is The Verge’s Smart Home reviewer. She has been testing connected home gadgets since 2013, having previously written for Wirecutter, Wired, Dwell, BBC, and US News.
A smart lock is an easy solution to some common problems. Locked yourself out? Need to let a friend in to water the plants? Your latchkey kid lost their key? Hands are full, and it’s raining cats and dogs? A smart lock solves all of these problems and more.
One of the best smart home upgrades you can make, a smart lock gives you remote control over access to your house from anywhere, plus easy, key-free ways to unlock and lock your door. Smart locks also remember everything that happened, so they can tell you when your door was unlocked, and sometimes who did it.
For most people, control and convenience are big enough selling points. However, smart locks also work nicely with other smart home devices, including video doorbells and smart lighting. My favorite way to integrate locks in my home is with an evening smart home routine, which locks the doors, dims the lights, and sets my thermostat to sleep mode. We have four exterior doors, so it saves me from walking around the house at night checking everything is secure.
Having a connected lock on your door is as secure as a standard lock, and sometimes more. Most smart locks have the same security ratings as their non-smart counterparts (see FAQ for more details), and it’s harder to physically pick a lock without a keyway. Plus, any smart lock is more secure than leaving a spare key under a flowerpot.
I’ve been testing smart door locks for six years and have installed more than 30 for this guide alone. Here are my top picks for your front door. Whether you want the best of the best, don’t want to replace your existing lock, are on a budget, or want a smart lock that doesn’t look like a smart lock, there are great options for every need.
What I’m looking for How I test smart locks Collapse I install each lock on one of four exterior doors and use it daily for at least a week. I evaluate the ease of installation and setup, including adding codes and registering biometrics such as fingerprints, faces, or palms. I connect the locks to various smart home platforms and test integrations through automations and routines.I assess all control methods offered — physical keys, codes, biometrics, Home Key, and auto-lock/unlock — checking for speed and reliability. I test remote features like app control, code sharing, and platform integrations.Design, aesthetics, and how the lock pairs with devices like video doorbells are also considered. I test accessories like external keypads and any unique features offered. For battery life, I estimate the duration based on performance during my testing window and conduct long-term testing on top picks. Multiple ways to unlock Collapse A good smart lock should have at least three ways to unlock in case one method fails. My favorites are fingerprint and keypad since they don’t require you to carry anything with you, but other options include phone apps, auto-unlock via geofencing, voice control from your phone or watch, physical keys, NFC fobs, and Apple Home Key. Home Key is awesome, but you have to have an iPhone or Apple Watch — for now. Every smart lock in this list also has the option to auto-lock after a set time. This means you don’t have to remember to physically lock your door. Remote control Collapse A key feature of a smart lock is the ability to control your lock when you’re away from home, either remotely using the app or by sending a code to someone so they can manually unlock it. My preferred option is remote control, as sometimes it’s just easier to unlock the door for someone and then lock it when they leave, even if you’re 2,000 miles away. Reliable connectivity Collapse Smart locks broadly use Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and/or Thread to allow you to control them from an app. My least favorite option is a Bluetooth lock that uses a dedicated bridge to connect to Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi is power-hungry and drains batteries fast, so some door locks use a bridge as an intermediary. This is fiddly and annoying (especially if someone unplugs it accidentally). I prefer locks with built-in Wi-Fi or those that can connect to a multi-purpose hub or bridge, such as an Apple Home Hub or an Echo smart speaker. Locks that connect over Thread are starting to become more popular; they require a Thread border router, but offer longer battery life and out-of-home control. Long battery life Collapse Most Wi-Fi smart locks have a battery life of under six months, which is a pain. Those that use Bluetooth last longer, but need that extra hub or bridge for out-of-home control. Thread is a new connectivity option that promises longer battery life but also requires a second device (a Thread border router). (See the FAQ for more on this.) Virtual keys Collapse The lock should have the option to assign “virtual keys” or unique codes to other household members, service people, or a neighbor looking in on your dog. These should be easily revoked or assigned only for specific times. The app should also have a log/alerts that let you know who accessed your door and when. Broad smart home compatibility Collapse A good smart lock should be compatible with at least some of the major platforms, so you can schedule the lock, set up home automation routines, and use features like tapping your phone to your door to unlock it. New standards like Matter and Aliro are working to bring universal compatibility between smart locks, smartphones, and smart home platforms. (See the FAQ for more on this.)
Best smart lock
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Thread / Access options: Key, keycode, app, voice / Auto-unlock: Yes / Battery type: Four AA batteries / Battery life: Six to 12 months / Guest codes: Yes / Security rating: ANSI Grade AAA / Works with: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Matter (including Apple Home, Samsung SmartThings)
The Kwikset Halo Select ($279.99) is a good-looking, reliable smart lock with top-notch security ratings, broad smart home compatibility, and the best auto-unlock function I’ve tested to date.
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