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Smart locks are both the most useful and, at least theoretically, the most potentially risky smart devices you can install at home. They make entering and leaving your home far more convenient by freeing you from having to carry keys (and in some cases a smartphone, too). Most make it possible to securely customize access to your home — not only to family and friends but also to renters, tradespeople, and even mail carriers or package-delivery workers.

We’ve found that smart locks that feature a keypad are especially useful, making life more flexible and even safer for a household with kids who are too young to have smartphones.

You’ll find a few main categories of DIY smart locks. There are deadbolt and doorknob/lever smart-lock models. For deadbolts, you can get a full-replacement device, which requires removing your existing deadbolt and installing all-new hardware. Or you can get a deadbolt adapter, an add-on device that replaces the interior thumb turn of your door’s existing deadbolt but not the deadbolt mechanism itself.

Smart locks, especially keypad models, are perfectly suited for rental-property and vacation-home owners such as Airbnb hosts, who have to deal with frequent key exchanges (in fact, with some locks, Airbnb now offers to automate the code creation for guests).

Smart locks don’t need to be connected with other smart devices to be useful, but should you want to do that, you can link them up using a single smartphone app so that you can more easily access and control all your devices. Your options include popular smart platforms such as Amazon Alexa, Apple Home, and Google Home.

We look for locks that offer the best balance of convenience, security, and useful smarts while requiring as little technical complexity, ongoing management, or troubleshooting as possible. The features we require for consideration include:

• remote accessibility and push notifications
• compatibility with smart platforms like Alexa, Apple Home, or Google Home
• hardware that meets or exceeds either the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) or Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) standards for residential locks

Other specs and features we look for but don’t require:

• built-in Wi-Fi
• an alarm
• door-status (open/close) detection
• configurable audio volume
• all-metal and/or glass housing
• inclusion of 3-inch security screws

I’ve spent thousands of hours using smart locks since 2015, and my focus in testing is their consistency, reliability, and ease of use.

I also methodically trigger the locks up close using a smartphone via Bluetooth, as well as over my home Wi-Fi network, and then I do so again remotely by connecting via cellular signal.

In each companion app, I explore the available settings and preferences, such as turning audio signals or LED lights on and off, as well as enabling auto-lock and auto-unlock functions when applicable. And I take note of the speed, reliability, and usefulness of the notifications and the ease of adding and managing access codes.

In assessing the physical hardware, I take a close look at the ease of installation and the quality of the materials used for the various components. I also consider the physical robustness of each lock and, where applicable, the keyway (see the section immediately below for more on this topic).

We continue to keep our current picks installed and in everyday use whenever possible, and we replace them with new test models as necessary for at least a week — in most cases, for several weeks or even months.

Wirecutter takes security and privacy issues seriously and, as much as possible, investigates how the companies whose devices we recommend deal with customer data. We research all of the security and data-privacy practices behind our picks, and we send an extensive questionnaire to the companies to confirm issues that we think should be of primary concern for any potential buyer.

Some people assume that a smart lock is fundamentally more vulnerable than a standard door lock, so by connecting a door lock to the internet they would provide an easy way for thieves to infiltrate.

Our view is that, while it is technically possible for a smart lock to be exploited electronically, through a decade of closely testing and researching these devices we have yet to find a single case of a smart lock being electronically exploited in the real world. We think the reason is straightforward: Residential burglars would be more successful using a screwdriver or hammer to get in your house than some sort of sophisticated technical hack. By that logic, smart locks are the more secure option, because they actually inform a homeowner anytime someone enters their home (some locks even have built-in tamper alarms). As such, we believe that most homes will always be more secure relying on a smart lock.

We’ve come to realize that lockpicking is not only less difficult than it may seem, but also the wrong thing to worry about when it comes to securing your home. Jon Chase/NYT Wirecutter

Similarly, our research and FBI burglary statistics show that lockpicking isn’t a realistic threat to homeowners, either. Most house burglars either enter through unlocked doors or kick in locked ones. Burglars don’t have the time (or the skills) to fiddle with lockpicks. (For more on this topic, see “It’s Ridiculously Easy to Pick Some Smart Deadbolts, But We Aren’t Alarmed.”)

