What is the best smart deadbolt?

When looking for the best overall smart deadbolt, consensus across expert reviewers (including The New York Times - Wirecutter and Tom's Guide ) points to a few standout models depending on your security expectations and ecosystem preferences.

The top choices for dedicated smart deadbolts include:

- **Best For:** Overall reliability, top-tier build quality, and security.
- **Why it’s great:** It features an ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 rating (the highest residential security rating available). The "Plus" version adds Apple Home Key support, allowing you to tap your iPhone or Apple Watch to unlock the door seamlessly. It has built-in Wi-Fi so it connects directly to your network without needing an external bridge hub.[](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESYgHrOzAVJZ1Jd8UZd_jT48C6_fn4ddnTWYJ9hala2kqzm5ckOxPH_kSFrQCaMqy0EYMCum90KczxDi_oGarFsz-Xr-kU58d_gmrmID6DtLU-TkE1lgSdwToiRSFeAeFnq77x) [[1]](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESYgHrOzAVJZ1Jd8UZd_jT48C6_fn4ddnTWYJ9hala2kqzm5ckOxPH_kSFrQCaMqy0EYMCum90KczxDi_oGarFsz-Xr-kU58d_gmrmID6DtLU-TkE1lgSdwToiRSFeAeFnq77x)[[2]](https://www.google.com/search?q=product&prds=pvt:hg,productid:1742297015242557858,catalogid:5324533904559477904,gpcid:2962427000655491211,mid:576462862044346930&ibp=oshop)[[3]](https://www.google.com/search?q=product&prds=pvt:hg,productid:8572144856843630535,catalogid:6804874250746251202,gpcid:18026530368392909156,mid:576462801911771297&ibp=oshop)[[4]](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESYgHrOzAVJZ1Jd8UZd_jT48C6_fn4ddnTWYJ9hala2kqzm5ckOxPH_kSFrQCaMqy0EYMCum90KczxDi_oGarFsz-Xr-kU58d_gmrmID6DtLU-TkE1lgSdwToiRSFeAeFnq77x)[[5]](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESXwHrOzAV6vyHSxUZEyrHcPONtlp321KbhC8tIKidETuBZbmnd5gA-eBLWhfvWtL6PSlr-NBmVi8oIngyGar32DfYqeBSn_hbL7ab8lMnJ8AOTKkgJXjDqQj2fhiNuPSi)

- **Best For:** Flexibility, compact design, and multiple smart home ecosystems.
- **Why it’s great:** Yale’s second-generation lock is smaller and sleeker than its predecessor and offers modular smart connection options (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Matter/Thread). It is available with a touchscreen, a physical keypad, or built-in biometric fingerprint scanning.[[1]](https://www.google.com/search?q=product&prds=pvt:hg,productid:17137161097577487339,catalogid:13757959203945274049,gpcid:1353170993353662274,mid:576462544472652745&ibp=oshop)[[2]](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESsgEB6zswFQOB1AElT4EipuLHQrme1wBLTOpyle-edlwWjxbLBHqjUoWoDbwQk25P_GON17SLurhWAN7juUSS3qfv4cpurwzL6KkhtyWrDDEea67rgzoHb-9C1Dpo6FJPRsl7TxhoF2W-j6X4IftIesBWZdHl-sw8YWLaZe6dzaIsaQYCt5vE43y2wLIkgehfTfA8j_636ZUuuOiS3R1iBJqK9exwrTaD7jY06Z9S65MQ-GOk)[[3]](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESVwHrOzAVn2Js1ko1kJZK9LOLMybkeRErBTXy5vKarvfNg6RABpyNOpORmdqi1GvVHTK5mt2BZ83hhjHiAxL1OOVYZOzGNGMFcaEuceU8tIQZVLcquyx80w)[[4]](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESZgHrOzAVsG7RKl6TbKbzwDWSRhuCb9h2-Wk2HX1dYIr171VjS6JzVmVzkapVxoXXCZppfOjkcFE07ioQw2Dsv1GU7y7G0MBRYw-iylyH25-wIlJRel-xmHnpC8x4E4yFLp9u0OL94Q)[[5]](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESbgHrOzAVeM_XYdMfLVgkOZhkMSYV9dU35ODkstL2XC-h6YmPBIJMiuOsmTw_xPfcpcZQ7jH_uTBkc7PAQaS4QYtgzTROfdLvsUiXIarOqmXD1tP-5PfWXC_R2h_Gq6ct14kIRz5F0DUfKG3xLSfO)

