What is a smart lock? Surprisingly, trade associations like the Associated Locksmiths of America, Society of Professional Locksmiths and Institutional Locksmiths’ Association don't offer a definition.
For decades, fast-food restaurants and hotels have used numeric keypad locks and electronic deadbolts, but these "keyless locks" use magnets and radio-frequency identification, not a network connection.
"Electronic locks cannot be integrated with smart home systems in the same way that smart locks can, nor can they be controlled via a smartphone over a wireless network," says Lock Blog's Hugo Reed.
Unfortunately, smart locks don't have a common set of features: Some use WiFi, others use Bluetooth. Some connect to an existing deadbolt and others replace it altogether. Thankfully, even inexpensive smart locks support features like temporary access codes and a keyed-entry failsafe (which is a must have).
Are Smart Locks Safe?
All locks are vulnerable to hardware risks and no type of lock is 100% safe or effective. However, internet-connected locks are also vulnerable to software and power risks:
Firmware updates - Hundreds of Airbnb guests were locked out of their rentals when a software update caused a "fatal error" in some LockState 6i/6000i smart locks. The $469 lock couldn't be fixed remotely, so homeowners had to send their locks back to the manufacturer to be fixed or replaced.
Hacking - "Many of the manufacturing companies don’t allocate resources and funds to securing their devices, because as some will honestly admit, 'Consumers don’t pay for security. They pay for functionality,'" explained cybersecurity-expert Bruce Schneier in a TechTalks’ interview.
Privacy and data collection - Some smart home control apps require unnecessary permissions, like access to photos, videos and address books. On top of that, overseas developers are sometimes outside the enforcement of American and European data-and-privacy laws.
Power failure - Smart locks requires batteries, and those batteries only last 6 to 12 months before they must be replaced. Similarly, a smartphone with a dead battery can't communicate with a smart lock.
Hardware vulnerabilities - Few (if any) smart locks meet the highest security standards for door locks: ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 certification and UL437 (lock picking test) compliance.
Despite these shortcomings, smart locks are here to stay. The ETSI Technical Committee on Cybersecurity recently announced ETSI TS 103 645: a "standard for cybersecurity in the Internet of Things." This proposal lays the groundwork for a software certification program to complement the hardware standards enforced by Underwriters Laboratories, the America National Standards Institute and the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association.
The most convenient smart locks are designed to work with home automation systems like Alexa, HomeKit, Google Home, or specific products like Nest (thermostats) and Ring (doorbells). That said, always check compatibility before buying: Some smart lock accessories are just as expensive at the locks themselves.
How Much Does a Good Smart Lock Cost?
A good smart lock (with verified, above-average reviews) costs approximately $167, according to a 12-month analysis of price trends. Those same keyless entry locks cost around $122 while on sale: an average discount of 27%. For those who want keyless entry and nothing more, "dumb" electronic deadbolts (like models from Schlage or Kwikset) typically sell for much less. Here are the best affordable smart locks:
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1. August Smart Lock + Connect, Satin Nickel
Good Value: $184 | Great Deal: $140
Check Current Price on: Amazon | Wayfair
Wireless Protocol: Bluetooth, WiFi
Compatible With: Alexa, Google Assistant
August's budget smart lock is easy to install and integrate with Google Home, according to several online customers. Many reviewers (even happy ones) say the auto-unlock feature only works around 75% of the time. Some customers had a hard time establishing a Bluetooth connection; others say the lock is loud.
2. ULTRALOQ Lever Smart Lock + Bridge WiFi Adaptor
Good Value: $200 | Great Deal: $180
Check Current Price on: Amazon | Walmart
Wireless Protocol: Bluetooth, WiFI
Compatible With: Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT
Ultraloq's budget smart lock includes all necessary installation hardware and it is easy to configure using the U-tec app, according to several online customers. Some reviewers say that the fingerprint reader sometimes requires multiple attempts; others wish that the Ultraloq WiFi bridge supported multiple door locks.