Deadbolt locks are rated by ANSI and BHMA for their ability to withstand brute-force entry attempts, namely smashing, as well as for durability and security. For deadbolts, ANSI Grade 1 is the top ranking. BHMA launched a new system for residential locks that grades deadbolts from A to C in three categories — security, durability, and finish — with the top grade being AAA.

A major security consideration with smart locks is whether to enable auto-lock and auto-unlock, features found on all our picks. These features trigger the lock based on your location (a technology also known as geofencing) via some combination of Bluetooth, cellular signal, GPS, and Wi-Fi. Having your door automatically trigger as you walk up to it is the essence of convenience, but it puts you at risk of an accidental trigger that leaves your front door open to anyone. As such, we believe that it’s essentially risky, especially for city dwellers, who are more susceptible to an opportunistic thief (who may be in the vicinity when a door is accidentally unlocked). If you live in a suburban or rural location, the risks are more of a personal judgment call.

We continue to test all of our picks, a process that includes keeping track of app, firmware, and policy updates as well as hardware and software incidents. Should any privacy or security issues be found with any of our picks, we’ll share them here and, if necessary, update or alter our recommendations.

Compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Google Home

If you’re looking for a low-profile, no-fuss lock with tactile rubber keys and the ability to connect to Wi-Fi without requiring a plug-in adapter, we recommend the Schlage Arrive Smart WiFi Deadbolt, a newer sibling to our previous top pick, the Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt. The Arrive’s standout feature in comparison with the Encode Plus is that this model has rubber keys, which we’ve found are more reliable and intuitive to use — you never doubt whether you’ve pressed a button. Like the Encode Plus, the Arrive is easy to install, and using it is intuitive, so it won’t stymie technophobes. It does lack a few attractive features, such as a door sensor or an alarm, but its reliability and trustworthiness are worth the trade-off.

All things should be as easy to install as the Arrive deadbolt. As the saying goes, it’s the details that matter, and Schlage has done a wonderful job of removing (most) points of friction. The Arrive’s exterior assembly grips the hole as you insert it, making it far easier to assemble than many other models.

In addition, it has room for you to tuck away the cable that connects the indoor and outdoor assemblies (which on other models often causes difficulty), doesn’t need special tools or pins, and has a handy code printed right on the instructions for setting it up. (Note: Take a picture of the code and save the literature for future use.)

You won’t find a sturdier smart lock. All of the Schlage locks we’ve tested have earned either ANSI Grade 1 or BHMA AAA, the top rankings for a commercial-grade lock. Bolstering these impressive specs is the inclusion of extra-long, 3-inch screws and a thick steel strike plate, which together secure the bolt in the doorjamb when the deadbolt is locked. These screws are recommended by locksmiths as a way to ensure that your door is more resistant to being kicked in.

It is blessedly simple to operate. Unlike many other locks, which need to be woken with a button press or sometimes a palm over the keypad (which risks accidental button presses), the Arrive deadbolt registers your first button press and lights up. And because it has raised rubber keys, it’s easy to feel even in the dark. Once you type in your four-digit code, it automatically unlocks, so you don’t need to press an unlock button; this seems like a modest feature, but as someone who ran a vacation rental for years, I’ve learned that many locks have interfaces that can sometimes be flustering.

Another lo-fi detail: The Arrive has a prominent keyway, in case the household Luddite wants to wallow in their inconvenience.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

It’s missing some nice features. The Arrive doesn’t have a built-in tamper or impact alarm (which the Encode Plus has) and also doesn’t work with a door-status sensor, so if you set it to auto-lock, it will do so even if the door is left open.

In our tests, it had issues with Google Home. Getting Google Home to see the Arrive took some doing — and then once it did, it would be out of sync, saying the door was locked when it wasn’t, and vice versa. Attempting to use the app to unlock the Arrive would then fail. This issue may be resolved now, but I wasn’t able to get it working.

The Schlage app is not great. I have never enjoyed the Schlage app, in organization or performance (it has always been slower than others). Since I began reviewing this lock, the app has gotten two major updates and is still tedious and less friendly than that of any other pick. For example, the dashboard starts at Home, and to access the lock, you have to tap that first. Also, important settings are hidden behind a three-dot icon. And although you can trigger the Arrive remotely, you can adjust settings, such as adding a user, only when you’re relatively close by within Bluetooth range.

