First place · October 2026
Recommended by 5 of 9 AI models when people ask for smart locks. 1st of 14 brands on this board in the October 2026 refresh.
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Here are the specific smart-lock models I’d actually shortlist in the U.S. — prioritizing locks that are both well-reviewed and visibly popular at major retailers, not obscure “review-site only” picks.
| Pick | Exact model to look for | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Best overall | Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt — BE499WB | Most homeowners, especially iPhone/Apple Watch users |
| 2. Best simpler mainstream pick | Yale Assure Lock 2 Wi‑Fi Deadbolt — keyed keypad version / YRD410 Wi‑Fi family | Broad smart-home compatibility, physical key backup |
| 3. Best Apple Home Key + fingerprint value | Aqara Smart Lock U100 | Apple Home users who want fingerprint + keypad + Home Key |
| 4. Best newer Apple/Matter pick | Aqara Smart Lock U400 | Apple users who want UWB auto-unlock + Matter over Thread |
| 5. Best retrofit / renter-friendly lock | Yale Approach Lock with Wi‑Fi + Keypad | Keeping your existing exterior deadbolt and keys |
| 6. Best lock + video doorbell combo | eufy Video Smart Lock E330 or eufy FamiLock S3 Max | One device for lock, keypad/biometric access, and camera |
If you want the safest “buy once, don’t overthink it” pick, get the Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt, model family BE499WB. It has built-in Wi‑Fi, Apple Home Key tap-to-unlock, iPhone/Apple Watch support, a keypad, a physical keyway, and Schlage lists it as ANSI/BHMA A156.40-2015 Grade AAA for security, durability, and finish. It is also clearly a high-volume model: Home Depot’s smart-lock/top-seller listings show Schlage Encode Plus and Schlage Encode variants with thousands of reviews, including Encode Plus models around the 6,000–7,000 review range. (schlage.com)
Buy this if: it’s your front door, you want reliability over novelty, and you’re OK paying more.
Skip it if: you want fingerprint unlock or the lowest price.
For a mainstream, flexible smart lock, look at the Yale Assure Lock 2 Wi‑Fi Deadbolt, especially the keyed keypad version if you want a physical backup key. Yale’s Assure Lock 2 line supports multiple configurations — keypad/touchscreen, keyed/key-free, Wi‑Fi, Z‑Wave, Matter modules depending on version — and Tom’s Guide highlights the Yale Assure Lock 2 for broad platform support including Alexa, Google Home, HomeKit, SmartThings, and Matter, depending on the configuration. Best Buy’s current best-selling smart-door-lock page lists a Yale Assure Lock 2 Smart Lock Wi‑Fi Deadbolt with Push Button Keypad | Key Access as its #1 best-selling smart door lock, which is a strong signal that it’s one of the models people actually buy. (tomsguide.com)
Buy this if: you want a clean, conventional keypad lock with good ecosystem flexibility.
Watch out: Yale has a lot of variants; if you want Apple Home Key, you specifically need Yale Assure Lock 2 Plus, not just any Assure Lock 2. Yale says the Assure Lock 2 Plus has Apple Home Key built in. (support.shopyalehome.com)
The Aqara Smart Lock U100 is the value pick if you want lots of unlock methods: fingerprint, keypad, Apple Home Key, NFC, app control, and a mechanical key backup. Aqara says the U100 supports Apple Home and Apple Home Key, stores up to 50 fingerprints, supports permanent/periodic/one-time passwords, has auto-lock sensing, and can work with Matter/Google/Alexa/IFTTT through the appropriate Aqara hub setup. (aqara.com)
Buy this if: you use Apple Home and want fingerprint unlock without paying Schlage Encode Plus prices.
Watch out: for full remote features and some automations, Aqara says an Aqara 3.0 hub is required. (aqara.com)
The Aqara Smart Lock U400 is the exciting newer model: UWB approach unlock, Apple Home Key, fingerprint, passcodes, NFC, mechanical keys, rechargeable battery, and Matter over Thread. Aqara says UWB unlock requires select iPhone/Apple Watch models plus a Thread-enabled Apple home hub such as a HomePod mini or Apple TV 4K. Best Buy currently lists the Aqara UWB Smart Lock U400 Kit with M100 Hub as its #2 best-selling smart door lock, so it’s not just a spec-sheet curiosity. (aqara.com)
Buy this if: you’re deep in Apple Home and want hands-free approach unlocking.
