Level Lock Pro

Best Smart Locks in 2026

Based on recent expert reviews and testing, here are the top brands and products people actually use:

Top Overall Picks

Yale Assure Lock 2 — The most widely recommended pick across reviewers. After testing dozens of models for years, reviewers 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 — Google, Alexa, Apple and SmartThings, among others. It supports multiple unlocking methods including Numberpad, key, fingerprint reader, and Apple Home key, plus connectivity via Bluetooth, Zigbee, Z-Wave Plus, and Wi-Fi.

August — A favorite for affordability and easy setup. Affordable and easy to use, August takes the number one spot for best smart lock in some rankings, and it's praised for plenty of third-party smart home integrations and robust security features as a smart and affordable way to secure your home's entryway.

Schlage — Known for old-school reliability. Reliability is the name of the game with Schlage, which few names in the lock industry carry as much weight as — and their locks integrate with thousands of smart home devices through Z-Wave and Zigbee support. The Encode Plus model is also called out as a strong remote-access option.

Rising/Specialty Picks

Aqara U400 — A newer standout for cutting-edge tech. It features UWB (Ultra-Wide Band) to automatically unlock when you approach, and unlike locks that cater mostly to Apple users, it was built to support the Aliro standard, giving Android users a Home Key-like experience with UWB too. It even now supports the Samsung Wallet Digital Home Key via Samsung SmartThings, making it appealing across both iOS and Android ecosystems.

Level Lock Pro — Forbes' top overall pick in recent testing, praised for its discreet, non-"smart home gadget" look. Once installed, testers noted its clean, modern appearance was a standout, with one saying the lower profile makes it look like a premium deadbolt, and all methods of locking and unlocking were responsive during testing.

Lockly Visage Zeno — A top choice for HomeKit users and multiple access methods. The Visage Zeno Series is a huge upgrade on previous Lockly smart locks, being smaller, simpler to use, and much quieter in operation. It's pricier, though — Lockly is one of the more expensive smart lock brands, so budget shoppers may want to look at alternatives like Switchbot instead.

Eufy Video Smart Lock S330 — Best pick if you want a built-in camera/video doorbell combo with your lock.

Quick Recommendations by Use Case

• Best overall for most people: Yale Assure Lock 2
• Best for renters/budget: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock
• Best physical security: Schlage Encode Plus
• Best cutting-edge tech (UWB, Android + Apple support): Aqara U400
• Best for Apple HomeKit purists: Lockly Visage Zeno
• Best discreet/premium look: Level Lock Pro

Bottom line: Yale, August, and Schlage remain the three most commonly recommended and widely used mainstream brands, while Aqara and Level are gaining traction fast in 2026 thanks to newer unlock technologies (UWB, Aliro/Matter support) and sleeker designs. Your best choice really depends on your smart home ecosystem (Apple vs. Android vs. Alexa/Google) and whether you prioritize price, security certification, or design.

The smart lock market has matured significantly, transitioning from buggy, over-complicated gadgets into highly secure, seamless home upgrades. Major tech review outlets (like Wirecutter, CNET, Tom’s Guide, and PCMag), alongside home automation communities, consistently recommend a handful of standout models and brands.

When choosing a smart lock, people typically look at security grading, ecosystem compatibility (especially Apple Home Key), and unlocking methods (fingerprint, keypad, or auto-unlock).

1. Best Overall & Most Secure: Schlage Encode Plus Smart Wi-Fi Lock

• The Verdict: If you want maximum physical security and unmatched reliability, this is the gold standard.
• Why people love it: Schlage is a traditional lock manufacturer first, meaning this lock features a Grade 1 ANSI/BHMA rating (the highest residential security rating against forced entry). It connects directly to your Wi-Fi without needing a separate bridge, and has a built-in siren to deter intruders.
• Standout Feature: Apple Home Key. iPhone and Apple Watch users can simply tap their device against the lock to open it, even if the phone's battery is dead. It also integrates seamlessly with Alexa and Google Home.
• Best For: Apple ecosystem users, families, and anyone prioritizing physical deadbolt strength.

2. Best Value & Fingerprint Access: Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro Wi-Fi

• The Verdict: Consistently rated as the "value king" by CNET and PCMag. It offers almost every premium feature on the market for a highly competitive price.
• Why people love it: Its 360-degree biometric fingerprint scanner is blazing fast and incredibly accurate. It is highly customizable, allowing you to generate temporary PIN codes, use a physical key, or use geofencing to auto-unlock as you walk up to your door.
• Standout Feature: Unmatched versatility. You get six different ways to unlock (fingerprint, keypad, smartphone, auto-unlock, mechanical key, and voice control).
• Best For: Short-term rental (Airbnb) hosts, busy families, and fingerprint-access enthusiasts.

3. Best Modular Design & Sleek Aesthetics: Yale Assure Lock 2 (Touch)

• The Verdict: Yale is one of the oldest names in security, and the Assure Lock 2 is widely considered the most versatile smart lock platform.
• Why people love it: It features a very slim, modern design that doesn't look overly bulky on your door. It is "modular," meaning you can buy a Bluetooth version and easily slide in a Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, or Matter smart module later if your smart home setup changes.
• Standout Feature: The "Touch" variant includes a highly reliable fingerprint scanner hidden right on the Yale logo above the keypad.
• Best For: People who want a trusted brand, sleek keyless aesthetics, or plan on building out a wider smart home system (like Z-Wave or Matter).

