Best Smart Locks of 2026: Keyless Entry, WiFi & Fingerprint

Last updated January 2026

Introduction: Why Smart Locks Are Essential in 2026

The humble door lock has undergone a radical transformation. In 2026, smart locks have evolved from novelty gadgets into essential home security components that offer convenience, enhanced protection, and seamless integration with broader security ecosystems. Whether you are tired of fumbling for keys with groceries in hand, need to grant temporary access to house guests or service workers, or want your door to automatically lock when you arm your security system, there is a smart lock designed for your needs. The global smart lock market has grown to over $3 billion, driven by advances in fingerprint recognition, Wi-Fi connectivity, and voice assistant integration. But with dozens of models on the market, choosing the right smart lock can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks down the best smart locks of 2026 across five categories, explains what features matter most, and helps you find the perfect keyless entry solution for your home.

What to Look for in a Smart Lock

Before diving into our top picks, understand the key factors that differentiate smart locks and determine which features align with your lifestyle.

Connectivity: WiFi vs Z-Wave vs Bluetooth The connection protocol determines how your smart lock communicates with your phone, security system, and other devices:

• WiFi locks connect directly to your home network, allowing remote access from anywhere without a separate hub. They offer the most convenience but consume more battery power.
• Z-Wave locks require a compatible hub (like a Ring Alarm, Samsung SmartThings, or Abode system) but offer superior reliability, lower battery consumption, and tighter integration with security systems.
• Bluetooth locks connect only when your phone is within ~30 feet. They are simple and battery-efficient but lack remote access unless paired with a WiFi bridge.
• Thread/Matter locks are the newest standard, offering fast, reliable connectivity with growing ecosystem support from Apple, Google, and Amazon.

Auto-Lock Functionality Auto-lock automatically secures your door after a preset time (typically 30 seconds to 5 minutes). This eliminates the anxiety of wondering whether you remembered to lock the door. The best locks allow customizable auto-lock timers and geo-fencing triggers that lock the door when you leave home.

Temporary Access Codes and Scheduling If you frequently have guests, cleaners, dog walkers, or delivery drivers, temporary access codes are essential. Look for locks that support unlimited unique codes with customizable schedules (e.g., a cleaner’s code works only on Tuesdays from 9 AM to 12 PM). Some advanced models support one-time codes that expire after a single use.

Fingerprint and Biometric Access Fingerprint scanners offer the fastest, most convenient unlocking method. Place your finger on the sensor and the door unlocks in under a second. The best fingerprint locks store 50+ fingerprints and use capacitive sensors that resist spoofing with lifted prints. Biometric access is especially valuable for families with children who may forget codes or lose phone access.

Battery Life and Backup Power Smart locks run on AA batteries (typically 4-8) that last 6-12 months depending on usage and connectivity type. WiFi locks drain batteries faster than Z-Wave or Bluetooth models. All quality locks include a low-battery warning at 20% charge and a physical key override. Many also support 9V emergency terminal jump-starts from outside if batteries die completely.

ANSI/BHMA Security Grade Look for locks with an ANSI Grade 1 or Grade 2 rating. Grade 1 is the highest residential security standard, tested to withstand 1 million open/close cycles and 10 strikes of 75 lbs of force. Grade 2 is suitable for most residential applications. Avoid unrated locks or those with Grade 3, which offers minimal protection.

Top 5 Smart Locks of 2026

After hands-on testing, security analysis, and customer review research, these five smart locks represent the best options across every major category.

August Wi-Fi Smart Lock: Best Overall

The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) retains its crown as the best overall smart lock thanks to its ingenious retrofit design, robust feature set, and seamless smart home integration. Unlike most competitors, August replaces only the interior portion of your existing deadbolt, keeping your exterior hardware and keys unchanged. This means you maintain the same look on the outside of your door while gaining full smart functionality inside.

