Best Smart Locks of 2026
Updated 2026-10-02
The best smart lock of 2026 should install on your existing deadbolt in under 30 minutes, hold a charge for months, and still let you use a physical key as backup. We compared smart locks from Schlage, Yale, August, eufy and SwitchBot on installation, battery life, guest access, and Alexa/Google/HomeKit support.
Our top 5 picks
Schlage Encode Plus
Grade 1 security with built-in Wi-Fi and Apple Home Key tap-to-unlock.
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.
- ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 — best physical security rating
- Built-in Wi-Fi, no hub needed
- Apple Home Key tap-to-unlock
Yale Assure Lock 2 (Wi-Fi Touchscreen)
The compatibility champion — swappable modules speak every smart-home language.
The Assure Lock 2's killer feature is its swappable radio module: start with Bluetooth, add Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Z-Wave Plus, or Matter later without replacing the lock. It also supports Apple Home Key and up to 250 access codes.
- Swappable Bluetooth/Wi-Fi/Zigbee/Z-Wave/Matter modules
- Apple Home Key support
- 250 access codes, fingerprint option
eufy Smart Lock C30
A real Wi-Fi smart lock with keypad and physical key — for under $80.
The C30 demolishes the idea that smart locks must cost $200+. Built-in Wi-Fi means no bridge, the physical-button keypad works with gloves, and there's a real key backup. Battery life of ~5 months is respectable at this price.
- Built-in Wi-Fi, no bridge required
- Physical keypad + physical key backup
- Under $80
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen)
Smartens your existing deadbolt in minutes — renter-friendly, no keyway change.
The August retrofit lock is the renter's answer: it clamps over your existing deadbolt's interior side, so your keys and landlord stay happy. DoorSense tells you if the door is actually closed, and auto-unlock triggers as you approach.
- Retrofits existing deadbolt — no rekeying
- DoorSense open/closed detection
- Auto-lock and auto-unlock
SwitchBot Lock Vision
Phone-grade 3D face unlock on your front door — Matter over Wi-Fi, no hub.
The 2026 flagship for lock nerds: 3D structured-light facial recognition unlocks in under a second, even in the dark, and Matter-over-Wi-Fi needs no hub. As a first-gen product, expect firmware polish to keep improving.
- 3D facial recognition unlocks in <1 second
- Matter-over-Wi-Fi, no hub required
- ~12-month battery life
Compare all picks
| Spec | Schlage Encode Plus | Yale Assure Lock 2 (Wi-Fi Touchscreen) | eufy Smart Lock C30 | August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) | SwitchBot Lock Vision |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $319.99 | $259.99 | $79.99 | $229.99 | $169.99 |
| Security rating | ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 | ANSI/BHMA Grade 2 | Standard deadbolt replacement | Retrofit (keeps existing deadbolt) | 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) | Keypad, app, physical key, Alexa/Google voice | App, auto-unlock, guest access, physical key (existing) | 3D face unlock, NFC, passcodes, app, Apple Watch, physical key |
| Access codes | 100 | 250 | 100 | Unlimited guest access via app | Multiple users + geofencing |
| Auto-lock | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes, with DoorSense | Yes, with mmWave approach radar |
| Smart home | Alexa, Google, HomeKit | Alexa, Google, HomeKit, SmartThings, Matter | Alexa, Google Assistant | Alexa, Google, Siri, HomeKit | Apple Home, Alexa, Google, Matter |
| Battery | 4x AA | 4x AA | 4x AA (up to ~5 months) | 2x CR123 (~3 months) | ~12 months |
Frequently asked questions
Are smart locks safe?
Reputable smart locks use encrypted connections and are as physically strong as the deadbolt they're built on. Look for BHMA/ANSI Grade ratings and two-factor authentication in the app.
Last updated 2026-10-02.