Best Smart Locks in 2025: Ranked and Reviewed

Smart locks are one of the most impactful smart home upgrades you can make. They eliminate fumbling for keys, let you grant access remotely, and can integrate with your broader smart home ecosystem. But with dozens of options on the market in 2025, choosing the right one requires more than just picking the prettiest keypad.

We've tested and researched the leading smart locks extensively to bring you this definitive ranking. Whether you want the best smart lock for your front door for security, the best integration with Apple Home, or the most seamless retrofit, there's something here for every home.

Top 5 Smart Locks: Comparison Table

Lock	Connectivity	Keypad	Auto-Unlock	Best For
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock	Wi-Fi + Z-Wave	Optional add-on	Yes	Retrofit simplicity
Schlage Encode Plus	Wi-Fi + Matter	Built-in	Limited	Security-first buyers
Yale Assure Lock 2	Wi-Fi + Z-Wave	Built-in	Yes	Multi-platform users
Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro	Wi-Fi + Bluetooth	Built-in	Yes	Value buyers
Level Lock+	Bluetooth + Thread	No	Yes	Apple HomeKit fans

1. August Wi-Fi Smart Lock — Best Retrofit Smart Lock

The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock remains one of the most popular smart locks on the market in 2025, and for good reason. It attaches directly to your existing deadbolt's interior thumb turn, meaning you keep your existing keys and exterior hardware. Installation takes about 10 minutes and requires no tools beyond a screwdriver.

August's built-in Wi-Fi means there's no hub required — just plug power into a nearby outlet (or use the battery model), connect to the app, and you're done. The auto-lock and auto-unlock features work reliably, using your phone's GPS to detect when you're arriving home. The DoorSense feature is a highlight: it tells you not just whether the lock is locked or unlocked, but whether the door is physically open or closed.

Integration is broad — Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, and Samsung SmartThings are all supported. For Home Assistant users, the August lock integrates cleanly, though local control depends on your hub setup.

2. Schlage Encode Plus — Best Security

Schlage is an American lock institution, and the Encode Plus brings that heritage into the smart home era. Unlike the August, the Schlage replaces your entire deadbolt — exterior plate, interior thumb turn, and all. This gives it a more robust, integrated feel and means the built-in keypad is always present.

The Encode Plus was one of the first locks to support Matter over Wi-Fi, making it incredibly future-proof. It works with Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, and Google Home without needing any bridge. Security is genuinely best-in-class: the Schlage deadbolt itself is ANSI Grade 1 certified, the highest residential rating available.

The keypad supports up to 100 access codes, making it great for Airbnb hosts or households with multiple family members. Battery life is excellent — expect 6–12 months on standard AA batteries. The only downside is the lack of auto-unlock functionality and a slightly higher price.

3. Yale Assure Lock 2 — Best All-Rounder

Yale's Assure Lock 2 is the most versatile smart lock in this roundup. It's available in multiple connectivity variants — Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, Zigbee, and even Matter — so you can pick the version that best matches your smart home platform. The touchscreen keypad is capacitive and works reliably even with gloves.

Yale has excellent Home Assistant compatibility, particularly the Z-Wave version, which gives you local control without relying on cloud services. Auto-unlock works well, and the lock accepts up to 250 access codes — more than most competitors. Build quality is solid with ANSI Grade 2 certification.

4. Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro Wi-Fi — Best Value

If you want a feature-packed smart lock without spending premium prices, the Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro is hard to beat. It offers fingerprint unlock, keypad, smartphone, and key options all in one device. The fingerprint reader is fast and accurate. Wi-Fi is built in, and there's no hub required.

The U-Bolt Pro isn't as well-known as August or Schlage, but in hands-on testing it performs reliably. The app is functional if not as polished, and platform integrations are slightly more limited. For the price, though, it offers exceptional value — especially for users who don't need deep smart home integration.

5. Level Lock+ — Best for Apple HomeKit

The Level Lock+ is unlike any other smart lock on this list. It hides all its electronics inside the deadbolt cylinder itself, meaning the exterior and interior of your door look completely unchanged. From the outside, nobody can even tell you have a smart lock.

It uses Bluetooth and Thread (via Apple's HomePod Mini or Apple TV as a border router) for connectivity. HomeKit integration is excellent, and it supports home keys in Apple Wallet — meaning you can unlock with a tap of your iPhone or Apple Watch. The lack of a keypad is a significant drawback for households that need code-based access, but if you're all-in on Apple, this is the slickest option available.

Smart Lock Buying Guide

Retrofit vs. Full Replacement

Retrofit locks like the August attach to your existing deadbolt. They're faster to install and let you keep your existing keys. Full replacement locks like the Schlage Encode install a new deadbolt entirely — more work, but often better looking and more secure.

Connectivity: Wi-Fi vs. Z-Wave vs. Zigbee

Wi-Fi locks connect directly to your router without needing a hub. Z-Wave and Zigbee locks need a compatible hub (like a SmartThings hub or Home Assistant with a Z-Wave stick) but often have better battery life and more reliable local control. Matter-compatible locks offer the most future-proof option.

Battery Life

Most smart locks run on AA or AAA batteries. Expect 6–12 months with standard use. Wi-Fi locks tend to drain faster than Z-Wave or Zigbee alternatives. Always check that your lock has a low-battery warning system.

Auto-Unlock

Auto-unlock uses your phone's geofencing to detect when you arrive home and unlocks the door automatically. It's convenient but not perfect — GPS can sometimes trigger it early. Look for locks with fine-tuned geofencing settings for the best experience.

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