Built-in Wi-Fi eliminates the need for the separate Connect bridge required by previous generations. The lock integrates flawlessly with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit, allowing voice-controlled locking and unlocking. The Auto-Unlock feature uses your phone’s Bluetooth and geo-fencing to detect your approach and unlock the door automatically, a true hands-free experience when carrying groceries or kids.

The August app supports unlimited guest access with customizable schedules, activity logs showing exactly who locked and unlocked the door when, and DoorSense, a small sensor that confirms the door is physically closed before auto-locking. The lock runs on two CR123 batteries (included) with approximately 6-8 months of life.

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Yale Assure Lock 2: Best Touchscreen

The Yale Assure Lock 2 is the most versatile touchscreen smart lock on the market, available in multiple configurations to match your exact needs. The backlit touchscreen keypad is responsive in all weather conditions and allows you to create up to 250 unique entry codes with individual schedules and restrictions. Simply tap the screen to wake it, enter your code, and the motorized deadbolt retracts smoothly.

The Assure Lock 2 offers the widest connectivity options of any smart lock: choose from WiFi, Z-Wave, Zigbee, or Matter modules at purchase, or swap modules later as your smart home evolves. This future-proofing is invaluable as Matter adoption accelerates in 2026. The lock integrates with every major platform: Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, SmartThings, Ring Alarm, and Abode.

Yale’s Auto-Relock secures the door 30 seconds after unlocking (customizable), and the One-Touch Locking feature lets you lock the door by tapping any key on the keypad. The durable keypad is resistant to fingerprint smudging, preventing code detection by potential intruders. Installation takes 10-15 minutes with just a screwdriver. Four AA batteries power the lock for 8-12 months.

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Schlage Encode Plus: Best Security

When security is the absolute top priority, the Schlage Encode Plus delivers with an ANSI Grade 1 rating, the highest residential security certification available. This lock is built like a tank, with a hardened steel deadbolt, reinforced strike plate, and pick-resistant cylinder that can withstand serious brute force attacks. If you want a smart lock that is as physically tough as it is technologically advanced, this is it.

The Encode Plus features built-in WiFi for direct remote access without a hub, plus Apple Home Key integration that lets you unlock your door by tapping your Apple Watch or iPhone against the lock, even if your phone battery is dead (using Express Mode). The fingerprint-resistant touchscreen supports up to 100 access codes, and the built-in alarm can detect and alert you to potential break-in attempts with a loud 90dB siren.

Schlage’s reputation for build quality spans over a century, and the Encode Plus lives up to that legacy. The lock is BHMA certified for durability and security, with a lifetime limited finish and mechanical warranty plus a 3-year electronics warranty. The Schlage Home app provides full remote control, activity logs, and code management.

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Eufy Smart Lock Touch: Best Fingerprint

For those who prioritize lightning-fast biometric entry, the Eufy Smart Lock Touch offers the fastest, most reliable fingerprint sensor we have tested. The capacitive scanner recognizes your fingerprint in under 0.3 seconds and stores up to 50 unique fingerprints, enough for extended family, frequent guests, and trusted service providers. The sensor works reliably even with wet or slightly dirty fingers, a common failing of lesser biometric locks.

The Eufy lock combines fingerprint unlocking with a touchscreen keypad, app control via Bluetooth, and physical key access. The sleek, modern design features an IP65 weatherproof rating, making it suitable for exterior doors exposed to rain, snow, and extreme temperatures. The auto-lock feature engages 5 seconds after the door closes (customizable), and the app provides detailed access logs and temporary code generation.

One standout feature is Eufy’s bank-grade encryption for all data transmission, addressing the privacy concerns that have plagued the brand in other product categories. The lock includes a WiFi bridge for remote access, though Bluetooth-only mode extends battery life significantly. Eight AA batteries deliver up to 12 months of operation.

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Wyze Lock: Best Budget Pick

The Wyze Lock proves that you do not need to spend a fortune to get quality keyless entry. At around $89, it is the most affordable smart lock from a recognized brand, yet it delivers core features that satisfy most users: app-controlled locking and unlocking, auto-lock with DoorSense position detection, guest access sharing, and activity history.

