Best Smart Lock Systems (2026)
The best smart lock systems for 2026, compared on access methods and connectivity.
At a Glance
A genuinely good smart lock system combines reliable keyless entry with a backup method, so you're never stuck outside when a phone dies or a code is forgotten. We compared the current top systems to find the best all-around picks.
5 Criteria to Look For Before Buying a Smart Lock Systems (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 Smart Lock Systems (2026)
Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt Lock with
About this pick
Schlage's Encode pairs built-in WiFi with a keypad and physical key backup, a genuinely well-rounded system with a long track record.
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. Schlage backs this with a track record that holds up over years of daily use, not just the first few weeks.
Best all-around pick for most front doors. 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 proven, reliable all-around system
Check price on AmazonPros
- +Built-in WiFi, no separate hub needed
- +Long-established brand reliability
- +Physical key backup included
- +Ships with Century Trim, a real differentiator among the picks here
- +Ships with Keypad + Key Backup, a real differentiator among the picks here
Cons
- −No fingerprint access option on this model
- −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
Lockly Secure Pro Wi-Fi Deadbolt Smart Lock
About this pick
Lockly's Secure Pro pairs WiFi connectivity with fingerprint access, genuinely fast for daily entry.
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 fingerprint speed matters most 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 fast biometric access
Check price on AmazonPros
- +Fingerprint access is fast for daily use
- +Built-in WiFi for remote control
- +Ships with WiFi Deadbolt, a real differentiator among the picks here
- +Ships with Latest Version, a real differentiator among the picks here
- +From Lockly, a name with an established track record in this category
Cons
- −Fingerprint sensors need periodic cleaning to stay reliable
- −Ranked below the top pick in this specific smart lock systems 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
Yale Assure Lock 2 Keypad Deadbolt with Wi-Fi
About this pick
Yale's Assure Lock 2 keeps things simple with a reliable keypad and built-in WiFi.
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 simple, proven keypad system. 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 a straightforward keypad-first system
Check price on AmazonPros
- +Straightforward, reliable keypad access
- +Built-in WiFi for remote control
- +Ships with Keypad Deadbolt, a real differentiator among the picks here
- +Ships with Black Suede Finish, a real differentiator among the picks here
- +From Yale, a name with an established track record in this category
Cons
- −No biometric access option on this model
- −Ranked below the top pick in this specific smart lock systems 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
eufy Security Smart Lock C220
About this pick
eufy's C220 brings fingerprint keyless entry to a more accessible price point than premium fingerprint locks.
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 for fingerprint access. 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 fingerprint access for less
Check price on AmazonPros
- +Fingerprint access at an accessible price
- +Straightforward keyless entry setup
- +Ships with Fingerprint Keyless Entry, a real differentiator among the picks here
- +Ships with Accessible Price, a real differentiator among the picks here
- +From eufy, a name with an established track record in this category
Cons
- −Fewer premium features than top-tier fingerprint locks
- −Ranked below the top pick in this specific smart lock systems 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
ULTRALOQ Bolt SE Wi-Fi Smart Lock
About this pick
ULTRALOQ's Bolt SE supports Matter over Thread, genuinely future-proofing smart home integration.
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 future-proof smart home standards matter to you. 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 future-proof smart home integration
Check price on AmazonPros
- +Matter support for broad smart home compatibility
- +App-based remote access
- +Ships with WiFi, a real differentiator among the picks here
- +Ships with App Remote Access, a real differentiator among the picks here
- +From ULTRALOQ, a name with an established track record in this category
Cons
- −Matter over Thread requires a compatible Thread border router
- −Ranked below the top pick in this specific smart lock systems 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
August Home
About this pick
August's retrofit design fits over your existing deadbolt in minutes, keeping your current exterior hardware.
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 keeping your existing exterior hardware matters to you. 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 to keep their existing exterior hardware
Check price on AmazonPros
- +Fits over existing deadbolt hardware
- +Keeps your current exterior keyhole and hardware
- +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 Fits Existing Deadbolt, a real differentiator among the picks here
Cons
- −Retrofit design means the interior mechanism is bulkier
- −Ranked below the top pick in this specific smart lock systems 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
Fingerprint Smart Deadbolt with Keypad, Keyless
About this pick
A fingerprint deadbolt with keypad backup and auto-lock 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 full-featured smart lock. 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 fingerprint access at the lowest price
Check price on AmazonPros
- +Fingerprint plus keypad backup at an accessible price
- +Auto-lock feature included
- +Ships with Fingerprint Deadbolt, a real differentiator among the picks here
- +Ships with Keypad Backup, a real differentiator among the picks here
- +Ships with Auto-Lock, a real differentiator among the picks here
Cons
- −Less established brand than Schlage or Yale
- −Ranked below the top pick in this specific smart lock systems comparison
- −Specs are based on the current Amazon listing rather than independent hands-on testing
- −Worth double-checking the listing on battery life & backup power before buying, since that's a key differentiator in this category
How We Evaluated These Smart Lock Systems (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 Smart Lock Systems (2026)
By Priority
| Your priority | Recommended pick |
|---|---|
| Buyers who want a proven, reliable all-around system | Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt Lock with |
| Buyers who want fast biometric access | Lockly Secure Pro Wi-Fi Deadbolt Smart Lock |
| Buyers who want a straightforward keypad-first system | Yale Assure Lock 2 Keypad Deadbolt with Wi-Fi |
| Buyers who want fingerprint access for less | eufy Security Smart Lock C220 |
| Buyers who want future-proof smart home integration | ULTRALOQ Bolt SE Wi-Fi Smart Lock |
By Budget
| Priority | Recommended pick |
|---|---|
| The most affordable pick in this comparison | Fingerprint Smart Deadbolt with Keypad, Keyless (Budget Pick) |
| Balanced pick | Lockly Secure Pro Wi-Fi Deadbolt Smart Lock (Best With Fingerprint) |
| Top-rated pick | Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt Lock with (Best Overall) |
Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt Lock with vs. Lockly Secure Pro Wi-Fi Deadbolt Smart Lock
Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt Lock with
Our top pick in this comparison, ranked 1 of 7. Buyers who want a proven, reliable all-around system.
Lockly Secure Pro Wi-Fi Deadbolt Smart Lock
A strong alternative, the premium pick in this comparison. Best if buyers who want fast biometric access.
Rank vs. Price Position
| Rank | Price position |
|---|---|
| #1, Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt Lock with | Priced toward the higher end of this comparison |
| #2, Lockly Secure Pro Wi-Fi Deadbolt Smart Lock | The premium pick in this comparison |
| #3, Yale Assure Lock 2 Keypad Deadbolt with Wi-Fi | Priced in the middle of this comparison |
| #4, eufy Security Smart Lock C220 | Priced toward the lower end of this comparison |
| #5, ULTRALOQ Bolt SE Wi-Fi Smart Lock | Priced toward the lower end of this comparison |
| #6, August Home | Priced toward the higher end of this comparison |
For Smart lock system 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.
Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt Lock with 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 Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt Lock with-tier hardware.
Save if
You just want reliable core functionality, Fingerprint Smart Deadbolt with Keypad, Keyless 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 smart lock system?
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: Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt Lock with - 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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