overall
Yale August Wi-Fi Smart Lock with Keyp
9.2
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The best smart lock for most people is the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, a compact retrofit that mounts over your existing deadbolt so you keep your keys and exterior look while adding app, auto-unlock and voice control. Want a keypad for keyless entry? Schlage Encode and Yale Assure lead. On a budget? Wyze and Ultraloq deliver. After a hidden, minimalist lock? Level steps up. We compared the leader
The best smart lock for most people is the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, a compact retrofit that mounts over your existing deadbolt so you keep your keys and exterior look while adding app, auto-unlock and voice control. Want a keypad for keyless entry? Schlage Encode and Yale Assure lead. On a budget? Wyze and Ultraloq deliver. After a hidden, minimalist lock? Level steps up. We compared the leaders on security, entry methods, ease of install and value.
A smart lock lets you lock and unlock your door by app, code, fingerprint or voice, grant temporary access to guests, and stop worrying whether you locked up, all from your phone. The difference between a great smart lock and a frustrating one comes down to how secure it is, which entry methods it offers, and whether it retrofits onto your existing deadbolt or replaces it entirely. The picks below earned their tiers on real security, entry options, ease of install and value.
The first decision with a smart lock is whether to retrofit or replace. A retrofit lock like the August or Level mounts over the inside of your existing deadbolt, keeping your keys and your door’s exterior look unchanged, which is ideal for renters and quick to install with a screwdriver. A replacement lock like the Schlage Encode or Yale Assure swaps out the whole deadbolt, usually adding a built-in keypad for keyless entry but changing your door’s outside appearance. The next factor is entry methods, since locks offer combinations of app control, numeric codes, fingerprint readers, physical keys and auto-unlock, and you should pick the mix that suits your household and guests. After that, weigh connectivity, since some locks have built-in Wi-Fi for remote control while others need a separate bridge or a Bluetooth-only phone connection, then consider the security rating and how the lock handles batteries, since a dead battery should never lock you out.
| # | Product | Best for | Type | Entry | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yale August Wi-Fi Smart Lock with Keyp | overall | Retrofit | App/auto | Most people | Check Price |
| 2 | Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt Lo | keypad security | Keypad | Code/app | Keyless entry | Check Price |
| 3 | Yale Security Assure Lock 2 Deadbolt | keypad value | Keypad | Code/app | Sleek keypad | Check Price |
| 4 | Wyze Auto-Lock Bolt v2 | budget retrofit | Retrofit | App/keypad | Cheapest | Check Price |
| 5 | ULTRALOQ Bolt SE Smart Lock | fingerprint | Keypad | Fingerprint/code | Fingerprint entry | Check Price |
| 6 | Level Lock Pro - World’s Smallest | hidden design | Retrofit | App/key | Invisible lock | Check Price |
| 7 | eufy Security Smart Lock C220 | fingerprint value | Keypad | Fingerprint/code | Fingerprint value | Check Price |
| 8 | Kwikset Halo Wi-Fi Smart Lock | keypad alt | Keypad | Code/app | Keypad value | Check Price |
Why we picked it: The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is the best for most people, mounting over the inside of your existing deadbolt so you keep your keys and your door looks unchanged from outside, while adding app control, auto-unlock as you arrive, and voice support. It installs in minutes with a screwdriver, suits renters, and delivers the most convenient smart entry without replacing your lock.
Most people and renters wanting easy retrofit smart entry.
Those wanting a built-in keypad for keyless entry.
Key specs: Retrofit - app and auto-unlock - keep keys - easy install
Why we picked it: The Schlage Encode is the pick for keyless entry and security, replacing your deadbolt with a sturdy lock that has a built-in keypad, built-in Wi-Fi for remote control with no separate bridge, and a strong security rating. For anyone who wants to ditch keys entirely with codes for family and guests, it is the standout, dependable choice.
Buyers wanting secure keyless keypad entry.
Renters or those keeping their exterior look.
Key specs: Keypad - built-in Wi-Fi - high security - guest codes
Why we picked it: The Yale Assure Lock is a sleek keypad pick, with a clean touchscreen or push-button keypad, solid security, and module options to add Wi-Fi or work with Apple Home and other systems. For those wanting keyless entry with a modern, low-profile look, it balances style, security and flexibility well.
Buyers wanting a stylish keypad lock.
Those wanting all-in-one Wi-Fi with no module.
Key specs: Keypad - solid security - module connectivity - keyless
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is the best for most people, a retrofit that keeps your keys and exterior look while adding app and auto-unlock. The Schlage Encode is best for secure keyless keypad entry.
Quality smart locks from brands like Schlage, Yale and August use strong encryption and carry security ratings comparable to good traditional deadbolts. Choose a reputable brand, use a strong unique code, and keep firmware updated for the best security.
Good smart locks warn you well before the battery dies and offer a backup, such as a physical key, an external battery terminal, or a numeric code, so a dead battery never locks you out. Check the backup method before buying.
A retrofit lock like the August or Level mounts over your existing deadbolt, keeping your keys and exterior look and suiting renters, installing in minutes. A replacement lock like the Schlage or Yale swaps the whole deadbolt, usually adding a keypad for keyless entry but changing the door outside. Choose retrofit to keep your look, replace for a built-in keypad.
Locks offer combinations of app control, numeric codes, fingerprint readers, physical keys and auto-unlock as you arrive. Pick the mix that suits your household, such as codes for kids and guests, fingerprint for speed, or a backup key for peace of mind. More entry options add convenience but sometimes cost and bulk.
Some locks have built-in Wi-Fi for remote control from anywhere, like the Schlage Encode, while others need a separate bridge or work over Bluetooth only nearby. Check the security rating and how the lock handles low batteries, since good locks warn you early and offer a backup so a dead battery never locks you out.
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Keyless entry | Unlock by app, code or finger. |
| Guest access | Grant and revoke codes remotely. |
| Auto-lock | Never wonder if you locked up. |
| Retrofit options | Keep your keys and exterior look. |
| Voice and app | Check and control from anywhere. |
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