Privacy snapshot

• A username and password are required to use the Arrive deadbolt’s smart features. You can use the lock without the app, though in doing so you lose smart features, such as remote access.
• Schlage collects a range of device and usage data that it uses to manage and improve services. The company does not sell consumer data to third parties but does share it with partners for advertising.
• You may opt out of all promotional communications by making a request to dataprivacy@allegion.com.
• For more, read Schlage’s privacy policy.

Compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Apple Home, Google Home

The Yale Assure Lock 2 matches the Schlage Arrive Smart WiFi Deadbolt in many respects — excellent hardware, reliable performance, good looks — though I found it less easy to install and manage, which kept us from naming it our top pick. The Assure Lock 2 provides a keyway as a backup and has push-button numbers. Its housing is all metal, and it’s notably sturdy and heavy. Aesthetically it’s especially appealing, because it doesn’t stand out.

It’s smart yet still simple enough for technophobes. Although we encountered a bit of mechanical resistance when setting up the Assure Lock 2, the guidance otherwise is helpful, and in everyday use this lock really just works. If some household members want to use their key, fine. If someone wants a simple and easy keypad, it’s there and quite intuitive to use. If you want more advanced smart features, well, you can handle that using the Yale app and keep the rest of the family from having to deal with it. Wirecutter editor Ben Keough, who has been long-term testing this model for nearly a year, says, “It’s been awesome. No major complaints, really. The only hitch is that the auto-unlock feature is a bit unreliable — sometimes it doesn’t unlock by the time I get to the door, then unlocks again after I’ve stepped inside and locked it — but when it works, it’s magical.”

Offline notifications keep you up-to-date. Oddly, most smart locks don’t actively send you a notification should the lock lose Wi-Fi connectivity. Although it’s not necessarily a mission-critical feature — you can still unlock and lock the Assure Lock 2 using its keypad or a physical key without needing internet access — it’s good to know when internet access is down if you are expecting to receive a notification when the lock is triggered.

It offers Apple Home compatibility. While compatibility with Alexa and Google Home tends to be table stakes for most smart locks — and both work perfectly fine for iPhone users — many people appreciate the ability to manage all their devices using just the Apple Home app. The Assure Lock 2 is indeed compatible, but with one major caveat: Yale doesn’t allow you to create or manage PINs in the Home app. You are able to set up Automations and Scenes, as well as to manage notifications.

A sensible door sensor helps prevent errors. Included with the Assure Lock 2 is a small plastic module with a magnet inside that you mount on or in the doorframe. It tells the lock when the door is open or shut. That’s a huge help in preventing smart features like auto-lock from triggering at the wrong time or failing to trigger — for example, if the lock is set to auto-lock after five minutes but you leave the door open, it won’t automatically lock until you close the door.

You can also tell it to alert you if the door has remained open for too long or at a particular time of day — a boon to anyone who has small kids or is a caregiver for a person with memory issues.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

Installation may be rougher than intended. Even after installing this lock three separate times, we found ourselves struggling to get the lock to align flush to the door, due in part to a spring mechanism on the mounting plate. If you run into a problem, confirm that the power cable is tucked into the nooks as intended.

Yale insists on using wireless modules. Another facet of using the Assure Lock 2 or any Yale lock is that an included wireless module needs to be installed — at a specific time before you put batteries in. We know of no other companies that employ this sort of system, and in an older model that module was a source of failure. It’s not onerous, but it’s not ideal.

Legacy accounts can be a problem. When we went to install this lock after having installed another Yale lock previously, our user accounts seemed to transfer as well, but we ran into an issue where we could neither reuse old PIN codes nor create new ones. It turns out that you need to manage the lock and users when you’re in Bluetooth range, which resolves things.

Privacy snapshot

• A username and password are required to use Yale-product smart features. You can use the lock without the app, but you lose smart features, such as remote access.
• Yale collects a range of device and usage data that it uses to manage and improve services. The company does not sell consumer data to third parties.
• You may opt out of all promotional emails by clicking a link provided in one of the emails.
• For more details, read Yale’s privacy policy.

Compatibility: Apple Home and Home Key, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Matter

The Aqara Smart Lock U100 is a deadbolt-replacement model with a keypad as well as a fingerprint reader. It’s far quieter and faster than our top-pick deadbolt option. This model is an especially good choice for Apple fans due to its Home Key support. However, it’s far more complicated than the Schlage Arrive deadbolt, and it may sometimes frustrate household members who aren’t tech enthusiasts.

