A smart lock on your door can change your life, especially if you are the kind of person who never knows where your keys are hiding. Combined with a mobile app, you can lock, unlock and monitor your front door remotely with the best smart locks.
You can unlock it for a service provider or friend with the push of a button or with one Voice commandand know that if you lose your keys, you will not be locked out. An intelligent lock offers convenience, security, automation and security. But which Smart Lock option will suit your door?
Choosing the best smart lock for your home depends on a few factors. For some, scheduling and user code restrictions are important. For others, a door lock that can be retrofitted instead of replacing the existing deadbolt on a door is a must. We tested the best smart locks on the market today. These are our favorites that we regularly update as we review new products.
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The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock contains a retrofitted August lock and a DoorSense sensor for opening and closing. Wi-Fi is built into this model, so you don't have to buy a $ 80 Connect module to enable remote access.
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is also 45% smaller than the previous August models. It works with Siri, Google Assistant and Alexa for voice control and smart home integration. You get unrestricted user access and codes, as well as a log of all actions taken on your front door.
Wi-Fi allows remote access to lock and unlock your door from your Android or iOS devices when you are away from home. The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is a powerful, easy-to-install smart lock and the winner of our CNET Editors' Choice Award. Read our August Wi-Fi Smart Lock review.
Tyler Lizenby / CNET
August's third generation Smart Lock and Connect package includes a DoorSense open / close sensor and a Connect Wi-Fi module. The flat retrofit design means that you do not have to replace your deadbolt. Installation is simple and convenient for tenants.
The August Smart Lock with the Connect setup works with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa and can be remotely controlled via the August mobile app. You won't get Apple HomeKit Compatibility or Z-Wave Smarts to connect to a Smart Hub. Still, this August Smart Lock is an affordable, high-performance smart door lock for keyless entry. It's the best smart lock if you live in an apartment.
Editor's note: In August 2020, PCMag and Bitdefender released a report claiming that August and Yale Android apps were exposed to a hack while working with Connect modules in setup mode that could reveal Wi-Fi credentials. August's latest response to CNET states, "If the Connect's firmware is up to date and the user's August Android app is up to date, their device will not be vulnerable to the original attack, even if the device intervenes. " Configuration mode. "Read our review on August Smart Lock (2017).
Chris Monroe / CNET
The Yale SL Touchscreen Deadbolt has a small, sleek design with a touchscreen keyboard that looks great on almost any door and comes in three styles. The latest Smart Deadbolt package includes August Smarts with a Connected by August kit (Wi-Fi module and DoorSense sensors) that allows you to connect to the August app to unlock or lock your door. This keyless lock works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and HomeKit.
There is also a version with interchangeable modules for ZigBee or Z-Wave if you need to connect your door lock to smart home devices. These modules cost $ 50 each.
Editor's note: In August 2020, PCMag and Bitdefender released a report claiming that August and Yale Android apps were exposed to a hack while working with Connect modules in setup mode that could reveal Wi-Fi credentials. August's latest response to CNET states, "If the Connect's firmware is up to date and the user's August Android app is up to date, their device will not be vulnerable to the original attack, even if the device intervenes. " Configuration mode. "Read our review of the Yale Assure Lock SL Key Free Touchscreen Deadbolt.
Tyler Lizenby
The $ 235 Schlage Encode doesn't do everything. You will not get HomeKit compatibility and are limited to 100 user codes. Still, I'm a big fan because you don't need a Z-Wave device or a ZigBee hub or a Wi-Fi module to connect this door lock to your smart home.
It includes built-in Wi-Fi and works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant with simple account linking through their apps. It is also compatible with Amazon Key and provides convenience for home delivery services. The slim keyboard design is available in both modern and traditional styles and in multiple finishes. Read our Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt Review.
We tested other models
In our quest for the best smart lock, these are some of the other products we tested:
Nest Yale Lock: Nest and Yale have teamed up for a Google-centric smart lock with a touch keyboard. This $ 279 smart door lock looks good like Yale's earlier models, but isn't quite as capable of smart home integration as other keyless locks.
Array of Hampton Connected Door Lock: This $ 299 lock has solar powered battery backup and built-in WiFi, but it's expensive and doesn't have an option to work with HomeKit or Google Assistant yet.
Kwikset Kevo Bluetooth bar: $ 222 Kwikset's second generation Kevo is a good bluetooth smart lock and an easy answer to your door when you don't need remote control access. In this case you need to purchase the Kevo Plus connection module. You can use the mobile app or the key fob for keyless entry to the door.
Hit Sense Bluetooth Deadbolt: Schlag's $ 175 Sense Smart Lock is affordable, but clunky and not as easy to set up as its Encode sibling. You also need a Wi-Fi adapter with a slap lock to connect to the Google Assistant or Alexa.
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Things to remember
Smart Lock technology offers additional convenience. Note, however, that this option is primarily a security device. It is important to take security features seriously. Use a PIN code to unlock voice control and only provide access codes to open the door to people you trust. Enabling the auto-relock feature is also a good idea so that if you forget to lock the door behind you.
If your smart home is based on Wi-Fi voice assistants and you aren't using hubs, I would recommend a lock that works with your Wi-Fi network (or at least a Wi-Fi adapter). Consider whether you want a keyboard and can replace your existing latch (you'll need a new physical key to lock it) or prefer a simpler retrofit design.
Regardless of which Smart Lock you choose, adding one to your smart home has many benefits. With these tips and the best smart lock on your door, managing access for family members, roommates, service providers and guests is a breeze.
Your Guide to Buying the Right Smart Lock
