The 9 Best Smart Locks in 2026

If you want one lock that works day to day without constant fuss, the Schlage Encode Plus is a strong fit for the Best Overall slot. Its standout trait is the hardwired-ready setup, which reduces the usual worry about power and keeps the smart lock behavior steady when you rely on app control and auto-lock.

The lock scores well for real-world safety and dependability. People tend to describe it as sturdy, with strong defenses for everyday use, and it is designed to stay dependable once installed. Day to day, it uses the Schlage system with app and physical key backup, so you are not stuck if the phone app misbehaves. It also works with major voice ecosystems like Alexa and Google Assistant, plus Apple Home for easier home-wide routines.

One key drawback is connectivity. It is Wi-Fi only on 2.4GHz, and some users notice lag when the signal is weak. HomeKit pairing can also feel confusing. If you want a reliable, security-focused smart deadbolt with app control and a physical key backup, and you can handle Wi-Fi setup on 2.4GHz, this is the one to get.

This Schlage WiFi smart lever is a strong fit for lever doors because it blends smart access into a familiar handle-style design. The standout trait is its Wi-Fi control, so you can lock and unlock from your phone without adding a separate hub.

In real use, it leans on dependable day-to-day operation. Users tend to report quick control and a stable connection, and the app setup is straightforward. It also supports major voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant, which makes routine commands feel natural. Build quality and ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 status add confidence when you install it on a frequently used entry.

The main downside is the latch lock strength, along with a setup that can feel power-hungry over time. App integrations also can be inconsistent depending on what you connect. If you want a Grade 1 lever smart lock with smooth phone and voice control, and you can live with the trade-offs on the latch and power draw, this is a solid pick.

If you want a smart lock that fits the Apple Home Key idea, Level Lock Pro is a strong choice because it unlocks with NFC support for iPhone tap-to-open. It is built as a deadbolt with a Grade 1 ANSI/BHMA rating, so the hardware side matches the daily trust you expect from a front-door lock.

In real use, the lock is designed to stay dependable. You get a long battery life of 12 mo, plus secure access options that include the Level app and a physical key. Its connectivity stack also helps stability, with Bluetooth, Thread, and Matter for local-capable control and smoother automation in supported setups.

The main drawback is power handling, since it uses a disposable CR2 battery, not a rechargeable one. It also fits best on doors in a narrow thickness range of 1.75-2 in, and some performance depends on your broader smart-home ecosystem. If you have Apple Home set up and want a solid tap-to-unlock deadbolt with long battery life, this is the one to get.

If you want a smart lock that unlocks fast without taking out your phone, the fingerprint reader makes the TP-Link Tapo DL110 a strong fit for the Best Fingerprint spot. It uses a deadbolt design with a keypad, physical key, and app access as backups, so daily entry does not depend on one method.

Security is solid with an ANSI/BHMA Grade 2 deadbolt and a long list of unlock options. Reliability looks good for everyday use, helped by rechargeable power rated for about 12 months. In practice, that multi-method setup means you can still get in if one credential fails, like a tired fingerprint or a dead phone.

The main drawback is narrower ecosystem support, so it may not match every smart home setup as smoothly as some competitors. If you want dependable fingerprint unlocking plus key and keypad backups, and you are mostly in the Alexa, Google Assistant, or SmartThings world, this is the one to get.

This August Smart Lock is a strong fit for the Best Retrofit slot because it swaps in like a traditional deadbolt, then adds smart control through its Wi-Fi bridge. That means you do not have to replace the whole door lock setup to get app access.

In day to day use, it is easy to operate. The keypad and app make entry simple for families and guests, and access sharing is straightforward. Auto-lock behavior keeps things consistent, while the solid deadbolt form factor helps it feel dependable. Reliability also tracks well, with stable remote control through the Wi-Fi bridge and broad support across Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Home, and SmartThings.

The main trade-off is power. It uses disposable 2 CR123 batteries, so you will be thinking about replacements. Bridge setup is also a dependency, so initial setup matters. If you want a clean retrofit deadbolt upgrade with keypad plus remote access and common smart home compatibility, this is the one to get.

This lock fits the Best with Matter role thanks to Matter support over Thread, plus the everyday convenience of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. In practice, that means faster handoffs between your phone, home network, and smart home routines, without relying only on one connection type.

Strong deadbolt security is a clear focus, and it pairs that with multiple unlock paths. You can use the Nuki app, and you can still unlock with a physical key. Setup and daily use feel straightforward, and battery life is rated around 6 months using 4 AA batteries. It also works across major platforms like Apple Home, Alexa, Google Assistant, and SmartThings.

The main trade-off is that it lacks physical backup power, so a dead battery can leave you stuck until the lock is powered again. Keypad connection dropouts can also be annoying in some setups. If you want a Matter smart lock that covers many ecosystems and reliable remote control, this is a solid choice. If you need guaranteed keypad consistency and true fail-safe backup power, look elsewhere.

If you want a smart lock that feels simple at the door, the Aqara Smart Lock U200 is a strong fit for the Best with NFC role. Tapping an NFC tag to unlock is fast and avoids fumbling with an app or long codes. It also keeps the daily experience flexible with fingerprint, keypad, key, and app access.

In everyday use, the lock combines solid deadbolt security with multi-protocol support, including Bluetooth, Thread, and Matter. That mix helps it stay useful across smart home setups, and remote unlock and status updates tend to be responsive. The battery life is rated around 6 mo on a rechargeable battery, which cuts down on frequent maintenance.

Its main downside is inconsistent connectivity, with reports of buggy behavior, and Apple Home delays can slow things down for HomeKit users. If you want reliable NFC unlock at the door and plan to use Aqara with Matter-supported platforms, this is the one to get, especially if you can tolerate some rough edges in Apple Home.

This Yale Assure Lock SL fits the Best Long Battery Life role because it is rated for about 18 mo of battery life. That means fewer battery swaps and less worry about your front door going offline.

It earns strong reliability marks for everyday use, with smooth unlock options like the keypad, app, and voice control. The lock is built to a Grade 2 ANSI/BHMA standard, and users describe it as sturdy with dependable auto-lock behavior. Setup and day-to-day access also tend to feel straightforward for both owners and guests.

The main drawback is that some smart features depend on an accessory module, and HomeKit performance can be hit or miss. If you want a dependable, long-lasting battery smart deadbolt with simple daily access, this is a solid pick for most households, especially those who prioritize consistent operation over HomeKit-first control.

This DESLOC D110 Plus lock fits the Best Value slot because it nails the basics without making access complicated. The standout is fast fingerprint unlock, backed up by a keypad, the DESLOC app, and a physical key. It also supports voice control through Alexa and Google Assistant, so remote use feels normal for most smart-home setups.

Security is solid for a smart lock at Grade 3, and the deadbolt design helps it stay focused on forced-entry resistance. In daily use, multi-method access reduces friction when phones die or guests need entry. The battery life is rated for about 6 mo, and it runs on Battery + Hardwired power, which helps lower the odds of lockouts.

The main trade-off is a short code expiration window, so you may need to manage guest codes more often. The build feel is also more basic than premium alternatives. If you want a dependable Grade 3 deadbolt with fingerprint plus keypad and voice control, this is a good pick for busy households and shared entry situations.