- **Best For:** All-in-one security and convenience.
- **Why it’s great:** It brilliantly combines a robust deadbolt, multiple entry methods (fingerprint, code, app, key, voice), and a built-in 2K video doorbell camera into a single integrated unit.[[1]](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESYQHrOzAVyisPLeJSjqZ_0DeI599rfAitPsVllm7Zs-AMpCW0nhL-YqanH6No8P758YZyQWqhAo4xUgOCkYfs14IPh_ytGkXJxsxZuFAep8BfdUBPV2TmkRsWVBhiTp7gyhM)[[2]](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESUAHrOzAVVMZp1DUVR-q1zzmJdudKDlJEL2cAq1i3SWiQ3IR49KwBvEddpq7YaLYeirdCP0VeXkN26_an6HdzZiSsC2aAPaejX4kHWZ7IRsDG)[[3]](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESTgHrOzAVm2p0hiRI1kvcqWdIWTZlelkTNavIQvP1vc7vknImA1OTZpdSXF3X1mEtlX5ANOTCEIUMJ3hXoSMunRmXcrtaTecdeIk116GwNQ)[[4]](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESTgHrOzAV7b6F2UBQ02Lt5cZirTiL95kSGDTGCruD4l_h__T3xvtqaIOCaQwpyXgpUkVNNa5rprbcoUNOuCzLVE-3oq0Jl0TQBYg7ZD7ZNg)[[5]](https://google.com/goto?url=CAESTwHrOzAVJTaWEZ1yKWitNKazkyH3-_xRGqothpLsj1OdXagnWT6-4niUUKF8SnAbMsonE4cfvbweCRO7g0VWPQnNJBVE3H7DceQA89gffV4)

To help narrow down the exact model for your front door, let me know:

• What smartphone ecosystem do you use primarily (Apple Home, Google Home, or Amazon Alexa)?
• Do you prefer a touchscreen keypad, a fingerprint scanner, or a key-free look?

If you want one answer, I’d buy the Schlage Encode Plus.

• Schlage Encode Plus Century Satin Nickel Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt - $301.99 (Lowe's)

Why it’s my top pick

• Excellent physical security: ANSI/BHMA Grade 1, the highest residential grade.
• Apple Home Key: Tap an iPhone or Apple Watch to unlock.
• Built-in Wi-Fi: No separate hub required.
• Keypad + physical key + phone: Multiple ways to get in if one method fails.
• Good battery life: Typically around six months with Wi-Fi use.
• Very mature product: Schlage's traditional lock hardware is a big reason I'd favor it for a front door.

Current pricing is roughly $285–$320, depending on finish.

The one I'd choose instead

• Yale Assure Lock 2 Wi-Fi Touchscreen - $259.99 (The Home Depot)

Choose the Yale Assure Lock 2 if you want more flexibility. Its big advantages are DoorSense, which can tell whether the door is actually closed, and a modular design that can support different connectivity options. It's also considerably cheaper in some configurations.

My ranking:

1. 🥇 Schlage Encode Plus — best overall, particularly for Apple households.
2. 🥈 Yale Assure Lock 2 — best for flexibility/value.
3. 🥉 Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch — best if you want fingerprint unlocking.
4. Aqara U400/U200 — compelling if Matter/Home Key and a lower price are priorities.

If you tell me iPhone or Android, whether you want a physical key, and your budget, I can narrow it down to the exact model I'd put on your door.

The consensus choice among reviewers and security experts for the best overall smart deadbolt is the **[Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt Go to product viewer dialog for this item. ](https://www.homedepot.com/p/Schlage-Century-Matte-Black-Electronic-Encode-Plus-Smart-WiFi-Deadbolt-with-Alarm-BE499WB-V-CEN-622/322082407)**.[[1]](https://www.google.com/search?q=product&prds=pvt:hg,productid:1742297015242557858,catalogid:5324533904559477904,gpcid:2962427000655491211,mid:576462862044346930&ibp=oshop)[[2]](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-smart-lock/)

Here is a breakdown of the top smart deadbolt picks depending on what you value most:

Add to listBest Overall:

• Why it wins: It features BHMA Grade 1 certification (the highest residential security rating available), built-in Wi-Fi (no separate hub required), and a responsive illuminated touchscreen.
• Standout feature: Support for Apple Home Key , which lets you tap your iPhone or Apple Watch to unlock the door just like a transit pass . It also integrates smoothly with Alexa and Google Assistant. (If you don't need Apple Home Key, the standard Schlage Encode saves you some money while keeping the same robust hardware).

