Which is the absolute best smart lock? Here are our picks! - TechnW3
Our houses, apartments, and offices include tons of smart accessories, so we aren't afraid to install a smart lock (or four) on our doors. We've nearly tried them all, which is why the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is our top pick for the best smart lock. August's lock is easy to install, plays nicely with multiple smart home systems, features an excellent design, and works via an intuitive app. Of course, it may not fit everyone's needs, so here's our guide to all the best smart locks you can buy today.
Best overall: August Wi-Fi, (4th Generation) Smart Lock
August's fourth-generation Smart Lock is unique because it connects directly to your Wi-Fi, meaning you don't need the Connect Bridge to control it as you do with other August smart locks. Just take it out of the box, set it up, and you're good to go. It's the best August smart lock you can buy, and it's the best smart lock you can buy, period.
The August lock's striking appearance will give any door a futuristic look, with your choice of dark gray or silver finishes. You can use your smartphone to unlock or lock your door remotely or set up a proximity lock — two features we loved when we reviewed it. August also lets you create virtual keys for friends and family, and it keeps tabs on the comings and goings of your household with a 24/7 activity log.
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock requires no wiring and installs with your existing deadbolt. It also works with HomeKit, Alexa, and Google Assistant, so you can control it with just about every smart device you own.
Pros:
- Simple installation
- Virtual keys
- Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and HomeKit
Cons:
- Only works with single-cylinder deadbolts
- Keypad/bundle costs extra
Best overall
August Wi-Fi, (4th Generation) Smart Lock
Best for most
You'll love this smart lock with its simple installation and rock-solid locking mechanism.
Best design: Level Bolt Smart Lock
While it gets our pick for best design, the Level Bolt Smart Lock is actually entirely invisible. In our hands-on review, we loved how it hides all of the smarts inside your door, so you can benefit from having a connected lock without changing your existing hardware or keys.
The hub-free Level Bolt connects to Apple's HomeKit over Bluetooth and works with Ring so that you can add it to your scenes, automation, and schedules alongside all of your smart accessories. You can also share your lock with friends, family, and more through the Level app by creating passes with specific access times, and you can revoke them at any time.
Pros:
- Invisible design
- Doesn't require a hub
- Uses your existing key
- Works with HomeKit and Ring
Cons:
- Keypad/bundle costs extra
- Bluetooth-only connectivity
- Doesn't support Alexa or Google Assistant
Best design
Level Bolt Smart Lock - Bluetooth deadbolt
Completely invisible
The Level Bolt hides neatly inside your existing door, giving smart home convenience without messing up your decor.
Best keypad: Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt
This advanced smart lock from Schlage has a capacitive keypad with a light that allows you to enter your home without digging out your phone or keys. The Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt comes in multiple finishes and two distinct designs — Camelot, which sports a more traditional look and Century, the one which we tested that features clean lines.
Schlage's lock works with Apple's HomeKit right out of the box thanks to Bluetooth, and it can also work with Amazon's Alexa and the Google Assistant via an optional Wi-Fi adapter. In addition to all the smart essentials, the Schlage Sense comes with a handy built-in alarm that can alert everyone in the home when someone tries to break in.
Pros:
- Lighted keypad
- Multiple finishes and styles
- Built-in alarm
- Works with HomeKit, Alexa, Google Assistant
Cons:
- Expensive
- Bulky interior component
- Alexa and Google require an additional adapter
Best keypad
SCHLAGE Sense Smart Deadbolt
Lights on
Control who has access to your home from anywhere in the world with this great lock. Choose from multiple styles and finishes.
Best value: Wyze Lock
Despite being one of the cheapest smart locks on the market, the Wyze Lock includes all of the smart home essentials — and then some. The Wyze Lock supports remote locking/unlocking features with the included Wi-Fi Gateway, detailed event history, and voice assistant compatibility with Amazon's Alexa and Google Assistant.
For extra security, the Wyze Lock also packs additional sensors that allow it to determine door position without needing a separate device. While pretty much every smart lock can let you know whether or not the door is locked, most can't tell whether or not the door is closed, leaving your home open to potential intruders.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Includes Wi-Fi Gateway
- Works with Alexa, Google Assistant
Cons:
- Only one finish
- Doesn't support HomeKit
Best value
Wyze Lock - Smart Door Lock
Smart security for less
This affordable lock from Wyze includes all the smart home bells and whistles at a price that won't break the bank.
Best features: Level Lock Smart Lock - Touch Edition
Available in four finishes, the Level Touch Edition features a traditional deadbolt design that you can see, unlike the Level Bolt. As the name suggests, the Touch Edition allows for keyless entry and locking with just a tap of your finger if your phone is within proximity.
During hands-on testing, we liked having multiple options for entering the home. The Level Lock Touch Edition supports NFC access cards, virtual keys, and voice and smart app control through the Level app, HomeKit, or Ring if touch isn't your thing. With the Level Touch, you will never have to worry about accessing your home with the available backup options.
Pros:
- NFC and touch access
- Four available finishes
- Works with HomeKit and Ring
Cons:
- Expensive
- Keypad/bundle costs extra
- Doesn't support Alexa or Google Assistant
Best features
Level Lock Smart Lock
Unlock it your way
With touch, NFC, voice, and app controls, you will never have to worry about keys again with the Level Lock Touch Edition.
Best key-free lock: Yale Assure Lock SL
Yale's Assure touchscreen smart lock is completely keyless, which means you can ditch the keyring and never worry about misplacing it again. This lock can go up to a year between battery swaps, and you can access it in an emergency with a 9V battery that wakes up the touchscreen.
The Assure touchscreen smart Lock supports all major smart home platforms, including Alexa, HomeKit, and Google Assistant. App controls allow you to monitor your home through an app or voice assistant, and the lock can send notifications when it opens or closes with an included door sensor.
See how the Yale Assure Lock SL stacks up to our first pick, the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, if you're stuck between the two.
Pros:
- Completely keyless
- Lifetime warranty
- Supports Alexa, Google, HomeKit
Cons:
- Pricey
- Needs a 9V battery for backup entry
Best key-free lock
Yale Assure Lock SL - Wi-Fi Smart Lock
Go key-free
Yale's touchscreen lock ditches keys for convenient controls via an app or voice. It is also available in four different finishes.
Add security and convenience with the best smart locks
The best smart locks offer the ultimate protection in smart home security and convenience. With one of these smart locks in your home, you can monitor, lock/unlock your door, control keyless access, and track who comes and goes from anywhere using your smartphone. Other features such as door position sensors tell you if your door is securely closed, and activity feeds keep you updated on all the events. If you're looking for a smart door lock to work with a specific smart assistant, we have guides for the best Alexa smart locks, best Google Home smart locks, and best HomeKit smart locks.
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is our pick for the best smart lock as it provides the most functionality for most people. The August lock is straightforward to install as it works with your existing deadbolt, and a compact design doesn't stand out like other bulkier smart locks. The August Smart Lock also works with HomeKit, Alexa, and Google Assistant — so you don't have to worry about losing access to your home if you decide to switch your phone.
Credits — The team that worked on this guide
Christopher Close spends most of his time writing and dreaming about all things HomeKit. If you wish to join him on his quest to automate everything, you can follow him on Twitter at @itschrisclose.
Karen S. Freeman is a teacher, writer, social media person, and family woman. She loves to travel, play with tech stuff, drink coffee, discover amazing new restaurants, and experience new things.
from iMore - Learn more. Be more.
via TechnW3
No comments: