Best Smart Locks for Front Doors: Picks and What to Look For

For most front doors, a retrofit smart lock that keeps your existing deadbolt and key, such as the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock or Yale Approach, suits renters and DIY buyers, while a full replacement keypad deadbolt from Schlage, Kwikset or Yale suits owners who want the sturdiest hardware and a built-in keypad. Fingerprint models such as the Ultraloq and Eufy lines suit households that prefer not to carry keys.

Our top picks

Top pickPhilips WiFi Keypad Deadbolt with Handle

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Also greatVeise VE017 Fingerprint Smart Door Lock with

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Also greatUlecoce U68 Fingerprint Keypad Deadbolt with Knob

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Also greateufy Security Smart Lock C220

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Options at a Glance

What to Look For

Door and deadbolt compatibility

Check door thickness, backset (the distance from the door edge to the bore hole, usually 2-3/8 or 2-3/4 inches), and whether the existing deadbolt is a standard single-cylinder type. Retrofit locks replace only the thumb-turn on the inside, so they require the existing deadbolt to be compatible. Full replacement locks need standard bore holes, which most North American doors have.

Connectivity

Bluetooth-only locks need your phone nearby, while Wi-Fi models connect directly to your network for remote control and cost more battery life. Others use Z-Wave, Zigbee or Thread through a hub, and a growing number support Matter. If you use Apple Home, Google Home or Alexa, confirm the lock lists support for your platform.

Entry methods

Keypads are the most common backup, followed by fingerprint readers, key-fob tags and a physical key. A physical key override is worth having as a final fallback if batteries die, though a few premium models omit it.

Security ratings and build

Look for ANSI/BHMA grading. Grade 1 is the highest residential and commercial rating, with Grade 2 suited to most homes. Makers state these grades in their spec sheets. Retrofit locks inherit the grade of your existing deadbolt.

Battery and power

Most locks use four AA batteries, and makers typically quote several months to a year of life depending on usage and connectivity. Models with a low-battery alert and a 9V emergency-contact terminal on the outside provide a safety net.

Weather and finish

Front doors face rain, sun and cold. Check the maker’s operating temperature range and weather-resistance notes. Coastal homes may need extra attention to finish durability.

Picks by Need

Best overall keypad deadbolt: Schlage Encode Plus

Schlage’s reputation for build quality and its inclusion of Apple Home Key and built-in Wi-Fi makes this a common reviewer favorite at the premium tier. It replaces the existing deadbolt, so installation takes a few tools and about half an hour for many DIYers.

Best for flexibility: Yale Assure Lock 2

You choose the connectivity module, such as Wi-Fi or Z-Wave, which helps with hubs already in place. It comes in keypad and touchscreen versions.

Best for renters: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock

Because the exterior keyhole and cylinder stay in place, the lock is removable with little trace. Check your lease and the existing deadbolt’s compatibility.

Best budget keypad: Kwikset

Kwikset’s Halo and Aura families provide app control at the budget to mid-range tiers. Features and connectivity differ by model, so read the specifications for the one you choose.

Best fingerprint option: Ultraloq

Ultraloq makes several fingerprint deadbolts and latches. Reviewers generally say fingerprint recognition works well, with occasional misses in wet or dirty conditions, so a keypad backup is helpful.

Pick X If You Want…

Safety and Installation Notes

• Keep a physical key or another reliable backup in case batteries or electronics fail.
• Replace batteries when the low-battery warning appears, rather than waiting for the lock to stop responding.
• Choose strong, unique access codes, and avoid codes such as birthdays or repeating digits.
• Do not disable the manual deadbolt features, and be sure household members can exit quickly in an emergency. Follow local fire and building codes.
• Misaligned doors cause most lock problems. Fix sagging hinges or strike plate alignment before installing.
• If drilling or reinforcing the door seems beyond your skills, a locksmith can install the lock.

Alternatives

• Smart deadbolt with a separate keypad: A few systems pair a retrofit lock with an external keypad for guests.
• Video doorbell with a smart lock: Pairing the two allows remote view and unlock for deliveries or guests.
• Traditional keypad lock without Wi-Fi: A non-connected keypad deadbolt is simpler, uses less battery and avoids networking concerns.

Budget Tiers Explained

Budget tier

Kwikset and some Ultraloq models offer keypad or fingerprint entry with app control. They suit secondary doors or buyers who want convenience without a large outlay. Read the grade and the connectivity type in the maker’s specifications.

Mid-range tier

Yale Assure Lock 2 and August retrofit locks sit here. They balance polish, platform support and flexibility, and suit most households with standard doors.

Premium tier

Schlage Encode Plus and Level occupy the top end, with stronger finish options, Apple Home Key support or concealed designs. Pay for these if hardware feel and ecosystem fit matter.

Everyday Use and Household Fit

Think about who lives in the home. Children, older relatives and guests may prefer a keypad over an app. Fingerprint readers are quick but can struggle with wet or worn fingerprints, so a code backup helps. Auto-lock features add convenience but can lock people out if the door is left ajar, so learn how the lock behaves and whether you can adjust the delay.

Consider activity logs and notifications. Many locks record who entered and when, useful for family members arriving after school or visitors with temporary codes. Wi-Fi models send alerts directly, while hub-based models rely on a bridge in range. Also think about network reliability: if your router is down, a Bluetooth or keypad entry should still work.

When installing, test the door before and after. Open and close it several times, make sure the bolt extends fully into the strike plate without force, and keep the instructions for battery and reset procedures. Replace the strike plate screws with longer ones if the maker suggests it, since reinforcing the frame improves real-world security more than any electronic feature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a smart lock work on any front door?

Most standard residential doors work, but door thickness, backset and bore hole sizes must match what the maker lists. Retrofit models also need a compatible existing deadbolt. Glass, sliding or very thick specialty doors may need other solutions.

What happens if the batteries die?

Most locks warn you well ahead. If they run out, many have a physical key or terminals on the outside where a 9V battery gives temporary power. Check which backup your chosen model offers.

Are smart locks secure against hacking?

Reputable makers use encrypted communication and update firmware, but no connected device is risk-free. Use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication and keep the app updated. The physical strength of the bolt and door frame matters just as much.

Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, which should I choose?

Bluetooth suits users who only need to unlock when nearby and want longer battery life. Wi-Fi allows remote control and notifications without a hub. A Z-Wave or Thread model suits those with an existing smart home setup.

Can I give temporary codes to guests or contractors?

Most keypad models allow multiple user codes, and many let you set schedules or expiry. This is handy for house cleaners and visitors, and you can remove codes afterward.

Do smart locks work with Apple Home, Google Home and Alexa?

It varies by model. Schlage and Yale list support for several platforms, some via Matter or a bridge. Look at the maker’s compatibility list before buying.