Smart locks let you lock and unlock your front door from anywhere, grant keyless access to guests, and monitor exactly who enters your home and when. In 2026 the best models are faster, more reliable, and easier to install than ever. Here are the ones worth installing.
#1. Schlage Encode Plus
The Schlage Encode Plus is the best overall smart lock in 2026. Its built-in Wi-Fi means no separate hub or bridge is required — it connects directly to your router and the Schlage Home app. It’s Apple Home Key compatible (tap to unlock with iPhone or Apple Watch), works with Alexa and Google, and Schlage’s Grade 1 ANSI certification means it’s among the most physically secure locks available. For iOS households who want the most seamless, no-hub-required smart lock, this is the definitive choice.
Key Specs
- Connectivity: Built-in Wi-Fi — no hub required
- Apple Home Key: Tap to unlock with iPhone or Apple Watch via NFC
- Access Codes: Up to 100 unique access codes
- Security Grade: ANSI Grade 1 — highest residential security rating
- Ecosystems: Apple Home, Alexa, Google Assistant
- Price: ~$299.99
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Apple Home Key — tap iPhone to unlock is the most frictionless smart lock experience
- ✅ Built-in Wi-Fi — no hub, bridge, or additional hardware needed
- ✅ Grade 1 ANSI security — physically the most secure lock on this list
- ✅ 100 access codes for guests, cleaners, family members
- ❌ Most expensive lock on this list at $299.99
- ❌ Wi-Fi battery drain — batteries last 6–12 months vs 12+ on Zigbee/Z-Wave locks
- ❌ No fingerprint reader — access is code, key, or NFC only
Verdict
The Schlage Encode Plus is the best smart lock for iPhone households who want Apple Home Key convenience and the highest physical security grade available. The premium price is justified by the build quality and feature set.
#2. August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen)
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock 4th Gen is the most renter-friendly smart lock available. It installs over your existing deadbolt thumb-turn — no locksmith, no new keys, no changing the exterior hardware. Your existing physical key still works, and you gain app-based remote locking, auto-lock/unlock via geofencing, Alexa and Google integration, and DoorSense (detects if the door is ajar). Perfect for renters or anyone who doesn’t want to change their existing door hardware.
Key Specs
- Installation: Replaces interior thumb-turn only — keeps existing exterior hardware
- Connectivity: Built-in Wi-Fi (2.4GHz)
- DoorSense: Detects if door is open, closed, or ajar
- Auto-Unlock: Geofencing unlocks when you arrive home
- Ecosystems: Alexa, Google, Apple Home (requires August Connect bridge)
- Price: ~$229.99
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Installs in minutes over existing lock — ideal for renters
- ✅ Existing physical key still works — no lockout risk
- ✅ Auto-unlock geofencing is one of the best implementations in smart locks
- ✅ DoorSense detects ajar doors — alerts if you left the door open
- ❌ Interior-only installation means exterior appearance unchanged (not a pro for all buyers)
- ❌ Apple HomeKit requires additional August Connect bridge ($79)
- ❌ Less physically robust than Schlage — not Grade 1 certified
Verdict
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is the best smart lock for renters and anyone who wants smart features without replacing their existing door hardware or keys. Auto-unlock geofencing alone makes it worth installing.
#3. Yale Assure Lock 2
The Yale Assure Lock 2 is the most versatile smart lock in terms of ecosystem support. It comes in versions supporting Matter over Thread, Z-Wave, Zigbee, Wi-Fi, and Apple Home Key — meaning you can pick the exact connectivity version that fits your existing smart home setup. Yale is one of the oldest lock manufacturers in the world, and the Assure Lock 2’s build quality reflects that heritage. A strong choice for tech-savvy homeowners who want the right protocol rather than the most popular one.
