overall
Schlage Encode Plus
9.5
Check price on Amazon → Compare the 10 best smart locks of 2026, including retrofit, fingerprint, keypad, HomeKit, Alexa and Google, and budget picks for every door.
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For most households the best smart lock in 2026 is the Schlage Encode Plus, a built-in Wi-Fi deadbolt that pairs natively with both Apple HomeKit and Alexa without needing a separate hub. If you want the lock itself to nearly disappear into your door, the Level Lock Pro hides almost all of its hardware inside the door and adds Apple Home Key tap-to-unlock. Renters or anyone who needs to keep their existing exterior keyway intact should look at the Yale August Wi-Fi Smart Lock with Keypad Touch, which retrofits over your current deadbolt rather than replacing it. Landlords and Airbnb hosts managing guest turnover are better served by the igloohome Deadbolt Go, built specifically to issue and revoke remote codes even without reliable property Wi-Fi, while the Wyze Auto-Lock Bolt v2 delivers fingerprint and anti-peep keypad entry at a genuinely budget price. Below we compare all ten locks on entry method, ecosystem compatibility, and which household or use case each one suits best.
| # | Product | Best for | Entry method | Ecosystem | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Schlage Encode Plus | overall | Keypad + app + Apple Watch | Apple HomeKit + Alexa | Best overall | Check Price |
| 2 | Level Lock Pro | apple homekit | App + Apple Home Key + NFC fob + key | Apple Home, Alexa, Google, SmartThings | Best for Apple HomeKit | Check Price |
| 3 | eufy Security Video Smart Lock E330 | video doorbell combo | Fingerprint + keypad + app + key | Alexa + Google, eufy Security app | Best video doorbell combo | Check Price |
| 4 | Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro | fingerprint entry | Fingerprint + keypad + app | Alexa + Google Assistant | Best fingerprint lock | Check Price |
| 5 | Google Nest x Yale Lock | google/alexa ecosystem | Keypad + app, bridge for remote/voice | Google Home + Nest | Best for Google/Alexa ecosystem | Check Price |
| 6 | Yale August Wi-Fi Smart Lock with Keypad Touch | retrofit lock | Fingerprint + companion keypad + app | Yale Access app | Best retrofit lock | Check Price |
| 7 | Lockly Secure Pro with Handle | fully keyless | PIN Genie keypad + fingerprint + app | Alexa + Google Assistant | Best fully keyless | Check Price |
| 8 | Kwikset SmartCode 916 | simple keypad | Touchscreen keypad + SmartKey | Z-Wave Plus, hub required | Best simple keypad lock | Check Price |
| 9 | igloohome Deadbolt Go | rentals & airbnb | Fingerprint + remote PIN + digital keys | igloohome app, bridge optional | Best for rentals/Airbnb | Check Price |
| 10 | Wyze Auto-Lock Bolt v2 | budget | Fingerprint + anti-peep keypad | Wyze app | Best budget lock | Check Price |
Why we picked it: The Schlage Encode Plus is the smart lock we point most homeowners toward first because it solves the single biggest annoyance with Wi-Fi smart locks: needing a separate hub. It connects directly to your home Wi-Fi network out of the box, so setup is just the Schlage Home app and your router, no bridge to buy or plug in. It genuinely works across ecosystems, pairing with Apple HomeKit for a native Home app tile and Apple Watch unlock, while also answering Alexa voice commands, so households split between iPhone and Android or Alexa and HomeKit are not left choosing sides. You can manage up to 100 separate access codes and pull a full activity log of who came and went, which matters once you are sharing entry with kids, dog walkers or cleaners. Installation uses the Snap n Stay design and only a screwdriver, fitting the vast majority of standard US door thicknesses and backsets without any extra hardware purchase. For a single lock that has to work well with almost any smart home setup, this is the safest recommendation on the list.
Homeowners who want one lock that reliably talks to both Apple HomeKit and Alexa without a hub, and who need to manage many household access codes.
Renters who cannot permanently swap out their exterior deadbolt, or buyers who want the slimmest possible interior hardware.
