We may earn commissions when you buy from links on our site. Why you can trust us.
5 Best Smart Locks for Your Home
Smart locks that supplement or replace your front door deadbolt do much more than lock and unlock your door without a key. Most smart locks (and all of the locks on our top picks list) let you receive alerts and track who's entering and leaving your abode; email limited-access digital "keys" to visitors, children, trusted service workers or guests when you're not home; and remotely lock and unlock when you're away from home.
Some smart locks are compatible with smart home ecosystems such as Nest, the Apple HomeKit and Google Home. They can be locked or unlocked as part of a group operation; for example, you could program a night mode action that locks the doors and also turns off the lights and closes the shades. A smart lock can be handy when paired with a compatible smart doorbell. If a friend, family member or service worker rings your smart doorbell while you're away, you can visually confirm who it is via the smart doorbell, then remotely unlock the door to let them in.
The Best Smart Locks
One size doesn't fit all when it comes to smart locks. Depending on which features are the most important, who is using the smart lock and where you are installing the smart lock, will determine the smart lock that's best suited for your needs. Consult our primer below for the 10 smart lock features to consider before you buy. Or you're up to speed on smart lock tech, read on for our top picks for the best smart locks.
The Best Overall Smart Lock: Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt
Pros: Amazon Alexa Key voice unlock/lock, Amazon Key compatible, Ring Alarm compatible (coming soon), built-in Wi-Fi, ANSI Grade 1 lock, built-in alarm.
Cons: Relatively short 6-month battery life, no auto proximity unlock or geofencing.
This latest lock from Schlage (pronounced with a long "a" – rhymes with "shade"), the Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt, includes everything you want in a smart lock, including three of the latest cool compatibilities – Amazon Alexa Key voice unlock/lock, Amazon Key and Ring Alarm, the latter of which is "coming soon" according to the company, no extra Z-Wave hub needed. As far as the everything-you-want-in-a-smart-lock attributes, Encode's got both built-in keypad and physical key entry, Wi-Fi for remote control, a tough commercial-grade Grade 1 lock with a top BHMA residential AAA rating for security, durability and finish, can be set to auto-lock from 15 seconds to four minutes behind you, and holds up to 100 individual PIN codes for guests, workers and family members. As with Schlage's Sense and Connect smart locks, Encode is available both in a fancy Camelot design and the sleeker post-modern Century style, both in a variety of metallic finishes.
If you're willing to give up Wi-Fi, the Schlage Connect BE469 $179.00 (check price on Amazon) delivers essentially, everything the nearly all-inclusive Schlage Encode provides – ANSI Grade 1 lock, Alexa Key voice unlock/lock, Amazon Key for delivery entry, and Ring Alarm compatibility. Connect's only missing key feature is built-in Wi-Fi, and instead of 100 potential PIN codes you get "only" 30, which is hardly a negative.
Lock strength: ANSI Grade 1
Available finishes: Century trim: satin nickel, matte black; Camelot trim: matte black, bright brass, satin nickel, bright chrome, aged bronze
Replace the entire lock: Yes
How it unlocks: Alexa Key voice, app, PIN code, physical key
Battery: 4 AA
Wireless: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (for app pairing), Z-Wave
Smart home system compatibility: Amazon Key, Ring Alarm, Google Assistant, Samsung SmartThings, Wink, Nexia
Price: lock only: $249.99, check price on Amazon, Amazon Key bundle $299.99, check price on Amazon
The easiest to open smart lock: Kwikset Kevo
Pros: Touch to unlock/lock
Cons: You need to be comfortable with the security of a lock you only have to touch to open.
Kevo was the first smart lock, and all the more remarkable and singular because it could be opened simply by touching it. Admittedly the whole touch-to-lock/unlock business seems rather insecure (it isn't), but touching-to-open is super convenient. Not only does touch-to-open work more reliably than Bluetooth proximity auto unlock (and we found the first-generation version quite reliable), but it's faster than any other unlocking method and a blessing when your arms are laden with bags and bundles. There's also a key fob for family members sans smartphone, and you can always stick with a key if you're concerned about technology. Plus, the two versions of the touch-to-open Kevo – the second-generation Traditional, and the new square Contemporary (shown) – are made by Kwikset, a long-time, well-respected lock maker.
