Best Smart Locks for Home Security

Security first, convenience second

Most smart lock reviews focus on the cool features. The app, the fingerprint reader, the voice assistant integration. And that stuff matters. But if you’re here because you want your home to actually be more secure, you need to think about this differently.

A smart lock is only as good as its weakest entry method. If it has a great fingerprint reader but the keypad code can be brute-forced, you’ve got a problem. If the Bluetooth connection isn’t encrypted properly, a tech-savvy burglar could potentially exploit that. These are the things I look at when evaluating locks from a security perspective.

What makes a smart lock actually secure?

Before I get into specific picks, here’s what I check:

• ANSI/BHMA grading: Grade 1 is commercial, Grade 2 is residential heavy-duty, Grade 3 is basic residential. For security, stick with Grade 1 or Grade 2.
• Encryption: Both the Bluetooth and WiFi connections should be encrypted. AES-128 at minimum, AES-256 preferred.
• Auto-lock reliability: A smart lock that forgets to lock behind you is worse than a dumb lock you manually engage.
• Tamper alerts: Does the lock notify you if someone’s messing with it?
• Physical key override: Sounds old school, but a physical backup means you’re never locked out during a tech failure.

The security-focused picks

Schlage Encode Plus

ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 certified. That’s commercial-grade. The deadbolt mechanism itself is tested to withstand 800,000 cycles and significant force. The WiFi module uses AES-256 encryption, and the Bluetooth connection is similarly protected.

What really sets this apart for security is the built-in alarm sensor. It detects forced entry attempts and triggers an alert through the app. During testing, I tried some moderate force on the door frame, and it picked it up within seconds.

The auto-lock feature has been 100% reliable across three months of testing. I set it to lock after 30 seconds, and it has never missed.

August WiFi Smart Lock (4th Gen)

August has always been strong on the security fundamentals. The 4th gen uses AES-128 encryption for all communications, and the DoorSense feature tells you definitively whether your door is closed and locked. That’s more valuable than it sounds. A lot of smart locks will tell you the deadbolt is extended, but if the door is ajar, that doesn’t help much.

The activity log is detailed and timestamped, so you always know who locked or unlocked the door and when. Guest access can be set with schedules, and you can revoke access instantly.

Yale Assure Lock 2

Yale has a long history in the lock business, and the Assure Lock 2 shows it. BHMA Grade 2 certified, tamper-proof cover on the keypad, and a built-in DPS (Door Position Sensor) so it knows if the door is actually shut.

The partnership with various smart home module options means you can pick your connectivity method. For maximum security, I’d go with the WiFi module and pair it with a security system integration. Yale works well with Ring Alarm, which gives you a more complete security picture.

What about lock picking and bumping?

This comes up a lot. Here’s the thing: lock picking and bump attacks are real, but they’re not the primary threat for most homes. Most break-ins involve kicking in a door or breaking a window. A burglar is way more likely to use brute force than sit there with a pick set.

That said, higher-grade locks use more pick-resistant keyways. The Schlage keyway in the Encode Plus is quite good. The Yale keyway is similarly resistant. Neither is truly pick-proof (nothing is), but they’re significantly better than the basic Kwikset keyway that comes on most entry-level smart locks.

If lock picking is a genuine concern for your threat model, consider a lock with no physical keyway at all. Some keypad-only models eliminate that attack vector entirely. The tradeoff is you need a backup plan if the electronics fail.

My recommendation

If home security is your primary concern, the Schlage Encode Plus is the clear winner. Grade 1 certification, AES-256 encryption, reliable auto-lock, tamper alerts, and a pick-resistant keyway. It’s the whole package.

For a more budget-friendly option, the Yale Assure Lock 2 is solid and integrates well with existing security systems.

Don’t cheap out on your entry security. A budget smart lock from an unknown brand might work fine as a convenience device, but if you’re relying on it for security, spend the money on something tested and certified.