How to Choose a Smart Lock: Complete 2026 Buying Guide
The Yale August Wi-Fi Smart Lock at $150.09 is the top overall recommendation — installs over your existing deadbolt in under 15 minutes and retains your physical key as backup, the no-lockout protection most smart lock guides identify as the critical first criterion.
See Today’s Price →At a Glance
| # | Product | Award | Price | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best Overall | $148 Buy → |
8.6 | |
| 2 |  August Home, Matte Black Wi-Fi Co…August Home |
Best Add-On Lock | $184 Buy → |
8.8 |
| 3 |  eufy Security Smart Lock C220, Fi…eufy Security |
Worth Considering | $106 Buy → |
8.7 |
| 4 | Best Standalone WiFi | $289 Buy → |
8.6 | |
| 5 | Best Fingerprint | $174 Buy → |
8.3 |
Score Breakdown
| Yale August Wi-Fi Sma… | August Home, Matte Bl… | eufy Security Smart L… | Schlage Encode Smart … | Kwikset Halo Touch Fi… | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 8.6 | 8.8 | 8.7 | 8.6 | 8.3 |
| Value | – | 91 | – | – | 95 |
| Build Quality | – | 69 | – | – | 69 |
| Stability | – | 40 | – | – | 40 |
| Assembly Ease | – | 40 | – | – | 40 |
Scores 0–100 derived from published specifications, verified buyer reviews, and price-to-performance analysis. 0 = feature not present. – = insufficient data. How we score →
How to Choose a Smart Lock Buying Guide
Photo by Brett Sayles / PexelsSmart locks add keypad, fingerprint, or app-controlled access to your front door. The most important decision before choosing one: do you want an add-on lock (installs over your existing deadbolt, keeps your physical key) or a full deadbolt replacement (entirely replaces the lock cylinder)? This choice determines your installation complexity, whether a locksmith is needed, and whether you keep key backup access.
Add-On vs Full Replacement Locks
Add-on locks like the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock 4th Gen ($155) install on the interior side of your existing deadbolt. You keep the original lock, the physical key, and the exterior hardware. Installation takes 10-15 minutes with a screwdriver. If the battery dies, you can still use your key. Full deadbolt replacements like the Schlage Encode Smart WiFi ($269) replace the entire lock mechanism — interior and exterior. You get a keypad on the exterior, a new cylinder, and no physical key required (though they can come with emergency keys). Installation requires removing your old deadbolt and fitting the new one — 30-45 minutes, no locksmith needed for standard doors.
Connectivity: WiFi vs Bluetooth vs Z-Wave
WiFi locks connect directly to your home network — you can control them from anywhere in the world. The Schlage Encode ($269) and Kwikset Halo Touchscreen ($190) use direct WiFi. Bluetooth-only locks (older August models) require your phone to be within range — useful for auto-unlock as you approach. Most newer locks combine Bluetooth and WiFi: Bluetooth for auto-unlock, WiFi for remote access. Z-Wave locks require a separate smart home hub (SmartThings, Wink) to connect — more complex but deeply integrated with whole-home automation. For most buyers, direct WiFi locks are the cleanest solution.
Entry Methods
Smart locks offer varying combinations of: keypad (pin codes), fingerprint biometric, key fob, physical key backup, and smartphone app unlock. The August Wi-Fi Smart Keyless Deadbolt ($109) includes a keypad for codes but no fingerprint sensor. The ULTRALOQ Bolt ($250) adds fingerprint recognition. The Kwikset Halo Touch ($204) uses fingerprint + keypad. Fingerprint is the fastest and most convenient entry method — under 0.5 seconds to unlock — but requires battery life and occasional re-registration. Keypad is the most reliable backup method for guests and service workers who don't have the app.
Integration and Smart Home Compatibility
Before buying, verify compatibility with your existing smart home platform. Schlage Encode Plus supports Apple HomeKit — unusual for a lock and valuable for iPhone users. August locks work with Alexa, Google Home, and HomeKit. Kwikset Halo works with Alexa and Google Home but not HomeKit natively. All major locks support creating temporary access codes for guests, housekeepers, or short-term rentals — this is the most used smart lock feature outside of auto-unlock. Activity logs (who unlocked, when) are available on all WiFi-connected models.
Installation Considerations
Most smart locks fit standard US single-cylinder deadbolts on 1.375" to 1.75" thick doors. Measure your backset (the distance from the door edge to the center of the lock hole): 2.375" or 2.75" are standard and fit all major smart locks. Non-standard doors — apartments with door frames not drilled to spec, old houses with unusual measurements, or doors in rental buildings — may require a locksmith assessment first. The August add-on adapter system (included in August lock kits) handles most non-standard interior setups without door modification.
“August Wi-Fi Smart Keyless Deadbolt — $109, keypad + app, WiFi built-in, keeps existing cylinder.”
See Today’s Price →Watch out for
- Assembly required — budget 30-60 minutes for initial setup
- Color and style options may be limited compared to premium furniture brands
“August Wi-Fi Smart Lock 4th Gen — $155, 10-min install over existing deadbolt, Alexa + Google.”
