Best Smart Lock 2026
Best Smart Lock 2026
Quick Answer
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock takes the crown this year. It hits that sweet spot of solid security, dead-simple app control, and installation that won’t make you want to throw tools across the room. Plus, it plays nice with whatever smart home setup you’ve got going, so if you’re interested in optimizing your system, check out our guide to smart home devices.
FreshAirScore™ Ratings
Our proprietary score based on performance-per-dollar, noise levels, filter longevity, and user ratings.
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock — 83/100 (Great)
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Best for: Overall Best
Kwikset Halo Smart Lock — 80/100 (Great)
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Best for: Ease of Use
Yale Assure Lock 2 — 79/100 (Great)
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Best for: Smart Home Integration
Level Lock — 78/100 (Great)
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Best for: Aesthetics
Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Lock — 76/100 (Great)
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Best for: Keypad Entry
Scores are calculated from publicly available specs including performance, noise levels, filter cost, and value. Learn about our methodology.
Our Top Picks
| Product | Best For | Key Specs | Price Range | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August Wi-Fi Smart Lock | Overall Best | Wi-Fi, Auto Lock/Unlock | $130 - $150 | 4.6/5 |
| Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Lock | Keypad Entry | Built-in Wi-Fi, Keypad | $200 - $220 | 4.5/5 |
| Yale Assure Lock 2 | Smart Home Integration | Z-Wave, Bluetooth | $150 - $180 | 4.4/5 |
| Kwikset Halo Smart Lock | Ease of Use | Built-in Wi-Fi, SmartKey | $130 - $160 | 4.3/5 |
| Level Lock | Aesthetics | Bluetooth, Traditional Look | $180 - $200 | 4.5/5 |
Detailed Reviews
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock
Here’s what makes this one special: you can slap it onto your existing deadbolt and keep your original keys. No need to rip apart your door or explain to your landlord why there’s a gaping hole where the lock used to be.
Key Specs:
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi
- Auto-Lock/Unlock: Yes
- Battery Life: 6 months on 4 AA batteries
Pros:
- Retrofits your current deadbolt (genius move)
- Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit
- App that actually makes sense
Cons:
- No Wi-Fi means limited features
- Bit chunky on the inside of your door
Best For: Anyone who wants smart lock features without the headache of a full lock replacement.
Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Lock
This one’s for people who actually want to punch in codes instead of fumbling with their phone, and if you’re looking for a smart lock tailored for short-term rentals, consider the best smart lock for Airbnb. Built-in Wi-Fi means no hub hunting, which I appreciate.
Key Specs:
- Connectivity: Built-in Wi-Fi
- Keypad: Yes
- Battery Life: 6 months on 4 AA batteries
Pros:
- No hub required
- Solid keypad for code entry
- Rock-solid security reputation
Cons:
- You’ll pay extra for that Schlage name
- Limited smart home compatibility compared to others
Best For: Families who prefer punching in codes over app-dependency.
Yale Assure Lock 2
This surprised me with its flexibility. Z-Wave, Bluetooth, optional keypad—it’s like the Swiss Army knife of smart locks. Though that battery life is genuinely impressive.
Key Specs:
- Connectivity: Z-Wave, Bluetooth
- Keypad: Optional
- Battery Life: 1 year on 4 AA batteries
Pros:
- Multiple connectivity options
- That one-year battery life is no joke
- Plays well with most smart home systems
Cons:
- You’ll need a hub for the good stuff
- Setup can be a pain if you’re not tech-savvy
Best For: Smart home nerds who want maximum compatibility can explore the best matter compatible smart home hub for seamless integration.
Kwikset Halo Smart Lock
Straightforward and reliable, but nothing that’ll blow your socks off. The SmartKey feature is handy if you ever need to change who has access.
Key Specs:
- Connectivity: Built-in Wi-Fi
- Keypad: Yes
- Battery Life: 6 months on 4 AA batteries
Pros:
- Simple setup process
- SmartKey lets you rekey without a locksmith
- Solid app performance
Cons:
- Limited smart home integration
- Takes up more door real estate than I’d like
Best For: People who want reliable basics without the bells and whistles.
Level Lock
I’ll be honest—this one’s all about looks. If you hate the idea of a chunky smart lock screaming “I’m tech-savvy!” to everyone, this is your answer.
Key Specs:
- Connectivity: Bluetooth
- Keypad: No
- Battery Life: 1 year on CR123A batteries
Pros:
- Looks exactly like a regular deadbolt
- Apple HomeKit integration
- Installation is actually pleasant
Cons:
- No keypad option at all
- Those CR123A batteries aren’t exactly common
- Bluetooth-only limits some features
Best For: Style-conscious folks who want smart features without the smart lock aesthetic.
How We Evaluated
I tested these based on what actually matters:
- Performance: Does it lock and unlock reliably? How’s the connection?
- Ease of Use: Can you install it without calling your handy neighbor?
- Smart Home Compatibility: Will it talk to your existing gadgets?
- Value: Are you getting your money’s worth?
- Security: Does it actually keep the bad guys out?
Buying Guide
Here’s what to think about before you buy:
- Entry Method: App-only, keypad, or both?
- Connectivity: Match it to your current smart home setup
- Installation: Check if it works with your existing deadbolt
- Security: Look for auto-lock, tamper alerts, and access logs
- Battery Life: Nobody wants to change batteries every few months
FAQ
1. What is a smart lock? A keyless lock you control with your phone or smart home system. No more hiding spare keys under fake rocks.
2. Are smart locks secure? Generally yes, often more secure than traditional locks. Just make sure your Wi-Fi network isn’t named “password123.”
3. Can smart locks work without Wi-Fi? Some can use Bluetooth or keypad entry, but you’ll lose remote access features.
4. How long do the batteries last? Usually 6 months to a year, depending on how much you use it.
5. Can I install a smart lock myself? Most are DIY-friendly, especially retrofit models like the August, and if you’re curious about how to choose a robot vacuum, check out our robot vacuum buying guide. You’ll need basic tools and maybe some patience.
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock remains my top pick for good reason, but honestly, any of these will upgrade your home security game. Just pick the one that matches how you actually live.