You may not have heard of Aqara, but we have — a lot. Aqara certainly isn’t a household name in the way Schlage is, but we have been testing and using Aqara’s devices for a few years now and are impressed by the company’s ever-growing ecosystem. We often caution about making a big purchase from a company with products we haven’t tested, but we are confident in this case that Aqara has the capacity and intent to support its devices and customers.

Installation isn’t hard, but the app’s guidance for that can be a bit confusing. The app frequently uses unfamiliar tech jargon, too. Still, once you’ve set things up, the Aqara app is intuitive enough to figure out, and it’s clean and useful overall.

One quirk I encountered during setup came when I integrated the Smart Lock U100 with Apple Home. In the process the lock was automatically detected as a Matter device and then appeared twice as two devices in the Apple Home app. If the same happens to you, Aqara says that it’s fine, and that you can feel free to delete one instance, but it’s a curious effect of using Matter.

Fingerprinting never felt so good. And that’s especially so if you have had only sporadic success with other smart-lock models. In a fraction of a second, the lock senses your finger and unlocks the door, most of the time on the first press. It is not perfect, and as with any tech device in general and any fingerprint reader in particular, it is absolutely user-dependent: I have zero issues, but impatient children often put a finger on crooked and then pout in defeat when it is unrecognized. If you can follow modest instructions — put your finger in the center of the circle — you should be fine.

It supports unlocking through Apple Home Key. The experience is slightly flawed (see below), but the lock will trigger when you hold a registered iPhone or Apple Watch up to it, which is nice if you don’t feel like typing in a code, or if you’re wearing gloves, say, and don’t want to bother taking them off for the fingerprint scanner.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

PINs must be at least six digits. This is a small but real pain. Every other lock I’ve tested allows for four. That may sound like a picayune detail, but a four-digit sequence has a built-in flow — people have been using them forever with ATM cards and countless other verification services — so I ended up mistyping our code far more often on this lock than on others.

Apple Home Key isn’t an improvement over a fingerprint. I found that using the fingerprint reader was far faster and more reliable than trying to get the NFC chip on the iPhone just so, which often took me a few tries. (If you’ve ever struggled to use tap-to-pay at retail stores, you know the feeling.)

You need an extra Aqara hub. Unlike our other picks, the Smart Lock U100 doesn’t have built-in Wi-Fi, so for you to access it remotely, you need to buy a relatively low-cost Aqara hub (they start as low as $25). If you plan to use Apple Home to control the lock, you can instead rely on a HomePod, a HomePod Mini, or an Apple TV to function as a hub instead.

Mess up, and you may get (temporarily) locked out. As a safety precaution against potential intruders’ attempts to fiddle with your keypad, the Smart Lock U100 flashes an angry red if you put the incorrect code in. Get it wrong a set number of times (you can adjust this in the app), and the Smart Lock U100 will sound an alert and lock down the keypad for a minute (or as long as 30 minutes, if you set it for that length). You can then wait or use the app or a physical key to unlock it. This may happen if, say, you are testing smart locks, and your kids try it out and don’t realize their codes have changed, so you are eventually locked out of your house. It’s also possible to accidentally type the wrong code by entering a digit prematurely, if you don’t learn to wake the keypad first with a palm on the keypad (or press the lock button) before typing in your code. We like to keep the lockout feature on and think of it like a game.

Privacy snapshot

• Aqara offers two-factor authentication through the Aqara app.
• With your consent, Aqara may collect data including account information, general location information, and automation logs, but it’s encrypted with SSL and other algorithms and stored on secured servers.
• Aqara does not sell data to third parties.
• You can opt out of data sharing by deleting or adjusting permissions on your mobile device. You can also withdraw your consent by contacting Aqara directly at privacy@lumiunited.com.
• For more details, read Aqara’s privacy policy.

Compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Apple Home, Google Home, Matter

The Eufy Smart Lock C34 is basic and competent, and it just works. It’s also one of the quieter locks we’ve ever tested. It’s a bit larger than our other picks, especially its internal housing, and it has a touchscreen — I prefer a keypad or buttons, but I had no issues. As with most keypad models, you can unlock it using the Eufy app, a physical key, or the keypad, and if you integrate it with a smart platform, you can enable geofencing. It connects directly to Wi-Fi but also supports Matter if you have a compatible device to act as a hub, such as a smart speaker.

