Smart locks are the single biggest upgrade you can make to your home security after an alarm system. No more hiding keys under mats, no more worrying if you locked up — and you can let the dog walker in from your phone. But not all smart locks work with all security systems, and the wrong one can actually be less secure than a good deadbolt.
We’ve compared 8 smart locks on what matters most: security grade, smart home compatibility, security system integration, battery life, and whether they’ll actually make your door harder to break into.
Best Smart Locks 2026: Quick Rankings
| # | Lock | Best For | Protocol | ANSI Grade | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yale Assure Lock 2 | Best overall | Z-Wave / Wi-Fi / Matter | Grade 2 | $180–$280 | 4.6/5 |
| 2 | Schlage Encode Plus | Apple HomeKit + Home Key | Wi-Fi + HomeKit | Grade 1 | $300 | 4.5/5 |
| 3 | August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) | Retrofit (keep existing key) | Wi-Fi + BLE | N/A (retrofit) | $230 | 4.3/5 |
| 4 | Kwikset Halo Touch | Fingerprint entry | Wi-Fi + BLE | Grade 2 | $220 | 4.2/5 |
| 5 | Level Lock+ | Invisible (looks like normal lock) | BLE + Matter | Grade 2 | $330 | 4.2/5 |
| 6 | Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro Z-Wave | Most unlock methods | Z-Wave + Wi-Fi + BLE | Grade 2 | $250 | 4.1/5 |
| 7 | Wyze Lock Bolt | Budget fingerprint | BLE only | N/A | $70 | 3.9/5 |
| 8 | Amazon Smart Lock (Deadbolt) | Ring Alarm users | Z-Wave (Sidewalk) | Grade 2 | $150 | 3.8/5 |
Why Protocol Matters More Than Features
The most important decision isn’t brand — it’s which wireless protocol your lock uses. This determines what it can talk to:
| Protocol | Range | Battery impact | Security system compatible | Remote access |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Z-Wave | 100+ ft (mesh) | Excellent (years) | Abode, Ring, ADT, Vivint, SmartThings | Via hub |
| Wi-Fi | Router range | Poor (3–6 months) | Limited | Direct |
| Bluetooth (BLE) | 30 ft | Excellent | No | No (phone only) |
| Matter | Varies | Good | Emerging | Via hub |
| Zigbee | 50 ft (mesh) | Excellent | Abode, SmartThings | Via hub |
Bottom line: If you have a security system, get a Z-Wave lock. It meshes with your existing sensors, uses minimal battery, and lets your security hub control the lock (auto-lock when you arm, unlock on disarm). Abode supports both Z-Wave and Zigbee locks natively — more protocol options than any competitor.
1. Yale Assure Lock 2 — Best Overall
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| ANSI grade | Grade 2 (residential) |
| Protocols | Z-Wave, Wi-Fi, or Matter (modular) |
| Unlock methods | Keypad, app, auto-unlock, voice, key override |
| Battery | 4x AA (~9 months Wi-Fi, 12+ months Z-Wave) |
| Security system | Abode, Ring, ADT, Vivint, SmartThings |
| HomeKit | Yes (with Matter module) |
| Price | $180 (Z-Wave), $230 (Wi-Fi), $280 (Matter) |
Yale’s modular design is genius: buy the lock body once, then swap in a Z-Wave, Wi-Fi, or Matter radio module depending on your smart home. The Z-Wave version pairs perfectly with Abode’s Smart Security Kit — add it as a Z-Wave device and you get auto-lock on arm, unlock on disarm, and lock status in the Abode app.
Why it’s #1: Best combination of security, compatibility, and flexibility. Works with virtually every security system and smart home platform. The keypad + key backup means you’re never locked out.
2. Schlage Encode Plus — Best Physical Security
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| ANSI grade | Grade 1 (commercial-grade) |
| Protocols | Wi-Fi + HomeKit (built-in) |
| Unlock methods | Keypad, Apple Home Key (NFC tap), app, key |
| Battery | 4x AA (~6 months) |
| Security system | Limited (no Z-Wave) |
| HomeKit | Yes — includes Apple Home Key |
| Price | $300 |
The Schlage Encode Plus is the only ANSI Grade 1 smart lock on this list — meaning it meets commercial-grade kick and drill resistance standards. It’s also the premier Apple HomeKit lock with Home Key support: tap your iPhone or Apple Watch to unlock, even when the phone is dead.
Limitation: Wi-Fi only (no Z-Wave), so it won’t integrate directly with security systems like Abode or Ring. Best paired with a HomeKit-based setup — and since Abode supports HomeKit, you can still have both in the same Apple Home.
3. August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) — Best Retrofit
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| ANSI grade | N/A (attaches to existing deadbolt) |
| Protocols | Wi-Fi + BLE |
| Unlock methods | App, auto-unlock (GPS), voice, existing key |
| Battery | 2x CR123A (~3–6 months) |
| Security system | Limited (Wi-Fi only) |
| HomeKit | Yes |
| Price | $230 |
August replaces only the interior thumbturn — your existing deadbolt and exterior key cylinder stay. Perfect for renters or anyone who wants smart lock features without changing hardware. Auto-unlock via GPS (DoorSense) is the best in the business.
Downside: No keypad (you need your phone or the existing key). Wi-Fi only means limited security system integration and shorter battery life. For renters, pair with Abode’s renter-friendly security kit for a complete no-drill setup.
