Best Smart Lock 2026 — Keypad, Fingerprint & App
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Last updated: September 19, 2026 • 5 locks compared
- Schlage Encode Plus — Best overall (4.7/5)
- August WiFi Smart Lock — Best retrofit — keeps existing keys (4.4/5)
- Yale Assure Lock 2 — Best touchscreen deadbolt (4.4/5)
See Schlage Encode Plus on Amazon →
Compare all five »Smart locks let you unlock your door with your phone, a code, fingerprint or auto-unlock when you arrive home. We compared them on security certification, installation, battery life and smart home support, using published ratings, independent reviews and owner reports.
Quick Overview
| Model | Best for | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Schlage Encode Plus | Best overall Best Pick | ★★★★½ 4.7 |
| August WiFi Smart Lock | Best retrofit — keeps existing keys Runner-up | ★★★★½ 4.4 |
| Yale Assure Lock 2 | Best touchscreen deadbolt Premium | ★★★★½ 4.4 |
| Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi | Best fingerprint deadbolt | ★★★★½ 4.3 |
| eufy Smart Lock C220 | Best budget fingerprint Best Budget | ★★★★☆ 4.2 |
1. Schlage Encode Plus — Best Overall
Built-in WiFi, keypad entry, Apple Home Key and no hub required. ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 — the highest residential security rating. Supports 100 access codes and auto-locks after a configurable delay. The benchmark for US smart deadbolts.
- ANSI Grade 1 — highest security rating
- Apple Home Key + Alexa, no hub
- 100 access codes with scheduling
- Built-in WiFi, no bridge needed
- US single-cylinder deadbolt standard only
- Premium price
2. August WiFi Smart Lock — Best Retrofit
Fits over your existing deadbolt interior — keep your existing keys, add app control, auto-lock/unlock and guest access. WiFi built-in means no hub needed. Geofencing auto-unlocks as you approach and re-locks when you leave. Works with Alexa, Google and HomeKit.
- Fits existing deadbolt — keep your keys
- Built-in WiFi — no hub required
- Geofence auto-unlock and auto-lock
- Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit
- Battery lasts ~3 months
- Single-cylinder deadbolts only
3. Yale Assure Lock 2 — Best Touchscreen Deadbolt
Touchscreen keypad with no physical keys — access via code or app. The version linked here has Wi-Fi built in; other versions use a swappable Z-Wave or Zigbee module. ANSI Grade 2 certified. The backlit touchscreen is easy to use in the dark. Up to 250 access codes, auto-lock and do-not-disturb mode.
- Backlit touchscreen — easy in the dark
- Up to 250 access codes
- Works with Alexa, Google, HomeKit via module
- Trusted Yale brand — 175 years of lock history
- Check the version — not every Assure Lock 2 includes Wi-Fi
- ANSI Grade 2 (not Grade 1)
4. Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi — Best Fingerprint Deadbolt
A fingerprint deadbolt with Wi-Fi built in, so no hub is needed. It stores up to 100 fingerprints and 50 passcodes, and adds app unlock, auto-unlock as you approach, shareable eKeys, voice control through Alexa or Google, and two physical keys. The included door sensor lets it auto-lock when the door actually closes and alert you if it is left open. It meets ANSI Grade 1 and is IP65 rated for exposed doors.
- Fingerprint, code, app, auto-unlock, eKeys, voice and key
- ANSI Grade 1 and IP65 weatherproof
- Door sensor for true auto-lock and open-door alerts
- Built-in Wi-Fi — no hub
- 2.4GHz Wi-Fi only
- No Apple Home support
5. eufy Smart Lock C220 — Best Budget Fingerprint Lock
The cheapest way into a fingerprint lock with Wi-Fi. The C220 unlocks by fingerprint in under a second, and also by keypad, app, Apple Watch, Alexa or Google voice, or the physical key. Wi-Fi is built in, eight AA batteries last around eight months, and it fits most standard deadbolt holes in about 15 minutes without drilling. If you already own a eufy doorbell, the lock joins the same app and routines.
- Fingerprint unlock in under a second
- Built-in Wi-Fi — no bridge
- Around 8 months on 8 AA batteries
- Works alongside eufy doorbells and cameras
- BHMA Grade 3 — lower rating than Schlage or Ultraloq
- No Apple Home or Matter support
Deadbolt vs Retrofit
Deadbolt replacements (Schlage, Yale) replace the entire lock cylinder — the most secure option but requires drilling if no deadbolt exists. Retrofit locks (August) fit over your existing interior thumb-turn — no drilling, and your existing keys still work. Ideal for renters or anyone who wants to keep physical key backup.
US vs European door standards
All five locks here fit standard North American deadbolt doors. Security is rated on the ANSI/BHMA scale: Grade 1 (Schlage Encode Plus, Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro) is the strongest residential rating, Grade 2 (Yale Assure Lock 2) is common, and Grade 3 (eufy C220) is the entry level.
Verdict
The Schlage Encode Plus is the best smart lock for most US homes — Grade 1 certified, no hub, Apple Home Key. Want fingerprint unlock? The Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi pairs it with Grade 1 security, and the eufy Smart Lock C220 does it for less. Renters wanting to keep their keys should choose the August WiFi Smart Lock.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are smart locks safe?
Modern smart locks (Schlage Encode Plus, Yale Assure Lock 2) are AS SECURE AS traditional deadbolts — they use the same lock mechanism. Smart features add: keyless entry codes (don't lose/copy physical keys), remote access (let in visitors when away), and access logs (see who came in when). Physical security risks are no greater than traditional locks; the digital risks (hacked codes, app vulnerabilities) are mitigated by reputable brands.
Will a smart lock work with my existing door?
Most replace standard cylindrical or mortise deadbolts (1.5-1.75 inch backset). The Schlage Encode Plus and August WiFi Smart Lock both fit standard residential doors. The August installs OVER existing deadbolt (interior side only) — easiest install, no exterior changes. Schlage requires fully replacing the deadbolt. Measure your door before purchase.
Can someone hack a smart lock?
Reputable brands (Schlage, Yale, August) have multiple security layers: AES encryption, secure cloud connections, regular firmware updates, biometric or 2FA verification. Lock-picking the physical deadbolt remains easier than hacking. Avoid cheap unbranded smart locks — they often have unpatched vulnerabilities. The Schlage Encode Plus has bank-level security certifications.
What happens if my smart lock battery dies?
Smart locks have backup access methods. Schlage Encode Plus: keypad with manual key backup (physical key as last resort). August WiFi Smart Lock: physical key from outside still works. Yale Assure Lock 2: emergency 9V battery jumpstart on the bottom of the unit. Battery life is typically 6-12 months. Most send low-battery alerts well before they die.