Smart Locks

Best Smart Locks Featured in This Roundup:

List of the Best Smart Locks

1. August Smart Lock Pro

Pros
  • Works with Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant  
  • Keyless access for your family and friends 
  • 24/7 tracking capabilities for your home
Cons
  • Terrible customer support services  
  • May not be worth the money it asks for
Bottom Line

The August Smart Lock Pro is not a perfect smart lock but does offer quite a few excellent features. With this product, you practically have the power to control everything that goes in and out of your home at the palm of your hand. It is easily one of the most compatible devices with other smart home systems and can be controlled with our smartphones. 

 

But because of its issues, it isn't able to take the top spot in our list of the best smart locks for 2019. We are hoping, though, that its problems can be fixed and addressed so that when we try the next iteration, it would perfect its craft and give us the smart lock we deserve. 

Read our in-depth August Smart Lock Pro Review here.

2. Schlage Z-Wave Connect Camelot Touchscreen Deadbolt

Pros
  • Includes a hypoallergenic, washable cover layer 
  • Promotes natural freshness and comfort
  • Helps to distribute pressure points in any sleeping position evenly
Cons
  • May induce neck and back pain  
  • May have been made cheaply and grows mold after only a few weeks
Bottom Line

The Schlage Z-Wave Connect Camelot Touchscreen Deadbolt may have delivered an excellent smart lock for some customers, but not all are convinced by its performance, primarily because of its flaws. However, its robust features are enough for us to overlook the mistakes within its design and systems, and its added convenience is another excellent addition to our homes. 

 

In the end, the Schlage Z-Wave Connect Camelot Touchscreen Deadbolt would have been the top smart lock if it wasn't for its poorly designed app. We can only hope that the company will fix this problem in the future and listen to the feedback from us, the consumers, so they can provide us with a smart lock that ticks all the boxes. Because at the moment, charging $160 for a product that doesn't fulfill everything we need can't be considered a good purchase. 

Read our in-depth Schlage Z-Wave Connect Camelot Touchscreen Deadbolt Review here.

3. Kwikset 98880-004 SmartCode 888 Smart Lock

Pros
The Kwikset 98880-004 SmartCode 888 Smart Lock enables the lock to communicate with other devices in your home wirelessly. This lock allows the user to remotely check the door lock status, receive a notification via email or text, and to lock or unlock the door. Smart Code is your One-Touch locking motorized deadbolt as well as features a Smart Key Security as the back-up keyway.    Using your personalized code, you can enter your home with the confidence of keyless entry and its back-lit keypad provides easy visibility during the night. Smart Code is easy to install, program, and use, and only needs four AA batteries to operate. Plus, the crisp and clean appearance of the Satin Nickel finish adds to the overall look of the product and brings a modern feel. 
Cons
  • The lock may fail only less than a week later 
  • May take up to 2-3 tries before getting it to unlock
Bottom Line

In the end, the Kwikset 98880-004 SmartCode 888 Smart Lock is an excellent addition to protecting your home while you're away or asleep, in this way, you never miss anything. While it does let users down with a few system issues, it ultimately does what it's supposed to do and provides a safe and secure product to protect our homes and valuables, while giving us the access to see who comes in and out of our home. 

 

So if you get a unit that doesn't have any of its known software flaws, then you are in for a treat. The Kwikset 98880-004 SmartCode 888 Smart Lock will be sure to keep your home locked while providing a quick way for your family to get in and out whenever they need to while providing you with a watchful eye. All in all, the Kwikset 98880-004 SmartCode 888 Smart Lock is an excellent smart lock to add to your list of must-haves for this year, so you can be sure your home remains safe and sound. 

Read our in-depth Kwikset 98880-004 SmartCode 888 Smart Lock Review here.

4. Yale YRD226-ZW2-619 Z-Wave Plus Touchscreen Deadbolt Assure Lock

Pros
  • Compatible and works well with Alexa 
  • Uses a backlit, touchscreen keypad 
  • Compatible with other smart home systems
Cons
  • May consume battery very fast  
  • May develop problems after only a few days
Bottom Line

The Yale YRD226-ZW2-619 Z-Wave Plus Touchscreen Deadbolt Assure Lock gave a fair try at providing us with a smart lock solution to our homes but also makes mistakes that could have been avoided to provide us with an excellent product. While it has excellent compatibility features with many Smart Home devices, its lackluster performance and design are enough to steer people away, along with its $250 price tag. 

