Best Smart Locks

The short version

I've been testing smart locks pretty much nonstop for months, and the market has genuinely improved compared to a year ago. Battery life is up across the board, fingerprint readers are faster, and most of the big brands have finally figured out that WiFi connectivity shouldn't drain your batteries in three weeks.

That said, there's still a lot of junk out there. Plenty of locks look great in product photos but fall apart once you start using them every day. So here's what actually held up.

What I tested and how

Every lock on this list got installed on one of three test doors I rotate through. I use each lock as my primary entry for at least two weeks, testing it across Apple Home, Google Home, and Alexa where supported. I run the fingerprint reader with wet hands, cold hands, and after handling groceries. I test auto-lock reliability, check WiFi range, and monitor battery drain weekly.

I'm not testing in a lab. I'm testing the way you'd actually use these things.

Top picks at a glance

Here's the quick rundown before I get into details:

• Best overall: Schlage Encode Plus (updated version) - rock solid, works with everything, and the build quality is hard to beat
• Best fingerprint lock: Eufy Smart Lock S370 - the fingerprint reader on this thing is absurdly fast and accurate
• Best value: Wyze Lock Bolt Pro - does 90% of what the expensive locks do at a fraction of the price
• Best for Apple Home users: Level Lock+ - basically invisible and the Apple Home integration is flawless
• Best for renters: SwitchBot Lock Pro - no drilling, no modifications, and it actually works well

Schlage Encode Plus (updated version)

Schlage updated the Encode Plus and the changes matter. The WiFi module is more efficient (I'm getting about 8 months on batteries now vs. 5-6 on the old version), and they added a fingerprint reader option. But the real reason this is my top pick is reliability. In three months of testing, I've had zero lockouts, zero connectivity drops, and zero times where the auto-lock didn't fire.

The build quality is what you'd expect from Schlage. This thing feels like it belongs on a commercial building. The keypad is responsive, the deadbolt action is smooth, and the whole unit fits standard door preps without any weird adapter plates.

Works with Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa, and Samsung SmartThings. The Schlage Home app is fine. Not amazing, not terrible. It does what it needs to do.

What I don't love: It's big. If you have a narrow stile door or limited space around your deadbolt, measure carefully. Also, it's not cheap. You're looking at around $300.

Eufy Smart Lock S370

The fingerprint reader on this lock is among the fastest I've tested. We're talking under half a second consistently, even with slightly damp hands. It also stores up to 100 fingerprints, which is handy if you have a lot of people who need access.

Build quality is solid for the price point. It doesn't feel quite as heavy-duty as the Schlage, but it's well above average. The matte black finish has held up well through three months of testing with no visible wear.

One thing I really appreciate: the backup options are thoughtful. You get a keypad, a physical key, and NFC card support. If the batteries die, there's a USB-C emergency port on the bottom.

What I don't love: The app needs work. It's functional but clunky, and setting up automations takes more taps than it should. WiFi connectivity is occasionally slow to respond. Not a dealbreaker, but noticeable if you're used to faster locks.

Wyze Lock Bolt Pro

This is the lock I recommend to basically everyone who asks me "what should I get?" It's typically under $100, the fingerprint reader is good (not great, but good), and it's been completely reliable in my testing.

It doesn't have WiFi, which means no remote access unless you pair it with a Wyze gateway. For a lot of people, that's actually fine. You use the fingerprint reader or the keypad, and you move on with your life. Battery life is excellent since there's no WiFi radio eating through cells.

What I don't love: No WiFi out of the box means no remote locking/unlocking. The plastic body doesn't feel as premium as metal alternatives. The Wyze app can be a bit pushy with upsells for their subscription service.

Level Lock+

If you care about aesthetics, this is the one. The Level Lock+ is almost invisible from the outside. It replaces your existing deadbolt interior, so you keep whatever exterior hardware you already have. Nobody walking up to your door would know it's a smart lock.

The Apple Home integration is the best I've tested. Period. It uses the Home Key feature on iPhones and Apple Watches, so you literally just tap your phone or watch to the lock and you're in. It's faster than fumbling with keys.

What I don't love: It's Apple Home only. If you're an Android household, skip this one. Battery life is mediocre (about 4 months with regular use). And it's pricey for what is essentially a motor and a Bluetooth radio.

SwitchBot Lock Pro

Best option for renters or anyone who can't drill into their door. It attaches over your existing deadbolt thumb turn with adhesive and an adjustable mount. Takes about 10 minutes to install and leaves no marks when you remove it.

The motor is surprisingly strong for an add-on device. It handles stiff deadbolts better than the original SwitchBot Lock did. Pair it with the SwitchBot Hub for remote access, and it's a solid setup.

What I don't love: The adhesive mount can shift over time on some door materials. I had to readjust mine once after about six weeks. The hub is sold separately, which bumps up the total cost. The app works but it's not winning any design awards.

The bottom line

Smart locks have reached a point where I'd recommend them to pretty much anyone. The reliability issues that plagued earlier generations are mostly sorted out, and the prices have come down to where even the budget options are genuinely useful.

If you want the best overall experience and don't mind spending around $300, get the Schlage Encode Plus. If you want great value, the Wyze Lock Bolt Pro is hard to argue with. And if you're in the Apple ecosystem, the Level Lock+ is worth every penny for how seamless it is.

Whatever you pick, just make sure you keep the physical key backup somewhere accessible. Technology is great until it isn't.