Best Smart Electronic Door Locks of 2020

Bottom line: Choose Schlage Encode for security

The Schlage Encode stands atop our rankings because it has more robust security than the competition. It’s an excellent option to use in a smart home system, but you can also program pin codes on the keypad without a mobile app or smart hub.

We compared prices, security ratings, customer reviews, and ease of use to pick the most secure electronic locks for your front or back door.

Compare the best electronic locks

*Amazon.com list price as of 11/23/2020 at 4:30 p.m. (MT). Read full disclaimer.

Best keyless electronic locks reviews

Schlage Encode: Best for security

For top-notch protection, you can’t beat the Schlage Encode. This smart lock is one of the most expensive on our list (averaging around $250), but it delivers on both convenience and security.

This keyless lock comes with the highest security rating of any door lock we considered. The Schlage Encode boasts ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 certification, which is the highest rating available.

We especially like that you don’t have to connect this lock to a smart home hub thanks to its built-in Wi-Fi. This is a big improvement over the Schlage Connect, our previous top pick, which worked only with Z-Wave (or Zigbee) smart homes.

Still, Wi-Fi uses a lot of juice, so don’t expect more than a couple months’ worth of battery life on this Wi-Fi smart lock.

August Wi-Fi Smart Lock: Best smart features

The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is the undisputed leader when it comes to smart locks, and this fourth-generation offering doesn’t disappoint.

Enjoy remote control, low battery alerts, and a secure built-in Wi-Fi connection. There’s also a Bluetooth connection for better battery performance when you’re at home.

And when it comes to looks, this lock stands out. Because it installs on the inside of your door, you’ll appreciate the compact, unobtrusive modern design that complements most home décor.

We really like that it has a smaller size that isn’t as bulky on your door. It’s a bit more expensive than the previous versions, costing around $250.

The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock works with existing deadbolts, which is convenient. However, it isn’t compatible with all deadbolt models, so make sure yours is compatible before making the investment.

Learn more about this company’s locks in our full August smart lock review.

Yale Assure Lock SL: Best keyless touchscreen

The Yale Assure Lock SL has a slick keyless touchscreen that makes it a stylish addition to your front door. While we prefer the Wi-Fi version that uses the August Home app, there are also Z-Wave, Zigbee, and HomeKit variants so you can connect this lock to your smart home platform of choice.

It features an easy-to-use touchscreen keypad that is backlit. You can program and save up to 250 entry codes—more codes than any other smart deadbolt on our list.

This keypad door lock also comes with a privacy setting that lets you disable some or all codes for a specified amount of time. This feature could come in handy for a few reasons, but our favorite scenario is locking out teens who try to sneak in (or out) after curfew.

Although the backlit touchscreen is attractive, users express concern about wear and leftover fingerprints that could tip off a thief.

Read our Yale smart lock review to learn more about the Yale Assure Lock SL.

Kwikset Aura: Budget Bluetooth pick

Kwikset is one of the most well-known names in home locks, and the Kwikset Aura Bluetooth lock combines the look of their conventional keypad locks with high-tech functionality.

Aura uses Bluetooth to connect to your smartphone so you can lock and unlock your door with the app. Unlocking isn’t as seamless as it was on the Kwikset Kevo, which only required a tap on the lock itself, but it’s still convenient for most folks.

This Bluetooth lock doesn’t connect to the internet, so you can control it only when you’re close to the lock. It’s disappointing that there’s no remote access, but it practically cuts the price in half compared to Wi-Fi smart locks.

But despite a trusted brand name, it isn’t a customer favorite, though it fares better than other Kwikset smart locks. This smart deadbolt has a number of customer reviews complaining about the quality of the lock. Reliability, slow response time, and glitches with the app are among the top concerns.

Kwikset Electronic Deadbolt: Best starter electronic lock

The Kwikset Electronic Deadbolt is the perfect starter electronic door lock, even though it doesn’t offer Bluetooth connectivity or smart home functions.

We like that this simple keypad lock is so affordable, often costing less than $50, making it an ideal choice if you want a keypad on a budget. It also sounds an alarm and disables the keypad temporarily when someone attempts too many wrong codes.

Because it doesn’t require a smartphone or Wi-Fi connection, it makes keyless entry an option for everyone. It can hold only six user codes, so it’s not great if you want lots of codes for a short-term rental.

More brands we considered

SimpliSafe

The SimpliSafe Smart Lock is a newcomer to the smart lock scene that gives you a keyless lock option for the SimpliSafe ecosystem. Unfortunately, it requires a SimpliSafe monitoring subscription, so it’s not useful to folks without a SimpliSafe system.

For a deeper look at this lock, check out our SimpliSafe Smart Lock review.

SoHoMiLL

The SoHoMiLL Electronic Door Knob is affordable (under $50) and works with both left- and right-hinged doors. But we wish it could hold more codes—you can only store up to eight, compared to hundreds on other electronic lock models. And this isn’t a deadbolt, so it adds more convenience than extra security.

How to fake a smart lock

If your budget can’t stomach a full new smart lock system right now, consider supplementing your regular lock with smart lock accessories. These products grant you strong security and modern convenience without fully replacing your current lock.

Our approach

Using your fingerprint to unlock the front door may seem like sci-fi, but the future is here! 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 electronic locks, we reviewed twenty locks for overall security, functionality, reliability, and customer satisfaction. We considered national standards for lock security as well as expert ratings and customer reviews.

More than twenty hours of independent research went into comparing and contrasting the benefits and downsides of each lock to determine our top picks.

• 26 hours researched
• 28 products considered
• 2,500+ customer reviews consulted
• 368 ounces of coffee consumed

Learn more about how we review products by reading our methodology.

Final word

The Schlage Encode offers a rigid construction that stands up to abuse and earns it a Grade 1 security rating. It even works directly with your smartphone thanks to built-in Wi-Fi, though it doesn’t have the best battery life.

Overall, door locks and deadbolts offer varying levels of security and convenience. And they’re the first line of defense for your home and family, so they need to be reliable. Stick with us a little longer by checking out our list of frequently asked questions about smart locks.

Smart lock FAQ

What are ANSI/BHMA security ratings?

The ANSI/BHMA (American National Standards Institute/Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association) grading system is the most common rating used to provide consumers with quality assurance when it comes to the smart door lock you use to protect your home.

These organizations put consumer locks through a series of tests to determine operational function, pull strength, key torque cycles, and impact resistance. Look for locks with an ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 or Grade 2 for the best security. These industry standards ensure your locks work now and for years to come.

How do smart locks connect to other devices?

When it comes to how your smart deadbolt works, there is a lot of tech lingo floating around. Here’s a quick reference to demystify the jargon:

• 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.

What’s better in a smart lock, convenience or security?

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.

Can my smart lock be hacked?

Yes, but the biggest difference is that a smart door lock is vulnerable to remote hacks, so 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.

Does a smart lock tip off burglars?

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.

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• August Smart Door Locks Review
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Disclaimer

*Amazon.com list price as of 11/23/2020 at 4:30 p.m. (MT). Product prices and availability are accurate as of this date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any prices and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Safewise.com utilizes paid Amazon links.

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