Best smart door lock you can buy

A smart lock is a straightforward resolution to some frequent issues. Locked your self out? Need to let a buddy in to water the vegetation? Your latchkey child misplaced their key? Hands are full, and it’s raining cats and canines? A smart lock solves all of those issues and extra. 

One of one of the best smart house upgrades you can make, a smart lock provides you distant management over entry to your own home from anyplace, plus simple, key-free methods to unlock and lock your door. Smart locks additionally bear in mind every little thing that occurred, so that they can inform you when and typically who unlocked your door.

For most individuals, management and comfort are sufficiently big promoting factors. However, smart locks additionally work properly with different smart house gadgets, together with video doorbells and smart lighting. My favourite solution to combine locks in my house is with a night smart home routine, which locks the doorways, dims the lights, and units my thermostat to sleep mode. We have 4 exterior doorways, so it saves me from strolling round the home at evening checking every little thing is safe.

Having a linked lock in your door is as safe, if no more so, than a regular lock. Most smart locks have the identical safety rankings as their non-smart counterparts (see FAQ for extra particulars), and it is tougher to bodily choose a lock with no conventional keyway. Plus, any smart lock is safer than leaving a spare key underneath a flowerpot.

I’ve been testing smart door locks for 5 years and have put in over two dozen for this information. Here are my high picks to your entrance door; whether or not you need one of the best of one of the best, do not wish to exchange your present lock, are on a finances, or desire a smart lock that does not seem like a smart lock, I’ve obtained one of the best choices for each want.

Connectivity: Bluetooth (can add Wi-Fi, Z-Wave) / Access choices: Key, keypad, fingerprint reader, app, voice / Auto-unlock: Yes / Battery sort: Four AA alkaline batteries / Battery life: Six months to a 12 months / Guest codes: Yes / Security score: ANSI Grade 2 / Works with: Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Samsung SmartIssues

The Yale Assure Lock 2 is an affordable, handsome keypad lock that works with each smart house platform with its swappable modules. The slimline design (each back and front), extensive smart house compatibility, easy-to-use app, and good number of unlocking choices make it my high choose by a protracted shot. 

There are a number of variations, beginning at $160, with or with no keyway, with a touchscreen keypad or a bodily keypad, or with Apple Home Key. I like to recommend whichever suits your particular wants, however the Assure Lock 2 Touch fingerprint model is my favourite. It prices $209.99, and the built-in fingerprint reader is quick and environment friendly. I examined the touchscreen model, however Yale just lately launched a keypad version. Unless you actually worth the clear look of the touchscreen (which is clean when off), go along with the keypad — it’s a lot simpler to make use of.

The lock helps Bluetooth out of the field and works with the Yale Access app and Apple Home app (which provides distant unlocking if you have an Apple Home hub). Along with a keycode, fingerprint reader, or key, you can additionally select to make use of auto-unlocking. Auto-unlock is an honest different to fingerprint unlock, however I typically have to attend on the door for a second or two earlier than it really works. Still, it’s quicker than fumbling by way of a handbag for keys when your fingers are full.

Support for different platforms and distant unlocking comes by way of Yale’s ingenious swappable networking modules, which value round $80 every. There’s a Wi-Fi module so as to add Alexa and Google Home integration and a Z-Wave module for compatibility with (some) SmartIssues hubs, Ring Alarm, and different Z-Wave hubs. Yale has promised assist for Matter through a Matter-over-Thread module. However, there’s no timeline for its launch.

I examined the Wi-Fi module within the Assure 2 Touch, which labored properly with Amazon Alexa and Google Home. It allowed me so as to add the lock to Alexa Routines, lock and unlock it with my voice, and management it away from house. The draw back is that management over Wi-Fi is significantly slower than over Bluetooth and drains the battery extra shortly. Yale estimates as much as a 12 months on Bluetooth solely, in comparison with six months over Wi-Fi; I obtained about 4 months.

Read my evaluate of the Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch.

Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0 / Access choices: Fingerprint, keypad, app / Auto-unlock: No / Battery sort: Four AA batteries / Battery life: One 12 months / Security Grade: ANSI/BHMA Grade 3 / Guest codes: Yes / Works with: N/A

The Wyze Lock Bolt is an efficient selection if you need one thing cheap and helpful and don’t care about smart house integration — or favor a lock with out it. It’s not modern or fashionable; it’s only a large hunk of black plastic (there’s additionally a satin nickel model). Out of the field, it doesn’t hook up with Wi-Fi or combine with any smart house programs, however it does have an easy-to-use backlit keypad and a lightning-fast fingerprint reader. It’ll auto-lock if you need, and it’s half the worth of the Yale Assure Lock 2. 