Key Specs
- Connectivity: Multiple SKUs — Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, Zigbee, Matter/Thread, Apple Home Key
- Keypad: Backlit touchscreen keypad (no exposed buttons to wear)
- Access Codes: Up to 250 unique codes
- Security: ANSI Grade 2 certified
- Ecosystems: SmartThings, Alexa, Google, Apple Home (version dependent)
- Price: ~$199–$279 depending on connectivity version
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Available in every major connectivity protocol — pick the right version for your setup
- ✅ 250 access codes — most on this list
- ✅ Touchscreen keypad is more durable than button-based keypads
- ✅ Yale’s legacy build quality and reliability track record
- ❌ Choosing the right connectivity version can be confusing
- ❌ Grade 2 security rating vs Schlage’s Grade 1
- ❌ Some ecosystem features require the Yale Access app + module upgrades
Verdict
The Yale Assure Lock 2 is the best smart lock for homeowners who need a specific connectivity protocol (especially Z-Wave for SmartThings or Zigbee for Home Assistant) and want 250 access codes for frequent guest access.
#4. Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi
The Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi packs more entry methods into one lock than any competitor: fingerprint reader, keypad, NFC, app, and physical key — all on a single device. For households that have multiple family members with different preferences (kids who prefer fingerprint, guests who need a code, adults who use the app), the U-Bolt Pro’s flexibility is unmatched. Add built-in Wi-Fi at under $170 and it becomes the best value multi-method smart lock available.
Key Specs
- Entry Methods: Fingerprint, keypad, NFC card, app, physical key — 6 total
- Fingerprint Reader: 360-degree fingerprint sensor — fastest fingerprint lock available
- Connectivity: Built-in Wi-Fi — no hub required
- Ecosystems: Alexa, Google Assistant
- Access Codes: Up to 95 codes
- Price: ~$169.99
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Most entry methods of any lock — fingerprint + keypad + NFC + app + key
- ✅ Best value smart lock with fingerprint — significantly cheaper than competitors
- ✅ 360-degree fingerprint sensor works at any orientation
- ✅ Built-in Wi-Fi — no additional hub or module required
- ❌ No Apple Home Key support
- ❌ Build quality feels less premium than Schlage or Yale
- ❌ Ultraloq app has had reliability complaints vs the big brand apps
Verdict
The Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi is the best value smart lock for families who want fingerprint access. At $169 with six entry methods and built-in Wi-Fi, nothing else delivers this combination at this price.
#5. Kwikset Halo Touch
The Kwikset Halo Touch is the best fingerprint smart lock for homeowners who want a cleaner, simpler design than the Ultraloq. Kwikset’s SecureScreen technology scrambles the keypad numbers so criminals can’t identify your code from worn touchpoints, and its fingerprint reader stores up to 100 fingerprints. Built-in Wi-Fi connects directly without a hub, and the Kwikset app is one of the most reliable in the smart lock category.
Key Specs
- Fingerprints: Stores up to 100 fingerprints
- SecureScreen: Scrambles keypad layout to prevent code theft via wear patterns
- Connectivity: Built-in Wi-Fi — no hub required
- Ecosystems: Alexa, Google Assistant
- Access Codes: Up to 100 unique codes
- Price: ~$199.99
Pros & Cons
- ✅ SecureScreen is a genuinely clever security feature no other lock offers
- ✅ 100 fingerprints — enough for large families and regular guests
- ✅ Reliable Kwikset app — more consistent than Ultraloq
- ✅ Clean, professional design — one of the best-looking smart locks available
- ❌ No Apple Home Key support
- ❌ More expensive than the Ultraloq for similar fingerprint capability
- ❌ No NFC card entry option unlike Ultraloq
Verdict
The Kwikset Halo Touch is the best fingerprint smart lock for homeowners who want a clean design and reliable app, and who value Kwikset’s SecureScreen anti-theft keypad technology.
Final Thoughts
iPhone households who want Apple Home Key and the highest security grade should choose the Schlage Encode Plus. Renters who can’t change their door hardware should install the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock. Protocol-specific setups (Z-Wave, Zigbee, Matter) are best served by the Yale Assure Lock 2. Families who want fingerprint access at the best price should go with the Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi. And homeowners who want a fingerprint lock with a great design and reliable app should choose the Kwikset Halo Touch.