Key specs: Built-in Wi-Fi, no hub - Apple HomeKit + Apple Watch + Alexa - up to 100 access codes - Snap n Stay screwdriver install - fits 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 in doors
Why we picked it: The Level Lock Pro is the pick for anyone who dislikes the look of a bulky smart lock bolted onto their door, because nearly all of its electronics are hidden inside the door itself, leaving a deadbolt that looks close to a normal mechanical one from both sides. It uses Matter over Thread plus Apple Home Key, meaning it shows up as a genuine Apple Home accessory and lets you unlock by simply holding your iPhone or Apple Watch near the door, no separate app launch required. It is also one of the few locks here that legitimately spans Apple, Alexa, Google Home and SmartThings rather than picking one ecosystem, so it is a safe buy if your household is not all-Apple. Security-wise it carries BHMA AAA and ANSI Grade 1/A certification with a bump-and-pick-resistant cylinder, the highest residential rating and worth checking for on any front-door lock. Installation is a straightforward screwdriver job with no wiring, and it ships with backup NFC key fobs and two physical keys for when a phone battery dies. If invisible design and true multi-ecosystem support matter more to you than a big keypad, this is the standout.
Apple Home users who want tap-to-unlock convenience and a lock that barely looks like a smart lock, plus households that need cross-ecosystem support in one device.
Buyers who specifically want a visible numeric keypad on the door for guests to punch in a code without a phone or fob.
Key specs: Matter over Thread + Apple Home Key - BHMA AAA / ANSI Grade 1/A - 62% smaller interior hardware - screwdriver install, no wiring - includes NFC fobs + 2 physical keys
Why we picked it: The eufy Security Video Smart Lock E330 is the only product on this list that replaces two devices at once: it is a smart deadbolt and a video doorbell built into the same unit, with a 2K camera and an f/1.6 lens for genuinely usable night footage of whoever is at your door. Because the camera and lock share one battery and one mounting point, you skip a separate doorbell purchase and a second app, and you get 8GB of built-in storage for locally recorded clips without a mandatory subscription. Entry itself is flexible: fingerprint, the eufy Security app, a physical keypad, Alexa or Google voice, or a backup key, so different household members can use whichever method suits them. The 10,000mAh battery is large by smart lock standards specifically because it also has to run a camera continuously, and eufy positions it to cover all functions on a single charge cycle rather than needing frequent swaps. Installation is a 15-minute, no-drilling job compatible with most standard US and Canadian deadbolt spacings. If you have been meaning to add a video doorbell and a smart lock, this combines both jobs into one purchase and one install.
Households that want a video doorbell and a smart deadbolt but would rather buy, install and manage one device instead of two.
Buyers who want a dedicated wide-angle video doorbell mounted at eye level plus a separate simple keypad lock.
Key specs: 2K HD camera + video doorbell - 8GB built-in storage - fingerprint + keypad + app + voice + key entry - 10,000mAh rechargeable battery - 15-minute install
Why we picked it: The Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro is built around fingerprint entry as the primary way in, and it backs that up with an anti-peep keypad, app control and voice commands so a wet or gloved finger is never a single point of failure. Ultraloq counts eight separate ways to open the door in total, which in practice means you can hand a temporary eKey code to a guest, use your own fingerprint for daily entry, and still keep two mechanical keys as backup, all on the same lock body. It carries an ANSI Grade 1 certification and an IP65 weatherproof rating, so it is rated for the outdoor exposure a front door actually gets rather than just an indoor-adjacent spec. Installation replaces your existing deadbolt directly with a screwdriver in about ten minutes, and it connects straight to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi without needing a separate bridge accessory. Ultraloq backs it with a lifetime mechanical warranty and 18 months on the electronics, longer coverage than most competitors in this price range offer. For anyone who wants fingerprint as the main event rather than an add-on feature, this is the most complete implementation here.
Buyers who want fingerprint unlock to be the primary, fastest way in, with a keypad and eKey sharing as backups, and who are comfortable replacing their existing deadbolt.
Renters who need to keep their landlord's original deadbolt cylinder intact rather than swapping the whole unit.