For seniors, who often have trouble adapting to new technology, the Danalock V3 ($199.99, check price on Amazon) still looks like a traditional thumb-turn bolt on the inside. But for those with arthritis, rheumatism or other muscular hand issues, the Danalock removes all key fumbling. It will unlock automatically when approached and auto lock when you leave, the inside bolt finishes unlocking or locking after just a slight manual twist and can be operated by Apple Siri voice commands. And for those who don't trust wireless technology, an optional keypad ($97.95, check price on Amazon) is available. What Danalock V3 doesn't have are Wi-Fi for remote operation and temporary PIN codes, though PIN codes are promised in an upcoming firmware update.
Lock strength: ANSI Grade 2
Available finishes: Traditional: satin nickel, polished brass, Venetian bronze; Contemporary: satin nickel, polished chrome, Venetian bronze, iron black
Replace the entire lock: Yes
How it unlocks: touch lock to open, app, voice, physical key
Battery: 4 AAs, 1 year
Wireless: Bluetooth; Wi-Fi with Kevo Plus adapter ($99.99, check price on Amazon)
Smart home system compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Ring Doorbell, Skybell video doorbell, Nest Learning Thermostat, select Honeywell thermostats, IFTTT
Price: $229.00, check price on Amazon
The Best Smart Lock that Works with Your Existing Lock: August Smart Lock Pro + Connect
Pros: Uses existing lock, proximity auto-unlock/lock, voice control, Airbnb and HomeAway compatible
Cons: Wi-Fi not built-in, expensive
August is a true smart lock, which is why veteran lock maker Yale bought them last year (there are now two Yale Assure Locks - Connected by August now available). One of the reasons for August's smart lock prominence is this simple retrofit lock – you simply replace the manual thumb turn on the back of your door with this silver smart unit. You can continue to unlock/lock your door with your key as usual, or you can use a Siri, Alexa or Google voice command, the August app, or set it to detect the presence of your smartphone to have it unlock or lock automatically. Since August has been around longer than almost any other smart lock seller, the company has piled up an impressive list of partners, so the Pro will likely work with whatever other smart home gear you already own.
Pro also comes packed with simple-to-install DoorSense sensors that let you know the precise open/close, unlock/lock condition of your door. If you want an additional entry option, you can add a Bluetooth keypad ($59 on August, check price on Amazon) for PIN code unlocking.
Lock strength: not applicable
Available finishes: Silver, dark gray
Replace the entire lock: No
How it unlocks: app, proximity, Alexa/Siri/Google voice
Battery: 4 AA batteries
Wireless: Bluetooth, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi with included Connect Wi-Fi bridge
Smart home system compatibility: Amazon, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, Z-Wave Plus, Nest, IFTTT, Honeywell, SimpliSafe, Logitech, Yonomi, Wink, Xfinity, Stringify, Brilliant, Leviton, SmartThings, Control4
Price: $279.00 on August, check price on Amazon
The best fingerprint smart lock: Lockly Secure Plus
Pros: Fingerprint entry, available in both deadbolt and latch versions, Alexa and Google Assistant voice control
Cons: ANSI 2, No proximity auto unlock or geofencing
Instead of having to remember – and perhaps someone stealing – your smart lock PIN code, Lockly Secure Plus quickly locks and unlocks via your fingerprint thanks to its capacitive fingerprint reader. Even the PIN codes are extra secure. Instead of a traditional 12-key keypad, Lockly's patented PIN Genie presents four touch circles with three numbers in each that always jumble, so simply watching you input a code sequence or looking fingerprints on the screen won't help a potential thief. Adding to your security are included sensors that can alert you if you haven't completely closed your door. Lockly's security flexibility extends to style – you can get versions for both deadbolt and latch versions. In case Lockly's batteries die, you can use a 9-volt cell to provide emergency power.
