Key takeaways
- Door prep: Most locks fit standard doors with a 2-1/8 inch cross-bore and 1-inch edge bore. Measure your door and read the maker’s compatibility list.
- Door thickness: Standard range is about 1-3/8 to 2 inches; thicker doors may need extra parts.
- Backset: Many locks adjust between 2-3/8 and 2-3/4 inches.
- Thumbturn style (retrofit): The August fits many common deadbolt thumbturns; confirm yours is supported.
- Wi-Fi range: Weak signal at the front door causes delayed commands. Test signal strength first or choose a hub-based option.
The Schlage Encode Plus suits buyers who want the strongest all-round smart deadbolt with built-in Wi-Fi, the Yale Assure Lock 2 suits people who want design choice and a modular connectivity setup, and the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock suits renters or anyone who wants to keep an existing deadbolt and key. These three show up repeatedly across 2026 roundups, though several of those pages are locksmith or affiliate blogs, so treat any single ranking cautiously and read the makers’ own specification sheets.
Our top picks
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Smart Locks at a Glance
| Model | Type | Best for | Reported specs | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schlage Encode Plus | Full deadbolt replacement, keypad, built-in Wi-Fi | Security-minded buyers, Apple Home users | ANSI Grade 1 deadbolt; Apple Home Key support; no monthly fee for the lock | Reviewers report shorter battery life because Wi-Fi uses more power |
| Yale Assure Lock 2 | Full deadbolt replacement, keypad or touchscreen, swappable network module | Style options and ecosystem flexibility | Matter-capable modules, Z-Wave and Wi-Fi options, door-ajar sensing, many user codes | Connectivity module may be an additional purchase; reviewers cite ANSI Grade 2 rating |
| August Wi-Fi Smart Lock | Retrofit that fits over the interior thumbturn | Renters, keeping your existing key and exterior hardware | Installs in minutes without replacing the deadbolt | No exterior keypad by default; no Apple Home Key support reported |
| Level Lock family | Compact, hidden-mechanism lock | People who want a lock that looks like an ordinary deadbolt | Slim internal design; works with common ecosystems | Fewer user-code options in some versions |
Understand the Three Types First
Full deadbolt replacement
These replace the whole lock on both sides of the door. They usually offer a keypad, touchscreen or both, so you can open the door without a phone. The Schlage Encode Plus and Yale Assure Lock 2 are in this group. They generally have the best physical security and the most access-code capacity, and installation takes a screwdriver and a measured door.
Retrofit locks
A retrofit like the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock replaces only the interior thumbturn, so your exterior key and hardware stay. This suits renters, because it can be removed and the original lock restored. The tradeoff is that you rely on the strength of the existing deadbolt, and without an add-on keypad you must use a key, app or smart-home trigger.
Hybrid keypad models
Some locks pair a keypad with Bluetooth only, adding a separate bridge when you want remote control. Those typically cost less and save battery, but remote features need an additional device.
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, Thread and Matter
Built-in Wi-Fi lets you lock and check status from anywhere without a hub, which is why reviewers like the Encode Plus for simplicity. The penalty is battery life; one roundup puts average life near four to six months, though your results depend on usage and signal strength. Z-Wave and Thread/Matter options use less power and keep control inside your smart-home hub. The Yale Assure Lock 2 takes interchangeable modules, so you choose Wi-Fi, Z-Wave or Matter-capable connectivity. If you use Apple Home, Google Home or Home Assistant, confirm the exact model supports your platform before buying, because versions with similar names differ.
Security Ratings Explained
The ANSI/BHMA grading system rates deadbolts for strength; Grade 1 is the highest residential-commercial tier, and Grade 2 is a solid residential standard. Reviewers cite Grade 1 for the Encode Plus and Grade 2 for the Assure Lock 2, but check the maker’s spec sheet for the exact model. Remember that the lock is only part of door security: a weak door frame, short strike-plate screws or a gap at the latch can matter more than the lock grade. Use the longer screws that come in the box and consider a reinforced strike plate.
Fit and Compatibility Notes
- Door prep: Most locks fit standard doors with a 2-1/8 inch cross-bore and 1-inch edge bore. Measure your door and read the maker’s compatibility list.
- Door thickness: Standard range is about 1-3/8 to 2 inches; thicker doors may need extra parts.
- Backset: Many locks adjust between 2-3/8 and 2-3/4 inches.
- Thumbturn style (retrofit): The August fits many common deadbolt thumbturns; confirm yours is supported.
- Wi-Fi range: Weak signal at the front door causes delayed commands. Test signal strength first or choose a hub-based option.
