Best Retrofit Smart Locks (2026)
The best retrofit smart locks for 2026, compared on installation ease and keeping existing hardware.
At a Glance
A retrofit lock fits over your existing deadbolt in minutes, keeping your original exterior keyhole and hardware intact, genuinely the easiest installation category available. Here's how the top current retrofit options compare.
5 Criteria to Look For Before Buying a Retrofit Smart Locks (2026)
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Access Method
Keypad codes, fingerprint scanning, a smartphone app, or a physical key backup each offer a different balance of convenience and reliability. Many current locks combine two or more methods so you're never fully locked out.
Connectivity Type
Built-in WiFi lets you check and control the lock remotely without a separate hub, while Bluetooth-only locks work at range but need a bridge accessory for remote access. Matter and Z-Wave options integrate with a broader smart home hub.
Battery Life & Backup Power
Most smart locks run on standard batteries for months, and better models include a backup 9V terminal or USB-C port so you're never stuck outside if the batteries die unexpectedly.
Installation Type
Retrofit locks fit over your existing deadbolt hardware in minutes, while full replacement locks require removing the old hardware entirely, more work but a cleaner final installation.
Smart Home Compatibility
Check compatibility with the ecosystem you already use, Alexa, Google Home, Apple Home, or Matter, before buying if voice control or automation matters to you.
Best Retrofit Smart Locks (2026)
Philips WiFi Smart Retrofit Lock + Wireless
About this pick
Combines Philips's retrofit design with a wireless fingerprint keypad, genuinely complete keyless entry without replacing exterior hardware.
What earns this the top spot is a genuinely reliable balance of access methods paired with the kind of app stability that matters once you're relying on it daily, not just during setup. Philips backs this with a track record that holds up over years of daily use, not just the first few weeks.
Best all-around retrofit pick. It's priced in the middle of this comparison, so weigh that against how much you actually need the specific advantage called out above before deciding.
Best for: Buyers who want retrofit installation plus a fingerprint keypad
Check price on AmazonPros
- +Complete bundle with fingerprint keypad included
- +Keeps existing exterior hardware
- +Ships with WiFi Retrofit Lock, a real differentiator among the picks here
- +Ships with Fingerprint Keypad, a real differentiator among the picks here
- +Ships with Voice Control, a real differentiator among the picks here
Cons
- −Retrofit design means the interior mechanism is bulkier
- −Sits in the middle of the pack on price, not a standout bargain or splurge either way
- −Specs are based on the current Amazon listing rather than independent hands-on testing
- −Worth double-checking the listing on connectivity type before buying, since that's a key differentiator in this category
August Home
About this pick
August's core retrofit design fits over your existing deadbolt in minutes, a genuinely proven approach.
It covers the same core keyless-entry function as the top pick but gives up a specific edge (access method variety, installation simplicity, or price) that keeps it a step behind in this particular comparison.
Best if a proven retrofit track record matters to you. It's the premium pick in this comparison, so weigh that against how much you actually need the specific advantage called out above before deciding.
Best for: Buyers who want August's established retrofit track record
Check price on AmazonPros
- +Fits over existing deadbolt hardware
- +Established, well-reviewed retrofit design
- +Ships with Wi-Fi Connected, a real differentiator among the picks here
- +Ships with Retrofit Design, a real differentiator among the picks here
- +Ships with Silver, a real differentiator among the picks here
Cons
- −No physical keypad included on this model
- −Ranked below the top pick in this specific retrofit smart locks comparison
- −Priced at the top of this comparison, so the upgrade needs to be worth it for your use case
- −Specs are based on the current Amazon listing rather than independent hands-on testing
Philips WiFi Smart Retrofit Lock
About this pick
The base Philips retrofit lock covers the same core installation ease at a lower price than the keypad bundle.
It covers the same core keyless-entry function as the top pick but gives up a specific edge (access method variety, installation simplicity, or price) that keeps it a step behind in this particular comparison.
Best value pick if you don't need a separate keypad. It's the most affordable pick in this comparison, so weigh that against how much you actually need the specific advantage called out above before deciding.
Best for: Buyers who want retrofit installation without the keypad bundle
Check price on AmazonPros
- +Lower price without the keypad bundle
- +Real-time notifications included
- +Ships with WiFi Smart Retrofit Lock, a real differentiator among the picks here
- +Ships with Voice Control, a real differentiator among the picks here
- +Ships with Real-Time Notification, a real differentiator among the picks here
Cons
- −No physical keypad included on this model
- −Ranked below the top pick in this specific retrofit smart locks comparison
- −Specs are based on the current Amazon listing rather than independent hands-on testing
- −Worth double-checking the listing on installation type before buying, since that's a key differentiator in this category
August Home Matte Black Wi-Fi Smart Lock
About this pick
August's retrofit design paired with a smart keypad, genuinely complete out of the box.
It covers the same core keyless-entry function as the top pick but gives up a specific edge (access method variety, installation simplicity, or price) that keeps it a step behind in this particular comparison.
Best if you want a complete retrofit and keypad system together. It's priced toward the higher end of this comparison, so weigh that against how much you actually need the specific advantage called out above before deciding.
Best for: Buyers who want a complete retrofit and keypad system
Check price on AmazonPros
- +Complete system with keypad included
- +Fits over existing deadbolt hardware
- +Ships with Wi-Fi Smart Lock, a real differentiator among the picks here
- +Ships with Smart Keypad, a real differentiator among the picks here
- +Ships with Matte Black, a real differentiator among the picks here
Cons
- −Retrofit design means the interior mechanism is bulkier
- −Ranked below the top pick in this specific retrofit smart locks comparison
- −Sits in the middle of the pack on price, not a standout bargain or splurge either way
- −Specs are based on the current Amazon listing rather than independent hands-on testing
Philips WiFi Smart Retrofit Lock
About this pick
A retrofit lock covering the core update-your-existing-deadbolt function at an accessible price point.