In addition to the fingerprint reader and keypad, the Wyze Lock Bolt can be managed over Bluetooth, and its vary is excellent. I may lock the door from my bed room on the different finish of the home utilizing the Wyze app. That’s vital, as there’s no solution to lock the door on a schedule (though you can allow auto-lock).

The Bolt doesn’t combine with smart house platforms, but when you don’t want to regulate your lock together with your voice or plan so as to add it to any smart house routines, you received’t miss these options. It additionally delivers as much as a 12 months of battery life on 4 AAs — I examined it for 3 months and it solely misplaced 15 %.

But with out Wi-Fi, I couldn’t verify on it or management it once I was away from house, so turning on the auto-lock choice is a should. If I needed to let somebody in whereas I used to be gone, I couldn’t unlock the door remotely, however I may generate an offline code within the Wyze app and share that. This makes use of related expertise to two-factor authentication codes and labored completely in my testing. 

Since I examined the lock, Wyze has launched an integration with its Wyze Video Doorbell Pro that lets you unlock the Bolt remotely when paired with the doorbell — however it doesn’t let you lock it remotely, which is odd. Of course, if you allow auto-lock that is much less of a difficulty.

Connectivity: Wi-Fi / Access choices: Existing key, app, voice, keypad (offered individually) / Auto-unlock: Yes / Battery sort: Two CR123 batteries / Battery life: Up to a few months / Guest codes: Yes / Works with: Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home

The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is a chic retrofit door lock that replaces simply the thumb flip. This is a greater choice than the Yale Assure 2 if you wish to maintain your present deadbolt, key cylinder, and lock exterior.

The August lock is pricey for a retrofit lock, however it feels premium because of its all-metal design. Its compact measurement means it doesn’t stick out an excessive amount of on the within of your door, and it’s enticing sufficient to not be an eyesore. In distinction to many fashions I’ve examined, it’s additionally very quiet when it operates.

Unlike the Yale, it has Wi-Fi in-built, so there’s no want for an additional hub, bridge, or module. Like the Yale, it has auto-unlock expertise, so it can be set to unlock itself when you stroll as much as your door. Similarly, this wasn’t one hundred pc dependable in my testing, and I needed to whip out my telephone a few occasions to unlock it since there’s no built-in keypad. (I finished carrying keys years in the past — however you can unlock it with a key).

August sells a compatible Bluetooth keypad, which is discounted when you buy it with the lock. It’s black and sort of chunky, that means it can stand out in your door body — negating the entire “my entryway nonetheless seems to be the identical” motive for getting this lock.

Yale just lately launched a new keypad that’s appropriate with the August and provides a fingerprint reader choice, one thing August hasn’t had earlier than. (Yale and August are sister firms, now owned by Fortune Brands) The keypad is pricey, however a pleasant quality-of-life improve when utilizing this lock. Read my ideas on that beneath.

The largest drawback of the August Wi-Fi is battery life. Most Wi-Fi locks use 4 AA batteries that final round six months. To obtain its small type issue, the August Wi-Fi makes use of two small CR123 batteries, which value $20 to 30 for a six-pack and have to be changed each two to a few months, based mostly on my testing.

Read our review of the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock.

Connectivity: Bluetooth and Wi-Fi (with plug-in module) / Access choices: Key, app, voice, keypad and fingerprint reader offered individually / Auto-unlock: Yes / Battery sort: Four AA alkaline batteries / Battery life: 12 months / Guest codes: Yes / Works with: Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Samsung SmartIssues

Starting at $130, the Yale Approach is an inexpensive different to the August that’s tremendous simple to put in, seems to be effective, and has all the identical options (it makes use of the identical app) — auto-lock, auto-unlock, app, and voice management. Add the Bluetooth keypad to get one-touch locking, key code, and fingerprint entry.

As with the August, the Approach replaces your thumb flip, so you can nonetheless use your present lock and key. While not as small because the August, it has a pleasant, slim profile and blends in higher than the rear housing of most smart locks.

It is available in black or silver and took me lower than 5 minutes to put in. It makes use of 4 AA batteries and guarantees 12 months of battery life — lots longer than August. This is as a result of there is no such thing as a built-in Wi-Fi; as a substitute, it makes use of an included plug-in bridge.