Key specs: 8-in-1 entry, fingerprint/keypad/app/voice/keys - ANSI Grade 1 - IP65 weatherproof - built-in 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, no bridge - lifetime mechanical + 18-month electronic warranty
Why we picked it: The Google Nest x Yale Lock is designed specifically to slot into a Google Home setup, syncing with the Google Home app so you can lock, unlock and check status alongside your Nest cameras, thermostat and Google Assistant routines in one place. It drops the traditional exterior keyhole entirely in favor of a keypad, removing one physical bypass point for anyone trying to pick or bump the lock, while still keeping backup key access from inside the home. The tamper-proof design is built to alert you if someone tries to force or manipulate the lock, and that alert flows into the same Google Home notifications you already use for your other Nest devices. To get full remote control and Google Assistant voice unlock you do need the separate Nest x Yale Connect bridge, worth budgeting for as part of the purchase rather than an afterthought. This is the lock we recommend first to any household that has already standardized on Nest cameras and Google Home rather than Apple HomeKit or a mixed ecosystem, because the integration is native rather than bolted on through a third-party skill.
Households already using Nest cameras, Nest thermostats or Google Home routines who want their front door lock in the same app and ecosystem.
Apple HomeKit households, or buyers who want full remote control included without a separate bridge purchase.
Key specs: Native Google Home + Nest integration - keypad entry, no exterior keyhole - tamper-proof alerts - Nest x Yale Connect bridge for remote/voice, sold separately
Why we picked it: This latest Yale-branded evolution of the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock keeps the feature August built its name on: it retrofits onto your existing exterior deadbolt hardware, so you keep your current outside keyway and simply add smart control on the interior side rather than replacing the whole lock. That matters most for renters or anyone who cannot or does not want to swap out the landlord's or HOA's original hardware. On top of the retrofit design, this version adds a fingerprint scanner rated for 99 percent accuracy and a companion Yale Keypad accessory so you can hand out custom entry codes to family or guests without printing a physical key. Every entry and exit shows up in a 24/7 activity feed inside the Yale Access app, so you know exactly who came and went and when, valuable if you share access with a cleaner, dog walker or contractor. Because it works alongside your existing deadbolt rather than replacing it, install is generally simpler and more reversible than a full deadbolt swap. For anyone who specifically needs to preserve their original exterior lock and keyway, this is the most practical starting point on this list.
Renters or homeowners who must keep their existing exterior deadbolt and keyway intact but still want fingerprint unlock, code sharing and an activity log.
Buyers who want a single all-in-one unit with the keypad built directly into the lock body rather than a companion accessory.
Key specs: Retrofits over existing deadbolt - keeps original exterior keyway - fingerprint scanner - companion Yale Keypad for codes - 24/7 activity feed, Yale Access app
Why we picked it: Lockly's Secure Pro is built around the idea that a normal keypad is a security weak point because worn number buttons reveal your code over time, so its patented PIN Genie keypad reshuffles the digit layout after every single use, meaning someone watching your key presses or checking for worn buttons cannot reverse-engineer your PIN. Layered on top of that is a 3D biometric fingerprint sensor storing up to 99 fingerprints, plus app control and voice commands through Alexa and Google Assistant, so you genuinely never need to carry a physical key day to day. It still ships with backup physical keys and a 9V emergency battery port for the day your batteries die at the worst possible moment, a sensible safety net rather than a truly keyless design with no fallback. Built-in Wi-Fi means no separate hub or bridge purchase, and setup is handled through the Lockly app in a single pairing step. For anyone who wants the closest thing to a genuinely keyless front door while still keeping an emergency backup, this is the strongest option on this list.
Buyers who want to leave physical keys at home entirely day to day, while still keeping fingerprint or PIN Genie entry as the default and a backup key only for true emergencies.
Buyers who want the simplest possible single-method entry rather than a lock with many configurable access options.