Lock strength: ANSI Grade 2
Available finishes: Satin nickel, Venetian bronze
Replace the entire lock: Yes
How it unlocks: fingerprint, key, PIN code, app, Amazon/Google voice, physical key
Battery: 4 AAs, 1-year; 9V battery terminals for emergency power
Wireless: Wi-Fi with added Lockly Secure Kit ($79.99)
Smart home system compatibility: Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Nest thermostat, Nest Cam, August Doorbell Cam, Logitech Harmony One, Logitech Pop, IFTTT
Price: Deadbolt $249.99, latch $279.99 on Lockly. If you want remote Wi-Fi access, add Lockly's Secure Link Wi-Fi Hub ($79.99). Coming soon is Lockly's Secure Pro, which bundles a Secure Plus lock with the Wi-Fi kit (deadbolt $299.99, latch $329.99)
The most worry-free smart lock: Hampton Array Connected Door Lock
Pros: Integrated solar panel provides extended power, two lithium polymer battery packs included, Array By Hampton ecosystem integration
Cons: no proximity auto unlock
A smart lock's biggest drawback is that it runs on batteries that later or usually sooner need replacing or recharging, which can be a pain in the tumblers if you're not attentive. But thanks to the military grade solar panel on the front panel, the lithium polymer rechargeable battery that powers this Hampton Array smart lock, depending on how much sun it gets, might never need to be replaced. But if its battery does peter out, Hampton includes an extra power pack for instant replacement.
In addition to the physical key for its Grade 2 pick- , bump- and drill-resistant lock, under the slide-up solar panel is a numerical keypad for PIN code entry. Instead of worrying about a variety of compatibility, Hampton has a whole line of compatible, integrated and aesthetically-matched Hampton Array connected products, which include: Brink’s Push/Pull/Rotate handlesets, and Hampton's Array door lever ($125), Video Coach Light ($299) and matching Satellite ($99), Smart Security Light ($249) and matching Satellite ($79), Wall Switch ($30) and Wall Plug ($30), all and more due this summer.
Lock Strength: ANSI Grade 2
Available finishes: Chrome, nickel, bronze in both Cooper or Barrington designs
Replace the entire lock: Yes
How it unlocks: app, PIN code, physical key
Battery: lithium polymer (2); life depends on sun exposure
Wireless: Wi-Fi built-in
Smart home system compatibility: Amazon Alexa voice lock control, Google Assistant (pending), Apple HomeKit (to come)
Price: $299.99
The best smart lock for Airbnb hosts: Igloohome smart deadbolt 2S
Pros: automatic delivery of timed PIN code for Airbnb guests
Cons: no Wi-Fi for remote control
The biggest pain for Airbnb hosts — other than cleaning up after messy guests — is arranging for key handoffs. A smart lock that lets you email timed keys is a decent solution. But the folks at Igloohome arranged with Airbnb to automate the whole PIN code process for its 2S smart lock. Airbnb generates codes automatically, which are then emailed one hour before your guest's check-in time, only activates at check-in time and expires upon checkout. You don't have to be involved at all — other than that annoying cleanup. For your own added security, you can enter some random digits before your 7–9 digit PIN to foil a thief's attempt to figure out your code by watching someone enter the code or checking for residual fingerprints on the keypad keys.
Lock strength: ANSI Grade 2
Available finishes: Matte black
Replace the entire lock: Yes
How it unlocks: App, PIN code, physical key
Battery: 4 AAs, 9 months; 9V battery terminals for emergency power
Wireless: Bluetooth
Smart home system compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Google Home
The best smart lock for seniors: Danalock V3
Pros: Voice and "twist-assist" touch-to-lock/unlock for those with motor skill limitations; one of the smallest smart locks available.
Cons: Different versions for Apple HomeKit, Zigbee and Z-Wave; no Wi-Fi; no temporary PIN codes (coming in next firmware update).
For seniors, who often have trouble adapting to new technology, the Danalock V3 ($199.99, check price on Amazon) still looks like a traditional thumb-turn bolt on the inside. But for those with arthritis, rheumatism or other muscular hand issues, the Danalock removes all key fumbling. It will unlock automatically when approached and auto lock when you leave, the inside bolt finishes unlocking or locking after just a slight manual twist and can be operated by Apple Siri voice commands. And for those who don't trust wireless technology, an optional keypad ($97.95, check price on Amazon) is available. What Danalock V3 doesn't have are Wi-Fi for remote operation and temporary PIN codes, though PIN codes are promised in an upcoming firmware update.