The bridge provides out-of-home management and connection to smart house platforms, together with Alexa and Google Home (not like August, there’s no Apple Home assist). This permits for voice management and including it to smart house routines. Yale instructed me there’s a Thread radio on board that will likely be activated to assist Matter and allow assist for all the main platforms, together with Apple Home. There’s no timeline for this replace but.

The keypad is the principle promoting level right here, because it lets you management the lock from the skin with out utilizing an app or key. You can get a bundle with the keypad for $180, which is an efficient value. If you need fingerprint entry, it will get much more costly — $230 for the bundle. That’s $60 greater than the SwitchBot lock with a fingerprint keypad. But the Approach seems to be a lot nicer than the SwitchBot.

The keypad controls the lock promptly and reliably. Fingerprint unlock was easy, simply contact and open and you can additionally lock the door when you depart by urgent the Yale emblem button. Key code management requires tapping the Yale emblem to wake it up after which inputting the code.

The keys are a bit delicate; I incessantly get a double inputs when urgent. But I preferred the LED indicator that notifies you with inexperienced in case your code labored or purple if there’s a difficulty. This made it simple to know if the enter labored, because the lock could be very quiet — it’s laborious to listen to it locking or unlocking.

My largest disappointment is the look of the keypad. It’s large, extensive, and black, with distinguished white numbers that don’t disappear when not in use — it seems to be a bit like a toy keypad in your door.

Connectivity: Bluetooth / Access choices: Key, app, voice (fingerprint, keypad offered individually) / Auto-unlock: No / Battery sort: Two CR123 batteries / Battery life: Six months / Guest codes: Yes / Works with: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, SmartIssues, Matter (with SwitchBot Hub 2)

This funky-looking retrofit smart lock is for anybody who can’t or doesn’t wish to mess with their present door lock in any approach, form, or type.

The Switchbot Lock is actually a tiny robotic hand that unlocks your door for you. It goes over a deadbolt’s present thumb flip and sticks to the door with super-strength double-sided tape. You can then lock or unlock it over Bluetooth from a telephone or Apple Watch, or use the prevailing key.

It will not be a chic resolution, however it works, and it’s the simplest smart lock I’ve put in; it took me underneath 5 minutes to get it arrange and I didn’t want to make use of a screwdriver or take away something from the again of my door, as I did with the Yale Approach. 

Without a hub, the lock communicates over Bluetooth to your telephone. Add a SwitchBot Hub and you can join with smart house programs like Amazon Alexa and Google Home, Switchbot’s Matter-enabled hubs may even let you join with Apple Home and SmartIssues. A hub additionally provides distant management when you’re away from house, notifications if the door has been left unlocked or ajar (the lock comes with a door sensor), and voice management.

In my testing, all of those integrations labored properly and had been quick sufficient, although the auto-lock characteristic was unreliable, that means you need to get your telephone out to lock it if you don’t carry a key. Battery life is promised at six months, which is low for a Bluetooth lock, however it makes use of two CR123 batteries, which take up much less room however don’t final so long as AAs.

Because it’s a retrofit lock, the one solution to unlock it from the skin is with a telephone, Apple Watch, or key. This isn’t perfect, so you want one among SwitchBot’s Bluetooth keypads — the version with a fingerprint reader is one of the best. Keypads are additionally useful for guests and repair folks and permit you to press a button to lock the door.

All of those extras add up, although. The keypad with a fingerprint reader, a hub, and the lock value $170 collectively. But that’s nonetheless a superb value for a totally featured — if considerably strange-looking — smart lock.

Switchbot has a more moderen model of its lock, the SwitchBot Lock Pro ($199), which seems to be nicer. I’ve examined this, and whereas it’s an honest lock with greater high quality supplies than the usual lock, it requires you to switch the rear of your lock (as most retrofit locks do). The customary SwitchBot Lock’s ease of set up and the truth that it really works with virtually any setup make it my choose if you don’t wish to mess together with your present lock in any respect or if no different choice will work to your door.

Read my review of the SwitchBot Lock.

Connectivity: Wi-Fi / Access choices: Key, keypad, app, voice / Auto-unlock: No / Battery sort: Four AA batteries / Battery life: Six months / Security Grade: ANSI Grade 1 / Guest codes: Yes / Works with: Amazon Alexa, Ring, and Google Home

The Schlage Encode Wifi lock is chunkier and noisier than many of the locks on this checklist, and its app is inelegant and gradual. But its design will match a Schlage door set, which is vital for some folks.

It’s additionally the best choice for Amazon Alexa and Ring video doorbell households. It integrates with Amazon Key house supply service, and you can lock and unlock the Encode from inside the Ring app whereas viewing a stay feed out of your Ring doorbell. It can be unlocked with Alexa voice instructions and works with Google Home, too.

With Wi-Fi on board, the Schlage is straightforward to put in and a very good selection for somebody who desires a fundamental smart lock that may match with their present door {hardware}. All the usual options are right here: distant unlocking, keyed entry, voice management, auto-locking, and shareable entry codes. It does have a large rear housing, although, and is noisy as all get out.

I reviewed the Schlage in 2019 when it first got here out, and never a lot has modified since then. There’s no door-sensing integration or auto-unlock choice, however you have three dependable methods to get in: a key, a PIN, and the app. It additionally lasts at the least six months on one set of 4 AAs. If you have a Ring video doorbell, that is the lock to get.

Connectivity: Wi-Fi or Thread / Access choices: Key, keypad, app, voice, Apple Home Key / Auto-unlock: No / Battery sort: Four AA batteries / Battery life: Up to 6 months / Security Grade: ANSI Grade 1 / Guest codes: Yes / Works with: Apple Home (Home Key), Amazon Alexa, Ring, and Google Home

While assist for Apple Home Key is turning into extra widespread, the Schlage Encode Plus continues to be one of the best — if most costly — choice for this simple solution to unlock your door. This is especially due to connectivity. The Schlage is presently the one full-replacement lock appropriate with Home Key that has a Thread radio. While it won’t be updated to support Matter, the Thread radio provides higher battery life and extra steady connectivity when linked to Apple Home versus utilizing it over Bluetooth. I’ve had quite a few connectivity points in HomeEquipment with all of the Bluetooth-only locks.

Otherwise, it has all the identical capabilities and options because the Schlage Encode Wifi, plus Apple Home and Apple Home Key.

Home Key makes use of NFC in your machine and within the door lock to let you faucet to unlock together with your Apple Watch or iPhone, identical to you faucet to pay. There are not any apps to open, no buttons to press, and no have to unlock your telephone (though you can add that step as an additional safety layer).

Adding the lock to the Home app robotically provides the Home Key card to your Wallet, in addition to that of anybody else you have added to your app. That’s a lot simpler than getting family members to obtain a complete new app for the door lock. I ought to know — I attempt repeatedly.

To enable somebody not in your family to regulate the lock, you’ll have to offer them a regular PIN, which you can do within the Apple Home app or the Schlage Encode app. Unlike the Yale Assure Lock 2, you can set this lock up solely within the Home app and by no means have to make use of the producer’s app. 

Read our review of the Schlage Encode Plus.

Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, Zigbee (by way of a hub) / Access choices: Key, app, voice, keypad, key fob, Home Key / Auto-unlock: No / Battery sort: Four AA batteries / Battery life: Six months / Guest codes: Yes / Security score: complies with BHMA Level 3 customary / Works with: Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Samsung SmartIssues and Matter (with a hub).

The Aqara U50 is an excellent, cheap, full-replacement smart lock that works easily with Apple’s Home Key for lower than half the worth of the Schlage. You can additionally unlock it with a key, keypad, NFC key fob, and app, and with an Apple Home hub you get management when you’re away from house, Home Key, and Siri voice management.

If you need assist for extra platforms and/or extra options you’ll want to choose up an Aqara Hub. The G3 camera hub is an efficient choice if you wish to keep watch over your entryway on the identical time, however it’s costly at $110. The E1 is the cheapest hub option at $30. Both add assist for Matter, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Samsung SmartIssues to the door lock.

The lock is simple to put in, tremendous quiet in operation, and has a promised battery lifetime of 6 months. This is as a result of it makes use of Zigbee and Bluetooth, counting on a hub for web connectivity.

The important draw back is that Aqara’s keypad is a bit finicky. The digital pad typically doesn’t acknowledge key presses the primary time — particularly when hitting the lock button. When unlocking, you want to recollect to faucet a key first to wake it up, then put within the code. But if you’re getting this for Home Key assist, it’s not a lot of a difficulty.

The Aqara lock is the most affordable Home Key lock by a large margin. However, it’s cumbersome and has a really black, tech-heavy look. It’s constituted of zinc alloy, however the general construct feels much less stable than a few of the different choices. The Schlage, Level, and Yale Home Key locks really feel extra sturdy, look nicer, and have higher construct high quality.

