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Smart locks are devices that allow you to lock and unlock your door remotely, using your smartphone, voice assistant, or a keypad. They can also offer features such as auto-locking, guest access, activity logs, and integration with other smart home devices. Smart locks can make your life more convenient and secure, but with so many options on the market, how do you choose the best one for your needs? In this article, we will review some of the best smart locks of 2023, based on their features, performance, design, compatibility, and customer reviews. We will also highlight the pros and cons of each product, and provide links to where you can buy them online.
Best Smart Lock Overall: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is our top pick for the best smart lock overall. It is a retrofit device that works with your existing deadbolt, so you don’t have to replace your keys or hardware. It has a sleek and compact design that fits most doors and blends in with any decor. It connects to your Wi-Fi network without the need for a separate hub or bridge, and lets you control and monitor your door from anywhere using the August app. You can also use voice commands with Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri to lock and unlock your door, or check its status. The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock also supports geofencing, which automatically locks or unlocks your door when you leave or arrive home. Additionally, it has a DoorSense sensor that detects if your door is open or closed, and alerts you if it is left ajar. You can also share access with family, friends, or guests using temporary or recurring codes, and view a history of who has entered or exited your home. The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is easy to install in minutes using just a screwdriver, and runs on four AA batteries that last for about six months.
Pros:
- Works with your existing deadbolt
- Wi-Fi built-in
- Compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri
- Geofencing and DoorSense features
- Guest access and activity log
- Easy installation and battery life
Cons:
- Expensive
- No keypad or fingerprint option
- No feedback to confirm locking or unlocking
Where to buy: Walmart, Amazon, Crutchfield
Best Budget Smart Lock: Hornbill 7-in-1 Smart Door Lock
If you are looking for a smart lock that won’t break the bank, the Hornbill 7-in-1 Smart Door Lock is a great option. It is a full replacement lock that comes with a touchscreen keypad, a fingerprint reader, an RFID card reader, a mechanical keyhole, and a Bluetooth module. You can use any of these methods to lock and unlock your door, or use the Hornbill app to control it remotely via Bluetooth. You can also create up to 150 codes, 150 fingerprints, and 150 cards for different users, and set schedules for when they can access your home. The Hornbill app also lets you view the battery level, the lock status, and the access history of your door. The Hornbill 7-in-1 Smart Door Lock is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant via a separate Wi-Fi gateway (sold separately), which allows you to use voice commands and receive notifications on your phone. The Hornbill 7-in-1 Smart Door Lock is easy to install with the included instructions and tools, and runs on four AA batteries that last for about one year.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Multiple unlocking methods
- User management and scheduling
- Bluetooth remote control
- Alexa and Google Assistant compatible (with Wi-Fi gateway)
- Easy installation and battery life
Cons:
- Wi-Fi gateway not included
- No auto-locking or geofencing feature
- No DoorSense sensor
Where to buy: Amazon
Best Smart Lock for Airbnb: Yale Assure Lock 2
If you are an Airbnb host or rent out your home frequently, you need a smart lock that can handle multiple guests and provide secure access codes. The Yale Assure Lock 2 is one of the best smart locks for Airbnb because it has a built-in keypad that lets you create up to 250 unique codes for your guests, and set expiration dates for each code. You can also use the Yale Access app to lock and unlock your door remotely, and share access with your guests via email or text. The Yale Assure Lock 2 also integrates with the Airbnb app, which automatically generates and sends codes to your guests when they book your property. You can also view the lock status, the battery level, and the access history of your door on the app. The Yale Assure Lock 2 is compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri via a separate Wi-Fi bridge (included in some bundles), which allows you to use voice commands and receive notifications on your phone. The Yale Assure Lock 2 is a full replacement lock that replaces your existing deadbolt and keys. It has a sleek and modern design that comes in different finishes and styles to match your door. It is easy to install with the included instructions and hardware, and runs on four AA batteries that last for about one year.
Pros:
- Built-in keypad
- Guest access and scheduling
- Airbnb integration
- Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri compatible (with Wi-Fi bridge)
- Different finishes and styles
- Easy installation and battery life
Cons:
- Wi-Fi bridge not included in some bundles
- No fingerprint or card option
- No auto-locking or geofencing feature
Where to buy: Amazon, Best Buy, Yale
Best Smart Lock for Apple HomeKit: Level Touch
If you are an Apple user and want a smart lock that works seamlessly with your HomeKit ecosystem, the Level Touch is a great choice. It is a full replacement lock that looks and feels like a regular deadbolt, but hides a lot of smart features inside. It connects to your iPhone or iPad via Bluetooth, and lets you lock and unlock your door using the Level app, Siri voice commands, or the Apple Home app. You can also use your Apple Watch, your NFC-enabled phone, or the included key cards to tap and unlock your door. The Level Touch also supports geofencing, which automatically locks or unlocks your door when you leave or arrive home. Additionally, it has a built-in gyroscope that detects if your door is open or closed, and alerts you if it is left ajar. You can also share access with family, friends, or guests using temporary or recurring codes, and view a history of who has entered or exited your home. The Level Touch is easy to install with the included instructions and tools, and runs on a CR2 battery that lasts for about one year.
Pros:
- Looks and feels like a regular deadbolt
- Bluetooth and NFC unlocking
- Compatible with Apple HomeKit and Siri
- Geofencing and gyroscope features
- Guest access and activity log
- Easy installation and battery life
Cons:
- Expensive
- No Wi-Fi or keypad option
- No fingerprint or card option
Where to buy: Level, Amazon, Best Buy
Best Smart Lock for Fingerprint Access: Kwikset Halo Touch
If you want a smart lock that can recognize your fingerprint and grant you access in seconds, the Kwikset Halo Touch is a good option. It is a full replacement lock that comes with a touchscreen keypad and a fingerprint reader. You can use either method to lock and unlock your door, or use the Kwikset app to control it remotely via Wi-Fi. You can also create up to 100 codes and 100 fingerprints for different users, and set schedules for when they can access your home. The Kwikset app also lets you view the battery level, the lock status, and the access history of your door. The Kwikset Halo Touch is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant via Wi-Fi, which allows you to use voice commands and receive notifications on your phone. The Kwikset Halo Touch is easy to install with the included instructions and hardware, and runs on four AA batteries that last for about six months.
Pros:
- Touchscreen keypad and fingerprint reader
- Wi-Fi remote control
- User management and scheduling
- Alexa and Google Assistant compatible
- Easy installation and battery life
Cons:
- No auto-locking or geofencing feature
- No DoorSense sensor
- No NFC or card option
Where to buy: Amazon, Home Depot, Kwikset
Conclusion
Smart locks are a great way to enhance your home security and convenience, but they are not all created equal. Depending on your budget, preferences, and needs, you may want to consider different features and factors when choosing a smart lock for your home. We hope this article has helped you narrow down your options and find the best smart lock for you. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below.