The Wyze Lock is another interior retrofit design like August, preserving your existing exterior hardware and key access. It connects via Bluetooth to your phone and uses the included Wyze Lock Gateway (a small WiFi bridge) for remote access. The app experience is clean and intuitive, and integration with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant enables voice commands.

Where the Wyze Lock makes compromises is in advanced features: no keypad (available as a $25 add-on), no fingerprint scanner, no Apple HomeKit support, and a plastic-heavy construction that does not match the premium feel of competitors. Battery life is also shorter at 3-5 months with four AA batteries. However, for budget-conscious buyers entering the smart lock market for the first time, the Wyze Lock delivers genuine value.

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Smart Lock Comparison Table

Compare All Smart Locks

Smart Lock + Security System Integration

One of the most powerful aspects of a smart lock is its ability to work in concert with your home security system. When properly integrated, your lock becomes both an input device (triggering automations) and an output device (responding to security events). Here is how the major security systems pair with smart locks.

Ring Alarm + Schlage/Yale Ring Alarm integrates natively with Z-Wave smart locks from Schlage and Yale. When you arm your Ring system in Away mode, the lock can automatically secure itself. When you disarm, it unlocks. Ring’s app allows lock status checking and remote locking alongside your security controls. The Ring Alarm Pro’s eero router provides reliable connectivity for WiFi-enabled locks as well.

SimpliSafe + August/Yale SimpliSafe works with August Wi-Fi locks and Yale Assure locks through its app. You can create automations that lock the door whenever SimpliSafe is armed and unlock it when you return and disarm the system. The integration is straightforward but less deep than Ring’s native Z-Wave pairing.

Vivint + Kwikset/Yale Vivint’s premium smart home platform offers the deepest lock integration in the industry. Vivint sells and installs its own branded smart locks (manufactured by Kwikset) that connect directly to the Vivint Smart Hub. These locks support custom automation rules, temporary codes managed through the Vivint app, and integration with every other device in your Vivint ecosystem. Professional installation ensures optimal configuration.

ADT + Kwikset/Yale/Schlage ADT’s Z-Wave-compatible hub works with most major smart lock brands. The ADT+ app consolidates lock controls with your security system, cameras, and environmental sensors. On the Secure and above tiers, you can create scenes that lock doors, arm the system, and adjust thermostats with a single tap.

Abode + Almost Everything Abode’s unmatched smart home support (Z-Wave, Zigbee, HomeKit, IFTTT) makes it the most compatible security system for smart locks. Whether you have a Yale Assure Z-Wave, an August Wi-Fi, or a Level Lock with Thread, Abode can integrate it. The CUE automation engine allows complex rules like “Lock the front door and arm the system when the last family member’s phone leaves the geo-fence.”

Installation Guide

Most smart locks are designed for DIY installation and require only a screwdriver and 10-20 minutes. Here is what you need to know before you start.

Check Your Door Compatibility Before ordering any smart lock, verify three things: 1) Your door has a standard single-cylinder deadbolt (the most common type in US homes), 2) The backset (distance from door edge to center of the deadbolt hole) is either 2-3/8 inches or 2-3/4 inches, and 3) Your door is between 1-3/8 and 2 inches thick. Most locks support these standard dimensions, but non-standard doors may require adapters.

Retrofit vs Full Replacement Retrofit locks like August and Wyze replace only the interior thumb turn, leaving your existing deadbolt mechanism and exterior keyhole intact. This is the easiest installation and preserves your exterior door aesthetics. Full replacement locks like Yale, Schlage, and Eufy replace the entire deadbolt assembly, requiring you to remove the old deadbolt completely.

