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An independent comparison of the best smart locks on the market
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Free quoteEach smart lock was assessed in real-world conditions. We evaluate:
| Lock | Rating | Price | Install | Best for | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| August Wi-Fi Smart Lock | 4.8/5 | $$ | Over cylinder | Renters, simplicity | Amazon → |
| Schlage Encode Plus | 4.4/5 | $$$ | Grade 1 deadbolt | Maximum security | Amazon → |
| Yale Assure Lock 2 | 4.5/5 | $$ | Deadbolt swap | Design, fingerprint | Amazon → |
| Level Lock+ | 4.3/5 | $$$ | Deadbolt swap | Invisible design, Apple Home | Amazon → |
| Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro | 4.2/5 | $$ | Deadbolt swap | Fingerprint + keypad | Amazon → |
| Wyze Lock | 4.0/5 | $ | Over cylinder | Tight budget | Amazon → |
The best all-round smart lock. Mounts over your existing deadbolt in minutes, keeps your physical key, and is fully reversible — ideal for renters.
Renters and anyone who wants smart access without replacing the lock or drilling the door.
Indicative price. Verify current offers.
The strongest mechanical base. Built on an ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 deadbolt with built-in Wi-Fi and Apple Home Key support.
Homeowners reinforcing a primary entry door who want the strongest mechanical base plus smart access.
The sleekest pick. A clean, low-profile design with optional fingerprint, code and app entry, and modular Wi-Fi.
Rating: 4.3/5 | Price: $300
The smart hardware hides inside the deadbolt, so the door looks completely standard. Excellent Apple Home integration, but pricey and app-dependent.
View on AmazonRating: 4.2/5 | Price: $180
A great-value deadbolt swap with fingerprint, keypad, app, key and auto-unlock. Add the Wi-Fi bridge for remote control. The app could be more polished.
View on AmazonRating: 4.0/5 | Price: $100
An affordable over-cylinder lock that keeps your key and adds app control plus auto-lock. Limited ecosystem support, but unbeatable for the price.
View on Amazon→ Our pick: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (~$150)
Mounts over the existing deadbolt in minutes, reversible, you keep your key.
→ Our pick: Schlage Encode Plus (~$300)
An ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 deadbolt with built-in Wi-Fi and Apple Home Key.
→ Our pick: Yale Assure Lock 2 (~$220)
A sleek finish with fingerprint, code and app control.
→ Our pick: Wyze Lock (~$100)
Affordable over-cylinder smart access that keeps your existing key.
If you had to pick one regardless of budget: the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock. It mounts over your existing deadbolt in minutes, is reversible (ideal for renters), and you keep your physical key. For maximum mechanical security, the Schlage Encode Plus sits on an ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 deadbolt.
ANSI/BHMA grading measures the mechanical lock's resistance to forced entry. Some smart models include a graded deadbolt (Schlage Encode Plus and Yale Assure Lock 2 carry strong grades); others simply automate your existing cylinder. For a primary entry door, start with an ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 mechanical base, then add the smart layer for convenience.
Absolutely. Models that mount over the existing deadbolt (like the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock) are reversible and don't modify the door: you remove them when you move out without touching the property. To swap the cylinder or the whole lock, ask your landlord's permission — often granted for a security upgrade.
The risk is low if you follow the right habits: a unique password, two-factor authentication, up-to-date firmware, and an established brand that provides software support. Favor models with encrypted communication. A well-configured smart lock isn't a weak point; a poorly configured one becomes one.
To go beyond this comparison, these resources help you choose, install and secure the right lock.
