Best Smart Locks 2026: Keyless Entry for Your Smart Home
Smart locks eliminate the need for keys while adding convenience, security, and remote access capabilities. Whether you want to let in a dog walker while you're at work or just hate fumbling for your keys, a smart lock is a perfect entry point into home automation. Here are the best options for 2026.
What to Look for in a Smart Lock
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Z-Wave, or Thread
- Power: Battery life and low-battery alerts
- Access methods: PIN codes, fingerprint, app, voice, physical key
- Auto-lock: Automatically locks after a set time
- Integration: Works with your existing smart home ecosystem
- Installation: Retrofit vs. complete deadbolt replacement
Best Overall: Yale Assure Lock 2
Yale's latest flagship combines sleek design with comprehensive features and broad compatibility.
Key Features:
- Fingerprint reader, PIN code, and app access
- Works with Matter over Thread
- Sleek, slim design
- Physical key backup
- Auto-lock and auto-unlock options
- Extensive smart home integrations
Price: $279
Pros: Excellent design, Matter support, multiple access methods
Cons: Higher price point, fingerprint reader requires subscription for some features
Best Value: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen)
The August retrofit lock installs in minutes over your existing deadbolt and adds full smart functionality.
Key Features:
- Retrofit design - keeps your existing hardware
- Built-in Wi-Fi (no bridge needed)
- DoorSense (knows if door is open/closed)
- Auto-lock and auto-unlock
- Works with Alexa, Google, HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings
Price: $219
Pros: Easy install, keeps existing keys, compact
Cons: Retrofit only, so external appearance unchanged
Best for HomeKit: Schlage Encode Plus
The Encode Plus offers native HomeKit integration with Apple Home Key support.
Key Features:
- Apple Home Key support (unlock with iPhone or Apple Watch)
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- Works with Alexa, Google, and HomeKit
- Physical key backup
- BHMA Grade 1 certified
Price: $281
Pros: Apple Home Key, strong security certification
Cons: Expensive, some features Apple-exclusive
Best Budget: Wyze Lock
Wyze brings solid features at an unbeatable price point.
Key Features:
- Auto-lock and auto-unlock
- Works with Alexa and Google
- Door open/close detection
- Very affordable
- Requires Wyze Lock Gateway for Wi-Fi
Price: $89
Pros: Excellent price, good basic features
Cons: Requires hub for full features, less refined app
Best for Rentals: August Home
Renters love August because installation takes 10 minutes and requires no permanent changes.
Key Features:
- Retrofits over existing deadbolt
- Original keys still work
- Temporary access codes for guests
- Works with HomeKit, Alexa, Google
- Lease agreement compliant
Price: $109 (with Wi-Fi bridge)
Smart Lock Comparison
| Lock | Price | HomeKit | Home Key | Fingerprint | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yale Assure 2 | $279 | Yes | No | Yes | Full |
| August Wi-Fi | $219 | Yes | No | No | Retrofit |
| Schlage Encode Plus | $281 | Yes | Yes | No | Full |
| Wyze Lock | $89 | No | No | No | Retrofit |
Installation Tips
- Measure your door thickness (usually 1.375" to 2")
- Check if your deadbolt is standard-sized (most are)
- For retrofit locks, ensure your existing deadbolt is in good condition
- Full replacement locks need you to remove the entire existing deadbolt
- Test the physical key backup before relying on smart access