Best Smart Locks for 2023: Keyless Entry Done Right

What to Know Before Buying a Smart Lock

Smart locks are the one smart home product category where I tell people to slow down and do their homework before buying. Lights and speakers are low-stakes — if they stop working, you flip a switch or play music from your phone. If your smart lock fails, you're locked out of your house. So let's address the important stuff first.

Security is the question everyone asks. Modern smart locks from reputable brands use AES-128 or AES-256 encryption for wireless communication, which is effectively unbreakable through brute force. No one is "hacking" your August or Yale lock wirelessly. The real security concern is the same as any keypad lock: someone shoulder-surfing your code or finding your backup key. Most of the locks below support randomized PIN padding (displaying extra random digits around your code) to prevent visual snooping.

The physical security of a smart lock depends on the deadbolt and strike plate, not the electronics. A $250 smart lock is no stronger against a kick-in than a $30 deadbolt. If you're concerned about physical security, invest in a reinforced strike plate with 3-inch screws regardless of which smart lock you choose. The smart part handles convenience — the deadbolt handles security.

With that context, here are the best smart locks for 2023 and who each one is genuinely designed for.

August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen): Best Retrofit Lock

Why August Wins for Existing Doors

The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is the best option for anyone who wants to keep their existing deadbolt and keys. Unlike most smart locks that replace your entire deadbolt assembly, August installs on the inside of your door, attaching to your existing deadbolt's thumbturn. Your exterior hardware stays exactly the same — same keys, same look from outside. This takes about 10 minutes to install with a screwdriver.

This is a bigger deal than it might sound. If you rent, you can install August without changing the locks (and remove it when you move). If your front door has premium hardware that you like, you don't have to swap it out for a plastic keypad. And anyone who approaches your door sees a normal deadbolt, not an obvious smart lock.

Smart Features That Actually Work

Auto-unlock is August's killer feature. Using your phone's GPS and Bluetooth, the lock detects when you arrive home and unlocks the door before you touch it. I've used this daily for over a year, and it works reliably about 90% of the time — the other 10%, I pull out my phone and tap the app. Auto-lock engages after a configurable timeout (I use 30 seconds) so you never accidentally leave the door unlocked.

The 4th-generation model has Wi-Fi built in, so you don't need the separate August Connect bridge that older models required. This means remote access, status notifications, and guest access all work without extra hardware. Battery life is solid — I get 4-5 months from two CR123A batteries with daily use.

Ecosystem support: Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings, Z-Wave (via August Connect module). This is the broadest compatibility of any lock on this list.

Price: ~$230.

Best for: Renters, anyone who wants to keep their existing exterior hardware, and households that want auto-unlock.

Yale Assure Lock 2: Best Matter Smart Lock

Future-Proofed for Every Ecosystem

The Yale Assure Lock 2 is the first lock I'd recommend if you want maximum flexibility across smart home ecosystems. It's available in multiple configurations — key-free touchscreen, keyed, or with a key-free push-button pad — and supports Matter over Thread in its latest module configuration, making it compatible with every major platform today and whatever comes next.

Yale's modular approach is clever. The lock itself is the mechanical part, and you insert a wireless module that determines which protocol it uses. Modules are available for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, Z-Wave, and now Matter/Thread. If you start with a Wi-Fi module and later want Thread, you just swap the module (~$30-40) without replacing the entire lock. No other manufacturer offers this kind of upgrade path.

Build Quality and Daily Use

The Assure Lock 2 is available in deadbolt and lever configurations, both in several finishes (satin nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, matte black). Build quality is excellent — the touchscreen is responsive even in cold weather (a common complaint with cheaper touchscreen locks), and the motorized deadbolt is quiet. Battery life varies by module: the Wi-Fi module eats through batteries in 3-4 months, while the Matter/Thread module extends that closer to 6-8 months.

