Overwhelmed by all the options for a keyless entry deadbolt? This guide will help you choose the best smart lock for your home without the headache.
So, You’re Thinking About a Smart Lock? Here’s How to Pick the Right One
It feels like a rite of passage for any homeowner these days: staring at your front door and thinking, “I could make this smarter.” If you’ve started looking into it, you’ve probably realized there are a ton of options. It’s easy to get overwhelmed. I’ve been there. When I decided to upgrade my locks, I spent weeks trying to figure out what the best smart lock for my home would actually be. But here’s the good news: once you know what to look for, the choice becomes much clearer.
Think of it less as finding the single “best” lock on the market and more about finding the one that’s perfect for you and your daily life.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Smart Lock
Before you even look at specific brands, it helps to answer a few questions about your own home and habits. This will narrow down the options fast.
How Should It Connect? Wi-Fi vs. Bluetooth vs. Hubs
This is probably the biggest technical choice you’ll make.
- Wi-Fi: A Wi-Fi lock connects directly to your home’s network. This is great because you can lock or unlock your door from anywhere in the world (as long as you have an internet connection). The downside? It can be a bit of a battery hog compared to other options.
- Bluetooth: This connects directly to your phone when you’re nearby (usually within about 30 feet). It’s very energy-efficient, but you can’t control it when you’re away from home unless you have a separate Wi-Fi bridge or hub.
- Z-Wave or Zigbee: These are low-power mesh networks popular in the smart home world. They require a central hub (like a SmartThings or Hubitat hub) to connect to the internet. This is a fantastic option if you already have a smart home setup, as it’s reliable and won’t drain your batteries.
Full Replacement or Retrofit?
Do you want to replace your entire deadbolt, or just add smarts to the one you already have?
- Full Replacement: This involves taking your old deadbolt out and putting a brand-new smart one in. It gives you a keypad on the outside and all-new hardware. It’s a bit more work but gives you a complete, integrated system.
- Retrofit: This type of lock (like the August Smart Lock) installs on the inside of your door, over your existing deadbolt. The big advantage is that you can still use your original physical keys, which is great for peace of mind and for anyone who might be renting.
What’s Your Backup Plan?
Let’s be honest, technology can fail. Batteries die, Wi-Fi goes out. Your lock needs a backup plan. Most smart locks still have a traditional keyhole as a failsafe. Others have a keypad, which is a great option because you can still get in even if you don’t have your phone or keys. Some even have little terminals on the bottom where you can touch a 9-volt battery to give it enough temporary power to get inside.
My Favorite Features (That Go Beyond Just Unlocking)
The real magic of a smart lock isn’t just opening the door with your phone. It’s the little conveniences that simplify your life.
- Guest Access: This is my absolute favorite. I can create temporary keypad codes for friends, my dog walker, or a contractor. The code can be set to only work on certain days or between certain hours. No more hiding keys under the mat or worrying about who has a copy.
- Auto-Lock and Auto-Unlock: Auto-lock is a lifesaver. You can set it to automatically lock the door after it’s been closed for, say, three minutes. No more of that nagging “Did I lock the door?” feeling. Auto-unlock uses your phone’s location to sense when you’re arriving home and unlocks the door for you. It feels like magic when you’re walking up with an armful of groceries.
- The Activity Log: The app for your lock will show you a history of every time the door was locked or unlocked, and by whom (if you’re using different codes). It’s a simple feature that provides incredible peace of mind.
A Few Popular Models to Start Your Search
While the best smart lock is a personal choice, here are a few well-regarded brands that showcase the different features we’ve talked about.
- Schlage: The Schlage Encode Plus is a powerhouse. It’s a full deadbolt replacement with a keypad, built-in Wi-Fi, and it works with Apple Home Key, letting you tap your iPhone or Apple Watch to unlock it. It’s a fantastic all-in-one solution.
- Yale: Yale has a huge lineup, but their Assure Lock series is incredibly versatile. These locks are modular, meaning you can buy the lock and then choose what kind of connectivity you want by adding a small module for Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, or Bluetooth. It lets you adapt the lock to your needs.
- August: If you’re interested in a retrofit design, August is the original and still one of the best. Their locks are discreet, easy to install, and their app is excellent. You can check out a great breakdown of their latest models on tech sites like The Verge.
Ultimately, choosing a smart lock is about identifying what makes you feel secure and what makes your life a little bit easier. Don’t worry about getting the one with the most features—focus on the one with the right features for you. Good luck!