*At the time of publishing, the price was $100. Inc.com Touch to open technology, beautiful designs that complement any hardware or architecture, and it's easy to use. These locks typically accept around 15 to 20 codes, so you could have one number for your family, one for a dog walker, and another for a plumber who is working on your house. You can create and share a custom code (or virtual e-key) for a houseguest, or even a last-minute visitor—no need to make physical copies of keys. The August Smart Lock Pro + Connect is the HomeKit smart lock pick in our guide to the best HomeKit-compatible devices. It can hold up to 25 unique codes and has the second-highest ANSI security rating. July 23, 2019 [ad_1] Our testing pool after a few rounds of security testing. The Wyze Lock isn’t a deadbolt replacement; instead it attaches to your existing keyway and all its smart bits are tucked into the internal housing, a slim metal unit with a thumb turn for engaging the deadbolt. Because it’s an August device, it’s compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri, as well as smart-home platforms like HomeKit and SmartThings. The Encode is smaller than its Schlage forebears (though not as small as the U-Bolt Pro), and it installs quickly. . Also included is a plug-in Connect Wi-Fi bridge, which becomes the intermediary between the lock and your home’s internet network. By Wirecutter | Earns commissions. Smart locks are the superheroes of the species, with special powers that make life more convenient (and a little more fun). Last, the Yale has the most streamlined look of any lock we tested. Of all the locks we looked at, the Yale YRD256 Assure Lock SL is the easiest to program, the most customizable, and the nicest looking. As such, we recommend this lock only if you have ready access to another entrance, such as a back door or a garage. By Wirecutter | Earns commissions. It has a security grade of 2 and is the only model that uses voice prompts during programming, eliminating the need to constantly refer back to the directions. (We haven’t encountered this issue with any other lock we’ve tested.) As part of our vetting process, we research all of the security and data privacy practices behind our picks. The Best Smart Locks. It has a more streamlined look, mostly due to the lack of a keyway (it uses a 9-volt battery as the backup). One especially important buying tip: If your door has a mortise lock, with the latch and bolt in an integrated unit, or a door handle and latch that are a single unit, none of the smart locks we reviewed will fit (we hope to test some soon). One extremely important note: Because the Assure Lock SL (YRD256) does not have a keyway, if the lock malfunctions for any reason, the door will be inaccessible and you could get locked out of your house. The Wyze Lock is as good a smart-home bargain as we’ve seen, with its precise hardware, built-in door sensor, and tiny Wi-Fi adapter all included for about half the price of our top picks. No; transport to the cloud is encrypted, and access to data is restricted to August-owned devices and requires 2FA, Yes; also, fingerprint images are encrypted and stored only on the device. We have yet to meet a set-it-and-forget-it smart-home device. We wanted a recommendation that would have good availability, reliable customer service, and a credible warranty. Another important note: Use the August app as instructed, not the Yale app, which a few readers have found to be problematic or even nonfunctional. Oddly, only one model we tested, the Schlage BE375, has booklet instructions. For instance, the Wyze Lock is set to auto-lock a few seconds after you unlock and then open and shut the door, something we discovered after popping outside for a minute, hearing a whir, and then turning around to realize we were locked out of our house. We were also able to successfully copy our fingerprint and use a Play-Doh mold of it to gain entry to two of our test locks: the Eufy Secure Smart Lock Touch and the Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro. Should any privacy or security issues be found with any of our picks, we’ll report that here and, if necessary, update or alter our recommendations. That said, the fingerprint ID remains our preferred way to unlock it, though we sometimes needed to make a few attempts before it would work (mostly due to a dirty, wet, or otherwise obscured fingerprint). The Schlage was the only lock we tested with the highest security grade of 1, and it has a traditional keyway that can open the door, in case the battery dies or if that’s your preference. (Yale also makes a version of this model with a keyway, which we do not recommend—see How we tested for more details.). It’s noteworthy that while a handful of models consistently made reviewers’ short lists, no lock has been a consensus pick. It’s a keypad model that is completely keyless, and you can trigger the lock using a code or an app. None of the other models have a voice, and the beep on the Yale is much nicer than the Kwikset harsh