Article updated on August 28, 2024 at 11:00 AM PDT
Reduce your dependency on physical keys with the best smart locks, bringing convenience and security to your smart home. bluetooth cabinet lock
CNET’s expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise.
Are you looking for a retrofit over your existing lock? Or do you want a full deadbolt replacement? Would you prefer a handle or lever replacement instead?
Does the lock offer easy app controls and the ability to grant and control temporary passes to other users? Are you interested in a keypad, or a fingerprint scanner? Do you want compatibility with Apple Home Key or similar services?
Does the lock work with your existing security system or preferred voice assistant? Does the lock have Matter compatibility?
Does the lock include a strong ANSI grade for physical durability? Is access date properly encrypted on the app?
Is the design compact enough for your door? Does it match your other fixtures? Are there different colors or shades available?
CNET’s expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise.
Are you looking for a retrofit over your existing lock? Or do you want a full deadbolt replacement? Would you prefer a handle or lever replacement instead?
Does the lock offer easy app controls and the ability to grant and control temporary passes to other users? Are you interested in a keypad, or a fingerprint scanner? Do you want compatibility with Apple Home Key or similar services?
Does the lock work with your existing security system or preferred voice assistant? Does the lock have Matter compatibility?
Does the lock include a strong ANSI grade for physical durability? Is access date properly encrypted on the app?
Is the design compact enough for your door? Does it match your other fixtures? Are there different colors or shades available?
The transition to a smart lock is met with a lot of skepticism. While they help you manage access to your home, many doubt their usability. However, the best smart locks are a godsend as they allow you to manage access for your workers, houseguests and pet sitters without a key. You can even lock your door without getting up when you get into bed only to realize you forgot to lock up. A lot of these also offer touchpad controls, fingerprint readers and built-in sensors that can tell you if the door is ever left ajar and even let you automatically lock it. They even have options for retrofit (you get to keep your current lock and put smart lock tech over it) or replacement (you choose a shiny new deadbolt to complement your door).
Our experts have spent the past few years testing dozens of smart lock and smart access control devices. Scroll on to check out the favorites, listed below.
Our top pick for the best smart lock for most folks is the Aqara Smart Lock U100 . We test a lot of smart locks, and in our review of the Aquara product, we noted it's one of the most complete smart locks we've seen so far. The device offers fingerprint, code and digital pass options as well as native compatibility with Apple HomeKit. The design is solid and pleasantly reactive, and if you add an Aqara hub, you can get full Matter support and remote control. It’s excellent for front-door home security, especially if you want to add a smart doorbell or security cam to the mix.
Aqara's smart lock deadbolt replacement looks and feels great.
Aqara brings the latest smart lock technology together in excellent form with its combination deadbolt and sleek entry pad. It offers Apple compatibility out of the box, but when you add a compatible Zigbee hub you also get full Matter support and compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Home, along with long-distance control options. It's one of the best Siri-friendly locks and is compatible with Apple's latest Home Key passes. Or if you're interested primarily in hardware, we found the IP65-rated lock to be durable, efficient and relatively easy to install (plus it looks and feels great).
The list of features behind Aqara's smart lock is lengthy, but we noted important standouts. In addition to the keypad for entry, the lock includes a fingerprint reader and emergency key access. Apps allow you to create one-time passes (a vital part of any modern smart lock), while a built-in gyroscope ensures the door automatically locks if it's left unlocked for too long. You can adjust these feature and many other options, including guest passes and geofencing, in the Aqara app.
Even after a few weeks of steady testing, the Aqara lock barely lost 1% of battery life, which is a good sign of longevity. There's also an emergency USB-C port if you need power immediately. Overall, it's a complete replacement package.
Aqara's smart lock deadbolt replacement looks and feels great.
Smart locks aren't famous for their budget options, which still tend to go well above $100 if you want the best features. This Ultraloq model is one of the best matches we've found between affordability and features, including a durable keypad and built-in fingerprint sensor. Our tests also found that the Ultraloq's Wi-Fi range was particularly excellent for a smart lock, making this a good choice for a sublease, granny pod, Airbnb apartment and many similar situations.
Options like eKey sharing and management make it easy to offer digital passes to friends and family and control how they're used, while the IP65 rating ensures that weather is no problem no matter how harsh your seasons get. Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility round off this lock nicely, but we do miss Apple support.
Not everyone has a deadbolt or wants a deadbolt replacement to get smart lock features. We're impressed with Schlage's alternative, a smart Wi-Fi lever to replace your current door handle and still provide many of the same amenities. The built-in Wi-Fi lets you set up to 100 entry codes, customize notifications, review activity logs and set schedules for autolocking. While the lock is primarily focused on code entry with app management, it does work with Alexa and Google Assistant for additional voice control options
smart handle lock One downside: The smart handle is one of our priciest picks, so it may not be in everyone's budget range. However, this Schlage lock is available in a variety of colors and styles, and some do cost less than others depending on supply, so it’s worth taking a look at different designs and finding what matches your home while saving some money.