Everyday Features Worth Weighing
- Guest codes: Time-limited codes are handy for cleaners, dog walkers and rental guests. Look at the code capacity the maker lists.
- Auto-lock: Locks the door after a set delay; helpful, but avoid it if you often step outside without keys.
- Door-ajar sensing: Yale’s DoorSense feature reports whether the door is closed, preventing a bolt from extending into an open door.
- Offline fallback: A physical key or an external terminal for a 9-volt battery lets you in if batteries die.
- Privacy: Read how the app handles data and whether it requires a subscription for history or features.
Budget Tiers
Budget: Bluetooth keypad locks and some retrofit units. They cover keyless entry and sometimes app control but may lack Wi-Fi. Mid-range: Retrofit Wi-Fi options and Yale’s modular lock with a module. Premium: The Schlage Encode Plus and other Grade 1, Wi-Fi-equipped deadbolts with Home Key. Extra spend buys build rating, built-in connectivity and ecosystem support rather than just features you may not use.
Pick X If… Decision Table
| Pick this | If you… |
|---|---|
| Schlage Encode Plus | Want built-in Wi-Fi, a Grade 1 deadbolt and Apple Home Key |
| Yale Assure Lock 2 | Want finish and keypad style options and a choice of Wi-Fi, Z-Wave or Matter modules |
| August Wi-Fi Smart Lock | Rent your home, or want to keep your existing key and exterior lock |
| Level Lock | Want a discreet look close to a standard deadbolt |
| Basic Bluetooth keypad lock | Mostly want keyless entry on a tight budget and do not need remote access |
Alternatives to Consider
- Smart lock from other brands such as Kwikset, which offers Halo and Aura models in several finishes.
- Fingerprint locks for families who dislike remembering codes, with the caveat that wet or dirty fingers can fail to read.
- Video doorbell plus a standard deadbolt if your main goal is seeing visitors rather than keyless entry.
Battery and Maintenance Tips
Use name-brand alkaline batteries as the maker specifies and replace them when the low-battery warning appears. Keep a spare set, and test the key backup once a year. If the door sticks in humid weather, fix the alignment rather than relying on the motor, because a strained motor drains batteries quickly. Update firmware through the app when prompted, and remove old guest codes periodically.
Installation Walkthrough
A typical deadbolt replacement takes under an hour. Remove the old lock, check that the latch and strike plate line up, mount the new exterior assembly through the door, attach the interior unit, and connect the cable carefully so it is not pinched. Insert batteries, run the setup in the app, and test the lock several times with the door open and closed before you rely on it. Keep the door open while you test so you cannot lock yourself out. If the bolt does not extend smoothly, the door or strike is usually misaligned, and fixing that often cures sluggish motors and fast battery drain.
Who Should Skip a Smart Lock
If your door sticks seasonally, you cannot get reliable signal near the entrance, or you simply prefer a key, a standard high-quality deadbolt may serve better. Smart locks add convenience, not necessarily security, and they introduce batteries, software and an account to manage. Those who want remote unlock only for occasional guests can use a lockbox or a keypad-only model instead.
Keeping Access Under Control
Set a routine for managing codes and users. Give each regular visitor a separate code so you can remove one without affecting others, delete temporary codes after use, and review the activity log if your lock offers one. Keep the physical key somewhere safe, away from the door, and tell household members how the manual override works. If you sell or leave a home, factory reset the lock and remove it from your account so the next occupant starts clean.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are smart locks safe from hackers?
Reputable models use encrypted communication, but no connected device is risk-free. Use a strong unique password, enable two-factor authentication in the app and keep firmware updated. A lock with a Grade 1 or Grade 2 rating also helps defend against physical attacks.
What happens if the batteries die?
Most locks give weeks of low-battery warnings. If the batteries die completely, many models have a physical key cylinder or external terminals where a 9-volt battery briefly powers the keypad. Retrofit locks like August keep your original key.
Do I need Wi-Fi for a smart lock?
No. Bluetooth keypad locks work without Wi-Fi, but you cannot control them remotely without a bridge or hub. Wi-Fi models offer remote control directly while using more battery.
Can I install a smart lock myself?
Most buyers do, using a screwdriver and the supplied template. Retrofit locks are quicker, taking minutes. If your door is not pre-drilled or you are unsure, ask a locksmith.
Is a smart lock allowed in a rental?
Check your lease. A retrofit lock leaves the original hardware in place and is removable, which is why it is popular with renters, but ask your landlord first when required.
Will a smart lock work with Apple Home, Google Home or Alexa?
Many do, but support depends on the exact model and connectivity type. Apple Home Key is reported on the Schlage Encode Plus, while Matter-capable modules widen compatibility. Read the maker’s compatibility chart before you buy.
