Latest Smart Locks for 2024: The Best to Protect Your Home

Smart locks have become a popular choice for many modern homes, offering a combination of security and added convenience. Thanks to advanced technology, you can now control your door lock using your smartphone, pre-set potential guest access, and monitor who enters and exits your home. If you’re looking for a smart lock that suits your needs in 2024, the options are many and varied.

There are options to suit every need and budget. Whether you need smart home integration or advanced access management, there’s a smart lock for you. Check out Not Every Gadget Needs to Be a Smart Device: Here’s Why.

Best Overall Smart Lock: Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt

Lock is Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt A top contender for anyone looking for a secure, easy-to-use, and easy-to-install lock. Designed for residential doors, its combination of convenience and robust security makes it our overall top choice.

The Encode lock features a comprehensive feature base and built-in Wi-Fi for remote operation without additional accessories. You can manage the lock from the Schlage Home app or Key by Amazon, where you can also create up to 100 access codes. These codes are customizable and can be for recurring, temporary, or permanent access.

However, the lock is primarily aimed at Alexa and Google Assistant users. Unfortunately, there is no integration with Apple HomeKit or IFTTT, although the Wi-Fi functionality works with iOS and Android.

Positives:

• Fingerprint resistant touch screen.
• Built-in alarm and other powerful safety features.
• Easy to use application.
• No smart home hub needed.
• Actual key option.
• Integrates with Ring doorbells and cameras.

Negatives:

• Not compatible with Apple HomeKit and IFTTT.
• Geo-fencing is not supported.
• Lacks fingerprint reader.

Best Budget Smart Lock: Wyze Lock Bolt

For affordable smart lock latch replacement, we offer: Wyze Lock Bolt Quick, keyless entry into your home with fingerprint recognition. It also includes a keypad as an alternative entry method, with anti-spy technology for added security. This feature allows you to enter additional random numbers before or after your actual access code to confuse any potential “intruders.”

The Wyze app lets you track your home’s check-in history via Bluetooth, enhancing security and ensuring peace of mind. This feature is also great for Airbnb hosts who want to manage guest arrivals and ensure check-out times are adhered to.

The Bolt features a customizable auto-lock feature and is easy to install. However, it doesn't have built-in Wi-Fi. But you can pair it with Wyze Doorbell Pro For full remote functionality, enabling locking, unlocking and visitor access management from anywhere.

Positives:

• Stores up to 50 fingerprints.
• Anti-spy feature.
• Reasonable price and reliable.
• Good battery life.
• water resistant.

Negatives:

Best Smart Lock for Apartments: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock

If you are looking to improve your existing door latch with a smart and innovative upgrade, the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock The multi-award winning design offers advanced technology without compromising the aesthetics of your door. It even retains the traditional keyed and keyhole locking system as a backup option. There's also Smart lock and keypada good option for Airbnb hosts and guests.

Installation is simple; it shouldn’t take more than ten minutes. Locking and unlocking is quick and silent via the August app. The app also makes it easy to manage multiple August locks in different locations and give different levels of access to others.

You can set the lock to sense your arrival and unlock it when you’re close to the door. Once you enter, it automatically locks again behind you, which is great if your hands are full of groceries. You can also grant remote access, which is perfect if you have guests arriving, are waiting for packages to be delivered, or for any emergency when you’re not home.

Positives:

• Works with most smart home systems.
• Easy to install.
• small size.
• Scheduling permissions for guests.
• Automatically lock and unlock.

Negatives:

• It does not support 5GHz connection.
• Battery life could be better.

Best Smart Lock for Airbnb: Yale Assure 2

With flexible and convenient access options, it is Yale Assure 2 A great option for Airbnb hosts. The keypad provides easy access for guests, and hosts can manage all temporary numbers remotely. In the event of an accidental lockout, built-in Wi-Fi also ensures that the host can unlock the door remotely from anywhere.

Using voice commands or the auto-unlock feature via smartphones or smartwatches, you can allow customers to access hands-free. This allows easy entry when guests’ hands are full of luggage or after shopping. Assure 2 also features an auto-lock function for convenience and added security.

If the host prefers to give guests access via Bluetooth only, they can only use the auto lock/unlock feature. A version is available Not available Wi-Fi section More budget friendly if the host just wants to use Bluetooth.

The Yale Assure 2 integrates with all major smart home systems, including Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. Setup may take a little longer than some competing brands, but guests and hosts will find the interface easy to use.

Positives:

• Bluetooth support.
• Physical keys and touch screen alternatives.
• Compatible with most smart home systems.
• Remote management.
• Intuitive companion app.
• Compatible with Matter.

Negatives:

• Below average battery life with Wi-Fi model.
• Complex installation compared to other locks.
• It does not support 5GHz frequency.

Best Smart Lock for Apple HomeKit: Level Lock Plus

Any Apple HomeKit user looking for a seamless smart lock experience will love the Lock. Level Lock PlusIt may be pricey, but its improved, Apple-focused design integrates seamlessly with existing HomeKit setups.

All of your HomeKit-connected Apple devices will automatically see the lock in the Home app. You can also grant or reverse access to specific people, which is great if you’re hosting temporary guests, and you can set different access levels for different users. Plus, Siri commands are also available to all users on their Apple devices.

Apple Home Key lets you quickly unlock using your iPhone or Apple Watch, while the discreet design maintains a traditional look by packing all the components inside the latch. However, the lock does not come with a keypad. However, you can purchase Level Smart Keypad Separately, though, it adds to the already expensive price tag. Check out our review of the Yale Assure Lock 2 Plus and its perfect compatibility with Apple HomeKit.

Positives:

• No branding on traditional design.
• Unlock with the simple Apple Home Key.
• Easy to install.
• Excellent battery life.

Negatives:

common questions

Q1: Can you install a smart lock on any door?

Yes, you can install a smart lock on most doors. Just make sure the lock fits your door size and the type of lock you already have. Some smart locks may require additional parts if your door is different from standard locks.

Q2: Can I install a smart door lock on my rental apartment?

You should check with your landlord first. Some landlords may have rules about making changes to the property.

Q3: Can smart door locks be hacked?

Yes, smart door locks can be hacked. In fact, your smart home system can be hacked. However, you can greatly reduce the risk by implementing strong security measures.

Q4: Can any smart lock work with any smart home ecosystem?

No, not all smart locks work with all ecosystems. Always check the lock’s compatibility with your smart home setup before purchasing. You can now check out our top tips for moving to a pre-configured smart home.