (Level Lock Pro, Aqara U200) need a Thread border router or compatible hub for remote access; Level also sells a Wi-Fi bridge.

Will a smart lock void my home insurance?

Policies vary, so ask your insurer before relying on any assumption. Grade 1 and Grade 2 ratings describe the lock hardware, not what an insurer requires, and this guide does not make any insurance claims.

Can two people manage the same smart lock?

Yes. All five support sharing access: permanent access for family, temporary or scheduled codes or keys for guests, and an activity log in the app. Limits and features vary by lock (for example, August says there is no limit on owners and guests, while Yale’s FAQ lists up to 250 codes in its app).