 

In the end, the Yale YRD226-ZW2-619 Z-Wave Plus Touchscreen Deadbolt Assure Lock isn't worth our money at its current state. But if the company should improve on this iteration and decide to fix all the issues they have encountered, then perhaps they can provide us with a smart lock that is worth our attention.

Read our in-depth Yale YRD226-ZW2-619 Z-Wave Plus Touchscreen Deadbolt Assure Lock Review here.

5. Oaks Smart Lock, Electronic Front Door Deadbolt

Pros
  • This smart lock is easy to install 
  • Replaces all your keys with codes for a more convenient and secure solution 
  • Optional feature to automate locking after entry or exit
Cons
  • May stop working after a few months  
  • May suffer from Bluetooth and app issues
Bottom Line

In the end, the Oaks Smart Lock, Electronic Front Door Deadbolt is a useful tool to have in your home, for your safety and security. It gives us flexible features that make it easy to use and a way to monitor our home 24/7 from our smartphones, so convenience is built right into this product. But its system problems are far too serious to overlook, which is why it can't be crowned as the best smart lock of this year. 

 

Setting its flaws aside, we believe that if the company chooses to work on its product and improve on its performance, then we'll look forward to a better smart lock from Oaks. But even with its flaws, it's still one of the best smart lock systems out in the market now, so don't miss out on your chance at getting a fantastic product for a low price of $144. And if you get lucky and get a proper Oaks Smart Lock all in working order, then you'll never have to find another replacement for a long time. 

Read our in-depth Oaks Smart Lock, Electronic Front Door Deadbolt Review here.

Smart Lock Buyers Guide

A great smart lock offers convenience, flexibility, and peace of mind. But the process of upgrading your home security is an intimidating prospect under the best circumstances. It can be particularly daunting if you don’t know what to look for.

It’s difficult to find a product that is universally compatible with every home. Although the smart home ecosystem has been rapidly expanding, it is still fairly young and rudimentary. Most products would be a little rough around the edges. This guide aims to give you a well-rounded perspective on the benefits of smart locks and how to pick the one that works best for your home.

What is a smart lock?

The most important, but sadly underrated, aspect of home security is most likely your door locks. The emergence of electronic lock proves how the smart home industry recognizes the eventuality of connected devices as an efficient means of maximizing safety and security.

A smart lock is an electromechanical locking device that can be locked or unlocked wirelessly upon receiving commands from an authorized source. These intelligent deadbolts allow a whole new way to open your doors. Depending on the make and model, you can control the lock via a smartphone app, a button, or even by touching your lock, waving your phone in front of the lock, or just being close to the door.

How does it work?

Like traditional locks, connected locks consist of two main parts: the lock and the key.
However, the key is not a physical key. It can be a smartphone, a key fob, or a digital key sent via SMS or email to allow homeowners to grant access to guests, couriers, and other service personnel.

While automation gives us unparalleled convenience, helping us gain complete control of our lives, it also does create security concerns. You must carefully consider your options and your device settings and features to make smart home technology beneficial for you.

An important caveat to consider first: having a smart door lock won’t necessarily make your home any safer. There are instances where a traditional deadbolt can provide better security. But connected locks allow for more control — so you can access your door remotely and share virtual keys to relatives, guests, caregivers, and anyone who needs to enter your home regularly.

Important considerations for smart lock buyers

Smart security systems are quickly becoming standard household items rather than superfluous luxuries. The first step toward finding the right lock for you is to decide on the type of product you want and the features you can’t live without.

Many people want a keyless lock for different reasons. For instance, some people want something that works with their home networking system. Others prefer a smart lock that offers alternate entry.

Before you make a decision, think long and hard — home security is not something you should take lightly. You should fully understand the benefits you are expecting, realize that any connected device is vulnerable to unauthorized intrusions, and determine which is more important to you.

Here are some of the essential considerations to take into account to help you narrow down your smart lock choices.

Connectivity

Some “smart locks” can’t communicate with a smartphone app or any smart home system. They are really just electronic locks that use code instead of a key to unlock. In order to monitor your lock using your iPhone or Android device or let it communicate with your smart home setup, it must use any of the three communication protocols.