Lock strength: ANSI Grade 2
Available finishes: Anodized aluminum/silver
Replace the entire lock: No
How it unlocks: proximity, voice, physical key
Battery: 4 CR123A, 12-18 months (9000 cycles)
Wireless: Bluetooth; Wi-Fi with Danabridge ($79)
Smart home system compatibility: Z-Wave Plus, Zigbee, Samsung SmartThings, HomeKit/Siri, Alarm.com
Price: $190 on Danalock (check price on Amazon)
10 smart lock features to consider before you buy
1. Type of lock
Physically, smart locks divide into two major categories: those that would completely replace your current in-door bolt lock (not add-on, back-of-the-door latch bolt locks), which add new, usually bulky and obvious, devices to the front and rear of your door, or retrofit smart locks that simply are installed on top of the existing thumb-turn cylinder on the rear, inside of your door, leaving the existing key lock on the front of your door untouched.
Generally speaking, replacement smart locks provide far more entry options — and advertise to everyone, nefarious or not, for good or ill, that your lock is smart. Retrofit smart locks offer simpler installation and usage solutions, with no outward clue to visitors that a smart lock is installed.
2. Alternate entry options
Even the most tech-forward companies realize we don't want to rely only on unpredictable wireless unlocking. So, aside from wireless unlocking techniques, most smart locks offer more familiar physical or electronic entry options including a physical key, PIN codes entered on a keypad – either an integrated physical or touchscreen keypad or an add-on Bluetooth-connected keypad – or via an integrated fingerprint reader. A few smart lock suppliers also offer a key fob to create a wireless connection to the smart lock to unlock a door in case you don't have your smartphone with you or for a child without a smartphone.
3. Auto lock/unlock
All smart locks provide keyless/PIN-less entry, usually by tapping a command in the lock's app. But some smart locks are able to automatically unlock or lock your door when your phone is on your person and you're outside your home. The smart lock simply detects your phone within a user-prescribed distance or area (also called geofencing) and automatically unlocks, and also may be able to auto-lock behind you after a user-prescribed period of time.
4. Voice control
An increasing number of locks with Amazon and HomeKit compatibility also provide Alexa and Siri voice control, but usually only for locking the door when you're inside your home. A growing number of lock makers, including August, Kwikset (Kevo) and Schlage, however, have added Alexa Key "speak to unlock," which requires you to speak a PIN code after a spoken unlock command.
5. Battery
Most smart locks operate on either multiple AA alkaline batteries or a rechargeable cell. In either case, you'll get an alert on your app when battery power gets low with plenty of time to swap out old batteries for new, and the housing mounted on the inside of your door will often include an LED that will flash red when the battery needs to be replaced/recharged. Some smart lock companies rate their locks' battery life in terms of the number of "cycles" — the number of physical locks and unlocks, but most rate their battery life by time, usually between three months to more than a year, depending on the type of lock and the functions it performs.
6. Guest keys
Smart locks, especially retrofit models, let you assign "keys" to those you wish to allow entry to your home either temporarily or permanently — friends or family members, service workers or delivery people, neighbors to water the plants or feed the cat while you're away, Airbnb clients, etc. You text or email a PIN or entry code (they likely also will need to download the smart lock app) that grants your visitor wireless entry for a prescribed period of time (hours or days) or a prescribed number of entries. Most smart locks also track who comes and goes, and smart locks with Wi-Fi can send an alert to your phone when someone comes or goes, such as when your kids come home from school or play, or a service worker arrives and leaves. Most smart locks apps can assign anywhere from a couple of dozen to more than 200 separate codes.
7. Smart home compatibility
Most smart locks can be integrated into an existing smart home environment — with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, IFTTT (If This Then That), Z-Wave, ZigBee, Samsung SmartThings, et al. — so checking or locking doors can be integrated into smart routines along with your lights, temperature controls, etc.
