Smart entry locks are the biggest improvement to home security since the lock-and-key system was invented more than a thousand years ago. In many cases, smart locks dispense with physical keys altogether in favor of PINs, fingerprints, NFC tags, smartphone apps–even your smartphone or smart watch. And with some of the latest models, you can even unlock your door with just your face! Smart locks deliver lots of other benefits, too.
They invariably have logging systems, so you can keep track of who’s coming and going–and when. That’s incredibly useful whether you have a teenager who tends to break curfew or merely want to give temporary access to houseguests, service providers, or Airbnb guests. Smart locks are an incredible upgrade over the old way of doing things, and these are our top picks in several categories.
Why you should trust us
TechHive’s editors and contributors have been testing smart locks since the very first models came to market, and we continuously evaluate the latest models along with their accompanying apps. We’ve tested keyless smart locks, retrofit locks, locks with keypads, Bluetooth-only locks, locks that support geofencing, and more. You can trust us to guide you to the right smart lock for your needs.
Our top picks for smart locks
Level Lock+ Connect — Best smart lock overall
Pros
- Understated industrial design that doesn’t scream “it’s a smart lock!”
- Supremely easy to install and set up
- Compatible with Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit (including Apple’s “home key” NFC tech
- Thread radio onboard for eventual Matter certification
Cons
- No biometric security
- Pricey
Why we like the Level Lock+ Connect
Now bundled with the Level Connect Bluetooth-to-Wi-Fi bridge, the Level Lock+ Connect is fully compatible with all three of the major smart home platforms: Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit (including Apple’s “home key” NFC tech), and Google Home. The inclusion of the bridge also erases the biggest cons we had for this minimalist lock that looks as good as it operates. It remains our highest-rated smart lock–there is nothing better on the market today. Now a division of Assa Abbloy, Level is now in the process of activating the the Thread radios on Level Locks to add Matter compatibility.
Who should buy the Level Lock+ Connect
Activating the Thread radio in the Level Lock+ Connect renders it compatible with Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Home, and Matter devices, ironing the kinks Alexa and Google Home users might have experienced. The lock had already earned Matter certification, even with the dormant Thread radio.
Kwikset Halo Select — Best mainstream smart lock
Pros
- Solid operation plus high-grade security certification from BHMA
- Wi-Fi built in, along with Matter over Thread
- Excellent geofencing system
Cons
- Buggy initial setup had to be fixed with a factory reset
- Matter connections remove some of the best features of the lock
- Expensive
Why we like the Kwikset Halo Select
You can integrate this attractive smart lock into your smart home system using either Wi-Fi or Matter over Thread, which will deliver much better battery life. While enabling the latter disables some of Kwikset’s own special features, the the system you’re integrating it into can presumably provide equivalent functionality. We also appreciate that Kwikset made the effort to obtain BHMA certification for this lock, not all manufacturers do.
Who should buy the Kwikset Halo Select
The Kwikset Halo Select strikes a good balance between the minimalism of our top pick in smart locks, the Level Lock+ Connect, and the ultra-sophisticated–and uber-expensive–Lockly Visage Pro. While it lacks a fingerprint reader and doesn’t support Apple Home Keys, it delivers lots of other features and it supports all the other smart home ecosystems, including Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings.
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Wyze Lock Bolt — Best budget-priced smart lock </h2>
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Cons
- Bluetooth only, no Wi-Fi connectivity
- Can’t be incorporated into a broader smart home system
- Uninspired industrial design
- Can’t detect if the door is open or closed
- No physical key
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<div class="product-content">Why we like the Wyze Lock Bolt
At $70, Wyze Labs’ Lock Bolt Bluetooth smart lock is dirt cheap compared to what the rest of the smart lock industry has to
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