Smart Locks
Keyless entry, guest codes, and auto-lock. We compare installation, battery life, and which ecosystems each lock plays nicely with.
Schlage Encode Plus
The Encode Plus is the lock security experts actually recommend: ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 — the highest residential rating — plus built-in Wi-Fi so there's no hub to babysit. Apple Home Key lets you unlock with a tap of your iPhone or Watch.
All smart locks compared
Schlage Encode Plus
Grade 1 security with built-in Wi-Fi and Apple Home Key tap-to-unlock.
Best for: Best overall
ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 — best physical security rating
Built-in Wi-Fi, no hub needed
Premium price
Check price at AmazonYale Assure Lock 2 (Wi-Fi Touchscreen)
The compatibility champion — swappable modules speak every smart-home language.
Best for: Best compatibility
Swappable Bluetooth/Wi-Fi/Zigbee/Z-Wave/Matter modules
Apple Home Key support
Wi-Fi module sometimes sold separately
Check price at AmazonAugust Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen)
Smartens your existing deadbolt in minutes — renter-friendly, no keyway change.
Best for: Best for renters
Retrofits existing deadbolt — no rekeying
DoorSense open/closed detection
CR123 batteries last ~3 months
Check price at Amazoneufy Smart Lock C30
A real Wi-Fi smart lock with keypad and physical key — for under $80.
Best for: Best value
Built-in Wi-Fi, no bridge required
Physical keypad + physical key backup
No fingerprint reader
Check price at eufy via ImpactSwitchBot Lock Vision
Phone-grade 3D face unlock on your front door — Matter over Wi-Fi, no hub.
Best for: Best new tech
3D facial recognition unlocks in <1 second
Matter-over-Wi-Fi, no hub required
First-gen — software still maturing
Check price at AmazonSide-by-side specs
| Spec | Schlage Encode Plus | Yale Assure Lock 2 (Wi-Fi Touchscreen) | August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) | eufy Smart Lock C30 | SwitchBot Lock Vision |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $319.99 | $259.99 | $229.99 | $79.99 | $169.99 |
| Security rating | ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 | ANSI/BHMA Grade 2 | Retrofit (keeps existing deadbolt) | Standard deadbolt replacement | Smart deadbolt replacement |
| Connectivity | Built-in Wi-Fi | Swappable module (Wi-Fi/BT/Zigbee/Z-Wave) | Built-in Wi-Fi | Built-in Wi-Fi | Matter-over-Wi-Fi |
| Unlock methods | Touchscreen keypad, Apple Home Key, physical key, app | Touchscreen, Apple Home Key, physical key, app, fingerprint (option) | App, auto-unlock, guest access, physical key (existing) | Keypad, app, physical key, Alexa/Google voice | 3D face unlock, NFC, passcodes, app, Apple Watch, physical key |
| Access codes | 100 | 250 | Unlimited guest access via app | 100 | Multiple users + geofencing |
| Auto-lock | Yes | Yes | Yes, with DoorSense | Yes | Yes, with mmWave approach radar |
| Smart home | Alexa, Google, HomeKit | Alexa, Google, HomeKit, SmartThings, Matter | Alexa, Google, Siri, HomeKit | Alexa, Google Assistant | Apple Home, Alexa, Google, Matter |
| Battery | 4x AA | 4x AA | 2x CR123 (~3 months) | 4x AA (up to ~5 months) | ~12 months |
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Last updated 2026-10-02.