Add to listBest for Apple Home Users (Alternative):

• Why buy it: A fantastic, slightly more budget-friendly alternative that includes a fast fingerprint reader, physical keyhole cover, and Apple Home Key support, though it relies on a local ecosystem hub.

Add to listBest Invisible/Design Pick:

• Why buy it: If you hate the look of a bulky electronic keypad and want your exterior door to look completely traditional, the Level Lock Plus houses all the smart tech inside the actual door frame/bolt.

Add to listBest Budget Pick:

• Why buy it: Reliable automated locking, clean design, and Wi-Fi/Matter compatibility at a fraction of the cost of premium locks.

To help narrow down the ideal lock for your front door, let me know:

• What smart ecosystem do you use most (Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, or Google Home)?
• Do you prefer a touchscreen keypad, fingerprint scanner, or completely keyless/hidden design?

Best smart deadbolt overall: Yale Assure Lock 2

For most homeowners, I’d buy the Yale Assure Lock 2 with Wi-Fi. Current 2026 comparisons consistently put it near the top because it combines a keypad, remote access, DoorSense, broad smart-home compatibility, and a modular connectivity system that gives you more flexibility later.

• Yale Assure Lock 2 - $259.99 (The Home Depot)

My picks by priority

• 🏆 Best overall: Yale Assure Lock 2 — best balance of price, features, keypad access, and smart-home flexibility.

• 🔒 Best for security: Schlage Encode Plus — ANSI/BHMA Grade 1, built-in Wi-Fi, physical key backup, and Apple Home Key.

• Schlage Encode Plus - $285.00 (The Home Depot)

• 🍎 Best for Apple: Schlage Encode Plus — especially good if you use an iPhone/Apple Watch and want tap-to-unlock with Home Key.

• 👆 Best fingerprint option: Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch — fingerprint + keypad + app, while retaining a keyway on keyed versions.

• 🏠 Best for renters: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock — it mounts over your existing deadbolt, so you don't replace the exterior hardware or give up your existing key.

• Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch - $229.99 (Best Buy)

• August Wi-Fi Smart Lock - $199.99 (The Home Depot)

• Level Lock Matter - $249.00 (The Home Depot)

If it were my door: I'd choose the Yale Assure Lock 2 Wi-Fi unless I were heavily invested in Apple Home, in which case I'd spend more for the Schlage Encode Plus.

If you tell me (1) Apple/Android, (2) your budget, and (3) whether you want a fingerprint reader, I can narrow it to one exact model.

The "best" smart deadbolt depends heavily on your existing door hardware, preferred ecosystem (Apple, Alexa, or Google), and how you want to unlock your door. Industry testing from major tech publications highlights these top contenders for the best smart deadbolts:

Schlage Encode Plus (Best Overall & Security) — Widely considered the gold standard. It is one of the very few smart deadbolts with an official ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 security rating (the highest residential/commercial durability and safety tier). It features built-in Wi-Fi for remote access and seamless support for Apple Home Key (allowing you to tap your iPhone or Apple Watch to unlock), alongside Alexa and Google Assistant integration.

Yale Assure Lock 2 (Best Compact / Flexible Ecosystem) — A favorite for its sleek, low-profile design that keeps the mechanical look of a standard deadbolt. It is highly customizable, offering interchangeable modules for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or future-proof Matter connectivity, and works smoothly across major smart home platforms.

Aqara Smart Lock U400 (Best for Hands-Free Approach) — Known for cutting-edge connectivity, utilizing Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology and Matter-over-Thread. It can auto-unlock as you physically approach the door without requiring you to tap a phone or punch in a code.

Ultraloq Bolt Fingerprint (Best Biometric/Value) — An exceptional multi-access option featuring a lightning-fast 360-degree fingerprint reader, built-in Wi-Fi (no separate hub required), and a physical key backup hidden underneath, all at a more accessible price point than top-tier competitors.