Key specs: PIN Genie keypad reshuffles digits - 3D biometric fingerprint, up to 99 users - built-in Wi-Fi, no hub - Alexa + Google Assistant - backup keys + 9V emergency port
Why we picked it: The Kwikset SmartCode 916 is a straightforward touchscreen keypad deadbolt for anyone who just wants reliable code entry without fingerprint sensors, cameras, or a companion phone app running in the background. It supports up to 30 individually programmable user codes, comfortably covering a family plus regular visitors like a cleaner or babysitter, and a 30-second auto-lock feature means the door secures itself even if you walk away before manually locking it. It uses Kwikset's SmartKey security cylinder, a rekeyable mechanism that lets you rekey the physical backup yourself in seconds without calling a locksmith, a detail keypad-focused buyers sometimes overlook. Being Z-Wave Plus means it plugs into an existing smart home hub like SmartThings for remote access and automations, rather than requiring its own dedicated app and cloud account. Four AA batteries are rated for roughly 12 months of use, and Kwikset backs the mechanical and finish elements with a lifetime warranty plus a year on the electronics. If your priority is a dependable keypad deadbolt that plugs into a hub you already own, this is the practical choice.
Buyers who already run a Z-Wave or SmartThings smart home hub and want a dependable, code-only keypad deadbolt without fingerprint or camera features.
Buyers without an existing smart home hub who want standalone Wi-Fi or Bluetooth app control out of the box.
Key specs: Touchscreen keypad, up to 30 codes - 30-second auto-lock - rekeyable SmartKey cylinder - Z-Wave Plus, hub required - 4 AA batteries, about 12 months
Why we picked it: igloohome built its whole product line around one specific use case: giving remote access to guests without you needing to be physically present, which makes the Deadbolt Go a strong fit for Airbnb hosts, short-term rentals and vacation properties. Its core feature is generating remote PIN codes and digital keys that you can create and send from anywhere, even without the optional Wi-Fi bridge installed, because igloohome's system can generate valid time-limited codes that work locally and sync once the lock is next accessed. That offline-first approach is genuinely different from most Wi-Fi smart locks, which assume a live internet connection for every code change, and it matters when a rental property has unreliable Wi-Fi or none at all. It also includes a fingerprint sensor and a selectable auto-relock delay from 5 to 180 seconds, useful for guests who need a few extra seconds to gather bags before the door secures itself. Installation is a standard screwdriver job and it is tested to ANSI standards for durability. For hosts who need to issue and revoke guest access remotely without relying on a property Wi-Fi connection, this is the clearest specialist pick here.
Airbnb hosts, short-term rental owners and landlords who need to issue and revoke time-limited guest access remotely, including in properties with unreliable Wi-Fi.
Buyers who want every feature built into a single box, since the Wi-Fi bridge for full remote sync is a separate purchase.
Key specs: Remote PIN codes + digital keys, offline-capable - fingerprint entry - auto-relock 5-180 seconds - ANSI-tested - Wi-Fi bridge sold separately
Why we picked it: The Wyze Auto-Lock Bolt v2 proves you do not need to spend hundreds of dollars to get fingerprint entry, an anti-peep keypad and Wi-Fi connectivity in one deadbolt. Its AI-learning fingerprint scanner is rated to unlock in about half a second and sits behind scratch and smudge-resistant tempered glass, so it should keep reading reliably even after months of daily use rather than degrading quickly. The anti-peep keypad is a genuinely useful low-cost feature, since it lets you enter extra digits before or after your real code to stop anyone watching from memorizing your PIN. Eight AA batteries are rated for up to eight months, and if you do run flat at the worst possible moment, a USB-C port on the lock lets you plug in any ordinary phone power bank to unlock the door rather than being locked out. It carries a BHMA2 residential grade rating and IP53 weather resistance, both reasonable for the price point though a step below the Grade 1 certification on pricier locks. For anyone who wants fingerprint and keypad entry on a tight budget without cutting every corner, this is the clear value pick.
Budget-conscious buyers who still want fingerprint and anti-peep keypad entry with Wi-Fi connectivity, without paying for Grade 1 certification or extra ecosystem integrations.
Buyers who need the highest ANSI Grade 1 security rating or heavy weatherproofing for an exposed, high-traffic entry door.