It offers a lot for very little. Smart lock prices vary widely, but as you might expect, the cheaper ones tend to shed features to hit a certain price. Listed at $140 but regularly offered below $100, the C34 is on the low end of pricing yet has a good set of features, including built-in Wi-Fi (so no need for a hub), wide compatibility with third-party smart-home apps, useful settings such as auto-lock and passcode scrambling, and even support for Matter.

One aspect that is fine but not ideal is the C34’s BHMA Grade 3 rating, which makes it suitable for residential security (by comparison, the Schlage Arrive is commercial-grade). The C34 also lacks the extra-long screws that locksmiths recommend, but you can DIY those.

It supports multiple third-party connections. If you’re content to use the Eufy app — especially if you have one of our other Eufy picks (such as a Eufy smart doorbell or indoor camera) — you can connect the C34 to Wi-Fi and have remote control and receive notifications. But you can also control the C34 using Apple Home, if you have a HomePod or Apple TV set up as a hub. And if your household uses one more smart platform to access your devices, you can opt to incorporate Alexa, Google Home, or SmartThings using Matter. To do so, you need a Matter-compatible hub; you can find more details for Apple models, Amazon Echo models, and Google models.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

It’s huskier than most. The C34 isn’t massive, but its indoor housing is definitely large and may stand out more than some people may want.

Touchscreens are inferior to buttons. Unlike deadbolts with physical buttons or a keypad, a model with a touchscreen can have issues registering gloved or wet fingers, and without an audio signal from the lock, you may be unsure if your fingers hit a number correctly. A touchscreen may also be challenging for some people with mobility issues.

Privacy snapshot

• Eufy collects a range of device, usage, and personal data that it uses to manage and improve services but also to market products and services to you.
• You may opt out of personal data collection, sales, and sharing by submitting a request.
• For more details, read Eufy’s privacy policy.

Compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Philips Hue, Samsung SmartThings

For a door where you intend to keep the existing deadbolt keyway, we recommend the Yale Approach Lock with Wi-Fi + Keypad. In our tests, installing the hardware was painless, as was setup in the Yale Access app. The Approach Lock comes with a Yale Connect Wi-Fi Bridge plug-in adapter, which is required for you to connect it to your home network, as well as a wireless keypad, which makes the Approach Lock far more seamless to use.

Installation is uncomplicated. Anyone confident with a screwdriver can install the Approach Lock in a couple of minutes. (Be sure to use the included painter’s tape to keep the outdoor housing from falling off your door when you remove the interior thumb turn.) It’s the best-looking lock I’ve tested; it’s notably shallow with rounded edges, in contrast to blockier models, which tend to look alien on a typical door.

It has plenty of adapters to accommodate most any single-cylinder deadbolt. Since the Approach Lock needs to be mated to the outside portion of your existing lock, it comes with four styles of adapters to accommodate any of the standard cam-bar types (that’s the metal stub or tab that passes through the deadbolt mechanism). We’ve encountered issues with more than one competing model where the adapters don’t quite work for a number of reasons, and the Approach Lock came together with no issues at all.

The DoorSense sensor prevents accidental triggers. Included with the Approach Lock is a small DoorSense module, which you stick to the door frame. (Or, if your frame is wooden, it can be embedded.) Once calibrated it tells your lock when the door is properly closed or if it has been left ajar, and it adjusts the lock’s behavior as needed. Installing the module is optional, but it allows you to enable timed auto-locking of your door without having to worry that the deadbolt will trigger when the door has been left open too long (and will then fail to trigger later). It’s a good system that works well.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

It doesn’t support Apple Home. Unlike our other Yale pick, the Assure Lock 2, this model doesn’t support Apple Home. You can still easily control and manage it using an iPhone and the Yale Access, Alexa, or Google Home app.

Privacy snapshot

• A username and password are required to use Yale-product smart features. You can use the lock without the app, but you lose smart features, such as remote access.
• Yale collects a range of device and usage data that it uses to manage and improve services. The company does not sell consumer data to third parties.
• You may opt out of all promotional emails by clicking on a link provided in one of the emails.
• For more details, read Yale’s privacy policy.

Compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Google Home

For single-hole doors that don’t have a deadbolt, we recommend the Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Lever, which has many of the same features and specifications as our top deadbolt pick. Because this model is a full-replacement lock, you must remove your existing doorknob or lever and install the Encode lever in its place.

One simple feature makes it better than any other model we’ve tested. The Encode lever gives you the ability to turn auto-lock on and off with physical buttons on the lock itself. These two labeled buttons live on the half of the lock that is installed on the inside of your home. Unlike with a deadbolt, you can’t lock or unlock your door when you’re inside using a thumb turn, since the mechanism is all internal; usually, the solution is to have the door auto-lock after a period of time that you can adjust. This arrangement can cause problems, though, like the time when I was testing a lock by another brand and my son locked the door to his room at night, and I couldn’t remember the code and scrambled for five minutes trying to figure out how to get inside. (Solution: the app!)

The Encode lever, in contrast, lets you set its status to auto-lock or passage mode — which means you can open it normally — by using those two buttons. Such an option should be a no-brainer, and yet all our previous doorknob-replacement picks (the Ultraloq Latch 5 Fingerprint, the Ultraloq Latch 5 NFC, and the Yale Assure Lever) required either entering a key code or going into the app to change the mode.

Battery life is, so far, impressive, at better than six months. Would that other locks could fare so well.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

You can’t use the Encode lever with Apple Home. Although you can set up this model using an iPhone and the Schlage app, it isn’t compatible with the Apple Home app. You’ll still receive notifications and can use the device as normal otherwise.

Privacy snapshot

• A username and password are required to use the Encode lever’s smart features. You can use the lock without the app, but you lose smart features, such as remote access.
• Schlage collects a range of device and usage data that it uses to manage and improve services. The company does not sell consumer data to third parties.
• You may opt out of all promotional communications by making a request to dataprivacy@allegion.com.
• For more details, read Schlage’s privacy policy.

Though we’re confident in our picks for most people, many of the other models we’ve tested would be fine choices depending on your needs, preferences, and budget. Note that unlike with our current picks, we don’t continuously long-term test the following models.

If you want top security and extra features: The Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt is our previous top pick, and it adds features such as an impact alarm and compatibility with Amazon Alexa, Apple Home, and Google Home. It also supports Apple’s Home Key, which lets you unlock the Encode Plus deadbolt by tapping it with your iPhone or Apple Watch. Our current top pick, the Schlage Arrive, lacks Apple Home Key compatibility.

If Apple Home Key and aesthetics matter most: The Level Lock Pro is as gorgeously constructed as it is cleverly designed. Unlike other deadbolt-replacement smart locks, this model’s smart guts and mechanisms live completely inside your door. The Level Lock Pro is an upgrade from the Level Lock, and it adds more powerful electronics, open-door detection, and a pair each of key cards and key fobs. You can trigger the Level Lock Pro by touching it (if you have a paired iPhone on you), tapping an iPhone or Apple Watch, using a key card or key fob, going into the app, inserting a physical key, or issuing voice commands to a smart speaker. Since it supports Matter connectivity, you can control it using Alexa or Google Home, as well — but for that you need a Matter hub, such as a smart speaker, and non-Apple devices can’t support many of the more appealing features. A few overarching limitations prevent us from making it an overall pick: It doesn’t support remote access without the purchase of an extra hub, it’s pricey at $350, and if you happen to leave your phone behind (or if you’re a kid and don’t have a phone), you have to keep track of a fob or card, which is not much different from carrying a key.

If you want another Apple Home option: Kwikset has Apple Home–centric models that are great but aren’t quite as appealing as our top picks. The Kwikset Halo Touch is a deadbolt-replacement model with a stylish, modern keyway and a fingerprint reader — no keypad. It’s pretty, and the fingerprint reader works well, but you can’t readily share access to your home as you can with keypad models, as you’d need to register a fingerprint for every visitor. The Kwikset Halo Select is a Matter-enabled model with a steel and glass touchscreen keypad. It works reliably and is a fine option if you like using a touchscreen, though as with a smartphone it can be harder to see in bright light, and if you don’t enable the beeps (which I found irksome), you may have difficulty knowing when you’ve entered a number. Note that this model works with a Wi-Fi connection, but if you want to use it with Matter, you can no longer access the lock with the Kwikset app, and you lose some key features, such as door-status detection, intrusion detection, and geofencing.

