Best Budget Smart Locks That Actually Work

Cheap doesn’t have to mean bad

There’s this assumption that if you want a good smart lock, you need to spend $250 or more. And look, the premium locks are great. But if you’re working with a tighter budget, or you just don’t see the point in spending that much on a deadbolt, there are real options under $100 that work well.

I’ve been testing budget smart locks over several months, specifically looking for ones I could recommend without a long list of caveats. Here’s what made the cut.

What I expect from a budget lock

I’m not expecting the same polish and features as a $300 Schlage. But even at a lower price, the basics need to be there:

• Reliable locking and unlocking (this is non-negotiable)
• Decent build quality that doesn’t feel like it’ll fall apart in a year
• Reasonable battery life (at least 4 months)
• An app that works without constant frustration
• Some kind of backup entry method

The picks

Wyze Lock Bolt Pro - usually around $80

I keep coming back to this lock because it just works. The fingerprint reader is responsive, the keypad is easy to use, and across months of testing it has been completely reliable. Not once did it fail to lock or unlock when it was supposed to.

The build quality is plastic rather than metal, and you can tell. But “plastic” doesn’t mean “flimsy” here. It feels solid enough. The matte finish looks fine and hasn’t shown wear from daily use.

No WiFi means no remote access without a separate hub. For some people that’s a dealbreaker. For others, it means better battery life and one less thing connected to your network. Your call.

Battery life has been outstanding. After 5 months of testing, the app still shows 60% battery remaining. That’s partly because there’s no WiFi radio, but it’s still impressive.

ULTRALOQ U-Bolt Pro Z-Wave - usually around $90

If you want connectivity on a budget, this is the play. The U-Bolt Pro supports Z-Wave, which means it works with SmartThings, Hubitat, and other Z-Wave hubs for remote access and automations. You also get a fingerprint reader, keypad, auto-lock, and a physical key backup.

The fingerprint reader isn’t as fast as the Eufy or even the Wyze, but it’s adequate. I’d say about 85% success rate in my standard testing, which drops to around 70% with wet hands. Fine for everyday use, occasionally annoying.

Build quality is a step above the Wyze. Metal construction with a more premium feel. The installation is standard and took me about 18 minutes.

Watch out for: The app is cluttered and takes some getting used to. There are a lot of features stuffed in there, and the UI could use some simplification.

Veise Smart Lock - usually around $50

This is the cheapest lock I’d actually recommend. At this price point, expectations should be calibrated accordingly. But the Veise has been a pleasant surprise. Keypad entry is responsive, auto-lock works reliably, and it handles standard door prep without issues.

It doesn’t have a fingerprint reader or WiFi. It’s a keypad smart lock with auto-lock and multiple user codes. That’s it. And honestly, for a lot of doors (back door, garage entry, side door), that’s all you need.

Battery life is about 6 months on regular AA batteries. The build is mostly plastic but feels sturdy enough. The keypad backlight is bright enough to use at night.

Watch out for: The app is bare-bones and Bluetooth range is limited. The included instructions aren’t great, so I’d suggest watching the manufacturer’s installation video instead.

Hornbill Smart Lock - usually around $70

Another solid budget option. The Hornbill gives you a fingerprint reader and keypad in a fairly compact design. It supports the TTLock app, which is shared across a lot of budget lock brands. That’s both good (the app is relatively mature) and bad (it feels generic).

Fingerprint performance was decent in my testing. About 90% success rate dry, 75% wet. Not class-leading, but workable. The auto-lock feature has been reliable. Build quality is metal, which is nice at this price point.

Watch out for: The TTLock app requires an account and the setup process is more involved than it should be for a basic lock. Bluetooth range is modest.

What to avoid in budget locks

After testing a bunch of sub-$50 locks that didn’t make this list, here are the red flags:

• No brand presence: If you can’t find the company’s website or any customer support info, move on
• Unrealistic claims: “Military grade encryption” and “unhackable” on a $35 lock? Come on
• No ANSI/BHMA grade mentioned: Legit locks have a grade rating. No rating usually means it hasn’t been tested
• Only positive reviews: If every review is 5 stars and reads like it was written by the same person, trust your gut
• No physical backup: A smart lock without any manual override (key, emergency power port) is asking for trouble

The bottom line

The Wyze Lock Bolt Pro, at around $80, is one of the best values in smart locks, full stop. If you need remote access on a budget, the ULTRALOQ U-Bolt Pro gets you there with Z-Wave. And if you just need a simple keypad lock for around $50, the Veise is surprisingly solid.

You don’t need to break the bank to get a smart lock that works. Just be realistic about what you’re getting and avoid the no-name stuff that looks too good to be true.