The Schlage Encode electronic door lock sits atop our rankings with the highest security ranking among competition. It complements smart home systems nicely, 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. Read on for the best smart locks combining safety and convenience.
Product | List price* | Physical key option | Keypad | Compatible with Alexa | Learn more | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for security |  Schlage Encode |  Yes | Yes | Yes | View on Amazon | |
| Best smart features |  August Wi-Fi Smart Lock | Yes | Optional accessory | Yes | View on Amazon | |
| Best keyless touchscreen |  Yale Assure Lock SL |  No | Yes | Yes | View on Amazon | |
| Budget Bluetooth pick |  Kwikset Aura | Yes | Yes | No | View on Amazon |
*Amazon.com list price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.
For top-notch protection, you can’t beat the Schlage Encode. Although this smart lock errs on the expensive side, 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.
Built-in alarm
Backup key
Strong construction
Voice control with Alexa
Easy installation 
Slow customer service
High price tag
Poor battery life 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.
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is a pioneer when it comes to smart locks and keyless entry—especially for renters and anyone who doesn't want to go through the hassle of brand-new lock installation.
Enjoy remote control, low battery alerts, and a secure built-in Wi-Fi connection on the August smart lock. There's also a Bluetooth connection for better battery performance when you're at home.
Sleek design
Auto-lock/unlock feature
Home automation compatibility
Easy installation
Simple mobile app
No security ratings
Pricey
Short battery life
Keypad costs extra And when it comes to looks, the August smart 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 $230.
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock works with your existing deadbolt, which is convenient. However, it isn’t compatible with all existing 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.
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.
The Yale lock features an easy-to-use back-lit touchscreen keypad. You can program and save up to 250 entry codes—more codes than any other smart deadbolt on our list.
Up to 250 unique codes
Easy installation
Voice control with Alexa or Google
Pricey 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.
The Nest x Yale is generally more affordable than the Wi-Fi version of the Yale Assure SL. It's a perfect choice for Google-centered smart homes, but isn't compatible with Amazon Alexa or Apple HomeKit.
*Amazon.com list price as of 9/29/2021 at 4:00 p.m. (MT). Read full disclaimer.
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.
Bluetooth
One-touch locking
Keypad and traditional key options
Affordable
Lower customer satisfaction
Glitchy app
No remote access 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.
You'll see a higher listing price Kwikset Aura's Amazon page (crossed out above the sale price). That said, we've seen this lock constantly on sale in the $110–$150 range for almost a year. We'll adjust it out of the budget-pick spot if the deep discount ever changes.
Despite the trusted brand name, the Aura smart device 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.
Learn more in our Kwikset smart locks review.
The Kwikset Halo is essentially a Wi-Fi version of the Aura, though it is more expensive and has a shorter battery life on average.
Turns regular lock into smart lock
Installs easily
Military-grade encryption
High price tag
Doesn't function as lock on its own 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, read our SimpliSafe Smart Lock review or check out our video review on YouTube.
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.
If you're not ready for 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.
We like the Haven Connect Smart Lock for the way it aids deadbolts. It's a little pricey, but it could be worth it if you don't want the hassle of fully installing a new smart lock.
Hands-free entry
Supplements deadbolt security
Notifies you of tampering
Requires more purchases for full functionality The Schlage Encode offers a rigid construction that stands up to abuse and earns it a Grade 1 security rating. This best smart door lock 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.
Our top smart lock pick for security is Schlage Encode. It's keyless, convenient, and has the highest security rating of all the door locks we researched. It boasts ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 certification (the highest rating available).
An electronic door lock can be the first step toward a fully automated smart home. People who are skeptical or intimidated by home automation often find a smart lock easier to understand, making them more likely to give it a try.
After experiencing the benefits of a keyless lock, they just can’t wait to make something else smart. Maybe something as simple as a crock pot or more advanced like smart lighting or a smart thermostat.
Before you know it, they’re seeking out smart home hubs like Amazon Alexa or Google Home to control all their smart devices with the sound of their voice. If you find yourself sliding down the slippery slope of smart home automation, do it the right way by checking out some of our related articles.
Subscribe to our Youtube channel for more videos like this one! Learn how to protect your home, your loved ones, yourself and your belongings.
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.
Depending on the lock, you might see a letter rating instead—like AAA. The three letters cover three categories respectively: durability, strength/security, and finish. Grade A is the highest rating in a given category and Grade C is the lowest.
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:
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:
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.
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.
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 door locks, we reviewed 20 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 20 hours of independent research went into comparing and contrasting the benefits and downsides of each lock to determine the best smart locks.
Learn more about how we review products by reading our methodology.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price 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.
Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.
Product | Best for | Price | Works with | Standout feature | Learn more | Read review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Vivint | Best smart home security system | $29.99+ | Amazon, Google, Z-Wave | Easy to customize | View Packages | Read review |
 Google Nest Learning Thermostat | Best smart thermostat | $229.99 | Amazon, Google, IFTTT | Knows when house is vacant | View on Amazon | Read review |
 Sonos One (Gen 2) | Best smart speaker | $228.00 | Amazon, Google | Excellent audio quality | View on Amazon | Read review |
 Schlage Encode | Best smart lock | $249.00 | Amazon, Google | Built-in alarm | View on Amazon | Read review |
 Kasa Smart Plug | Best smart outlet | $29.99 | Amazon, Google, IFTTT, SmartThings | Built-in Wi-Fi | View on Amazon | Read review |
 Philips Hue | Best smart lights | $44.99 | Amazon, Google, Apple, IFTTT, SmartThings | 16 million colors | View on Amazon | Read review |
Data as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. SafeWise uses paid Amazon links.
†Google and Google Nest Secure are trademarks of Google LLC.
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