Choosing a smart lock feels overwhelming with so many options. Here’s a simple, friendly guide to help you find the best smart lock for your home and needs.

So, you’re thinking about upgrading your home’s security and diving into the world of smart locks. It’s a great move. I recently went through the same process, swapping out all the old, clunky locks on my exterior doors, including the one to the garage. And I get it – the moment you start looking, it feels like there are a million options out there. It can be a little overwhelming.

Choosing the best smart lock for your home really comes down to what you value most: convenience, security, or a seamless integration with your other smart home gadgets. I spent a ton of time digging through reviews and comparing features, and I’m happy to share what I learned to make your decision a little easier.

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Smart Lock

Before you even look at specific brands, it’s a good idea to think about how you’ll actually use the lock. Are you someone who frequently has guests or a dog walker who needs temporary access? Or are you mainly looking for the peace of mind that comes with knowing your door is always locked?

Here are a few key things to consider:

• Connectivity: How does the lock connect to your phone and other devices? Most use Bluetooth for short-range control, while others use Wi-Fi (often through a bridge) to let you lock and unlock your door from anywhere. Z-Wave and Zigbee are other options that connect directly to a smart home hub like SmartThings or Hubitat.
• Power Source: Smart locks are battery-powered. You’ll want to check the expected battery life and how the lock notifies you when it’s running low. Nothing is worse than getting locked out because of a dead battery, though most have a backup option, like a physical key or a way to temporarily power it from the outside.
• Key or Keyless?: Some models are completely keyless, featuring only a keypad or fingerprint scanner. Others are more traditional and still have a keyhole as a backup. I personally wanted a physical key option, just in case.
• Smart Home Integration: If you’re already using a system like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit, you’ll want a lock that plays nicely with it. This lets you do cool things like lock your door with a voice command or create routines where locking the door also turns off the lights and adjusts the thermostat.

Our Top Picks for the Best Smart Lock in 2025

After all my research, a few brands consistently came out on top. They each have their strengths, so the best one for you depends on your specific needs.

1. Schlage Encode Plus™ Smart WiFi Deadbolt

This one is a fan favorite for a reason. The Schlage Encode Plus is incredibly versatile. It has a built-in Wi-Fi connection, so you don’t need a separate bridge to connect it to your network. It works great with Alexa and Google Assistant, and the “Plus” version adds Apple Home Key support. This means you can just tap your iPhone or Apple Watch to the lock to open it. It’s super slick. It also has a traditional keypad and a keyhole, so you’ve got plenty of backup options.

2. August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen)

If you’re a renter or just don’t want to replace your entire deadbolt, the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is a fantastic choice. It installs on the inside of your door, over your existing deadbolt hardware. This means you can still use your original keys, which is a big plus for a lot of people. It’s sleek, discreet, and packed with features like Auto-Lock and Auto-Unlock, which uses your phone’s location to lock the door when you leave and unlock it as you approach. You can learn more about their tech on the official August website.

3. Yale Assure Lock 2

Yale is a name that’s been trusted in locks for over a century, and their smart locks live up to the reputation. The Yale Assure Lock 2 is a really solid, reliable option. It’s a bit more modular than the others. You can buy it as a Bluetooth-only model and then add a Wi-Fi or Z-Wave module later if you decide you need more connectivity. It comes in a bunch of different styles, including keypad-only and keyed versions, so you can find one that fits your home’s look. For more details on smart home compatibility, CNET has a great smart lock guide that breaks down the different connection types.

Making the Final Call

Ultimately, there isn’t one single “best smart lock” for everyone. For my home, I ended up going with a Schlage because of its direct Wi-Fi and the peace of mind that comes with a well-known security brand. But your needs might be different.

My advice? Think about your daily routines. Do you want the futuristic feel of tapping your watch to unlock the door, or do you prefer the simple, practical approach of a keypad? Answering that will point you in the right direction. It’s a bit of an investment, but the convenience and security it adds to your daily life are totally worth it. Good luck with your upgrade!