Best smart locks of 2024

Best overall
Runner up
Budget pick
Best for smart homes
Best design
Schlage Sense
  • pro
    Attractive design
  • pro
    HomeKit compatible

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After comparing prices, security ratings, customer reviews, and ease of use to choose the most secure electronic locks, the Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro wins as the best smart locks for homes. It has the easiest installation, most versatile unlocking options and complements smart home systems nicely.

If you're after a more basic or less expensive model, you might prefer our other smart lock picks.



Compare the best smart locks

Smart lock
Best for
Price
Physical key option
Smart home compatibility
Learn more
Read review
Best overall
bulletYes
Alexa, Google, IFTTT
Runner up
bulletYes
Alexa, Google
Best budget pick
bulletYes
Alexa, Google, IFTTT
Best for smart homes
bulletYes
HomeKit, Alexa, Google, IFTTT
Best design
bulletYes
Apple HomeKit

Prices are accurate as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

Best smart lock reviews

1. Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro: Best smart lock overall

Best overall
Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro Wi-Fi

Price is accurate as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

The Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro is our top pick for the best smart lock thanks to its durability, built-in Wi-Fi, reasonable price, and wide range of unlocking capabilities – you can use the fingerprint scanner, keypad, app, voice commands or key to unlock it. It can also be programmed to auto-lock and unlock when you leave or enter a predefined range.

The Ultraloq is also the only lock on our list that uses IFTTT (If This Then That) alongside voice assistants like Alexa and Google. This means you can set up almost endless automation with your lock and other smart devices. An example: set your front door to lock automatically when your smart porch light turns on.

It also has an IP65 dust and waterproof rating, lifetime mechanical warranty and 18-month electronic warranty, so it's built to last.

pro
Pros
pro Affordable
pro Automatic locking/unlocking
pro Alexa, Google Assistant and IFTTT compatibility
pro Easy installation
con
Cons
con Unusual design

It also allows you to hide your code within a stream of numbers in case someone is looking over your shoulder. So if your code was 4432, you could tap in 44320134, and the door would still unlock. The longer code would be harder for someone behind you to memorise, and you’d still be able to get into your house.

The only drawback is that it looks... well, a little weird. It may not blend in with your decor.

If you're keen on this lock but want to save by skipping out on Wi-Fi, you can nab a Bluetooth-only version (without the fingerprint scanner) for less than half the price–see our pick for the best budget smart lock below!

2. Eufy Smart Lock Touch (Wi-Fi): Best smart lock runner up

Runner up

Price is accurate as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

The Eufy Smart Lock Touch (Wi-Fi) is a great all-rounder. We picked it as the runner-up because it’s packed with features:

  • Multiple unlocking options: Fingerprint, keypad, key, app (via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi)
  • Remote control through the app
  • Secure built-in Wi-Fi connection
  • Bluetooth connection for better at-home performance
  • Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility for voice control and automation
  • Built-in sensor to detect when the door is closed and lock it automatically
pro
Pros
pro Durable, sleek design
pro Automatic locking
pro Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility
pro Easy installation
con
Cons
con Pricey

It's also designed to last, with an IP65 waterproof rating built to withstand whatever the weather throws at it. It's also proven to work after locking and unlocking 250,000 times - that's up to 60 years of comings and goings.

On the downside, the Eufy Smart Lock Touch (Wi-Fi) is one of the more expensive models on our list, which is why it didn't take out the top spot. That said, you can get a lower-spec Bluetooth-only model that sacrifices the convenience of remote control and fingerprint unlocking for a much more budget-friendly price of $239.99. Speaking of budget-friendly...

3. Ultraloq U-Bolt (Bluetooth): Best budget smart lock

Best budget

Price is accurate as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

It looks almost identical to its more expensive "Pro" sibling above, but the Ultraloq U-Bolt (Bluetooth) makes a couple of key sacrifices in order to come in at its budget-friendly price point.

First is no Wi-Fi, which means no remote locking and unlocking. Second, there's no fingerprint scanner, which means one less unlocking option. Still, it's a great option for beginners or for those who want a smart lock but don't necessarily need all the bells and whistles

Aside from those small omissions, it's essentially the same product, offering the same durability and IP65 weatherproof rating for a much lower price.

Like its pricier sibling, the Bluetooth-powered Ultraloq U-Bolt is also easy to install and can sense when the door is shut, locking it automatically for optimal security.

pro
Pros
pro Affordable
pro Automatic locking
pro Alexa, Google Assistant and IFTTT compatibility
pro Easy installation
con
Cons
con No remote locking/unlocking
con Unusual design

3. Aqara Smart Lock U100: Best for smart homes

Best for smart homes

Price is accurate as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

If you're an Apple die-hard and a smart home connoisseur, you probably know how difficult it is to find a HomeKit-compatible smart lock in Australia. Finally we have a standout: the Aqara Smart Lock U100.