The Yale Access app handles guest codes, scheduling, and activity logs. It's well-designed and straightforward. You can create temporary access codes for house guests, recurring codes for dog walkers, and one-time codes for deliveries. The DoorSense feature (a small sensor on the door frame) detects whether the door is actually closed, which prevents auto-lock from engaging when the door is ajar — a detail that's more important than people realize.

Ecosystem support: Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings, Home Assistant — varies by module. The Matter module works with everything.

Price: ~$190-250 depending on configuration.

Best for: People who want one lock that works with any ecosystem now and in the future.

Schlage Encode Plus: Best HomeKit Smart Lock

Apple Home Key Support Is a Game-Changer

If you're an iPhone user, the Schlage Encode Plus offers something no other lock does: Apple Home Key. This lets you unlock your door by tapping your iPhone or Apple Watch against the lock, exactly like using Apple Pay at a store. It works even when your phone's battery is dead (for up to 5 hours after shutdown, the NFC chip remains powered). No app to open, no code to enter, no key to fumble with — just tap and go.

Home Key credentials are stored in your Apple Wallet and can be shared with family members. When a guest arrives, you can share a Home Key through iMessage, and it expires on a schedule you define. This is the most seamless guest access implementation I've tested — no app downloads, no account creation, just an iMessage and a tap.

Traditional Schlage Reliability

Schlage has been making locks since 1920, and the Encode Plus reflects that heritage. The deadbolt itself is ANSI/BHMA Grade 1, which is the highest residential lock rating — most smart locks are Grade 2. The lock is built like a tank: heavy, solid, and confidence-inspiring. The keypad is a capacitive touchscreen with a built-in alarm sensor that detects tampering.

The built-in Wi-Fi means no hub or bridge is needed. Battery life is reasonable at 6-8 months on four AA batteries. The Schlage Home app is simple and functional, though not as feature-rich as Yale's or August's apps. You get up to 100 access codes, scheduling, and a basic activity log.

The one downside: the Encode Plus is physically large. It's one of the bigger smart locks on the market, and the exterior escutcheon (the plate around the keypad) is substantial. On a standard door, this isn't an issue, but on doors with sidelights or narrow stile dimensions, measure carefully before ordering.

Ecosystem support: Apple HomeKit (with Home Key), Amazon Alexa, Google Home. Notably, no native SmartThings or Home Assistant integration without workarounds.

Price: ~$300.

Best for: iPhone/Apple Watch users who want the most seamless unlock experience available.

Level Lock+: Most Invisible Smart Lock

You Can't Tell It's a Smart Lock

The Level Lock+ solves a problem that bothers a specific type of homeowner: visible smart locks look like gadgets, and gadgets look out of place on a traditional home exterior. The Level Lock+ is completely invisible from the outside — it's a normal-looking deadbolt with a standard key cylinder. All the smart components are hidden inside the lock body itself, which is an impressive feat of engineering.

There's no keypad, no touchscreen, no bulky housing. You unlock with the Level app on your phone, an Apple Watch tap (it supports Apple Home Key), or a physical key. Level also sells NFC-enabled key cards that you can tap against the lock to unlock — useful for family members who don't have smartphones.

Living With Minimalism

The trade-off for that invisible design is the absence of a keypad. If you want to give a guest a PIN code to punch in, the Level Lock+ can't do that. Level makes a separate product — the Level Keypad — that mounts nearby, but it's an additional $79 purchase. For some households, this is a dealbreaker. For others who rely on phone-based unlocking, it's not an issue.

Battery life is a strong point. The Level Lock+ uses a single CR2 battery and lasts about a year with moderate use. The lock is ANSI/BHMA Grade A certified and uses a standard single-cylinder deadbolt form factor, so it fits virtually any standard door prep without modifications.

The Level app is clean and minimal, matching the lock's design philosophy. Guest access is managed through sharing links, and the activity log tracks every lock/unlock event. Home Assistant integration is possible through HomeKit, which works well for automation junkies who want to tie the lock into broader routines.