Two new unique ecosystem compatibilities are now available: Amazon Key and Ring Alarm. Amazon Key, not to be confused with the Alexa Key voice entry capability, is part of the company's Prime service and allows a package delivery person to unlock your smart lock and leave your packages inside instead of out on your porch where they can be pilfered. You'll need is a compatible Amazon Key smart lock from Yale, Schlage or Kwikset along with an Amazon Cloud Camera – which Amazon sells as Amazon Key lock/camera bundles – which lets you video monitor the delivery to make sure all the delivery person is doing is leaving your package.
Ring Alarm is a $10/month monitoring system from the popular doorbell camera company. You start with a 5-, 10-, or 15-piece Alarm Security sensor kit to which you can add a variety of Z-Wave-compatible Yale, Schlage and Kwikset smart lock models. If someone tries to illicitly enter via your smart lock, Alarm will alert local authorities and trigger your Ring doorbells camera to begin recording.
8. Weatherproof rating
Complete replacement smart locks will indicate what temperatures the lock is designed to withstand and often have an IP water/dust-proof rating; the insides of the lock housing are sensitive electronics, and not just metal pins, tumblers, gears, and other mechanics. The one caveat is that not all locks can stand up to adverse weather conditions over a number of years. A trustworthy manufacturer with a long record of testing for extreme environments is the best purchase qualifier if you live in a locale with an extreme climate.
9. ANSI lock quality rating
Not all physical door locks, smart or dumb, are created equal. There are three standard lock quality designations established by the ANSI/BHMA (American National Standards Institute/Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association) for security against picking/bumping or other physical attacks, as well as the number of locks/unlocks: grade 1 — the strongest grade, usually reserved for commercial applications; grade 2 — the most common residential lock; and, grade 3 — usually a secondary lock to supplement a grade 1 or 2 lock. Most smart locks are ANSI grade 2. BHMA also assigns separate residential lock A-B-C ratings for security, durability, strength and finish.
10. Wireless security
Given the publicity hackers get, worrying about wireless security for a smart lock is now, unfortunately, a thing. Most smart lock providers boast about their wireless security using all manner of confusing technical jargon and nomenclature. There is no "best" wireless security scheme for smart locks, but how high a priority the topic is given by a manufacturer — and a little research on the security method deployed — should be part of your purchase consideration. The most hack-proof smart locks are keypad-enabled models that don't use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi as their primary entry method.
10. Fit and finish
Smart lock vendors offer a wide variety of hardware finishes and trims — variations of silver, bronze, brass and black — and even matching latch mechanisms. Newer tech-focused smart lock providers offer fewer aesthetic options.[Image credits: Kwikset, August, Schlage, Hampton Products, Ikilock]
Updated on 3/10/2019 with new product picks
[Image credit: Schlage, August, Lockly, Hampton Products, Kwickset, Igloohome]
Discussion 
Are these locks guaranteed to work in -40C?
Geez, if it’s -40c just leave your door unlocked. Who’s going to be breaking in in that weather? 
Goji Smart Lock is my favorite, not just in the list – but probably it’s the finest smart lock I have used. Interestingly, the Goji’s built-in camera lets me see on my smartphone as to who is trying to open it.
James,
It’s not that I don’t trust you, but I don’t trust you. Goji is not shipping product yet, so I am very interested in how you have this amazing lock that is your favorite????
Why don’t you post a picture of your lock on your door and a recent newspaper. I would bet that you work for or with Goji
I pre-ordered 3 locks since summer of 2014 and I never heard from them about shipping. The latest email I got after sending over 20 emails to get my over $800 refund back was that, the company has gone bankrupt. I need my money. Guys never pre-order
There NO GOJI. Goji never produced any lock for customers. I prepaid $900 and still they did not refund my money back to me. Guys don’t listen to this guy talking about goji had his favorite Goji are fraud. They took money from people and never send them locks.
How can you put goji in this article. There isn’t one lock that has even been shipped. They have the worst customer service and its a company scamming people. The only reason they can scam si easily is because of people like you pushing products that don’t exist. They have been taking peoples money and been delaying for over 2 years and don’t give refunds. They say they do but they don’t process the refund so when you purchase a goji lock you don’t get a product and have to hope your credit card company will refund you. This is white collar crime and something needs to be done about it.
Goji lock is a complete scam. They state that they are delivering from ‘now till August’ for the past month and yet still not one single person has recieved their lock.