Level Lock Pro (Best Invisible / Renter-Friendly) — If you want your smart lock to look 100% normal from the outside, Level replaces the internal hardware of your existing deadbolt while keeping your original exterior keyhole and deadbolt face completely unchanged.

To help narrow down the ideal choice for your home, tell me:

• Which smart home ecosystem do you use most (Apple Home/Siri, Amazon Alexa, or Google Home)?
• Do you prefer unlocking via fingerprint, keypad, phone tap, or keeping your physical key visible?

The best smart deadbolt for most homeowners is the Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt. It combines strong hardware, reliable connectivity, and excellent smart-home features. It is especially compelling if you use an iPhone because of Apple Home Key support.

Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt

$329.00

Yale Assure Lock 2 Smart Door Lock

$159.99

Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch Wi-Fi Deadbolt

$229.99

My top picks

Quick recommendation by situation

• You want the safest, simplest premium choice: Get Schlage Encode Plus. It has a strong lock reputation, no hub required, and fewer configuration decisions.
• You have an iPhone + Apple Watch: Get Schlage Encode Plus for the smoothest Home Key experience.
• You use Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings, or want future flexibility: Consider Yale Assure Lock 2, especially versions with the connectivity module you need.
• You have kids, cleaners, or lots of guests: Yale’s larger code capacity and fingerprint models can be attractive.

Features I’d prioritize

1. Built-in Wi-Fi (no extra hub)
2. ANSI/BHMA-rated hardware
3. Physical key backup or reliable emergency power
4. Temporary guest codes
5. Door-open/closed sensing if available

My single pick: Schlage Encode Plus.
My pick if you want the most flexibility: Yale Assure Lock 2.

If you tell me your smart-home setup (Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings, or none) and whether you want a keyed or keyless lock, I can narrow it down.

For most homeowners, the best smart deadbolt overall is the Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt. It has the best mix of security, reliability, and convenience: built-in Wi-Fi (no hub), keypad entry, physical key backup, remote access, and Apple Home Key support for iPhone/Apple Watch tap-to-unlock. It is also one of the few premium options focused heavily on residential security ratings.

Schlage Encode Plus Smart Wi‑Fi Deadbolt

$329.00

Yale Assure Lock 2 Smart Wi‑Fi Deadbolt

$199.99

August Wi‑Fi Smart Lock

$199.99

My top picks

🥇 Best overall: Schlage Encode Plus

• Best for: homeowners who want a “buy once, keep for years” lock
• Pros:
  • Excellent security reputation
  • Built-in Wi-Fi (no bridge/hub)
  • Apple Home Key support
  • Keypad + physical key backup
  • Easy guest codes and remote locking/unlocking
• Cons:
  • Expensive
  • No fingerprint reader
    

🥈 Best for families / fingerprint access: Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch

• Best for: kids, frequent guests, people who prefer a fingerprint
• Pros:
  • Very fast fingerprint unlocking
  • Sleek touchscreen design
  • Many code-management options
• Cons:
  • More Yale model variations, so you need to pick the right version
  • Security ratings and features vary by configuration
    

🥉 Best retrofit option: August Wi‑Fi Smart Lock

• Best for: renters or anyone who wants to keep their existing exterior lock
• Pros:
  • Installs over many existing deadbolts
  • Keeps your outside keyhole
  • Good app experience
• Cons:
  • Interior unit is bulkier
  • Not as “all-in-one” as a full deadbolt replacement

Quick recommendation by situation

• Apple iPhone/Apple Watch user: Schlage Encode Plus
• Want fingerprint unlock: Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch
• Want the most secure-feeling traditional replacement: Schlage Encode Plus
• Renting or avoiding lock replacement: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock
• Want cheapest good option: Yale Assure Lock 2 base models are often a strong value

If you tell me iPhone vs Android, your smart home system (Alexa/Google/HomeKit), and whether this is a front door or rental, I can narrow it to one model.

The "best" smart deadbolt depends on your ecosystem (Apple, Google, or Alexa) and whether you prefer a traditional keypad, a fingerprint scanner, or keeping your existing keys hidden on the outside.