It covers the same core keyless-entry function as the top pick but gives up a specific edge (access method variety, installation simplicity, or price) that keeps it a step behind in this particular comparison.
Best for the lowest-cost entry into a retrofit smart lock. It's priced toward the lower end of this comparison, so weigh that against how much you actually need the specific advantage called out above before deciding.
Best for: Buyers who want retrofit installation at the lowest price
Check price on AmazonPros
- +Accessible price for retrofit installation
- +App remote control included
- +Ships with WiFi Smart Retrofit Lock, a real differentiator among the picks here
- +Ships with App Remote Control, a real differentiator among the picks here
- +Ships with Accessible Price, a real differentiator among the picks here
Cons
- −Fewer premium features than the fingerprint-equipped bundle
- −Ranked below the top pick in this specific retrofit smart locks comparison
- −Specs are based on the current Amazon listing rather than independent hands-on testing
- −Worth double-checking the listing on access method before buying, since that's a key differentiator in this category
How We Evaluated These Retrofit Smart Locks (2026)
Each pick was assessed across 5 criteria weighted for real-world use.
Real Amazon Listings
Every pick here is pulled from current, purchasable Amazon listings, no discontinued models or placeholder specs.
Access Method Comparison
We compare keypad, fingerprint, app, and physical key backup options as stated in each manufacturer's own listing.
Connectivity Verification
We check whether a lock requires a separate hub for remote access or includes WiFi/Bluetooth natively.
Brand Track Record
We weigh how consistently a brand has delivered on lock reliability and app stability across its lineup.
Use-Case Fit
Picks are ordered with a specific buyer's setup (renter, senior, Airbnb host, smart home enthusiast) in mind, not a single best-overall metric.
How to Choose the Right Retrofit Smart Locks (2026)
By Priority
| Your priority | Recommended pick |
|---|---|
| Buyers who want retrofit installation plus a fingerprint keypad | Philips WiFi Smart Retrofit Lock + Wireless |
| Buyers who want August's established retrofit track record | August Home |
| Buyers who want retrofit installation without the keypad bundle | Philips WiFi Smart Retrofit Lock |
| Buyers who want a complete retrofit and keypad system | August Home Matte Black Wi-Fi Smart Lock |
| Buyers who want retrofit installation at the lowest price | Philips WiFi Smart Retrofit Lock |
By Budget
| Priority | Recommended pick |
|---|---|
| The most affordable pick in this comparison | Philips WiFi Smart Retrofit Lock (Best Value Retrofit Option) |
| Balanced pick | August Home (Best Proven Retrofit Option) |
| Top-rated pick | Philips WiFi Smart Retrofit Lock + Wireless (Best Overall) |
Philips WiFi Smart Retrofit Lock + Wireless vs. August Home
Philips WiFi Smart Retrofit Lock + Wireless
Our top pick in this comparison, ranked 1 of 5. Buyers who want retrofit installation plus a fingerprint keypad.
August Home
A strong alternative, the premium pick in this comparison. Best if buyers who want august's established retrofit track record.
Rank vs. Price Position
| Rank | Price position |
|---|---|
| #1, Philips WiFi Smart Retrofit Lock + Wireless | Priced in the middle of this comparison |
| #2, August Home | The premium pick in this comparison |
| #3, Philips WiFi Smart Retrofit Lock | The most affordable pick in this comparison |
| #4, August Home Matte Black Wi-Fi Smart Lock | Priced toward the higher end of this comparison |
| #5, Philips WiFi Smart Retrofit Lock | Priced toward the lower end of this comparison |
For Retrofit smart lock Buyers Specifically
If you're buying for this exact use case, don't just default to the top-ranked overall pick, match the specific badge to your priority instead.
Philips WiFi Smart Retrofit Lock + Wireless is the clearest all-around pick in this comparison, but check the badges above for a better fit if your priority is narrower.
When to Spend More / Save
Spend more if
You want the most complete feature set and don't mind paying more for Philips WiFi Smart Retrofit Lock + Wireless-tier hardware.
Save if
You just want reliable core functionality, Philips WiFi Smart Retrofit Lock covers the basics at the most affordable pick in this comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do smart locks work during a power outage?
Yes. Smart locks run on batteries, not household power, so they keep working during a power outage. The concern is dead batteries rather than a power outage, which is why most models include a backup access method like a physical key or a 9V terminal for emergency power.
Can a smart lock be installed on any door?
Most smart locks are designed to fit standard US door prep (a 2-1/8 inch crossbore), which covers the vast majority of American front doors. Retrofit models specifically fit over an existing deadbolt, while full replacement locks require standard deadbolt door prep. Check the listing's compatibility section if your door has unusual hardware.
Is a smart lock as secure as a traditional deadbolt?
Most current smart locks use the same ANSI/BHMA-graded deadbolt hardware as traditional locks, with the electronic components as an addition rather than a replacement for physical security. Look for an explicit security grade rating in the listing if this is a priority.
Do I need a hub to use a retrofit smart lock?
It depends on the connectivity type. Locks with built-in WiFi work without any separate hub. Bluetooth-only locks typically need a bridge accessory (sold separately or bundled) for remote access away from home; without one, they still work fine at close range via the app.
How long do smart lock batteries last?
Most current models claim several months to about a year of battery life under normal use, and better models send a low-battery notification through the app well before they die, along with a backup power option so you're not locked out.
Bottom Line
best overall: Philips WiFi Smart Retrofit Lock + Wireless - best overall pick in this roundup.
See the full rankings above for all picks with pros, cons, and best-for summaries.
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