A smart lock lets you unlock the door with your phone, a code or a fingerprint, give temporary access to guests and check whether you actually locked up. The best one for you depends on your door, your phone and your smart home platform. This guide explains the key decisions and recommends well-known options.
Quick picks
| Best for | Lock | Why |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone users | Schlage Encode Plus | Built-in Wi-Fi and Apple Home Key (tap to unlock with iPhone or Apple Watch) |
| Flexibility | Yale Assure Lock 2 | Keypad, touchscreen and fingerprint versions with multiple connectivity options |
| Renters | August Wi-Fi Smart Lock | Replaces only the inside of your deadbolt; keep your existing keys |
| Minimal look | Level Lock+ | Looks like a normal deadbolt, smart components hidden inside |
Key decisions
Replace or retrofit?
Full replacement locks (Schlage, Yale) replace the entire deadbolt and usually add a keypad outside. Retrofit locks (August) attach to the inside of your existing deadbolt, so the outside looks the same and your keys still work — ideal for renters, but check your lease.
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Thread and Matter
- Wi-Fi allows remote access without a hub but uses more battery.
- Bluetooth works nearby and saves battery; remote access usually needs a bridge.
- Thread and Matter are newer standards that make locks work across Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa and SmartThings, with low power use. You need a compatible Thread border router (for example, recent Apple TV, HomePod mini or many Nest and Echo devices).
Ways to unlock
Phone app, keypad codes (great for guests and cleaners), fingerprint readers, auto-unlock when you arrive, and Apple Home Key for iPhone users. Keep at least one backup method: a physical key, an emergency power terminal or a keypad code.
Security basics
- Look for ANSI/BHMA ratings on the mechanical lock.
- Enable two-factor authentication on the lock’s account.
- Use auto-lock and door-position sensors when available.
- A smart lock is only as strong as the door frame — reinforce the strike plate with long screws.
The picks
Schlage Encode Plus — best for iPhone users
A full deadbolt replacement with a keypad and built-in Wi-Fi. Its standout feature is Apple Home Key: hold your iPhone or Apple Watch near the lock to unlock, even if the phone’s battery is low. It also works with other major smart home platforms.
Yale Assure Lock 2 — most flexible
Available with a keypad, touchscreen or fingerprint reader, and with different connectivity modules depending on the version. That makes it easy to match your platform and budget — just read the model details carefully, because features differ across versions.
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock — best for renters
It mounts over the interior thumb-turn of a standard deadbolt, keeps your existing keys and exterior hardware, and includes Wi-Fi and a door sensor to confirm whether the door is closed. Installation typically takes a few minutes with a screwdriver.
Level Lock+ — best invisible design
Level hides the motor and batteries inside the deadbolt itself, so the lock looks like an ordinary one from both sides. Versions support Apple Home Key or Matter; confirm which version fits your ecosystem.
Before you order
- Measure door thickness and backset (distance from door edge to the lock center).
- Make sure the deadbolt turns smoothly by hand; motors struggle with misaligned doors.
- Check whether your door is left- or right-handed and which platforms you use (Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa).
- Plan for battery changes and learn the emergency unlock method.
Building a smarter home office too? See our smart lighting guide for desk setups.