Top expert-tested choices categorized by strength include:

• Schlage Encode Plus (Best Overall / Most Secure): Widely regarded as the top pick across major tech publications. It is the rare smart deadbolt with an ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 security rating (the highest residential and commercial standard). It features built-in Wi-Fi and Apple Home Key support, letting you tap your iPhone or Apple Watch to unlock the door instantly.
• Yale Assure Lock 2 (Best Versatile & Compact): A stellar alternative if you want a sleek, streamlined look. It comes in various modular configurations (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or Matter) and supports major smart home platforms easily. It’s also praised for its excellent code management and optional add-on modules.
• Level Lock Pro (Best Invisible / Stealth Design): If you don't want your front door to look "smart," Level hides all the motorized tech completely inside the deadbolt and doorframe. It lets you keep your original exterior key appearance while adding touch, app, and Apple Home Key functionality.
• Aqara Smart Lock U100 / U200 (Best for Ecosystem Flexibility): Highly rated for offering a robust suite of entry options—including fingerprint readers, NFC cards, and physical keys—while running smoothly on Matter-over-Thread and Apple Home Key protocols.
• Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro (Best Budget / Fingerprint): A favorite for value-focused buyers, featuring a unique round keypad design with a fast, reliable built-in biometric fingerprint scanner and multiple ways to unlock.

To help narrow down the best match for your door, tell me:

• Which smart home ecosystem do you use most (Apple HomeKit, Google Home, or Amazon Alexa)?
• Do you prefer a touchscreen/keypad , a fingerprint scanner , or an invisible lock that keeps your current keyhole?

The "best" smart deadbolt depends heavily on your existing door hardware, preferred ecosystem (Apple, Google, Alexa), and whether you want a full lock replacement or an invisible upgrade.

Top-performing smart deadbolts are categorized by what they do best:

• Schlage Encode Plus — Best Overall for Security & Apple Users
  • Why it’s great: Features a BHMA Grade 1 rating (the highest residential security rating available). It includes built-in Wi-Fi and Apple Home Key support, letting you tap your iPhone or Apple Watch to unlock the door instantly.
  • Best for: Homeowners who want maximum physical security combined with seamless smart home integration.
• Yale Assure Lock 2 — Best Versatile / Customizable Deadbolt
  • Why it’s great: Offers a sleek, modular design available in touchscreen or keypad versions, with keyed or key-free options. It supports Bluetooth, Wi-Fi modules, and the multi-ecosystem Matter standard.
  • Best for: Families and multi-user households needing high code capacity and a traditional appearance.
• Level Bolt (Matter) — Best Invisible / Retrofit Lock
  • Why it’s great: Installs entirely inside your door's standard borehole. It leaves your exterior hardware and original keys 100% untouched, adding smart Matter-over-Thread connectivity invisibly.
  • Best for: Renters or homeowners who love the exact look of their current front door hardware.
• Aqara Smart Lock U400 — Best Future-Proof / Hands-Free Access
  • Why it’s great: One of the first smart deadbolts utilizing Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology to sense your physical direction and approach, unlocking hands-free as you walk up. It also packs a rapid fingerprint scanner, physical key backup, and Matter-over-Thread.
  • Best for: Tech enthusiasts looking for cutting-edge proximity unlocking.

To help narrow down the ideal match for your door , let me know:

• Which smart home ecosystem do you use most (Apple Home, Google Home, or Amazon Alexa)?
• Do you prefer to keep your existing exterior key/hardware , or replace the whole unit?

If you want the best all-around smart deadbolt, I’d buy the Schlage Encode Plus.

Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt

$289.36

🥇 Best overall: Schlage Encode Plus

Why I like it:

• Built-in Wi-Fi — no separate hub
• Apple Home Key support, so an iPhone or Apple Watch can unlock it
• Keypad + physical key backup
• Excellent physical security/build quality
• Works with Apple Home, Alexa and Google Home
• Very established, reliable product line

Current pricing is roughly $289–$320, depending on trim/finish.

Other excellent choices

The Yale Assure Lock 2 Plus is particularly compelling right now: I found it around $203–$228 with Wi-Fi and Apple Home Key, substantially less than many Encode Plus configurations.

Schlage Encode Plus

$289.36

Yale Assure Lock 2 Plus

$227.99

Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch

$249.99

My bottom line: If this is for your primary front door and you want something you can install and largely forget about, get the Schlage Encode Plus. Recent 2026 reviews continue to put it among the strongest choices, particularly for security and Apple Home integration.

If you tell me iPhone or Android, whether you use Alexa/Google/Apple Home, and whether you want fingerprint or Apple Watch unlocking, I can narrow it down to the exact model I'd buy.