Key specs: Fingerprint unlock about 0.5s - anti-peep keypad - BHMA2, IP53 - 8 AA batteries, up to 8 months - USB-C emergency power bank charging
Most smart locks run on standard AA batteries or an internal rechargeable pack specifically so they keep working through a home Wi-Fi or power outage, since the lock mechanism itself is separate from your router. If your Wi-Fi goes down you generally lose remote app control and voice assistant unlock until the connection returns, but the keypad, fingerprint sensor and physical key backup on the lock itself keep working locally. Locks like the igloohome Deadbolt Go are built specifically to generate valid access codes even without a live internet connection, useful for rental properties with unreliable Wi-Fi. Always keep the physical backup keys that ship with your lock somewhere accessible, since every lock on this list still includes a mechanical key override for the day the batteries fully die.
Both fingerprint and keypad entry are considered secure when implemented well, and the more important factor is usually the certification level, like ANSI/BHMA Grade 1, rather than which unlock method you choose. Fingerprint sensors remove the risk of someone watching you enter a PIN, but they can occasionally fail to read a wet, cold or dirty finger, which is why fingerprint locks like the Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro and Lockly Secure Pro also include a keypad as a backup method. Anti-peep keypads, like the one on the Wyze Auto-Lock Bolt v2 and Lockly's PIN Genie, add a layer of protection against someone learning your code by watching your fingers or checking which buttons show wear. In practice, combining two methods, such as fingerprint plus a rotating-code keypad, gives the most reliable day-to-day security without a single point of failure.
Nearly every smart deadbolt on this list is designed for DIY installation with just a screwdriver in ten to twenty minutes, and none of the ten locks here require a locksmith or an electrician for a standard installation. The main thing to check before buying is your door's thickness and backset measurement, since most smart locks fit doors between roughly 1-3/8 and 2 inches thick with a 2-3/8 or 2-3/4 inch backset, and manufacturers publish compatibility guides to confirm fit. Retrofit-style locks like the Yale August Wi-Fi Smart Lock install over your existing exterior hardware and are usually the fastest and least invasive option. If your door has an unusual shape, a mortise lock, or you are not comfortable with basic tools, it is still worth a quick locksmith consultation, but for a standard exterior door this is genuinely a weekend project.
Whether you need a separate hub depends on the lock and the ecosystem. Locks like the Schlage Encode Plus, Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro and Lockly Secure Pro have built-in Wi-Fi and connect directly to your router, so they work with Alexa or Google Assistant voice commands without any extra hardware. Other locks, like the Kwikset SmartCode 916, use Z-Wave and need an existing smart home hub such as SmartThings to get remote access and voice integration. Google's Nest x Yale Lock needs its own separate Nest x Yale Connect Wi-Fi bridge for full remote control and Google Assistant unlock, so budget for that as part of the purchase if you choose it.
Smart locks are genuinely useful for Airbnb and other short-term rentals because you can issue a unique, time-limited access code to each guest and revoke it automatically after checkout, without ever handing over a physical key or re-keying the lock between stays. The igloohome Deadbolt Go is built specifically around this use case, since it can generate valid remote codes even without a live Wi-Fi connection at the property, which matters for rentals with spotty internet. Look for a lock that logs entry activity, like the Yale Access app's 24/7 activity feed, so you can confirm exactly when a guest arrived and left. Always keep a spare physical key on-site or with a local contact in case a guest's code fails or batteries die during their stay.
A retrofit lock like the Yale August Wi-Fi Smart Lock installs over your existing exterior deadbolt and keyway, adding smart control on the interior side while leaving your current outside hardware untouched, which is the safer route for renters or anyone whose landlord or HOA controls the exterior lock. A full deadbolt replacement, like the Schlage Encode Plus, Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro or Level Lock Pro, swaps the entire mechanism and generally gives you a tidier single-unit install with better weatherproofing, but it is a permanent change to the door. If you own your home and want the cleanest result, replace the deadbolt outright; if you rent or need the change to be reversible, start with a retrofit design.