3. Schlage Z-Wave Connect Camelot Touchscreen Deadbolt with Alarm
Good Value: $174 | Great Deal: $134
Check Current Price on: Amazon | Walmart | Wayfair
Wireless Protocol: Z-Wave
Compatible With: Alexa, Google Assistant, SmartThings, Ring, Wink, Nexia
This ANSI 1 Schlage smart lock is painless to install, integrates nicely with other smart home devices and has reasonable battery life (around six months), according to several online customers. Some reviewers say that this lock malfunctions in humid climates; others say it doesn't play well with Samsung SmartThings.
4. Eufy Security Smart Lock Touch (BHMA Grade 2 Certified)
Good Value: $200 | Great Deal: $125
Check Current Price on: Amazon | Eufy
Wireless Protocol: Bluetooth
Compatible With: N/A
Eufy's smart lock is durable, simple to install and complemented by a user-friendly app, according to several online customers, many of whom praise the built-in fingerprint reader. Most reviewers (even happy ones) are disappointed that this lock doesn't support WiFi, nor voice assistants like Alexa, Siri and Google Assistant.
5. Wyze Lock and Wyze Gateway (WLCKG1)
Good Value: $100 | Great Deal: $90
Check Current Price on: Amazon
Wireless Protocol: Bluetooth, WiFi (with included Gateway), Zigbee
Compatible With: Alexa
Wyze's smart lock works well, has an intuitive companion app and it is easy to install, according to several online customers. Many reviewers warn that the auto-unlock feature is unreliable (and suggest looking elsewhere if you consider this a must-have feature). Others wish that the lock supported Google Assistant.
6. Lockly Bluetooth Fingerprint Reader Smart Door Lock
Good Value: $200 | Great Deal: $185
Check Current Price on: Amazon | Home Depot | Lowe's
Wireless Protocol: Bluetooth
Hub Required to Work With Alexa or Google Assistant
Lockly's inexpensive deadbolt smart lock is easy to install, it has a user-friendly app and the integrated fingerprint reader works reliably well, according to several online customers. Some reviewers wish this model included WiFi (a separate hub is required); others say that the battery life is disappointing.
7. MiLocks MiEQ Bluetooth/WiFi Deadbolt Replacement Smart Lock Kit
Good Value: $200 | Great Deal: $150
Check Current Price on: Walmart | Best Buy
Wireless Protocol: Bluetooth, WiFi
Compatible With: Alexa, Google Assistant
This gold-toned smart lock is easy to install and works reliably via smartphone or pushbutton, according to several customers. Many reviewers say the instructions are poor; others had difficulty integrating this lock with Alexa. One customer suggests setting up the lock's WiFi connection prior to installation.
8. SimpliSafe Smart Lock + PIN Pad (Subscription Required)
Good Value: $100 | Great Deal: $70
Check Current Price on: Best Buy | Walmart
Wireless Protocol: Cellular; WiFi
Compatible With: Alexa, Google Assistant
This inexpensive smart lock is simple to install and works flawlessly with the SimpliSafe app, according to many of the security company's subscribers. Some reviewers say their lock intermittently loses connection.
9. Schlage (BE468CEN626) Connect Century Touchscreen Deadbolt
Good Value: $177 | Great Deal: $119
Check Current Price on: Amazon | Wayfair | Lowe's
Wireless Protocol: Z-Wave
Compatible With: Alexa, Google Assistant, SmartThings, Ring, Wink, Nexia
This Schlage smart lock installs quickly and is easy to use, according to several happy customers. Some reviewers had trouble resetting the lock's codes or keeping the lock synced with a smart home hub. The lock's battery life has mixed reviews, but this varies based on climate conditions and battery brand.
10. Lockly Bluetooth Keyless Entry Door Smart Lock
Good Value: $200 | Great Deal: $149
Check Current Price on: Amazon | Home Depot
Wireless Protocol: Bluetooth
Hub Required to Work With Alexa, Google Assistant or HomeKit
Pin Genie’s smart lock has a unique security feature: The numeric pad changes its configuration each time its used (making it harder for someone to see your code). Many online customers praised Pin Genie's installation manual and video, but some reviewers wish that it was easier to assign temporary passcodes.