Tired of fumbling for keys? Thinking about a smart lock? Here’s a simple guide to help you choose the right one for your home without the hype.

So, you’re thinking about upgrading your door locks. I get it. I was in the exact same boat a little while ago, standing in the hardware aisle, staring at a wall of options. It feels like there are a million choices, and they all seem to do something slightly different. If you’re swapping out all the locks on your house, including the garage, you want to get it right.

Let’s talk about it.

First things first: What do you actually want it to do?

Before you even start looking at brands, it’s good to figure out what you need. Are you mostly just tired of fumbling for keys? Or are you looking for something with more features?

For me, the big draw was not having to carry a house key when I go for a run. I wanted to be able to walk out the door, lock it behind me, and get back in with a simple code. My partner, on the other hand, was more interested in the security aspect—knowing who was coming and going, and being able to grant temporary access to a dog walker or a contractor.

Here are a few common reasons people switch:

• Keyless entry: Use a code, your phone, or even your fingerprint to unlock the door.
• Remote access: Lock or unlock your door from anywhere using a smartphone app.
• Guest access: Create temporary or recurring codes for visitors, cleaners, or contractors. No more hiding a key under the mat.
• Auto-locking: The door can automatically lock behind you after a set amount of time. Super handy if you’re forgetful.
• Activity logs: See a history of when the door was locked or unlocked, and by whom.

You probably don’t need all these features. Think about your daily routine. Do you have kids who get home from school before you do? Guest codes could be great. Do you get a lot of packages? Remote unlocking for a delivery person might be useful. Start with your “why,” and it’ll make picking the “what” much easier.

The different types of smart locks

Okay, so you know what you want. Now, let’s look at the hardware. There are generally two main types you’ll come across.

1. The Full Replacement

This is exactly what it sounds like. You remove your entire existing deadbolt—the inside thumb turn, the outside keyhole, all of it—and replace it with a new smart lock. These are often the ones with keypads, fingerprint sensors, and the works. The upside is that it’s an all-in-one solution. The downside is that installation is a bit more involved. It’s not hard, but it takes a little more time.

2. The Retrofit

These are clever little devices that only replace the inside part of your deadbolt (the thumb turn). You keep your existing lock and your existing keys. The smart part just fits over it on the inside of your door. Installation is usually super easy—we’re talking maybe 10-15 minutes with just a screwdriver. This is a great option if you’re a renter, or if you just like the look of your current hardware and don’t want to change it.

A few things I learned along the way

When I was doing my research, a few things surprised me.

First, connectivity matters. Some locks use Bluetooth, which means you have to be nearby (usually within 30 feet or so) to control it with your phone. Others use Wi-Fi, which lets you control it from anywhere. Many Wi-Fi locks have a separate little bridge that you plug into an outlet near the door. It’s not a big deal, but it’s another piece of tech to think about.

Second, battery life is a thing. These locks run on batteries, usually AAs. They last a surprisingly long time—often 6 months to a year—but they will eventually need to be replaced. Every smart lock will warn you repeatedly when the batteries are getting low, both on the lock itself and in the app. You won’t get locked out unexpectedly. But it’s something to be aware of.

Finally, think about your smart home setup. Do you use Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit? If you want to say, “Hey Google, lock the front door,” you’ll want to make sure the lock you buy is compatible with your system. Most of the big brands work with the major players, but it’s always worth double-checking.

So, what’s the best smart lock?

Honestly, there isn’t one “best” lock for everyone. It really comes down to what fits your life.

I ended up going with a full replacement keypad lock for the front door because I wanted that true key-free experience. For the garage, I almost went with a simpler one but decided to keep them the same brand so I could control them from a single app. It just felt cleaner.

My advice? Don’t get overwhelmed by the options. Start with what you need, decide if you want a full replacement or a retrofit, and then find a brand that plays nicely with any other smart stuff you have. You’ll find the right fit for your home. It’s a small change that makes a surprisingly big difference in your day-to-day.