Skip it if: you want the most proven long-term lock; it’s newer than Encode Plus and Assure Lock 2.
If you don’t want to replace the outside hardware, get the Yale Approach Lock with Wi‑Fi + Keypad. It installs on the inside of your existing single-cylinder deadbolt, keeps your existing exterior lock and keys, and adds app control, Auto-Lock/Auto-Unlock, DoorSense, guest codes, and optional keypad/fingerprint access depending on bundle. Yale lists the Yale Approach Lock with Wi‑Fi + Keypad Touch at $179.99, with 4 AA batteries in the lock and 4 AAA batteries in the keypad. (shopyalehome.com)
Buy this if: you rent, have HOA/exterior-aesthetic constraints, or want to keep your current key.
Skip it if: you want a full exterior keypad built into the lock body.
If you want a smart lock and video doorbell in one device, consider the eufy Video Smart Lock E330. Eufy describes it as combining fingerprint recognition, a 2K camera, and a video doorbell, with unlock options through fingerprint, keypad, app, voice assistant, or keys. (eufy.com)
If you want the newer biometric-heavy version, the eufy FamiLock S3 Max adds palm-vein unlocking and is also showing real retail traction: Best Buy currently lists eufy FamiLock S3 Max WiFi Replacement Deadbolt with 2K Video Doorbell and Palm Scanner as its #3 best-selling smart door lock. (eufy.com)
Buy this if: you want one front-door device instead of a separate smart lock and video doorbell.
Skip it if: you already have a good doorbell camera or you prefer simpler, more traditional lock hardware.
Based on current testing and reviews, here are the top smart locks people actually buy, broken down by category:
Yale Assure Lock 2 — Tom's Guide found the best smart lock for most people is the Yale Assure Lock 2, noting it's easy to install, comes in a number of options and finishes, and works with every major smart home platform including Google, Alexa, Apple, and SmartThings. Its modular approach means you can choose the right connectivity (like Wi-Fi or Z-Wave) for your needs, making it a safe bet for almost any smart home setup. There's also a fingerprint variant: the Assure Lock 2 Touch has a fingerprint reader with the ability to store up to 20 different fingerprints, available as a keyed or key-free touchscreen model.
Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt — Another top pick cited repeatedly across reviews: it's praised as the best smart lock overall thanks to its hub-free Wi-Fi, 100 access codes, and rock-solid BHMA build.
Eufy Smart Lock E31 (~$189) — A budget pick offering fingerprint and keypad access under $200 with zero subscription fees.
Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi — Uses advanced capacitive sensors that read your fingerprint in under 0.5 seconds, even if your finger is slightly wet or dirty. It's also praised for value: it's a clear winner for those who want every feature without the premium price.
Schlage Encode Plus (~$339) — The best choice for Apple users, offering BHMA Grade 1 security (commercial-grade) with Apple Home Key built in.
Yale Assure Lock 3 Ultra (~$349) — The best overall pick in one guide, noting UWB hands-free unlocking is the real deal, and Matter support means it works with everything.
Aqara U400 — The first available smart lock to support UWB (Ultra Wide-Band) in the U.S., enabling you to unlock your door just by approaching it with your phone in your pocket or Apple Watch on your wrist.
ULTRALOQ Bolt SE — Noted as the best Matter smart lock for Apple Home and Google households that want Thread mesh networking.
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock — Listed in comparison tables as ideal for renters since it keeps the original key while running on built-in Wi-Fi.
A general note across reviews: the single "best" lock doesn't exist—only the one that is best for you, guided by your specific needs and your home's setup. If you tell me your ecosystem
When looking for a smart lock, you don’t want to just look at brands; you need to look at specific models, as they differ wildly in how they connect to your smart home, how secure they are, and how you unlock them.
The exact, highly rated models that people actually buy, backed by testing from major tech publications like Wirecutter, CNET, and Tom's Guide, fall into specific categories:
Best Overall & Most Versatile
Best for Apple Users & Maximum Physical Security
Best Value Fingerprint & Keypad Combo
Best Retrofit Lock (Best for Renters)
Best Value Apple Home Key Lock
Best Budget Smart Lock (Under $100)
If you want the best smart locks people actually buy, the most consistently recommended models across major review sites are Schlage Arrive Smart WiFi Deadbolt, Yale Assure Lock 2, Level Lock Pro / Level Lock+ Connect, August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, and Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro.