Ecosystem support: Apple HomeKit (with Home Key), Amazon Alexa, Google Home (via the Level Connect Wi-Fi bridge, sold separately at $79).

Price: ~$330.

Best for: Homeowners who want smart lock functionality without any visible change to their door's appearance.

Kwikset Halo: Best Keypad Smart Lock

The Keypad Done Right

The Kwikset Halo is the lock I recommend when someone says "I just want a keypad lock that's also smart." Its capacitive touchscreen keypad is large, responsive, and easy to read — even at night, thanks to the backlit numbers. There's no fumbling with tiny buttons or guessing where to press in the dark.

The Halo uses Kwikset's SmartKey technology, which lets you re-key the lock yourself in about 15 seconds using the included SmartKey tool. This is incredibly useful when you move into a new home, have a housekeeper or tenant change, or lose a key. You don't need a locksmith — just insert the current key, push the SmartKey tool into the slot, remove the old key, insert the new key, and the lock is rekeyed. It takes all of 30 seconds once you've done it once.

Connectivity and Smart Features

The Halo comes in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth versions. I strongly recommend the Wi-Fi model — the Bluetooth-only version limits you to app control only when you're within Bluetooth range, which defeats much of the purpose. The Wi-Fi model offers remote access, notifications, and integration with Alexa and Google Home without any additional bridge or hub.

You can program up to 250 user codes with individual schedules. This is particularly useful for Airbnb hosts, landlords, or anyone who regularly grants temporary access. Each code can be set to work only during specific hours and specific days of the week. The activity log tracks which code was used and when, so you have a clear record of who accessed the property.

Build quality is solid. The Halo is ANSI/BHMA Grade 2 certified and available in several finishes. Battery life runs about 6 months on four AA batteries with the Wi-Fi model, which is acceptable. The Kwikset app is straightforward if unremarkable — it handles the basics well without any standout features or frustrating bugs.

Ecosystem support: Amazon Alexa, Google Home. No Apple HomeKit support. Home Assistant integration available through community plugins.

Price: ~$200 for the Wi-Fi touchscreen model.

Best for: People who want a reliable keypad lock with easy rekeying capability and straightforward smart features.

Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro: Best Biometric Smart Lock

Fingerprint Unlocking That Actually Works

The Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro offers more ways to unlock your door than any other lock on this list: fingerprint, keypad code, smartphone app, auto-unlock, mechanical key, and even a shake-to-open feature. The fingerprint reader is the headline feature, and it's genuinely fast — registration takes about 10 seconds per finger (you press multiple times at different angles), and recognition takes under half a second in daily use.

I was skeptical about fingerprint locks initially. Early models were unreliable in cold weather and slow to recognize wet or dirty fingers. The U-Bolt Pro's capacitive sensor handles cold fingers reasonably well (I've used it down to about 25 degrees Fahrenheit without issues), though wet or very greasy fingers can still cause misreads. It stores up to 120 fingerprints, which is plenty for a large household with some guests.

The Versatility Play

Where the U-Bolt Pro really shines is in its sheer versatility of access methods. The fingerprint reader handles your daily unlocking. The keypad serves as backup and is great for guest codes (up to 120). The key is your emergency fallback. The auto-unlock feature uses phone GPS, similar to August's approach. And the app provides remote access and management when you're away.

The U-Bolt Pro connects via Bluetooth by default and requires the Ultraloq Wi-Fi Bridge ($40, sold separately) for remote access and smart home integration. This is a minor annoyance — I'd prefer built-in Wi-Fi at this price — but the bridge works reliably once set up. Battery life is strong at 8-12 months on four AA batteries, which is among the best in this roundup.

Build quality is good, with an all-metal exterior and a satisfyingly solid deadbolt throw. It's ANSI/BHMA Grade 2 certified. The U-tec app has improved significantly over the past year — earlier versions were buggy, but the current version is stable and reasonably well-designed. The lock also supports the Ultraloq Auto-Lock feature, which automatically engages the deadbolt after a configurable timeout.