Additionally they are unable to post a photo of a final product, obviously because they simply do not have a final product.
I think it is very wrong of you to advertise this sham of a company when they are clearly stealing from anyone who doesn’t do their homework first and pre-orders from their site.
This type of behaviour should not be allowed little own advertised!
I, like many others fell for this SCAM. Unlike others I did receive a refund, however it took 2 years. This is a SCAM. Please do not order a lock from this so called company.
How did you receive a refund? I need them to refund me it been 2014 and need my money.
-I pre-ordered 3 locks since summer of 2014 and I never heard from them about shipping. The latest email I got after sending over 20 emails to get my over $800 refund back was that, the company has gone bankrupt. I need my money. Guys never pre-order-
Ohhh just superb, Goji really you have written and explaining ideas are awesome. Enjoying and love your blog writing, videos, thinking…
Thank you so much for sharing
You forgot to mention the Kevo only works with a small number of Android phones. Not even the reference Nexus 5! Plus they charge you every time you “make” a key for a friend. Garbage!
Hey there, I have heard a lot of complaints against the Goji and would not recommend it! Just check the BBB, you will see tons of them! Stay away. Remember that these devices are new and will take some time, before they’re perfect or even close to it. However, staying away from the Goji is recommended!
Anything connected to the IoT can be hacked.
Even with Bluetooth LE connectivity, you have to stand within five feet from your door and wait up to ten seconds while your Bluetooth app syncs with the lock. Hardly convenient. These smart locks are supposed to be about convenience. I enjoy pulling into my driveway and unlocking my garage and front door’s deadbolt with a push of a button from 80 feet away. My key fob is attached to my visor, so I don’t misplace it. Has anyone misplaced their smart phone with a dead battery? Good luck. .
Wasn’t there something about Goji being a scam?
We’ve updated our story to indicate that we do not recommend Goji. Since we wrote the ariticle two ship dates have passed without Goji fulfilling orders and early backers have had trouble getting a refund.
I’m really interested on Mul-t-lock’s ENTR. Seems very good, although expensive.
Has anyone have anything to share about ENTR?
Hi, I managed to get my refund for 3 locks before they declared Bankruptcy. I contacted my Credit Card Provider. The first 2 people I spoke to said they couldn’t do anything the 3rd person I spoke to said maybe. I then insisted that they put a claim in. I did produce the email and Facebook post from Goji that said they would refund. Good luck to everyone. It isn’t fair that these Mongrels may get away with stealing your hard earned dollars.
Thank you for writing this. I paid with my amex and will have them follow up on this too. If I knew, I would have done this long ago.
Our company - Arbel Electronics Ltd - manufactures and sells remote door locking and unlocking systems. Usable via internet or smartphone.
These have been in production for 24months and are used by Local Authorities.
They also monitor temperatures and footfall plus lots of other customisable features.
Drop me an email - keith@arbelelectronics.co.uk
I’d say that Kwikset is the perfect choice for a smart door system. We’ve a different model installed at our home, the SmartCode deadbolt. And while it might not have fancy looks of other SmartKey models, both the functionality and performance is up to the mark.
Did you not check to see if any of your smart locks stood up to basic lock attacking techniques? This video has been out for over two years.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1mmjVvMsGs
Though Kwikset is now in their THIRD incarnation of SmartKey, this self-rekeying lock is prone to spontaneous failure to work with a CORRECT key. Also, if spending for automation, why settle for the guts of a 12.00 lock ? Kwikset as a company is stellar in how they run a business. How they engineer a product is sub-par, all on engineering points. The August Lock, combined with a Schlage B660 and with FIXED SIZED deadbolt ( available only from locksmiths in this form ) is a nice beefy, attractive and RELIABLE lock.
The ENTR from MultiLock. MEDECO or Assa will basically be a Grade 1 HIGH SECURITY deadbolt, with the ENTR interior, which is sort of like August Lock. In the future, ENTR may be packaged to work with a variety of EXISTING deadbolts. We are looking at this product.
A good security measure with or without a smartlock is to keep your phone password protected. This prevents unauthorized access to your data as well as unlocking your smarthome. In addition most smartphones these days now come with fingerprint sensors ensuring you are the only one who can open your phone or the door.