4. Best for Renters (Retrofit): August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (or Yale Approach)

• The Verdict: If you are renting or want to keep your exterior door looking exactly the same, you need a "retrofit" lock.
• Why people love it: Rather than replacing the entire deadbolt mechanism, these locks only replace the interior thumbturn of your door. Your exterior lock and your physical house keys remain exactly the same, keeping landlords happy.
• Standout Feature: Auto-unlocking via geofencing. When you get within a few feet of your door with your phone in your pocket, the lock automatically turns the deadbolt for hands-free entry. (Note: Yale Approach is a newer, budget-friendly alternative built on the same reliable August software platform).
• Best For: Renters and historic homes where changing the exterior hardware is not allowed or desired.

5. Best "Invisible" Smart Lock: Level Lock Plus (or Level Lock Pro)

• The Verdict: Perfect for those who hate the look of bulky, plastic smart locks.
• Why people love it: Level takes a completely different approach by hiding the motor, processor, and battery inside the actual deadbolt mechanism. From the outside, it looks 100% like a traditional, sleek, key-operated deadbolt.
• Standout Feature: Support for Apple Home Key (on the Plus model), allowing you to tap-to-unlock a lock that otherwise looks completely mechanical.
• Best For: Minimalists, design-forward homes, and HOA neighborhoods with strict guidelines on exterior door hardware.

6. Best All-in-One (Lock + Video Doorbell): Eufy Video Smart Lock E330

• The Verdict: Recommended by Tom's Guide as the best device for eliminating "door clutter".
• Why people love it: Instead of buying a separate smart lock and video doorbell, this device integrates a 2K video camera, a fast fingerprint scanner, a keypad, and a physical lock into one unit.
• Standout Feature: Real-time video monitoring directly on your lock. You can see who is standing at your door, talk to them via two-way audio, and unlock the door for them all within the same app.
• Best For: People who want home security surveillance and smart access combined into a single, clean installation.

💡 Quick Buying Advice:

1. Check your ecosystem: If you are an Apple-centric household, look for locks with Apple Home Key (Schlage Encode Plus, Aqara U100, Level Lock Plus). It is widely considered the fastest and most seamless way to unlock a door.
2. Wi-Fi vs. Hubs: Built-in Wi-Fi is incredibly convenient but drains battery faster. If you already have a smart home hub (Apple TV, HomePod, SmartThings), look for a lock that supports Matter over Thread or Z-Wave for much better battery life.
3. The Fingerprint Factor: If you have kids, biometrics (fingerprints) are highly recommended. Keypads can be forgotten or shared with friends, but a finger scan is instant, secure, and impossible for a child to lose.

Some of the top smart locks today include Nest x Yale, Level Lock Pro, Schlage Encode, and ULTRALOQ U-Bolt Pro, selected for their security, ease of use, and smart home compatibility.

Top Recommended Smart Locks

1. Nest x Yale Smart Lock The Nest x Yale is widely regarded as the best overall smart lock, offering completely keyless entry. It integrates smoothly with Google Home, provides PIN entry, and supports remote control via the Nest mobile app Security.org. It features tamper lockout after repeated incorrect PIN attempts and can deliver notifications and reminders to your phone. Installation is straightforward with a Phillips screwdriver, making it suitable for most household doors Security.org.

2. Level Lock Pro The Level Lock Pro stands out for its classic deadbolt appearance, blending seamlessly with standard hardware while hiding advanced smart features. It supports multiple unlocking methods: smartphone, key fob, Apple Watch, voice assistants like Alexa and Google, and a traditional key. It also automatically locks and sends real-time security alerts Forbes. This lock is ideal for maintaining your door's aesthetics without sacrificing convenience.

3. Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt The Schlage Encode offers Grade 1 security with built-in Wi-Fi, eliminating the need for an additional hub. It supports up to 100 custom access codes, remote management, and Amazon Alexa integration, and is also compatible with a physical key. It is especially suitable for homeowners seeking high security with professional durability.

4. ULTRALOQ U-Bolt Pro This smart lock is known for its versatility, offering 8-in-1 unlocking options including fingerprint, keypad, app, auto-unlock, voice control, and eKey sharing. It has ANSI Grade 1 security and excellent IP65 weatherproofing. While setup can be more complex, its commercial-grade construction and flexibility make it ideal for users with demanding security needs or households with multiple occupants.

5. eufy Security Smart Lock C220 The eufy C220 is a mid-range smart lock with AI-powered fingerprint recognition and long battery life, lasting up to 8 months on eight AA batteries. It offers six unlocking methods, including fingerprint, keypad, app, physical key, Apple Watch, and voice commands. It is a strong choice for tech-savvy users who value convenience and speed.

6. Aqara U100 and TCL D1 Pro Palm Vein For fingerprint or palm recognition enthusiasts, the Aqara U100 provides fingerprint scanning and multiple temporary code entries, making it ideal for guests or workers. The TCL D1 Pro Palm Vein allows palm vein recognition, storing up to 50 palms locally without needing Wi-Fi Forbes. Both locks offer real-time notifications and versatile access options.

Key Features to Consider

Unlocking options: keypad, fingerprint, palm vein, smartphone app, physical key, voice control Security certifications: ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 is the most secure Smart home integration: Check compatibility with Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Alexa, or third-party hubs Battery type and life: Some locks use AA or CR2 batteries; others are rechargeable Real-world conditions: Weatherproofing and performance in cold or wet environments

In summary, the best smart lock depends on your priorities: the Nest x Yale for keyless convenience, Level Lock Pro for aesthetics, Schlage Encode for professional security, ULTRALOQ U-Bolt Pro for versatility, and eufy C220 for fingerprint convenience Forbes+2. All these smart locks are well-reviewed by experts and widely adopted by users for real-world residential applications.