Bluetooth

The most common connection standard used with smart locks is Bluetooth. These locks connect seamlessly with your smartphone, but can’t be monitored remotely or connected to a smart home hub. It’s fine if you just want a quick solution to frequently misplaced keys, but if you want more control and the ability to access your lock when you’re not at home, you need a Z-Wave or

WiFi-connected smart locks.

The upside to Bluetooth is that it connects directly out of the box, without the need for an additional bridge or hub. Also, it doesn’t drain batteries as quickly as WiFi does. Under normal conditions and a reasonable number of locking and unlocking, batteries should last for about a year.

WiFi

With a WiFi-enabled lock, you can control the lock anywhere with an internet connection. WiFi connectivity is often available as an optional add-on. An example would be the August Connect that serves as a remote access bridge between the August line of locks and your home network. With Kwikset Bluetooth locks, you also need a separate component to have a WiFi connection that will enable remote access and integration with other smart devices.

Z-Wave

Z-Wave is another wireless protocol that allows connected devices to communicate with each other within your smart home. Z-Wave locks also require a middleman device to be able to control the lock with your smartphone. Samsung’s Smart Things and Wink Hub is an example of a Z-Wave hub. The downside of this protocol is the range restriction, which is about 100 feet. You can boost the signal up to 500 feet by buying extender devices. A Z-wave smart lock may not be a worthy investment if you don’t plan to add more devices to your smart home.

Installation

Do you want to keep or replace your existing lock? Retrofit models are attached to the interior side of your door, so you can keep your antique Victorian-style deadbolt and save yourself some installation time. You can open the lack via a smartphone app or continue to use the standard key for the outside. Make sure the smart lock product is compatible with your deadbolt before you buy them.

Smart home integration

If you have an existing hub like Homekit, Smart Things or Wink, or voice assistants like Siri or Amazon Alexa, you’ll want to make sure that your chosen smart lock is compatible from the start. A sizeable number of smart locks use Bluetooth, so they can connect with your phone, but will not be able to integrate with your home network. Choose a lock that supports Z-Wave or ZigBee if you are using a smart home system like Wink Hub or Smart Things.

Features

The latest smart locks offer additional features that add convenience but may also come with extra cost. Smart locks aren’t cheap but it’s better not to skimp on your home security. Consider the convenience it delivers, the features that can enhance functionality, and decide how much you can spend.

Virtual keys – many smart locks let you create and distribute digital locks for your house guests to use either indefinitely or for a limited amount of time

Geofencing – automatically locks the door when you have left the vicinity and can be set to unlock when your phone is in close proximity

Power backup – allows emergency power during a power outage. Yale smart locks have external jacks where you can hook up a 9-volt battery to power the lock

Alternate entry – some locks have a numeric keypad or traditional keyhole for worst-case scenarios

Are they really smart?

Many smart lock users have been disappointed with their purchase because they failed to grasp the potential drawbacks of this new smart device. Technology is fantastic until it fails to work. You have to understand the limitations of these products so you won’t end up regretting your decision.

When your phone’s out of battery, you may not be able to open your door lock.
The system could malfunction and fail to authenticate that you are entering the premises
Smart locks can be hacked if they are not updated regularly
Not all smart locks can connect with your devices
Older keypad locks are vulnerable to tampering

Smart Locks FAQ

Q: How does hands-free unlock work?
A: Some smart locks have a geotagging feature that detects if you are near or far from the door as long as you leave the app running on your phone. It automatically opens when you are in close proximity and closes behind you when you leave.

Q: What are the different options of unlocking a smart lock without a physical key?
A: There is a myriad of approaches available depending on the model. It can be opened via fingerprint access, key fob, RFID card, voice control, and keypad among others.

Q: How are smart locks powered?
A: Most smart locks run on battery power. The battery life depends on smart lock usage and where the lock is installed. Doors that are slightly misaligned can impact battery life.

Q: Can I use a smart lock if I’m renting?
A: Since most landlords insist to preserve their right to entry, you need to give them your keycode or extend a copy of the key to the lock. It may also be against your rental contract to install a smart lock, so ask your landlord if you are allowed to install a new lock or not.

Q: How much does a smart lock cost?
A: Feature-packed smart locks generally cost between $200 to $300. If you need an additional hub or bridge, it could set you back an additional $70 to $100.