Step-by-Step Installation

1. Remove the interior thumb turn and exterior cylinder of your existing deadbolt
2. Install the new mounting plate (for full replacement, install the new deadbolt mechanism in the door edge)
3. Connect the exterior keypad/fingerprint unit to the interior assembly via the data cable
4. Attach the interior mounting bracket and secure with screws
5. Insert batteries and perform the initial setup via the manufacturer’s app
6. Test all unlock methods: app, keypad, fingerprint (if applicable), and physical key
7. Configure auto-lock timing and temporary codes as needed

When to Call a Professional Consider professional installation if your door has a non-standard deadbolt, if you are uncomfortable with basic tools, or if you want integration with a professionally monitored security system like Vivint or ADT. Professional installation typically costs $100-200 and includes configuration with your security hub and smart home devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can smart locks be hacked?

Quality smart locks from reputable brands use AES 128-bit or 256-bit encryption for all communications, making remote hacking extremely difficult. The most common “hacking” scenario is actually much simpler: guessing weak access codes or exploiting outdated app passwords. Protect yourself by using strong, unique passwords for your lock’s app, enabling two-factor authentication, choosing long access codes (6+ digits), and regularly updating firmware. Physical break-in remains a far more likely threat than digital compromise. For maximum security, choose ANSI Grade 1 locks like the Schlage Encode Plus.

What happens when the batteries die?

All smart locks provide ample warning before batteries die, typically alerting you through the app and with audible/LED low-battery indicators at 20% charge. If batteries do die completely, you have several backup options: 1) Use the physical key (all smart locks retain a traditional key override), 2) Apply a 9V battery to the emergency terminal on the exterior of some models (Yale and Schlage support this), 3) Replace the batteries from the interior side by removing the cover. To avoid dead batteries, set a recurring calendar reminder to replace them every 6-8 months, or choose a lock with exceptional battery life like the Eufy Touch (up to 12 months).

Are smart locks safe for rental apartments?

Yes, with the right approach. Retrofit locks like the August Wi-Fi and Wyze Lock are ideal for renters because they replace only the interior thumb turn and do not alter the exterior hardware or keyway. When you move out, simply remove the smart lock and reinstall the original thumb turn. Always check your lease agreement first, and discuss installation with your landlord if required. Never install a full-replacement smart lock on a rental door without permission, as this may violate your lease. For rental-friendly security system pairings, read our apartment security guide.

Do smart locks work in extreme weather?

Most smart locks are rated for outdoor use in temperatures ranging from -22°F to 140°F (-30°C to 60°C). The Schlage Encode Plus and Eufy Smart Lock Touch both carry IP65 weatherproof ratings, meaning they are dust-tight and resistant to water jets. The Yale Assure Lock 2 is available with a weather-resistant cover for extreme climates. In very cold conditions, battery life decreases significantly, so use lithium AA batteries (which perform better in cold than alkaline) and check battery levels more frequently during winter months. Avoid installing smart locks on gates or doors that are directly exposed to heavy rain without overhead protection.

Can I install a smart lock myself?

Absolutely. The vast majority of smart locks are designed for DIY installation with just a Phillips head screwdriver. Retrofit models like August and Wyze take 5-10 minutes. Full-replacement models like Yale, Schlage, and Eufy take 10-20 minutes. Each lock includes detailed printed instructions and in-app guided setup. You need no special skills, drilling, or wiring. The only tools required are a screwdriver and possibly a tape measure to confirm backset size. If you can change a light switch plate, you can install a smart lock. For those who prefer not to DIY, professional installation is available through Vivint, ADT, and local locksmiths for $100-200.

Bottom Line

Smart locks have matured into reliable, secure, and genuinely useful home security tools. The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock remains our top overall pick for its clever retrofit design and seamless smart home integration. Touchscreen enthusiasts will love the modular Yale Assure Lock 2. Security purists should invest in the Schlage Encode Plus with its ANSI Grade 1 rating. Fingerprint fans will find the Eufy Smart Lock Touch delivers the fastest, most reliable biometric experience. And budget shoppers can get solid keyless entry with the Wyze Lock at under $90. Whichever model you choose, pairing your smart lock with a monitored security system creates a powerful integrated defense that protects your home better than either could alone.