Best Smart Lock 2026

Quick Answer

The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) 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. And don’t stop at the front door—a smart garage door opener closes off the entrance most burglars actually prefer.

CleanScore™ Ratings

Our proprietary score based on cleaning performance, navigation & mapping, mopping capability, battery & auto-empty, and value-per-dollar.

August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) — 85/100 (Excellent) █████████████████░░░ Best for: Overall Best

Kwikset Halo Smart Lock — 80/100 (Great) ████████████████░░░░ Best for: Ease of Use

Yale Assure Lock 2 (Wi-Fi Keypad) — 82/100 (Great) ████████████████░░░░ Best for: Smart Home Integration

Level Lock — 78/100 (Great) ████████████████░░░░ Best for: Aesthetics

Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Lock — 76/100 (Great) ███████████████░░░░░ Best for: Keypad Entry

Scores are calculated from publicly available specs including cleaning performance, navigation, mopping, battery life, and value. Learn about our methodology.

Our Top Picks

Product	Best For	Key Specs	Price Tier
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen)	Overall Best	Built-in Wi-Fi, Auto Lock/Unlock	Mid-range
Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Lock	Keypad Entry	Built-in Wi-Fi, Keypad	Premium
Yale Assure Lock 2 (Wi-Fi Keypad)	Smart Home Integration	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, touchscreen keypad	Premium
Kwikset Halo Smart Lock	Ease of Use	Built-in Wi-Fi, SmartKey	Budget
Level Lock	Aesthetics	Bluetooth, Traditional Look	Mid-range

Detailed Reviews

August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen)

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. The 4th gen is also a lot slimmer than the old Pro, and Wi-Fi is built in, so there’s no bridge to plug into a hallway outlet.

Key Specs:

• Connectivity: Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, no hub needed
• Auto-Lock/Unlock: Yes
• Battery Life: About 3-6 months on CR123A batteries

Pros:

• Retrofits your current deadbolt (genius move)
• Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit
• App that actually makes sense

Cons:

• No keypad in the box, so guests need the app or a separate August Keypad
• Still visible 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. Schlage also lists the Encode as Matter certified with Thread and BHMA AAA-rated, which is a rarer combination than the category makes it sound.

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 (Wi-Fi Keypad)

This surprised me with its flexibility. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, a touchscreen keypad on the front—it’s like the Swiss Army knife of smart locks. Yale sells the same lock in half a dozen module and finish combinations, so you can match it to whatever you already run.

Key Specs:

• Connectivity: Built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
• Keypad: Yes, backlit touchscreen
• Battery Life: About 6 months on 4 AA batteries

Pros:

• No hub required on the Wi-Fi model
• Guest codes without handing out an app login
• Plays well with most smart home systems

Cons:

• The Wi-Fi module eats batteries faster than the Bluetooth-only version
• 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

We compared these 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:

1. Entry Method: App-only, keypad, or both?
2. Connectivity: Match it to your current smart home setup
3. Installation: Check if it works with your existing deadbolt
4. Security: Look for auto-lock, tamper alerts, and access logs — and check the BHMA grade while you’re at it. ANSI/BHMA grades run 1 through 3 based on third-party testing for security, durability and finish, and it’s the only rating on a lock box that isn’t written by the marketing department
5. 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. If you want something firmer than a vibe, BHMA maintains a searchable directory of certified products you can filter by brand or standard to confirm a specific model actually passed independent lab testing. Also: 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 (4th Gen) 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.