4. Kwikset Halo Touch — Best Fingerprint Lock
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| ANSI grade | Grade 2 |
| Protocols | Wi-Fi + BLE |
| Unlock methods | Fingerprint, keypad, app, key |
| Battery | 4x AA (~6 months) |
| Fingerprint capacity | 100 prints |
| HomeKit | No |
| Price | $220 |
The fingerprint reader is fast and reliable — unlock in under a second without pulling out your phone. Stores up to 100 fingerprints. The SecureScreen keypad prevents smudge attacks (shows random digits first).
Trade-off: Wi-Fi only, no Z-Wave, no HomeKit. Great as a standalone smart lock but limited security system integration.
5–8: Honorable Mentions
Level Lock+ ($330): Completely invisible from outside — looks like a normal deadbolt. Matter support coming. Premium price for the stealth factor.
Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro Z-Wave ($250): The most unlock methods: fingerprint, keypad, app, auto-unlock, key, and Z-Wave for security system integration with Abode. Jack of all trades.
Wyze Lock Bolt ($70): Cheapest fingerprint lock. BLE only — no remote access, no security system integration. Fine for a back door or garage entry.
Amazon Smart Lock ($150): Built for Ring Alarm users. Z-Wave via Amazon Sidewalk. Decent if you’re all-in on Ring, but limited outside that ecosystem.
Security System Compatibility
This is the table most “best smart locks” articles ignore — and it’s the most important if you have a security system:
| Lock | Abode | Ring | ADT | SimpliSafe | SmartThings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yale Assure 2 (Z-Wave) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ (pro) | ❌ | ✅ |
| Schlage Encode Plus | ⚠️ HomeKit only | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| August Wi-Fi | ⚠️ HomeKit only | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Kwikset Halo Touch | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ (pro) | ❌ | ✅ |
| Amazon Smart Lock | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Key takeaway: Abode supports more lock protocols than any other security system (Z-Wave + Zigbee + HomeKit), giving you the widest lock selection. SimpliSafe supports zero third-party locks — a major smart home limitation.
Smart Lock + Security System Automations
When your smart lock talks to your security system, you unlock powerful automations:
| Automation | What happens | Systems that support it |
|---|---|---|
| Lock on arm | Door auto-locks when you arm the system | Abode, Ring, ADT, Vivint |
| Disarm on unlock | Entering your code disarms the alarm | Abode, Vivint |
| Geofence arm + lock | System arms and locks when you leave | Abode |
| Guest code scheduling | Codes work only at specific times | Abode, Ring, ADT |
| Lock status in app | See if door is locked from security app | Abode, Ring, ADT, Vivint |
Abode offers the most automation options with Z-Wave locks, including geofencing — your system arms and your locks engage automatically when your phone leaves the area.
3-Year Cost Comparison
| Lock | Purchase | Batteries (3 yr) | Subscription | 3-Year Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yale Assure 2 (Z-Wave) | $180 | ~$24 (AA x6 sets) | $0 | $204 |
| Schlage Encode Plus | $300 | ~$36 (AA x9 sets) | $0 | $336 |
| August Wi-Fi | $230 | ~$72 (CR123A x12 sets) | $0 | $302 |
| Kwikset Halo Touch | $220 | ~$36 | $0 | $256 |
| Level Lock+ | $330 | ~$15 (CR2032) | $0 | $345 |
| Wyze Lock Bolt | $70 | ~$24 | $0 | $94 |
Smart locks don’t have subscription fees — total cost is hardware plus batteries. Z-Wave locks last the longest on batteries (12+ months vs 3–6 months for Wi-Fi), saving you money and hassle long-term.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are smart locks safe?
Yes — most smart locks use AES-128 or AES-256 encryption and are ANSI/BHMA graded. A Grade 2 smart lock is as physically secure as a standard deadbolt. The Schlage Encode Plus (Grade 1) exceeds standard deadbolt security. The risk isn’t the lock itself — it’s weak passwords on the app account.
Which smart locks work with Abode?
Any Z-Wave or Zigbee lock works with Abode: Yale Assure 2 (Z-Wave), Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro (Z-Wave), Kwikset 914/916, and Schlage Connect (Z-Wave). Abode also supports HomeKit locks (Schlage Encode Plus, August) through Apple Home. See Abode’s compatibility page for the full list.
Do smart locks work when the internet is down?
Yes. Keypad codes, fingerprints, Bluetooth, and physical keys all work offline. Only remote access (unlocking from outside your home via app) requires internet. Z-Wave locks connected to a security hub like Abode also work locally via the hub even if Wi-Fi drops.
How long do smart lock batteries last?
Z-Wave: 12–18 months. Wi-Fi: 3–6 months. Bluetooth: 6–12 months. All smart locks warn you when batteries are low (app notification + keypad beep). Always keep backup batteries handy.
Can a locksmith open a smart lock?
Yes. Most smart locks have a physical key override. Even keypad-only models can be opened by a locksmith. The smart mechanism sits on top of a standard deadbolt assembly.
Should I get a smart lock or a smart deadbolt?
A “smart lock” and “smart deadbolt” are usually the same thing — a deadbolt with smart features. Retrofit locks (like August) attach to your existing deadbolt. Full replacements (like Yale, Schlage) replace the entire lock assembly. If you rent, go retrofit. If you own, go full replacement for better integration and aesthetics.
William is a tech buff and former corporate security officer turned cybercrime analyst. Computers have few secrets left for him, but home security and alarm systems… Well, those have plenty of secrets for their users, which William is now uncovering and explaining. His articles on home security helped many people take the matter seriously, invest in highly performing systems, and avoid becoming victims of burglaries.
Leave a Reply