A practical short list by use case:
Other exact models that show up repeatedly in “best of” lists:
If you want the simplest buying advice:
Assuming US-style deadbolt replacements, these are the exact models that consistently show up in retail best-seller lists and mainstream reviews. I’d shortlist these:
| Category | Exact model | Why people buy it | Main caveat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt (BE499WB) | Built-in Wi-Fi, keypad, physical key, Apple Home Key/HomeKit, Alexa, Google. Very reliable. | Pricey; no Matter/Thread. |
| Best if you don’t need Apple Home Key | Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt (BE489WB) | Same reliable Schlage platform, Wi-Fi, keypad, key, Alexa/Google. | No HomeKit/Home Key. |
| Best fingerprint + Wi-Fi keypad | Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch with Wi-Fi (YRD450-F-WF1-619) | Fingerprint, touchscreen keypad, key, Wi-Fi, Alexa/Google/HomeKit. Good design. | No Apple Home Key; confirm exact SKU/finish. |
| Best for renters/apartments | August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) | Retrofit: keeps your existing exterior key/deadbolt. Auto-unlock, Wi-Fi, HomeKit/Alexa/Google. | No keypad unless you add August Keypad; bulky inside. |
| Best Apple Home Key retrofit | Level Lock+ | Keeps existing exterior hardware, adds Apple Home Key/HomeKit, Alexa/Google. Very clean look. | Expensive; fewer features than Schlage/Yale. |
| Best budget | Wyze Lock Bolt (WLCB1) | Cheap fingerprint/keypad deadbolt; hugely popular on Amazon. | Bluetooth only, no Wi-Fi/remote access, no physical key. |
| Best budget Apple Home Key | Aqara Smart Lock U100 | Fingerprint, PIN, Apple Home Key, mechanical key. Great value if you’re in Apple’s ecosystem. | Zigbee/Bluetooth; needs an Aqara hub for remote access/HomeKit. |
| Best for Airbnb/short-term rental | Lockly Secure Pro (PGD728W) | Lots of user codes, offline codes, fingerprint, Wi-Fi, key. Good for guest access. | App/design not for everyone. |
| Best for Google Nest homes | Nest x Yale Lock (YRD540W) | Tight Nest app integration, keypad, reliable. | No HomeKit; no physical key. |
| Best value fingerprint + Wi-Fi | Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi | Fingerprint, keypad, Wi-Fi, auto-unlock, Alexa/Google. Often under $200. | No HomeKit/Home Key. |
Also commonly bought: Eufy Security Smart Lock Touch & Wi-Fi (T8510) and Kwikset Halo Touch Fingerprint Wi-Fi Deadbolt—both solid if you want fingerprint + Wi-Fi without Apple Home Key.
If I had to pick one:
If you’re shopping in 2026 and want future-proofing, also look at Matter/Thread versions like the Yale Assure Lock 2 with Matter or Aqara Smart Lock U300/U200, but the Wi-Fi models above are still the mature, mainstream buys.
Popular smart lock models that people actually buy in 2026 include the Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt, ULTRALOQ Bolt SE (or Bolt Fingerprint variants), eufy Security Smart Lock C220, Aqara Smart Lock U100/U200 series, August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen), Yale Assure Lock 2, TEEHO keypad/fingerprint models (e.g., TE001/TE002), and Kwikset Halo Touch. These stand out across expert reviews (PCMag, Wirecutter, Consumer Reports) and sales data from Amazon and similar platforms due to strong review volumes, reliability, features like built-in Wi-Fi or Matter support, and real-world purchases.
Recommendations prioritize models with high sales volume or frequent mentions as top-sellers/best-sellers, alongside expert testing for security, ease of install, battery life, and ecosystem compatibility (Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, Matter/Thread). Budget options like TEEHO dominate volume sales, while premium ones like Schlage and Ultraloq lead in reviews and expert picks. Always verify door compatibility (thickness, backset, bore), and note that most support physical keys as backup.
Other notables include Lockly Visage (facial recognition) for premium biometrics and eufy FamiLock S3 Max for video/peephole combos.
