How to Choose a Smart Lock: Complete 2026 Buying Guide

How to Choose a Smart Lock Buying Guide

Photo by Brett Sayles / Pexels

Smart 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 ($109) 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.

August Wi-Fi Smart Keyless Deadbolt Lock Silver AU...

$109.00

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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 Lock 4th Generation

$155.34

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