Aqara’s locks have a ton extra options when you pair them within the Aqara app and use an Aqara hub. I like that I can pair the lock with the G3 Camera Hub by the door and can immediately see what’s taking place if I get an alert that the door was unlocked. It additionally pairs with Aqara’s G4 video doorbell and lets you unlock the door whereas viewing video from the stay feed. Aqara additionally has automations you can set as much as have your smart house react in another way based mostly on who locks or unlocks the door — which is fairly neat.

Connectivity: Bluetooth / Access choices: Key, app, voice, fingerprint / Auto-unlock: Yes / Battery sort: Four AA batteries / Battery life: Six months / Guest codes: No (Guest entry by way of app or fingerprint) / Security score: ANSI Grade 2 / Works with: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant

The Kwikset Halo Touch is a Bluetooth and Wi-Fi fingerprint lock with a standard keyway. As there’s no keypad, it seems to be extra like a regular lock with the bonus of quick access. This is extra limiting on the subject of sharing entry to your door, however it’s a superb resolution for anybody who desires a easy key-free approach into their house and is aware of they received’t have to share a lot of digital keys.

Along with fingerprint, key, and app management, Kwikset now has an auto-unlock option for hands-free entry. The app doesn’t let you share short-term entry to the lock remotely; anybody who desires to make use of the lock should obtain the app and program their fingerprint on the lock. But you can management their entry by date and time and revoke it. But it’s most likely simpler simply to remotely lock and unlock the lock if you do wish to let somebody in quickly.

Of course, you can nonetheless share bodily keys, and I like this lock lots as a extra discreet choice. As with Schlage, Kwikset has a lot of matching door {hardware}, so this can mix in properly. Plus, it is available in three colours, satin nickel, matte black, and bronze, and two kinds, modern and conventional.

The largest draw back is that Kwikset smart locks are very noisy when locking and unlocking. They even have a lot bigger rear housings in comparison with Yale’s or Schlage’s newer fashions. However, you can re-key this lock, which is a pleasant characteristic and makes it simple to retrofit to your property.

The $250 Lockly Access Touch Pro is the principle competitor right here however is costlier and uglier than the Halo. I’ve not examined the Access but, however I’ve examined the earlier model—the Lockly Flex Touch. It’s cheaper and works effective, however it requires a plug-in Wi-Fi dongle for out-of-home management and is a much less elegant resolution general.

Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi with bridge / Access choices: Key, app, voice, keypad (offered individually), Apple Home Key / Auto-unlock: Yes / Battery sort: One CR2 battery / Battery life: One 12 months / Guest codes: Yes / Security Grade: ANSI/BHMA: Grade 1 / Works with: Apple Home, Ring (with extra {hardware})

Want a smart lock that doesn’t seem like a smart lock? Level packs all of the expertise contained in the deadbolt — together with the one CR2 battery that will get as much as a 12 months of battery life.

There are 4 choices: the Level Bolt, the Level Lock, the Level Lock Touch (with touch-to-open), and the Level Lock Plus. My favourite is the Plus, as it really works with the Home Key, which is simpler than utilizing the touch-to-unlock characteristic, which I discover very finicky.

If you don’t use an iPhone, or have members of the family who don’t, you’ll wish to get the Bluetooth keypad (from $79) to offer you another choice for entry. The lock additionally comes with two NFC cards you can hand out.

The Level Lock Plus replaces the entire lock, deadbolt and all, however nonetheless seems to be like a standard door lock — each in entrance and behind the door. There is not any branding in any respect — that is the one smart lock I’ve examined that isn’t a tiny commercial on my entrance door.

It works over Bluetooth out of the field and can hook up with an Apple Home hub for out-of-home management. If you don’t have a HomePod or Apple TV, get the Level Lock Plus with Wi-Fi, which comes with a Connect Wi-Fi bridge.

The Level lock additionally has auto-unlocking and touch-to-unlock, although with some quirks: it’s one or the opposite, not each. And neither works until you depart the geofence space and are available again. So if you depart the home, lock the door, get in your automotive, bear in mind you forgot one thing, and return to your door, it received’t unlock robotically. This is why I favor Home Key or a keypad for unlocking.

Based on my testing of the lock on three completely different doorways, it’s price noting that the complete alternative Level locks don’t work properly with older doorways. I’d solely think about putting in this in case your door traces up completely with the strike plate.

Level locks are very costly; the Plus prices $329 ($349 for the Wi-Fi model). But it is the way in which to go for an invisible smart lock that works properly. 

