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Smart locks are one of the most impactful smart home upgrades you can make. They eliminate fumbling for keys, let you grant access remotely, and can integrate with your broader smart home ecosystem. But with dozens of options on the market in 2026, choosing the right one requires more than just picking the prettiest keypad.
We've tested and researched the leading smart locks extensively to bring you this definitive ranking. Whether you want the best smart lock for your front door for security, the best integration with Apple Home, or the most seamless retrofit, there's something here for every home.
Top 5 Smart Locks: Comparison Table
| Lock | Connectivity | Keypad | Auto-Unlock | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August Wi-Fi Smart Lock | Wi-Fi + Z-Wave | Optional add-on | Yes | Retrofit simplicity |
| Schlage Encode Plus | Wi-Fi + Matter | Built-in | Limited | Security-first buyers |
| Yale Assure Lock 2 | Wi-Fi + Z-Wave | Built-in | Yes | Multi-platform users |
| Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro | Wi-Fi + Bluetooth | Built-in | Yes | Value buyers |
| Level Lock Pro | Bluetooth + Thread (Matter) | Optional ($79) | Yes | Apple HomeKit fans |
1. August Wi-Fi Smart Lock — Best Retrofit Smart Lock
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock remains one of the most popular smart locks on the market in 2026, and for good reason. It attaches directly to your existing deadbolt's interior thumb turn, meaning you keep your existing keys and exterior hardware. Installation takes about 10 minutes and requires no tools beyond a screwdriver.
August's built-in Wi-Fi means there's no hub required — just plug power into a nearby outlet (or use the battery model), connect to the app, and you're done. The auto-lock and auto-unlock features work reliably, using your phone's GPS to detect when you're arriving home. The DoorSense feature is a highlight: it tells you not just whether the lock is locked or unlocked, but whether the door is physically open or closed.
Integration is broad — Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, and Samsung SmartThings are all supported. For Home Assistant users, the August lock integrates cleanly, though local control depends on your hub setup.
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen)
The easiest retrofit smart lock. Fits over your existing deadbolt — no new keys needed. Supports Alexa, Google, HomeKit, and SmartThings.
Check Price on Amazon2. Schlage Encode Plus — Best Security
Schlage is an American lock institution, and the Encode Plus brings that heritage into the smart home era. Unlike the August, the Schlage replaces your entire deadbolt — exterior plate, interior thumb turn, and all. This gives it a more robust, integrated feel and means the built-in keypad is always present.
The Encode Plus was one of the first locks to support Matter over Wi-Fi, making it incredibly future-proof. It works with Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, and Google Home without needing any bridge. Security is genuinely best-in-class: the Schlage deadbolt itself is ANSI Grade 1 certified, the highest residential rating available.
The keypad supports up to 100 access codes, making it great for Airbnb hosts or households with multiple family members. Battery life is excellent — expect 6–12 months on standard AA batteries. The only downside is the lack of auto-unlock functionality and a slightly higher price.
Schlage Encode Plus Smart Lock
ANSI Grade 1 security with built-in Wi-Fi, Matter support, and a sleek keypad. One of the most secure smart locks available.
Check Price on Amazon3. Yale Assure Lock 2 — Best All-Rounder
Yale's Assure Lock 2 is the most versatile smart lock in this roundup. It's available in multiple connectivity variants — Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, Zigbee, and even Matter — so you can pick the version that best matches your smart home platform. The touchscreen keypad is capacitive and works reliably even with gloves.
Yale has excellent Home Assistant compatibility, particularly the Z-Wave version, which gives you local control without relying on cloud services. Auto-unlock works well, and the lock accepts up to 250 access codes — more than most competitors. Build quality is solid with ANSI Grade 2 certification.
4. Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro Wi-Fi — Best Value
If you want a feature-packed smart lock without spending premium prices, the Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro is hard to beat. It offers fingerprint unlock, keypad, smartphone, and key options all in one device. The fingerprint reader is fast and accurate. Wi-Fi is built in, and there's no hub required.
The U-Bolt Pro isn't as well-known as August or Schlage, but in hands-on testing it performs reliably. The app is functional if not as polished, and platform integrations are slightly more limited. For the price, though, it offers exceptional value — especially for users who don't need deep smart home integration.
5. Level Lock Pro — Best for Apple HomeKit
The Level Lock Pro replaced the Level Lock+ we used to list here as Level's flagship in August 2025, at $349. Like the Lock+, it is unlike any other smart lock on this list: it hides all its electronics inside the deadbolt itself, so your door looks like it has an ordinary deadbolt. From the outside, nobody can even tell you have a smart lock.
It uses Bluetooth for setup and Matter over Thread for smart home control, so it works with Apple Home, Google Home and Alexa, and Level says it can sit in up to five platforms at once. Remote access needs a Thread border router (such as an Apple TV or HomePod mini) or Level's $79 Connect Wi-Fi bridge. It supports Home Key in Apple Wallet — tap your iPhone or Apple Watch to unlock — and the Pro adds a door sensor in the strike plate that, per PCWorld's review, stops the bolt from throwing while the door is open. There is still no built-in keypad (an IP65 keypad is a $79 extra) and no fingerprint option, but if you're all-in on Apple, this is the slickest option available. One caveat: Level's parent company Assa Abloy cut most of the Level team in June 2026, while saying it will keep selling and developing the locks.
Level Lock Pro
Invisible smart deadbolt with Apple Home Key, Matter over Thread and door-status detection. Keypad and Wi-Fi bridge sold separately.
Check Price on AmazonSmart Lock Buying Guide
Retrofit vs. Full Replacement
Retrofit locks like the August attach to your existing deadbolt. They're faster to install and let you keep your existing keys. Full replacement locks like the Schlage Encode install a new deadbolt entirely — more work, but often better looking and more secure.
Connectivity: Wi-Fi vs. Z-Wave vs. Zigbee
Wi-Fi locks connect directly to your router without needing a hub. Z-Wave and Zigbee locks need a compatible hub (like a SmartThings hub or Home Assistant with a Z-Wave stick) but often have better battery life and more reliable local control. Matter-compatible locks offer the most future-proof option.
Battery Life
Most smart locks run on AA or AAA batteries. Expect 6–12 months with standard use. Wi-Fi locks tend to drain faster than Z-Wave or Zigbee alternatives. Always check that your lock has a low-battery warning system.
Auto-Unlock
Auto-unlock uses your phone's geofencing to detect when you arrive home and unlocks the door automatically. It's convenient but not perfect — GPS can sometimes trigger it early. Look for locks with fine-tuned geofencing settings for the best experience.
Our Top Pick
For most people, the Schlage Encode Plus offers the best balance of security, smart features, and platform compatibility in 2026. If you want a retrofit-only option, the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock remains the easiest install. And for Apple users, the Level Lock Pro is simply the most elegant smart lock you can buy.
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