Ecosystem support: Amazon Alexa, Google Home (via Wi-Fi Bridge). Apple HomeKit compatibility is available on the "WiFi" model variant that has a built-in bridge. Home Assistant support through community integration.

Price: ~$180 for the lock, ~$40 for the Wi-Fi Bridge if needed.

Best for: Households that want multiple unlock methods, especially fingerprint recognition, at a reasonable price.

Smart Lock Buying Guide: Key Considerations

Deadbolt vs. Lever

Most smart locks replace your deadbolt, which is the standard for exterior doors. Some models (like the Yale Assure Lock 2) are also available in lever configurations, which are useful for interior doors or commercial settings. For your front door, stick with a deadbolt — levers are easier to manipulate from outside and are generally less secure for exterior applications.

Battery Life Reality Check

Manufacturer battery life claims are optimistic. They assume a certain number of lock/unlock cycles per day and minimal Wi-Fi usage. In real-world use, expect roughly 70-80% of the claimed battery life. Wi-Fi models drain faster than Bluetooth-only or Zigbee/Z-Wave models because the Wi-Fi radio draws more power. Thread models are emerging as the sweet spot — low-power wireless with no hub required — but options are still limited in 2023.

Every lock on this list provides low-battery warnings through the app, usually when you have 2-4 weeks of life remaining. None of them will leave you locked out without warning. That said, keep spare batteries near the door. Getting locked out because you ignored the low-battery notification for three weeks is a rite of passage that every smart lock owner goes through exactly once.

Auto-Lock and Auto-Unlock

Auto-lock (the lock engages automatically after a timeout) is available on every lock above and is worth enabling. The peace of mind of knowing your door is always locked when you leave is genuine. Set it to 30-60 seconds, which gives you time to grab something from the car without getting locked out.

Auto-unlock (the lock detects your phone approaching and unlocks before you arrive) is more variable. August and Ultraloq have the most reliable implementations. Others, including Yale and Schlage, offer it but with less consistent results. If auto-unlock matters to you, prioritize August or test it thoroughly during your return period.

Guest Access Approaches

How you grant temporary access varies significantly by lock. Keypad locks (Yale, Schlage, Kwikset, Ultraloq) let you create guest codes that work without any app. August and Level require guests to either use the app or carry an NFC card. For short-term rentals or frequent guests, a keypad lock is almost always more practical — asking every pizza delivery driver to download an app isn't realistic.

Installation Difficulty

Every lock on this list is DIY-installable with basic tools. August is the easiest (10 minutes, mounts on the inside of your existing deadbolt). Level is similarly straightforward since it replaces a standard deadbolt with a same-sized mechanism. Yale, Schlage, Kwikset, and Ultraloq require removing your existing deadbolt and installing a new one, which takes 20-30 minutes and involves drilling if your door prep doesn't match the template. Always check the door prep dimensions before ordering.

Which Smart Lock Should You Buy?

• Best for renters or keeping existing hardware: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock — installs in minutes without changing your exterior door
• Best for ecosystem flexibility: Yale Assure Lock 2 — swappable wireless modules and Matter support
• Best for iPhone users: Schlage Encode Plus — Apple Home Key tap-to-unlock is unmatched
• Best for aesthetics: Level Lock+ — completely invisible smart lock design
• Best keypad lock: Kwikset Halo — excellent keypad, SmartKey rekeying, solid value
• Best for biometrics: Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro — fast fingerprint reader plus every other unlock method

My personal pick for most households is the Yale Assure Lock 2 with the Matter/Thread module. It's well-built, reasonably priced, works with every platform, and the modular design means you're not stuck if you switch ecosystems. But honestly, there's no wrong answer on this list — every one of these locks is reliable, secure, and a genuine improvement over fumbling with keys in the dark.