Read our review of the Level Plus.

Connectivity: Thread / Access choices: Key, app, voice, keypad, NFC tag, Apple Home Key / Auto-unlock: No / Battery sort: Four AA batteries / Battery life: 10 months / Guest codes: Yes / Works with: Matter, Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Samsung SmartIssues

The Aqara U300 is a lever-style smart lock; it replaces a knob or lever lock on a door with a single borehole slightly than a door with a deadbolt lock with two holes. This sort of lock is historically discovered on inside doorways, pedestrian doorways into garages, or facet doorways.

There are a number of choices for smart lever locks from Yale, Schlage, and Lockly, however the U300 is the one one with Home Key compatibility and a built-in fingerprint reader. Plus, it really works over Thread and helps Matter.

I put in it on my storage door, and it really works like a attraction. The fingerprint reader is true the place you put your thumb to open the door, so I barely discover it unlocking as I stroll in. It additionally has a keypad, and I can use my iPhone or Apple Watch for Home Key. It’s set to auto-lock by default, however you can allow passage mode instantly on the lock if you don’t need it to remain locked on a regular basis.

It paired to Matter simply — I set it up in Apple Home and will add a code and Home Key all with out even opening the Aqara app. Because it makes use of Thread, there’s no want for an Aqara hub. Thread additionally permits as much as 10 months of battery life, in accordance with Aqara.

I really like the thought of utilizing smart locks on different doorways in my house. I may see this engaged on a basement door, a house workplace, or another room you wish to maintain folks out of. However, I wish to see a solution to completely allow passage mode. Currently, you need to do it on the machine, and it reverts to auto-lock after an undetermined interval. This makes it considerably ineffective for inside doorways. It’s additionally very giant and solely is available in black or silver, so it probably wouldn’t mix in together with your inside decor. A slimmer choice, in additional colorways, designed for inside use could be good to see.

The U300 is pricey at $230, however it’s just like different outdoor-rated choices (it’s IPX4-rated). The addition of Thread — a protocol that works over a mesh community — makes it simpler to increase connectivity additional to locations like a shed or storage.

Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (with included bridge) / Access choices: Key, fingerprint, keypad, app, voice / Auto-unlock: Yes / Battery sort: Rechargeable lithium-ion battery (two included), solar energy / Battery life: Six months / Guest codes: Yes / Security score: ANSI Grade 2 / Works with: Amazon Alexa and Google Home

The Lockly Vision Elite is a smart lock with a video doorbell. It’s an excellent smart lock, however its video doorbell capabilities are compromised by being crammed inside a lock. Motion detection is spotty, and the digital camera lacks folks or bundle detection, however it does a greater job of seeing who’s at your door than another lock on this checklist. If you don’t have the area, setup, or persistence to put in two separate gadgets, that is the lock to buy.

As a lock, it’s wonderful, with a keypad, fingerprint reader, keyhole, and app and voice management choices for locking and unlocking. It’s the one lock on this information that makes use of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Plus, it comes with a alternative battery pack and an included photo voltaic panel for trickle charging. And whereas it requires a bridge to attach it to Wi-Fi (and to retailer video from the doorbell digital camera), that’s included — making the $500 price ticket a tad extra palatable. 

It’s an amazing lock function-wise, however it’s too large and techie-looking for my private style (an issue the Eufy Video Smart Lock shares). It works with Amazon Alexa and Google Home, however there’s no Apple Home assist. Lockly had mentioned it might be updating its locks to assist Matter, however the firm instructed me this has been placed on maintain.

Read my review of the Lockly Vision Elite.

Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, Zigbee (by way of a hub) / Access choices: Key, app, voice, fingerprint, keypad, key fob, Home Key / Auto-unlock: No / Battery sort: Four AA batteries / Battery life: Eight months / Guest codes: Yes Security score: complies with BHMA Level 3 customary / Works with: Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Samsung SmartIssues, and Matter (with a hub).

The cheap Aqara Smart Lock U100 is the best choice for a Matter-compatible smart lock. It’s cheaper than the $229 Yale Assure SL and provides a fingerprint reader that isn’t on the Aqara U50. It works with Apple Home and Home Key in addition to Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Samsung SmartIssues — when paired with an Aqara hub.

However, the Matter lock panorama continues to be spotty, and until you are in instant want of a Matter-compatible smart lock, possibly watch for extra choices to reach. The Aqara ticks numerous packing containers and has each conceivable solution to unlock your door (apart from auto-unlock), plus the promise of lengthy battery life. Aqara says as much as 8 months, and I barely made a dent within the battery with six weeks of use.