A keypad, like the one on the Kwikset SmartCode 916, is the most universally understood entry method and needs no phone, but a worn code on the buttons can eventually be guessed, which is why anti-peep and PIN-shuffling keypads on the Wyze Auto-Lock Bolt v2 and Lockly Secure Pro exist. Fingerprint entry, used as the primary method on the Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro, is fast and does not require remembering a code, but a wet, cold or dirty finger can occasionally fail to read, so every fingerprint lock on this list also includes a keypad or app as backup. App-only or voice control through Alexa or Google Assistant is convenient for remote access but depends on your phone having battery and a connection, so we recommend picking a lock with at least two independent entry methods rather than relying on just one.
If your household runs on iPhones, Apple Watches and the Apple Home app, the Level Lock Pro and Schlage Encode Plus are the strongest picks, since both integrate as native Apple Home accessories rather than through a workaround. If you have standardized on Nest cameras, Google Home routines or Alexa speakers, the Google Nest x Yale Lock, Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro and Lockly Secure Pro all pair directly with those voice assistants. A handful of locks, like the Level Lock Pro, genuinely support Apple, Alexa, Google Home and SmartThings at once, which is worth paying more for if your household is split across ecosystems rather than fully committed to one.
Every lock on this list still ships with a mechanical key override for the day the batteries fully die, and that backup key matters more than any smart feature during an actual lockout. Locks like the Wyze Auto-Lock Bolt v2 and Lockly Secure Pro add a USB-C or 9V emergency power port so you can jump-start a dead battery with a phone power bank or a standard 9-volt without needing the physical key at all. Battery life generally runs from about 8 months to a year on AA-powered locks, so replace batteries proactively rather than waiting for a low-battery alert, and always confirm you know where the physical backup keys are stored before you actually need them.
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Built-in Wi-Fi vs hub-dependent connectivity | Locks with built-in Wi-Fi connect straight to your router for remote access, while Z-Wave or Zigbee locks need an existing smart home hub. |
| Fingerprint recognition speed and accuracy | Modern fingerprint sensors unlock in under a second and store dozens of prints, with a keypad or key as backup for misreads. |
| Anti-peep or rotating keypad codes | Keypads that reshuffle digits or accept extra decoy numbers stop a code from being learned by watching your fingers or checking wear. |
| Video doorbell integration | A handful of locks combine a camera and doorbell into the deadbolt itself, replacing two separate purchases and installs with one. |
| Physical key backup and emergency power | Every reliable smart lock keeps a mechanical key override, and some add a USB-C or 9V port to revive a dead battery on the spot. |
Every product above was scored out of 10 on the same six-part rubric, then sorted into an S to C tier. We do not accept free units or payment for placement, and price or affiliate commission never factors into the score.
| Criterion | What we check | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Core performance | The numbers that define the category: capacity, power, resolution, battery life, speed or output, taken from manufacturer specs and cross-checked against independent test data where it exists. | High |
| Build & reliability | Materials, warranty length, brand track record, and how often the model shows up in long-term failure or return complaints. | High |
| Real-world usability | Weight, dimensions, noise level, setup difficulty and day-to-day friction, drawn from owner reviews and published measurements. | Medium |
| Running cost | Ongoing costs beyond the purchase: subscriptions, consumables, energy use or maintenance, where they apply to the category. | Medium |
| Owner feedback | Patterns across aggregated verified owner reviews: recurring praise, recurring complaints, and whether the experience matches the marketing. | Medium |
| Value | What you get relative to the rest of the field at a similar price band, not an absolute price judgment. | Medium |
Sources: manufacturer spec sheets and manuals, retailer listing data, aggregated verified owner reviews, and published independent test results where available for the category.
Honesty note: We have not hands-on tested every product on this page. Where we have not personally used a product, its ranking is based on verified specs, aggregated owner feedback, availability and editorial comparison rather than a hands-on review. Hands-on impressions, when included in a product entry above, are clearly written from direct use.
We don't accept free units or payment for placement. Our rankings combine verified manufacturer specifications, real owner feedback and availability, compared on one transparent S to C rubric.
How this was written: our guides are researched and reviewed by our editorial team for accuracy.