Top7 Smart Locks Worth Buying in 2026 (Updated November)
Ranked on reliability, install ease, app features and battery life.
1 Our top pick · Best overall
Schlage Encode Plus
Most homes that want a reliable, secure keypad lock with Apple Home Key.
- Built-in Wi-Fi, no hub
- Apple Home Key tap to unlock
- Keypad can lag in extreme cold
Compare the seven
Side by side| Rank | Product | Best for | Price | Key advantage | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Schlage Encode Plus | Best overall | $$$Premium | Built-in Wi-Fi, no hub | Buy |
| 02 |  Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch | Best fingerprint | $$$Premium | Fast, reliable fingerprint reader | Buy |
| 03 |  August Wi-Fi Smart Lock | Best retrofit | $$Mid-range | Installs in minutes | Buy |
| 04 |  Level Lock+ | Best invisible | $$$$Top-end | Looks like a standard deadbolt | Buy |
| 05 |  eufy Smart Lock C30 | Best value | $Budget | Built-in Wi-Fi and app control | Buy |
| 06 |  ULTRALOQ U-Bolt Pro | Best features | $$$Premium | Fingerprint, keypad and app unlock | Buy |
| 07 |  Kwikset Halo Touch | Best simple fingerprint | $$$Premium | Stores up to 100 fingerprints | Buy |
Our 7 picks in detail
1 Schlage Encode Plus
Who it's for: Most homes that want a reliable, secure keypad lock with Apple Home Key.
- Built-in Wi-Fi, no hub
- Apple Home Key tap to unlock
- Keypad can lag in extreme cold
2 Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch
Who it's for: Families who want fast, keyless entry with a fingerprint.
- Fast, reliable fingerprint reader
- Wi-Fi version available
- Pricey
3 August Wi-Fi Smart Lock
Who it's for: Renters and anyone who wants to keep their existing keys.
- Installs in minutes
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- Batteries drain relatively fast
4 Level Lock+
Who it's for: People who want a smart lock that looks like a normal lock.
- Looks like a standard deadbolt
- Apple Home Key support
- Expensive
5 eufy Smart Lock C30
Who it's for: Budget shoppers who want a basic keypad lock with Wi-Fi.
- Built-in Wi-Fi and app control
- Low price
- Basic security grade
6 ULTRALOQ U-Bolt Pro
Who it's for: Tech fans who want fingerprint, keypad, app and door sensor in one.
- Fingerprint, keypad and app unlock
- ANSI Grade 1 rating
- App is less polished
7 Kwikset Halo Touch
Who it's for: Anyone who wants a straightforward fingerprint lock.
- Stores up to 100 fingerprints
- Works without a hub
- Uses AA batteries quickly
Questions people ask
Are smart locks secure?
Good ones are as secure as a regular deadbolt. Look for ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 or 2 certification and use strong codes.
What happens when the battery dies?
Locks warn you weeks ahead, and most have a physical key or a 9V battery terminal for emergencies. Replace batteries when you get the first low alert.
Is Black Friday a good time to buy a smart lock?
Yes. Schlage, Yale and August are often 20 to 40% off from Black Friday through Cyber Monday.
Should I buy last year's model on sale?
Yes. Locks change slowly, so older versions of the Schlage Encode and Yale Assure at a discount are great value. Just check that they have Wi-Fi if you need remote access.
Do I need a hub or bridge?
Not with the Wi-Fi models here. Older Bluetooth or Z-Wave versions need a hub for remote control.
Can I install a smart lock myself?
Yes. Most replace your deadbolt with only a screwdriver in about 15 minutes. Retrofit locks like August go over your existing deadbolt.
Do smart locks work with Apple, Alexa and Google?
Most work with Alexa and Google. Apple Home Key is available on the Schlage Encode Plus and Level Lock+, so check compatibility before you buy.
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or Z-Wave?
Wi-Fi is the easiest because it needs no hub, though it uses more battery. Bluetooth is cheaper but works only nearby; Z-Wave is best for dedicated smart-home setups.
How did we pick these smart locks?
We compared the best-selling and highest-rated smart locks on Amazon, read expert reviews and the most common complaints, then kept one pick for each kind of buyer. Read our full method.