But it really works higher outdoors of Matter proper now, and its plasticky-looking construct, too-modern design, and digital keypad are letdowns. It additionally requires a hub to unlock a lot of its options and Aqara’s messy app makes it difficult to arrange and management.

The U100 is a full alternative impasse that can be unlocked by key, keypad, NFC key fob, fingerprint, voice management, by way of an app, or with Apple Home Key. Fingerprint unlocking is the simplest choice and labored immediately. Home Key is the second-best entry technique and if you have an Apple Watch is basically easy. As famous, Aqara’s keypad is finicky, although, because it’s solely digital and typically doesn’t acknowledge presses the primary time.

The U100 works over Bluetooth and Zigbee. Out of the field, it’s appropriate with Aqara’s app through a neighborhood Bluetooth connection to your telephone. The keypad, keyfobs, fingerprint reader, and app management will all work if you are by the door, but when you wish to management it remotely, you’ll have to pair it to an Aqara Hub or Apple Home Hub (like a HomePod or Apple TV). The latter provides Home Key.

Locks in Matter nonetheless have some bugs to work out and wish broader assist — for instance, Amazon Alexa and Google Home don’t assist organising PIN codes for Matter locks. But not like the Yale Assure SL (see beneath), the Aqara lock can be managed outdoors of Matter, making it a superb choice whereas you watch for the usual to catch as much as its guarantees.

I examined the lock in Apple Home and Google Home by way of Matter. It labored properly in Apple Home, and I may lock it in Google Home, however I couldn’t unlock it as a result of it mentioned I wanted a PIN code, which I couldn’t discover a solution to arrange.

The different downside got here once I tried to make use of Apple’s Home Key. While Home Key is now supported on Matter locks with iOS 17, that’s solely on locks that join on to Matter — just like the Aqara U200 and U300. If a lock makes use of a bridge, just like the U100 and U50, it can’t use Home Key by way of Matter, so it must have separate assist for Apple Home. The U100 does, so I then needed to set the lock up once more in Apple Home to entry the Home Key perform. And sure, it reveals up within the Home app as two separate locks.

Connectivity: Thread / Access choices: keypad, app, voice / Auto-unlock: Yes (by way of Apple Home) / Battery sort: Four AA alkaline batteries / Battery life: Six months to a 12 months / Guest codes: Yes / Security score: ANSI/BHMA Grade 2 Works with: Matter (Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Samsung SmartIssues)

The Yale Assure SL with Matter Module is the one Matter-over-Thread deadbolt smart lock you can buy as we speak. It’s a easy smart lock with a clear design and a touchscreen keypad for entry. There’s no keyway, fingerprint reader, or Apple Home Key, however by way of simplicity, reliability, and future-proofing — it’s a superb choice.

While the Aqara U100 talked about above has extra options than the Yale, this additionally means it’s extra difficult to arrange. If you don’t want these options and simply need an easy-to-use keypad door lock that works with Matter and Thread, that is the one to go for. (Aqara’s U200 lock additionally works over Thread — see Other smart locks I examined — however it’s a retrofit lock, not a full deadbolt alternative. And in my testing, I couldn’t get it to attach through Matter regardless of a number of tries.)

The Yale Assure SL is natively appropriate with Matter, so doesn’t want a proprietary hub — only a Matter hub from the platform you wish to set it up in and a Thread border router (which can be the identical machine). It additionally works over Thread, not Zigbee (because the U100 does). The profit right here is that you can join it on to your smart house platform of selection without having to obtain the producer’s app — the Assure SL doesn’t even work with the Yale app.

I scanned the Yale’s Matter code instantly into Apple Home app, added the lock like another machine, after which Apple Home prompted me so as to add an entry code (that is new with iOS 18). In the machine’s settings web page, I may create extra entry codes, activate automated locking after a set interval, and look at logs of who accessed the door and when. I may additionally use Apple Home automations to auto-unlock the door once I arrive house (though I have to faucet a notification on my watch or telephone first) and add the lock to scenes and routines.

In my testing, it labored flawlessly, responding instantly to app and voice instructions, each at house and away from house. I examined it with Apple Home and with Samsung SmartIssues; sharing the lock from Apple Home to SmartIssues utilizing Matter multi-admin. Once shared I used to be ready so as to add a code by way of SmartIssues as properly. I may additionally add the lock to Alexa and Google Home, however these platforms simply let me lock and unlock.