I do not understand crowdfunding, unless one cosiders it a straight up DONATION. There is no fiduciary responsibility to the “investor/donor”, and the funding sites have full immunity.
Reviews products without any technical authority or practical experience in the product space, is questionable.
Kevo has decent interface, but it is all wrapped up in a Kwikset lock mechanism. This is the same tired deadbolt and drive tail system they have been plugging away with for 50 years. We pull out a LOT of Kwikset locks, and replace with products far more rugged for longevity and smooth operation.
I will give Kevo one credit. The revised Smartkey cylinder is bump and pick resistant. But all that is paid for by lock failures. So with KEVO, you are buying a souped up, internet-ready 9.99 deadbolt… for about 300.00!
The Schlage product has huge security flaws. I will not go into detail, but they can be overridden manually. Homeowner may never notice the exploit.
We sell quite a lot of touch-pad deadbolts, but are very selective to curate rugged, long-life products. Neither of the ones I sell have internet or Bluetooth, just touch-pads. They are:
1. Schlage BE365 with non adjustable grade 1 bolt we swap for the standard wimpy adjustable bolt factory supplies with it. ( NOT available like this online or at the orange or blue lumber-store.)
2. Emtek touchpad and touchscreen deadbolts.
One of the primary reasons these two are our only FEATURED keyless locks is they must be locked and unlocked by twisting a knob after entry of code. No motorized (WIMPY and FLOPPY bolts). Eliminating this motorized bolt drive simplifies the product for longevity, and it extends BATTERY LIFE substantially.
Any word on this kind of lock for interior doors? We have a house with troubled teens, and would like to keep some interior doors locked (pantry, laundry, basement, etc.). Unfortunately, one child is very skilled at picking locks; looking for thumbprint or similarly keyless entry, with an option to text whenever the door opens, but not finding much.
Have you looked into commercial locks? Good luck.
Schlage Commercial has a really good lock, called the Schlage Engage. It is a commercial leverset intended for 1 3/4” thick doors, standard is 2 3/4” Backset, but can be ordered in 2 3/8” Backset. We order the lock prepped for a large format interchangeable core cylinder, and equip it with an EVEREST cylinder. This is a bump resistant and pick resistant lock, as it has a secondary checkpin, in addition to traditional 6 pin locking. Also available are cylinders by Mul-T-Lock, Assa and others to fit this prep. This is not a product sold at box stores or Amazon. IF you find any there, they will be early production, or in the format the uses a standard cylinder. Also unlikely the 2 3/8” backset would be found. This is not a phone operated lock, but the users and credentials are managed via an APP ios or android, but the lock is a PROX FOB lock. The chassis inside is commercial all the way. No wimpy garbage 6.00 lock underneath… not an F lock or an S lock to those familiar with Schlage’s residential smart locks that are light duty. This lock is based on the ND Chassis, which has been around for about 12 years, and well-improved over 5 years ago from its first launch design.
For a keyless deadbolt, currently I only recommend and have a solid respect for TWO…. Schlage BE365 ( with the bolt exchanged with a B660 Bolt ) and Emtek E1000 Series. In both cases, a MEDECO or Abloy Protec cylinder can replace the stock 5 pin standard cylinder.
No offense to bloggers, they write about products without the expertise needed to evaluate. These are merely advertising vehicles for click through affiliate revenue. Some interesting information from such blogs, and in my opinion the BEST info is in the comments from real users, and experts.
Though intended for commercial doors, the Schlage NDE ENGAGE is an excellent product. Rather than a touchpad, it is a card or keyring fob operated lock. Unlike most previous commercial access products, this one is fully self-contained, only requiring your existing secure wifi source. All permissions and audit trail are via smartphone IOS or Android, or the cloud service back-end from your PC. If wifi goes out short term, no problem. The lock works independently of the wifi connection, which only is a scheduled upload-download. This product is excellent for small business or chain store retail for office and storerooms. The lock is COMMERCIAL, not wimpy residential with false claims. To use on a thin door, you will need to shim both sides of the door to bring the thickness up to 1 3/4” ( You can buy clear lumber ready to go at Michael s, or other hobby stores or hardware stores )
For a more residential product, the Schlage Smart-sense is a good choice, but light duty, so I would suggest only for INTERIOR doors.