Tips: Check current Amazon/Home Depot best-seller lists or review counts for the latest sales data, as popularity shifts. Measure your door before buying. Prioritize models with physical key backups and no-subscription remote access where possible. For renters, favor retrofit options like August. Expert sites like PCMag and Wirecutter emphasize testing for real-world durability and security beyond marketing claims. Prices typically range from ~$30–$50 (budget TEEHO) to $150–$350 (premium like Schlage/Ultraloq/Aqara).
Top smart locks people are buying in 2026 include the eufy Security C220, ULTRALOQ U-Bolt Pro, Schlage Encode, Yale Assure Lock 2, and Level Lock Pro for a blend of security, convenience, and smart-home integration.
Premium Fingerprint & Smart Features
Price: ~$120 Key Features: AI-assisted fingerprint recognition, six unlocking methods (fingerprint, app, keypad code, physical key, Apple Watch, voice commands), long battery life (~7–8 months using 8 AA batteries), IP53 weather resistance 1 Why Buy: Ideal for tech-savvy homeowners seeking quick and reliable fingerprint access and multiple unlocking options.
Price: ~$140 Key Features: ANSI Grade 1 commercial-grade security, 8-in-1 unlocking methods (fingerprint, keypad, app, key, eKey, voice, auto-unlock, web portal), IP65 weather-resistant, includes door sensor 1 Why Buy: Offers unmatched flexibility and commercial-grade durability; best for households wanting multiple access methods and extreme weather resistance.
Premium Security & Smart Home Integration
Price: ~$220 Key Features: BHMA Grade 1, WiFi built-in (no hub), 100 access codes, touchscreen keypad, remote code management via app 1 Why Buy: Excellent lockdown security and remote access, perfect for tech-savvy homeowners or short-term rental management.
Price: ~$203 Key Features: HomeKit-ready, DoorSense technology for door status awareness, auto-unlock, multiple code support, voice control via Siri, compact design 1 Why Buy: Ideal for Apple households wanting seamless smart-home integration and auto-locking convenience.
Price: Premium Key Features: Maintains the look of a traditional lock, unlock methods via key, key card, smartphone tap, app, or voice, automatic locking, real-time notifications 1 Why Buy: Excellent for homeowners prioritizing aesthetics along with smart lock functionality without bulky hardware.
Other Notable Models
Schlage Arrive Smart Wifi Deadbolt – Best with keypad entry, supports 250 codes, WiFi-enabled, simple installation 1 Aqara Smart Lock U100 – Good for guest access; supports fingerprint, app, and temporary codes 1 Eufy Video Smart Lock S330 – Video doorbell + smart lock combo, fingerprint, keypad, app, and voice control 1 Defiant Deadbolt – Budget-friendly option, large backlit keypad, app control via Hubspace, under $100 1 TCL D1 Pro Palm Vein Lock – Advanced biometric palm reading, up to 50 users, rechargeable battery 1
Tips for Choosing a Smart Lock
Security Rating: Look for BHMA Grade 1 or ANSI Grade 1 for maximum protection. Access Methods: Choose based on your preferred unlock methods (fingerprint, keypad, app, voice, or combinations). Smart Home Compatibility: Ensure WiFi or Bluetooth integration works with Alexa, Google Home, or Apple HomeKit if desired. Weather Resistance: IP-rated locks are essential for exterior doors exposed to rain or extreme temperatures. Ease of Installation: Most deadbolt-style locks are simple to install with a screwdriver; check compatibility with existing doors.
These models represent the most reliably reviewed, widely adopted, and feature-rich smart locks available in 2026, offering solutions from budget-friendly options to premium security and home automation integration +2.
When looking for the exact smart lock models people actually buy and rely on, performance usually boils down to reliability, integration ecosystem (Apple, Google, or Alexa), and whether you want a full deadbolt replacement or a retrofit lock that keeps your existing exterior key.
The most heavily researched, top-selling, and expert-approved specific smart lock models feature distinct advantages:
Type: Full Deadbolt Replacement (Touchscreen/Keypad) Why people buy it: Widely considered the gold standard for smart deadbolts. It features built-in Wi-Fi and integrates seamlessly with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, but its killer feature is support for Apple Home Key, allowing you to tap your iPhone or Apple Watch to unlock the door. It is exceptionally sturdy (ANSI/BHMA Grade AAA certified). Check out options and pricing via Home Depot or Lowe's.