What I like right here is the simplicity. Setup was simple, sharing was simple, and, when the lock is in a number of platforms, it updates in every single place immediately. If I lock the door in SmartIssues, Apple Home instantly sends me a notification that the door locked. This is how Matter is meant to work, and it’s promising.

• Lockly Visage is likely one of the first facial recognition smart locks. It launched in October 2024 and costs $349. It additionally has a fingerprint reader, keypad, and common key. It integrates with Apple Home, Google Home, and Alexa, however there’s no assist for Matter.
• Kwikset’s new Halo Select ($279.99, launching in November) is a smart lock that can work with or Matter-over-Thread. A redesign of the corporate’s Halo smart lock line, the Select guarantees over 12 months of battery life (utilizing Thread) and encompasses a touchscreen keypad, a re-keyable keyway, and a brand new auto-unlock functionality. There’s no fingerprint reader or Apple Home Key assist, however it can work with Apple Home and different platforms by way of Matter.
• Eufy’s E30 smart lock ($169.99) is a brand new Matter-over-Thread choice. The lock has a key, fingerprint reader, keypad, and built-in Wi-Fi and Thread, so it ought to work with Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Samsung SmartIssues through Matter.
• U-tec’s Bolt Fingerprint Matter is a Matter-over-Thread lock that is because of launch this 12 months. Announced at CES, it’s a full deadbolt alternative lock with a keypad and fingerprint reader and prices $299.
• The Ultraloq Bolt NFC (Wi-Fi) ($249) is U-tec’s first Apple Home Key smart lock, which nonetheless isn’t available, however you can be a part of a waitlist. There’s no fingerprint reader, however there’s a keypad and bodily key. Built-in Wi-Fi provides assist for Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Samsung SmartIssues.
• The Yale Code is a $99 non-smart lock. It has an digital keypad however does not work with an app or have any connectivity. It makes use of a regular key and can retailer as much as 20 codes. The benefit right here is especially the worth — making it an choice for a facet door or storage.

• The Aqara U200 is $270. That’s lots for a retrofit lock — even with assist for Thread, Matter, and Home Key. It has a keypad/fingerprint reader included; most retrofit locks cost additional for one. The keypad permits Apple Home Key, and that is the one retrofit lock that works with Apple’s unlocking technique. If that’s one thing you need, then that is the one choice for now. Otherwise, you can get all the identical performance with the Yale Approach — plus auto-unlock — for $40 much less. But if you’re in Europe or the UK and wish Home Key, that is appropriate with some EU locks, making it the primary smart lock of any sort to assist Home Key in Europe. I’ve simply began testing this lock, however putting in it was much more difficult than the Yale Approach. Alas, regardless of repeated tries, I’ve not been capable of join it to Matter.
• The U-tec Bolt Fingerprint with Wi-Fi ($199 to $249) is the most recent model of my earlier choose for greatest lock, the U-Bolt Pro with Wi-Fi ($249). This model provides assist for Apple Home (that’s the $249 model), however not Home Key, and a slight redesign — you now not need to pop half the lock collar off to get to the keyhole, which is an efficient improve. It nonetheless has a fingerprint reader and auto-unlock. But the Yale Assure 2 Touch is cheaper with out Wi-Fi and only $20 more with Wi-Fi, and has a cleaner look.
• The Bosma Aegis is an affordable retrofit lock that works properly and prices simply $120. It is remarkably just like the August Wifi lock by way of perform and set up however not construct high quality (it’s very plasticky). It even has a really similar-looking Bluetooth keypad choice (with a fingerprint reader). But it’s big. Like, hulking enormous. It’s additionally very loud and requires a separate bridge.
• The Eufy Smart Lock Touch is an excellent lock by way of perform — it has an easy-to-use fingerprint reader, a pleasant large touchscreen keypad, the choice of a key, and Wi-Fi built-in. But it’s simply too large and techie-looking for most individuals’s entrance doorways. I do just like the detachable 10,000mAh battery, which went eight months earlier than needing to recharge (with a USB-A cable). But that’s additionally why this lock is so large.
• The Eufy Video Smart Lock is equally enormous. Although cheaper than the Lockly Vision Elite video doorbell / lock combo, it’s nonetheless costly and is extra of an eyesore.

Photography by Jennifer Pattison Tuohy / The Verge

Update, November eighth: Added Kwikset’s Halo Select to “What’s coming subsequent,” added data on Aqara U300’s Passage Mode characteristic, and up to date the part on utilizing smart locks in Matter.