See Today’s Price →What we like
- Installs over existing deadbolt
- Wi-Fi direct
- Auto-lock
- Works with Alexa and Apple Home
Read Full Analysis
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock 4th Generation at $155.34 solves the specific problem renters face: adding smart lock capability without replacing the deadbolt or drilling new holes — changes many leases prohibit. The 10-minute installation attaches the August motor to the interior side of an existing deadbolt, leaving the exterior appearance and all physical key function completely unchanged. A landlord's key still works identically; the August adds capability on top of what's already there. Wi-Fi is built directly into this generation, removing the need for a separate bridge or hub that earlier August models required. Integration with Alexa, Apple HomeKit (including Apple Home Key via NFC tap), and Google Home covers all three major smart home platforms. Auto-lock secures the deadbolt automatically after a configurable interval — addressing the practical concern that matters most for renters: locking up when leaving without thinking about it. The renter-specific value is digital access sharing without physical key duplication. Dog walkers, housekeepers, and guests can be granted time-limited access codes through the August app without cutting a key — access that can be revoked instantly when no longer needed. The Yale August Smart Lock at $150.09 on this page adds an exterior keypad for entry without a phone, which is a meaningful upgrade for anyone who wants a physical code option when a phone is unavailable or dead. The August's limitations: no exterior keypad means phone dependency for keyless entry on this model. Battery-powered motor requires replacement every 3-6 months under typical use. At $155.34 versus the eufy at $109.99, the Apple HomeKit and Home Key integration plus the retrofit-only installation approach justify the premium specifically for Apple ecosystem households who cannot modify their rental unit.
“Kwikset Halo Touchscreen — $190, full replacement with lit touchscreen, direct WiFi, no hub.”
See Today’s Price →Watch out for
- Assembly required — budget 30-60 minutes for initial setup
- Color and style options may be limited compared to premium furniture brands
“BestReviews and Wirecutter both spotlight Schlage's WiFi-enabled deadbolt for security-first buyers. No hub required and ANSI Grade 1 build means it actually keeps a door closed.”
See Today’s Price →What we like
- ANSI Grade 1 deadbolt construction matches commercial-grade physical security
- Built-in WiFi eliminates the need for a separate hub or bridge
- Alarm sensor detects forced entry attempts and triggers app notifications
- Auto-lock timer secures the door if you forget to lock manually
Watch out for
- Replaces the entire deadbolt — not retrofittable like August Smart Lock
- Larger, more visible exterior keypad than August's discreet retrofit
Read Full Analysis
Schlage's smart deadbolt line stands out in a category dominated by hub-required August and Yale models. The WiFi-enabled version connects directly to home networks without needing a separate bridge — simpler setup for non-technical buyers. What sets Schlage apart from competitors at this price tier is build quality. ANSI Grade 1 certification means the deadbolt itself meets commercial-grade standards for kick-in resistance and lock cylinder strength. August and Sifely smart locks largely retrofit existing deadbolts; Schlage replaces the entire deadbolt assembly with a hardened steel mechanism. The trade-off is exterior aesthetics — Schlage's look is utilitarian compared to August's lower-profile retrofit design. If you rent and need to preserve the original deadbolt, August retrofits over your existing hardware. For owners who want maximum physical security with smart features, Schlage is the safer pick.
“Kwikset's Halo Touch is BestReviews' top fingerprint pick. Direct WiFi connection plus fast biometric reader — common Wirecutter callouts.”
See Today’s Price →What we like
- Fingerprint reader stores up to 50 prints — unlocks in under a second
- Direct WiFi connection — no hub or bridge required
- SmartKey Security lets you re-key the lock yourself without a locksmith
- Tamper detection alerts via app if the lock is being forced
Watch out for
- No Apple HomeKit support — iOS-first households should consider Schlage Encode
- Premium pricing pushes past most smart lock competitors
Read Full Analysis
Kwikset's Halo Touch enters the smart lock space with a focus on fingerprint biometrics over keypad codes. The reader stores up to 50 fingerprints and unlocks in under a second — meaningful when arriving home with arms full of groceries. Like Schlage's WiFi smart lock, the Halo Touch connects directly to home WiFi without requiring a bridge or hub. SmartKey re-key technology lets you re-key the deadbolt yourself if you lose a key — a unique Kwikset feature most smart locks don't offer. Build quality is mid-tier between August's plastic-heavy retrofits and Schlage's commercial-grade steel. Main consideration: $200+ price puts it in flagship territory. Apple HomeKit support is missing — Schlage Encode is the better pick for HomeKit households. For Android-first homes wanting fingerprint convenience, the Halo Touch hits the sweet spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a smart lock be hacked?
Do smart locks work during a power outage?
How long do smart lock batteries last?
Will a smart lock fit my door?
Can I give temporary access codes to guests?
How We Analyze Products
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How We Score These Products
Every product on this page is scored on a 0–100 scale across multiple dimensions. Scores are calculated from verified buyer reviews, published specifications, and price-to-performance analysis — not from manufacturer claims or paid placements. Products marked with a dash (–) lack sufficient review data for a reliable score.
Value: Price-to-performance ratio. Products with high ratings and low prices score highest.
Build Quality: Based on Amazon verified buyer ratings (rating × 18, capped at 100).
Stability: Based on verified buyer review sentiment analysis.
Assembly Ease: Based on verified buyer review sentiment analysis.
Overall score is the product's aggregate rating on a 10-point scale. Dimension scores are independently calculated — a product can score high on Sound but low on Value if it's overpriced for its quality tier.