Type: Full Deadbolt Replacement (Touchscreen/Keypad) Why people buy it: Widely considered the gold standard for smart deadbolts. It features built-in Wi-Fi and integrates seamlessly with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, but its killer feature is support for Apple Home Key, allowing you to tap your iPhone or Apple Watch to unlock the door. It is exceptionally sturdy (ANSI/BHMA Grade AAA certified). Check out options and pricing via Home Depot or Lowe's.
Type: Full Deadbolt Replacement (Keypad or Touchscreen) Why people buy it: A sleek, highly customizable alternative to Schlage. Yale redesigned this line to be much more compact than older generations. It supports interchangeable smart modules (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Matter/Thread) so you can adapt it to whatever smart home ecosystem you run, and it features a clean, modern metal housing.
Type: Full Deadbolt Replacement (Keypad or Touchscreen) Why people buy it: A sleek, highly customizable alternative to Schlage. Yale redesigned this line to be much more compact than older generations. It supports interchangeable smart modules (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Matter/Thread) so you can adapt it to whatever smart home ecosystem you run, and it features a clean, modern metal housing.
Type: Full Electronic Deadbolt with Fingerprint Reader Why people buy it: Highly praised for Apple Home integration and localized access. It includes a fast biometric fingerprint scanner, a physical keypad, and Apple Home Key support, meaning it works even if your iPhone battery dies. It's a favorite for users heavily invested in HomeKit looking for fingerprint entry at a competitive price point.
Type: Full Electronic Deadbolt with Fingerprint Reader Why people buy it: Highly praised for Apple Home integration and localized access. It includes a fast biometric fingerprint scanner, a physical keypad, and Apple Home Key support, meaning it works even if your iPhone battery dies. It's a favorite for users heavily invested in HomeKit looking for fingerprint entry at a competitive price point.
Type: Retrofit Deadbolt Adapter Why people buy it: If you live in a rental or want to keep your apartment's exterior key completely unchanged, this replaces only the interior thumb-turn of your deadbolt. The exterior looks 100% traditional, but you get full app control, auto-lock, and a separate Bluetooth/biometric keypad that can be mounted outside.
Type: Retrofit Deadbolt Adapter Why people buy it: If you live in a rental or want to keep your apartment's exterior key completely unchanged, this replaces only the interior thumb-turn of your deadbolt. The exterior looks 100% traditional, but you get full app control, auto-lock, and a separate Bluetooth/biometric keypad that can be mounted outside.
Type: Biometric Smart Deadbolt Why people buy it: Famous for its unique round keypad design and rapid 360-degree fingerprint sensor. It features built-in Wi-Fi, auto-unlock via geofencing, and a physical backup keyhole cleverly hidden beneath the face. It's a top pick for users who prioritize fingerprint recognition over everything else.
Type: Biometric Smart Deadbolt Why people buy it: Famous for its unique round keypad design and rapid 360-degree fingerprint sensor. It features built-in Wi-Fi, auto-unlock via geofencing, and a physical backup keyhole cleverly hidden beneath the face. It's a top pick for users who prioritize fingerprint recognition over everything else.
To help narrow down which of these models fits your home, tell me:
Do you prefer a full deadbolt replacement or a retrofit lock (where you keep your existing outside key)? Which smart home ecosystem do you use most (Apple Home/HomeKit, Google Home, or Amazon Alexa)?
1 AI model returned no answer in this refresh. It stays in the mention-rate denominator. How this is counted
Your next step
CiteHawk tracks how the leading AI models answer the questions buyers ask about smart locks, for your brand: your rank, every answer that names you, and the sources AI cites for Aqara Smart Lock U100.
Pages on aqara.com that AI models referenced in their answers about smart locks. Receipts for the ranking, not an input to it.
Aqara Smart Lock U100’s AI Recommendation Score (42/100) reflects how widely and often the 9 AI models recommend it for smart locks: share of voice, mention rate and how early the AI models name it. Cited sources are published as receipts, never as a score input. Every monthly refresh asks each AI model the same buyer question once, and the exact run count behind every edition is published in its JSON record. Placement is determined solely by AI recommendation data; it reflects what AI recommends and is not an endorsement by CiteHawk. Read the full methodology →

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