Also compatible with Google Home and Alexa, the U100 is a jack-of-all-trades that has a myriad of unlocking options. You can say 'open sesame' with your fingerprint, a passcode, the Aqara Home app, an Apple Home Key, and NFC tag, or a plain-old mechanical key.

It's not the cheapest smart lock on the market, and its auto-locking feature needs some work, but we still think it's one of the best.

Read our full Aqara Smart Lock U100 review for more.

pro
Pros
pro Wide smart home compatibility
pro HomeKit enabled
pro Lots of unlocking options
pro Easy installation
con
Cons
con Bulky design
con Pricey

5. Schlage Sense: Best-designed smart lock

Best design

Price is accurate as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

If you want smart lock functionality without sacrificing style, the Schlage Sense Smart Lock is for you. It comes in a variety of designs and colours to match just about any decorating style. Even though it has an exposed keyhole, it still looks sleek and looks the most like a traditional (or "dumb") lock out of all the smart locks we've seen.

But it isn't all about looks—the Schlage Sense is packed with features. It also happens to be the only lock on our list that works with HomeKit, meaning you can simply ask Siri to open or close the front door. Of course, there are other ways to unlock—namely, through the app (thanks to Bluetooth), via the keypad, or using a physical key.

pro
Pros
pro Multiple designs and colours
pro HomeKit compatibility
pro Automatic locking
pro Easy installation
con
Cons
con Only comes with one physical key
con No IP rating
con Expensive

It also has its own little alarm system built in for added security. If someone tries to tamper with the lock or force the door open, it’ll sound an alarm.

While the Sense is easy to install, users report trouble with smart home device connection and getting the codes to work correctly. You may need to Google some how-to videos since the instructions aren’t incredibly clear.

Final word

The Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro is our pick for the best smart door lock. It’s easy to install, works directly with your smartphone, has tons of unlocking options, and connects with nearly every smart home system.

The Eufy Smart Lock Touch (Wi-Fi) is a good pick if you want a more stylish design and household name.

Smart locks FAQ

An electronic door lock can be your gateway to a fully automated smart home. People who are sceptical or intimidated by home automation often find a smart lock easier to understand.

Here’s a quick reference to demystify the jargon you may encounter:

Bluetooth: Bluetooth locks use your smartphone’s Bluetooth to connect to a mobile app. This type of smart door lock has a short range, requiring an adapter to connect to your Wi-Fi network.

Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi locks connect directly to the internet but aren’t as common as Bluetooth, Z-Wave, and Zigbee because they drain batteries faster. It’s typically the priciest type of smart lock.

Z-Wave or Zigbee: These smart home devices use mesh networks where all the devices that talk to each other. Both Z-Wave and Zigbee require a smart hub to communicate with mobile apps.

Radio frequency identification (RFID) or near-field communication (NFC): RFID locks use a key fob or card for entry. Radio waves from the key card communicate with the lock to allow entry. This is the same tech behind most mobile payment platforms like Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Both convenience and security play big roles in an effective smart lock, so it’s wise to choose a smart lock with equal helpings of each. But it’s also okay if you prefer one over the other:

Convenience: Remote access, no more spare keys, and hands-free entry are all big perks of smart locks. When you’re coming in with an armload of groceries or letting in the dog walker from somewhere else, you can’t beat a smart door lock. In essence, smart locks are about convenience.

Security: While smart locks aren’t stronger than traditional locks, they do control who has access to your home and when. Locks that allow you to create a virtual key or pin code for users (and disable it as needed) give you much more security than traditional keys.    

Yes, a smart door lock is vulnerable to remote hacks. A burglar no longer has to be on-site to bypass your lock. But most hackers aren’t interested in breaking into homes when they can target bigger fish for similar effort.

Considering the downfalls of a traditional lock (losing keys, lock-picking), the risks aren’t any greater—and they may actually be less likely to occur.

Smart locks don’t use a standard key tumbler, so they look different from other door locks. Some believe the sleek, modern look of smart locks signals to a burglar that you like to spend money on fancy gadgets.

But this is speculation, and there’s no evidence to support that fear. If this concerns you, seek out a smart lock that looks more like a traditional deadbolt.

Video: How smart locks can fuel a smart home addiction

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How we reviewed the best smart locks

We pushed through all the high-tech razzle-dazzle to find the best smart and electronic keyless door locks for your home.

To find the best smart locks, we researched locks for overall security, functionality, reliability, and customer satisfaction.

  • 75+ hours researched
  • Dozens of hours of hands-on testing
  • 30+ products considered
  • 2,500+ customer reviews consulted
  • Many cups of coffee consumed

Learn more about how we review products and services on our SafeWise methodology page.


Disclaimer
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time of publish and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the retailer’s website at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. SafeWise Australia utilises paid affiliate links.
Alina Bradford
Written by
Alina Bradford

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