Dear Sir: I am trying to replace a lock with the same one I used in New York City for many years that key was serrated to prevent anyone from picking it. It was a deadbolt, too. Would you have one of these types of locks available at your location. All my best for a great Holiday Observed. BAB
By SERRATED, do you mean the bottom edge of key have 5 slots in it?
If so, that was a Corbin and Russwin product called EMHART Hight Security. The product was unique, and considered to be one of the most hack-resistant of the high security locks ever sold in the US Market. Because it DID use angled cuts, they got into a court battle with MEDECO, even though the locking pinciple was totally different. One was sidebar locking, the other was interlocking pins ( like a boxtail joint ).
Emhart’s income was not dependent upon this one product, so they caved and settled with Medeco. Today Corbin-Russwin and Medeco are all part of the Assa-Abloy group.
These cylinders can still be had, by special order. You might also find some on EBAY, but you might never be able to get more keys, unless you get the lock in the STOCK WL2 Keyway.
How is this any different to loosing your keys?
The chance of loosing your phone is not a valid argument here, keys are lost far more frequently than phones.
Your phone can have a PIN code, a passcode, or it may even have a thumbprint reader - keys have none of this.
Digital locking solutions are going to be a giant in the future of security. It makes perfect sense.
I really have no reason to let people into my home when I’m not there as I work from home. All that aside, I see no reason to buy a smart lock. I have everything else from smart bulbs to a doorbell camera, but I am not willing to put the keys to my front door out on the internet for someone to be able to hack. No company has earned my trust, as even the most trusted companies have been hacked, and I’ve heard many times over that IOT devices such as smart door locks are the worst in terms of security. Yes, I know that a thief could just pick the lock or smash a window, but that’s what the hounds are for. 
Am I the only one who is against electronic locks? Call me outdated if you want, bah, you can even call me silly. But think about it. Lately we (and by we I mean humans) have been totally dependent on technology. We can’t live without phones, computers, tablets, music players and so on. Do you really want to have everything based on technology? Do you really want to make yourself so dependable? Why not old fashioned key-lock which is possible to force only with a drill?
I am not shying away from gadgets but I want to be in control of my life.
Hi everyone!
I was wondering if anyone knows of or is using a system that allows them to access the information on user code and time of entry. I’m looking for a system that will enable me to track which user code and what time the door is being unlocked.
Thanks!!
Thanks for nice sharing this helpful informative information about smart locks on the market. All the smart locks you have described above very secure & their features are awesome.
I feel that the Lock Stat LS-500I Remote Lock Wi-Fi enabled is a useful smart lock if you want a wifi enabled lock. For more visit http://mobilesiri.com/best-smart-locks/
Read More Comments: 1 2
From Rey Carr on March 04, 2015 :: 5:04 pm
You didn’t mention it in any of the reviews, but what might happen if someone gets a hold of your smartphone and then uses it to access your house? Is there a way to prevent this from happening? (I didn’t go to any of the lock websites to check the details about this security issue.)
Reply
From Suzanne Kantra on March 04, 2015 :: 5:35 pm
Yes, you can prevent a thief from using your phone to gain access to your home. Since the locks are digital, you can easily deauthorize your phone by making a call or logging into your account with another device.
Reply
From Bill on March 19, 2016 :: 1:32 pm
Like my gun, my phone is only stolen from me by prying it from my cold dead fingers. Only morons lose their phones.
Reply
From Melissa Rand on March 24, 2016 :: 4:44 pm
I 2nd that!
Reply
From z on July 01, 2016 :: 1:49 am
Yes, down with the Morons!! All hail the gun-toting geniuses!
Reply
From Gavin Granger on June 01, 2016 :: 4:54 pm
I can only speak about the Mul-T-Lock ENTR and you can password protect the application and if you do use your phone you can re-enroll your new smartphone and that will remove the access from the password protected application.
Reply
From Roger on January 27, 2018 :: 10:41 am
the same thing if they would get a hold of your key.
Reply