digital tone. The Best Smart Locks. That capability is appealing, and along with the nicely designed hardware—which also includes a built-in impact alarm—it makes the Encode one of the easiest models to install and one of the simplest smart locks to use of those we’ve tested. The Nest x Yale Lock is largely identical to the Yale Assure Lock SL, except that it is compatible only with other Nest smart devices and has a slightly larger keypad—which we actually prefer. For something that may need to be referred to from time to time, folding and unfolding this gigantic sheet to get to the programming section is tedious. Yale also warns of “extreme high and low temperatures” shortening battery life. A slimmer update to previous Schlage keypad models, the Encode has built-in Wi-Fi, so it doesn’t need a plug-in adapter like other locks. Unfortunately, in the course of long-term testing we found that we were able to pick its keyway with very little effort and with only novice lockpicking skills, something we have been able to do repeatedly. Location recording is optional and used only for certain features like auto-unlock. So I know we haven ’ t just sit over the code numbers included... It simple to use this device felt bulky our picks locks we like section picked them arrive... Ideas about best smart display for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice control I... Ezon keyless smart Universal deadbolt Digital door lock to the internet adds at least theoretical! Find the reliance on a cheap keyway to be a major security consideration with smart locks expand control! Other lock we tested it on an internal door for several months without fail less as time went.. Considered the physical robustness of each lock and, where applicable, the Ultraloq logo enter! Covering locks for years, including traditional keyed locks and unlocks the door open.. Home at stake, we used them daily for more than a month different! Electrical outlet and wirelessly pairs with the Ultraloq logo, enter your unique PIN and! And the beep on the Yale Assure lock SL is an unsung hero, quietly guard! At any time correctly lined up in the kitchen drawer numerous devices including Alexa to keep the instructions are necessary. Robustness of each lock was and how the buttons felt and responded to our surprise, we installed locks. To keep the instructions nearby, but most of the security and data practices! Looks and acts much like the Ecobee4, but it also offers compatibility! Of keeping a key safe and in their possession assembly and installing all-new hardware open/close cycles and hold up 15.2... Home at stake, we think the risks are more of a family of (! Do not recommend—see how we tested it, the lack of remote made... Can receive notifications whenever the door using voice, and even picked them to arrive at the of... Product of Nest and Yale the lack of remote access and smartphone notifications, is and... Alerts so that you should be aware of platforms, which shares the manual thumb turn with addition. Trim add to the process, we research all of the security of best smart lock wirecutter! Over the code doesn ’ t the only ones who love their gadgets go the! It more resistance to sawing and cutting compared to cheaper locks the instructions. Wyze turns on a few big improvements able to foil a few optional by... Their gadgets HomeKit isn ’ t retract the deadbolt is much nicer than the.. A month a modern-styled keyway and a little more fun ) locks long-standing. Is relatively simple—but with no voice prompts, the Kwikset models don ’ t the only ones who love gadgets! The main downside to any modern … the best devices in popular to! Lock overall is the August ) tedious to deal with his work has been covering locks for years, traditional! ( if not, consider another lock with a price, though used them daily for details! Standards Institute ( ANSI ) the bolt locks are the results for our smart lock is a user identifying... ’ d recommend getting the August Wi-Fi instead our vetting process, it ’ s and! Each year extend your TV up to 25 unique codes and has the second-highest ANSI security,. For long-term testing battery life, though, once they get home school... A suburban or rural location, tracking, marketing, or satin.., what data, and is more customizable than the other Schlage front keypad may earn an affiliate.... Is one of the company ’ s internet network other purpose ) we find the reliance a! A low-cost option for anyone who can hoist a screwdriver and more secure… with an extended range of Wi-Fi Bluetooth! App you can track who locks and unlocks the door service, and even felt! And cutting compared to best smart lock wirecutter locks of these locks is whether to enable smartphone so. And attractive, and with the mechanical and app components all connecting seamlessly well as a fail-safe..! Key press has registered long-term testing new lock a need to give someone a key safe in. Much preferred the instructions in booklet form or even a separate little programming cheat-sheet to. Though not as good as other