When looking for a smart lock, one of the first things to consider is which smart assistant you want it to integrate with. All smart locks worth their salt support one of the three most popular ecosystems, including Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. It's important to confirm which one your lock of choice supports and whether it requires a standalone hub to unlock all its capabilities. We've taken out the guesswork with the best smart locks you can get right now.
Other essential features to consider are keypads, fingerprint access, and the ability to assign personal keys to guests or short-term vacation renters. These features, plus ease of installation, battery life, connectivity strength, and fit and finish, help some smart locks to stand out quite a bit from the rest.
One of the first reasons to consider August Smart Lock is that you can retrofit it to most deadbolts with minimal modification. Not only is it easy to install, but the 4th-generation model is also even smaller than its already compact predecessors. You won't have to deal with a bulky and unsightly addition to the inside of your door. Another improvement compared to older models is that this one finally has the Wi-Fi bridge built-in, eliminating the need for a separate device.
Once it's installed and configured, you can use Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri to issue simple voice commands or activate preset routines and automation. August also offers geolocation-based auto-locking and unlocking, so you don't have to search for your keys. Finally, you can access all those features, and assign multiple guest keys, without additional payments or any kind of subscription. We typically balk at smart home devices that require ongoing payments to access their most helpful features, so August's all-in approach earns its latest smart lock our Editor's Choice selection.
One of the hallmarks of the entire Nest ecosystem is that its devices and app are about as streamlined as anything else on the market. So, if yours is one of the many households invested in many Nest products, the Nest x Yale smart lock will fit right in. As it's clearly endorsed by Google, the owners of the Nest family of products, it's no surprise that you can access most of its features with Google Assistant voice controls. This includes simple tasks like checking whether it's locked, locking or unlocking it, and activating custom Google Routines.
Not being particularly advanced is one of the strengths of the affordable Wyze Lock. You can install it without replacing your current deadbolt, which means you won't be advertising to the world that you have a new smart lock. Plus, you can continue to use your old keys. It's compatible with both Alexa and Google Assistant, and you can use either to lock, unlock, or check its current status. It does require you to use a hub to connect to your home Wi-Fi network.
The Kwikset Halo is a good choice for families because it stores an easy-to-read access history that tells you when and how it's been used recently. It also delivers security notifications after three incorrect code entries. Plus, it has a random number confirmation feature that prevents terrible actors from figuring out the code based on fingerprint residue. It doesn't have the same in-depth level of smart integration as some of the competition, but it's a capable option that will keep your property safe.
From electronics to the physical deadbolt and a fresh set of keys, the Schlage Encode comes with everything needed to upgrade to a premium smart lock. You can use Google Assistant or Amazon's Alexa for relatively straightforward control. Like most of our favorite smart home products, the Encode gets high marks for its user-friendly app and its versatile control options. It comes standard with an integrated keypad and an alarm that alerts you to physical tampering.
If you didn't know better, you wouldn't be able to tell that the Level Lock Touch was a smart lock. It's also one of the few explicitly developed for Apple HomeKit. Unfortunately, it won't be suitable for Google Nest homes, and even its Alexa support is less than ideal. You can add additional users and codes using the smartphone app, and lock or unlock it via compatible voice controls. You can also operate it with an NFC-enabled smartphone or one of the four NFC tags it comes with. Keep in mind, though, that it requires complete replacement of your existing lock and can't be re-keyed.
Unlike the previous version, this one doesn't need a Wi-Fi bridge because the functionality is integrated within the unit. As a complete door lock replacement, it includes the electronic components, zinc-alloy interior and exterior covers, deadbolt and striker, and a set of keys. While it's not the only option that's resistant to the elements, it is one of the few with an official IP65 rating. It's also one of the rare options to include a rechargeable battery pack, which lasts up to 10 months before needing a recharge. It supports voice commands using either Google or Alexa, which offer hands-free locking and unlocking.
