8 Best Smart Locks That Are Reliable, User-Friendly, and Super Convenient

The August Wi-Fi is the best smart lock for most buyers. It offers an incredibly easy installation that takes under 20 minutes. It’s reliable and fast to unlock. Since Wi-Fi is built into the August, you don’t need to buy a smart home hub to enable remote access. It also utilizes Bluetooth, which helps lengthen its battery life.

Although this smart lock is bigger than some other options, we don’t think its larger-than-average size should be a dealbreaker ... especially since the device works with practically every major smart home platform. You can integrate it with your Google Assistant, HomeKit, and Amazon Alexa system.

If you’re looking for an excellent smart lock that lets you grant virtual keys to guests, see who is coming and going (and when), and control your lock remotely, the August Wi-Fi is a fantastic option that easily upgrades your existing deadbolt.

More: Other Smart Home Gear We Stand By

Editor's Note: At the time of publishing, the Schlage Encode Plus was currently in stock at Home Depot, but it frequently goes out of stock due to steep demand and supply chain issues. If it's out of stock again, we recommend regularly checking stock across Amazon, Lowes, Home Depot, and Build with Ferguson.

Schlage’s Encode Plus is one of the few smart locks in the United States that supports Apple Home Key — a convenient feature that lets you tap your iPhone or Apple Watch against the lock to unlock it, similarly to Apple Pay.

During my tests with the Encode Plus, I couldn't believe how seamless it was to use the lock. If you have an iPhone or Apple Watch, there's no need to open an app, press any buttons, or even unlock your smartphone. It's as easy as holding your watch or smartphone to the lock as if you're James Bond.

If you don’t have an Apple gadget, you can check your lock’s status and lock or unlock your deadbolt remotely via an app. The app lets you schedule codes, monitor lock activity, and give easy access to friends, family, or the dog walker. The Encode Plus also features a keypad for manually inputting codes to gain entry.

Making it even more versatile is its integration with Amazon’s Alexa platform, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit, so you can lock and unlock doors using a smart speaker as well. If it wasn't for this lock's steep price and inconsistent availability, we would have named it our "Best Overall" pick.

The ULTRALOQ Smart Lock U-Bolt Pro is one of the most versatile smart locks we’ve come across. A Wirecutter top pick thanks to its clean hardware and low-profile design, this option requires a full deadbolt replacement to use. What makes the ULTRALOQ stand out from other options is the number of ways you can interact with the lock. Users have a choice of six ways to enter their home.

You can get entry via your smartphone app, by scanning your finger, by entering a code on the lock, by literally shaking your smartphone, by having the lock automatically unlock based on your location, or with a good old-fashioned key.

The ULTRALOQ uses 128-bit AES encryption so you can ensure it’s safe. Its app allows you to conveniently see who has access to your lock and how, and you can add or delete users as you wish. We strongly recommend opting for the ULTRALOQ smart lock that includes the Bridge, as this accessory allows you to control the lock remotely.

The Level Lock is a handsome and modern HomeKit-compatible smart lock that’s one of the few that doesn’t look like a smart lock. It takes just 15 minutes to install and has a significantly slimmer profile than every other smart lock.

It works with Apple’s HomeKit platform for remote control and voice control via Siri on your Apple devices. It’s also worth a mention that the Level Lock does not work with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.

Level also sells a more affordable product dubbed the “Bolt,” which fits inside your door to add some extra smarts to your existing deadbolt. Its newest Level Lock+ supports Apple's Home Keys features which means you can unlock your door by holding your smartphone to the lock, but that model is priced at a rather steep $330.

We think most Apple users will be happy with the base model Level Lock, but if you want some extra convenience, the Level Lock Touch Edition relies on your phone's GPS location to unlock your door when you touch the smart lock. Level's smart home accessories are available in four finishes, including satin chrome, nickel, polished brass, and matte black.

The Latch 5 series is the best choice for people hoping to add some extra smarts to a door while simultaneously replacing its handle or knob. This option is equipped with a fingerprint reader, a keypad, and even has a slot for a key. Users can conveniently open it with an Apple Watch, too (after installing a companion app).

Given the smart lock's size (and since it's meant for doors with a single hole) you won't want to shop for this option if you have an existing deadbolt. But whether you want to use it inside for an office door, on a patio door, or entryway door it'll get the job done. Not to mention, it looks much more modern and expensive-looking than your existing door handle.

If you can get past its expensive price, the eufy Smart Lock Touch is an excellent smart lock that packs plenty of smarts and useful features and gives you three choices of attractive finishes.

Compared to other smart locks, the eufy is much faster to unlock. It scans your fingerprint and unlocks your door in less than 2 seconds. Don’t want to use your fingerprint? This also supports unlocking with a smartphone app, a PIN code on its keypad, or by using a key.

We appreciate that this is built with a stainless-steel, fully waterproofed housing. The smart lock also received high marks from editors at Consumer Reports, who said that the doorbell performed better than average in their brute-force tests for kick-ins, picking, and drilling.

The budget-friendly Wyze Lock may not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive smart locks, but it does offer an easy setup and clean design, which makes it more convenient to open and lock your door.

This option has Wi-Fi and integrates with both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa smart home platforms, meaning you can control it using your smart speaker or smartphone. If this feature isn't needed, consider the lower-priced Wyze Lock Bolt, which features a fingerprint scanner and built-in keypad

Our biggest complaint about the WYZE lock is how large its external housing is. (It’s about the size of a smartphone.) Overall, the smart lock is well worth its reasonable $130 price point and grants users an easy way to unlock their door remotely, see the history of when the door was opened, and grant keyless entry.

For those in search of a keyless smart lock system, consider the Yale Assure Lock 2. It has an attractive and highly minimalistic keypad that you use to input an entry code. You can create custom codes for friends, family, and other folks you trust. The device even has an auto-lock feature, so you’ll never have to worry if you forget to lock it.

This smart lock is incredibly versatile since it’s compatible with Amazon’s Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, and Samsung’s SmartThings platform. Basically, that just means you can control it with almost any smartphone or smart speaker. Our biggest complaint about the lock is you have to tap the Yale logo before inputting your code to wake it up.

Regardless, if you’re fine completely forfeiting your keys and are looking for a reliable, easy-to-install, and nice-looking smart lock, the Yale Assure won’t disappoint.