We plan to test the following smart locks as they become available:

• The Schlage Sense Pro Smart Deadbolt, announced in January 2025, has yet to be released. It supports Matter-over-Thread and relies on ultra-wideband technology (the same thing that’s used for keyless entry in cars) paired with your device to unlock as you reach your door. Along with hands-free unlocking, it supports keypad access-code entry, as well as tap-to-unlock-and-lock.
• After some preliminary testing of handprint-scanning smart deadbolts, I encountered a few initial problems — and at least one model got an important update — so I’ll continue to test and update this guide with reviews of those models as soon as possible. One model, the Eufy FamiLock S3 Max, has a keypad but also a palm-scanning sensor that reads the unique pattern of the veins in your hand. It also includes a doorbell camera, and the internal housing has a display and speaker for you to see who is outside your door. Another such model is the TCL D2 Pro, which has a keypad but also scans your palm veins.
• The Aqara Smart Lock U400 is a keypad deadbolt that supports Matter over Thread connectivity and offers a wide range of unlock methods, including Fingerprint, Apple Home Key using Apple Wallet — but it’s most enticing feature is auto-unlock triggered using highly sensitive Ultra Wideband (UWB) wireless. UWB works far more precisely and consistently than Bluetooth (and in a demo it worked flawlessly).
• The $50 Aqara Smart Lock B50 is a budget-friendly model with physical buttons, built-in Wi-Fi 6 and support for Amazon Alexa and Google Home without a hub — but also supports Matter if paired with an Aqara-branded hub (that may expand to non-Aqara models in the future).
• Lockly announced the Lockly Affirm Series Deadbolt Edition, a keypad model with built-in Wi-Fi, an embedded doorbell button (chime, not video) and support for tap-to-unlock using a smartphone, watch or NFC tag. It’s also Matter compatible, and supports Lockly’s novel TapCom service, intended for rental properties, which lets visitors tap their phone to a TapCom sticker for a video call to an administrator.

Our experience with the smart locks we’ve tested has been positive for the most part, though we should note that every smart lock we’ve ever used has had instances when it didn’t function correctly or required troubleshooting of some variety.

A number of locks are perfectly fine but don’t match the price-to-performance value of our picks. That group includes the Eufy Smart Lock Touch E130, the Eufy Smart Lock S230, and the August Smart Lock Pro.

The Yale+Nest smart lock’s successor, the Yale Smart Lock with Matter (Designed for Google Home), also works very well, looks good, and has nice physical buttons, but it doesn’t support Wi-Fi at all, which means you would need to pair it with a Matter-enabled smart speaker (or an Eero router) for remote access and notifications. That makes it hard to recommend for most people.

Similarly, the Nuki Smart Lock is a well-designed adapter model with a built-in rechargeable battery. I had issues setting it up but got it working. Since my review the company has dropped its subscription model and raised the price of the lock to $200 or $269 with a keypad. We haven’t retested the lock since the announcement but note that our top pick remains substantially less expensive.

The Aqara Smart Lock U200 is a deadbolt-adapter model that we hoped to love, but our existing picks are a better buy. The mechanism is really loud compared with other models. In addition, it doesn’t work with Wi-Fi for remote access and instead requires being paired with a Matter-enabled hub, which may be a setback for some people.

The SwitchBot Lock Pro is tedious to install, and in my home it stuck out so far from a door that my kid bumped into it while walking by. Compared with the sleek Yale Approach model, which is comparably priced, this lock is hard to recommend to anyone.

We no longer recommend Ultraloq locks, such as the Ultraloq Bolt Fingerprint or the Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi, due to a number of ongoing technical and customer service concerns.

The Abode Lock lost connection to Wi-Fi, and and its internal battery drained in less than two weeks. It never sent a notification that it was offline — I would have been locked out of my house without a backup key.

We dismissed the Lockly Secure Plus, Lockly Secure Pro, Lockly Vision, Alfred DB1 with Bluetooth, and Yale Assure Lock Touchscreen Deadbolt (YRD226) because they had fewer features or their designs were not as well implemented.

We don’t recommend the Kwikset Kevo because we found it outdated, unreliable, and poorly supported.

This article was edited by Jon Chase and Grant Clauser.