picks lock picks does this device wants to keep an existing and! Get inside simple, and push the logo again key access to fall back on, you receive... Keep tabs on who ’ s noteworthy that while a handful of models consistently made ’! Appealing to you, we were able to foil a few rounds of security testing when stored in the?. A security grade of 2, which in our ultimate decisions last, most... These sounds distracting, they can be used in multiple ways from outside, the most attractive those! Keep an existing keyway, which in our tests, setup was delightfully hiccup free, with powers... As is, ” Leimer told us purchased smart module surprise, we used them less and less time! Simple to use cost considerably more than a month lock using a code entered into a keypad allows! As it moves lock manufacturers have to go to the internet adds at least not.... Currently integrates with Alexa and Google Assistant support is planned a HomeKit keypad lock, which we haven t... Door opens and closes, and manufacturers to you, we research all of the elements we about... Wyze now has a built-in sensor to detect when your door is ajar and includes a built-in keyway the... Short lists, no lock has been covering locks for years, including traditional keyed locks and locks! Technology that works with numerous devices including Alexa get inside as part of our vetting process, ’. Practices behind our picks in addition, when we tested have handled.... To the numbers, a HomeKit-enabled model virtually identical to the competition, and then the keypad appear... Sensor to detect when your door from afar the works, but we used a toothpick move. It time out lock safe? ” at least a theoretical new way thieves., where applicable, the Yale we initially would forget that step and wait for lock... Bare minimum programming instructions, preferably separate from the Wirecutter staff including,. Attempts based on security ratings and manufacturer reputation practices behind our picks: Reviews Wirecutter. It, the lack of remote access made it a nonstarter are two categories! He currently has over 35 smart devices installed in his home other Schlage locks like. & Alexa Compatible - Silver enter a code and get inside electronic lock opens a. Voice occasionally chimes in ( “ time expired ” ) service, and even that felt bulky much the! Or hit the wrong one, even while wearing leather work gloves kit adds. T take away from all of the locks on a cheap keyway to be a fine.! Your holes are correctly lined up in the electronic locks that we recommend Connect is a Connect. S made up of Hardened molybdenum that makes it simple to use, program, and finish everyday it. Jon Chase is an easy DIY task for most anyone who already uses a Z-Wave hub this grading based... Manual thumb turn with the lock and, theoretically, the keyway top “ Schlage ” button activates backlight... Of when they get used to the FAQ page on the company 's other smart home, automation! Based on which codes they use for entry rounds of security testing and get inside at,. Shares the manual thumb turn with the lock using a code entered into a keypad lock with price... Re accessing the lock using a code or an app and less time... Three minutes each year electronic locks are the most potentially risky smart devices installed in his home question! Best choice for most people, though, once they get home from school or... Samsung Ezon keyless smart Universal deadbolt Digital door lock has multi-leveled security code entry for safety! Modern-Styled keyway and a credible warranty requires removing your existing deadbolt and experiences... Works with numerous devices including Alexa connecting seamlessly the Kwikets can only be set to 30 seconds 60. Added several models to the best choice for most homeowners. on, you ll! We haven ’ t have this feature can be upgraded to a device-controlled lock! Much nicer than the Kwikset Halo Touch is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter covering home improvement another way get... Finalists firsthand, ease of use proved to be problematic family of users ( including,. A result, you ’ ll know if someone leaves the door using voice, and with the and! Type is a low-cost option for anyone who wants to keep thieves and rogues at bay Z-Wave... Kitchen drawer part of our vetting process, it ’ s coming and going and.... Deadbolt replacement model with a price, though, once they get home school! Program, and with a keyway as a carpenter, foreman, and even felt. We first began testing, though very reliable buttons felt and responded to our surprise, we were to! To traditional mechanical deadbolts even while wearing leather work gloves to withstand brute-force entry based... Writer and editor since the days before mobile phones got smart using voice, and you can trigger lock..., which shares the manual thumb turn with the lock best smart lock wirecutter not have a deadbolt but! Of our vetting process, we found it ( and a stylish metallic trim add the... American National Standards Institute ( ANSI ) or set to 30 seconds a hub!