Best Smart Locks 2026: Yale vs Schlage vs August vs Wyze
Disclosure: Matter Home Labs earns a commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Smart locks let you lock and unlock your door from your phone, set temporary codes for guests, and get notified every time someone enters. The best ones do all of this without sacrificing the security of a traditional deadbolt. Here’s how the top models compare in 2026.
Top Smart Locks at a Glance
| Lock | Price | Entry Methods | Smart Home | Installation | Battery Life |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schlage Encode Plus | ~$300 | Keypad, App, HomeKit, Key | HomeKit, Alexa | Replaces deadbolt | 6 months |
| Yale Assure Lock 2 | ~$180–250 | Keypad, App, Key optional | Alexa, Google, HomeKit (with hub) | Replaces deadbolt | 6-12 months |
| August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) | ~$200 | App, Auto-unlock, Key | Alexa, Google, HomeKit | Retrofits existing deadbolt | 3-6 months |
| Wyze Lock Bolt | ~$80 | Fingerprint, App, Key | Alexa | Replaces deadbolt | 6 months |
| Lockly Secure Pro | ~$200 | PIN pad, Fingerprint, App, Key | Alexa, Google | Replaces deadbolt | 1 year |
| Kwikset Halo Touch | ~$150 | Fingerprint, App, Key | Alexa, Google | Replaces deadbolt | 6 months |
Best Overall: Schlage Encode Plus
The Schlage Encode Plus is the most secure smart lock on the market. Schlage is an ANSI Grade 1 certified lock (the highest residential rating), it has built-in Wi-Fi and HomeKit over Wi-Fi support, and it doesn’t require a separate hub or bridge. You can add up to 100 access codes for guests, set expiring codes for housekeepers or Airbnb guests, and control it from the Home app on iPhone.
At $300, it’s the priciest option on this list, but for a front door lock, we think that’s money well spent. The keypad is backlit, and the battery life is solid at around six months.
Best Value: Yale Assure Lock 2
The Yale Assure Lock 2 starts at ~$180 for the basic Wi-Fi model and ~$250 for the Matter+Thread version. The Matter version works natively with Alexa, Google, and HomeKit without any hub — just a Thread border router (like an Echo 4th Gen or HomePod mini). It has a clean, keyless design (no traditional key cylinder on the standard version) with a touchscreen keypad.
If you’re building a Matter-based smart home, the Yale Assure Lock 2 with Matter is the lock to get. It’s the most future-proof option at a reasonable price.
Best for Renters: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen)
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock retrofits over your existing deadbolt from the inside — you keep your existing exterior keyway, so your key still works and landlords won’t know the difference. It adds auto-lock, auto-unlock based on your phone’s location, and guest access via the August app.
Works with Alexa, Google, and HomeKit. Installation takes about 10 minutes with a screwdriver. The main tradeoff: no keypad, so guests need the app or a physical key.
Best Budget: Wyze Lock Bolt
At $80, the Wyze Lock Bolt undercuts every other smart lock on the market. It uses Bluetooth (no Wi-Fi), so remote access requires the Wyze app on your phone. The fingerprint scanner is fast and accurate — it unlocks in under a second. Battery life is excellent at around six months.
The limitation is connectivity: no remote access without your phone present, no Alexa or Google control from outside the home. For a back door or interior lock, it’s excellent value. For a front door where remote access matters, step up to a Wi-Fi model.
Smart Lock Buying Checklist
- Check your door compatibility — most smart locks fit standard 2-1/8″ bore holes. Measure before buying.
- Decide on connectivity — Wi-Fi locks offer remote access; Bluetooth locks require your phone to be nearby
- Choose your entry methods — keypad for guests, fingerprint for speed, app for remote control
- Check your smart home platform — make sure the lock works with your ecosystem (especially HomeKit, which has fewer compatible locks)
- Consider backup power — all battery-powered locks should have a way to charge from outside (9V battery contact) when batteries die
Our Recommendation
For most homes: Yale Assure Lock 2 (Matter version) for the best balance of price, compatibility, and future-proofing. If you’re deep in the Apple ecosystem: Schlage Encode Plus. Renters: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock. Budget-conscious: Wyze Lock Bolt for indoor or secondary door use.
Smart Lock Spec Comparison
With so many smart locks on the market, it’s easy to get lost in marketing copy. Here are the specs that actually matter when you’re comparing models side by side.
| Lock | Price | Connectivity | Auto-lock | Guest codes | Battery life | Deadbolt type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schlage Encode Plus | $229 | Wi-Fi + Apple Home Key | Yes (configurable) | Up to 100 | ~6 months (4xAA) | Single-cylinder deadbolt |
| August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th gen) | $199 | Wi-Fi + Bluetooth | Yes | Up to 100 (via app) | ~3 months (4xAA) | Retrofit (interior only) |
| Yale Assure Lock 2 | $199 | Z-Wave / Zigbee / Wi-Fi (varies by model) | Yes | Up to 250 | ~1 year (4xAA) | Single-cylinder deadbolt |
| Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro Wi-Fi | $149 | Wi-Fi + Bluetooth | Yes | Up to 100 | ~1 year (4xAA) | Single-cylinder deadbolt |
| Level Lock+ (with Apple Home Key) | $329 | Bluetooth + Thread (Matter) | Yes | Via app sharing | ~1 year (CR2 battery) | Retrofit (inside cylinder) |
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock stands out for renters because it’s a retrofit lock that only replaces the interior thumb-turn—the exterior hardware stays the same, so your landlord may not even notice, and you take it with you when you move. The Level Lock+ takes this further: it fits entirely inside the door, looks completely stock from both sides, and is almost invisible as a smart lock. Schlage Encode Plus and Yale Assure Lock 2 replace the full deadbolt, which means drilling may be required if the door prep doesn’t match.
Smart Lock Security: What the Specs Don’t Tell You
Hardware specs and feature lists don’t capture everything that matters for home security. Here are the practical security considerations most buyers overlook.
Auto-lock timing and reliability: Auto-lock sounds essential, but poorly configured auto-lock can create problems. If it’s set too short (30 seconds), it can lock behind you when you’re carrying groceries. If it’s too long, it offers little protection. The right setting is typically 1–3 minutes. More importantly, auto-lock requires that the door is fully latched—locks that rely on a door sensor (like some August models) won’t auto-lock if the door didn’t close completely. Test this in your actual door frame, which may have seasonal swelling.
Failed attempt lockout: Most smart locks will lock out a keypad after 5–10 failed PIN attempts and send you an alert. This is a meaningful deterrent against brute-force attacks. Check your lock’s settings to ensure this feature is enabled and configured—some locks ship with it disabled by default. Also confirm the lockout duration: 30 seconds is too short; 5–10 minutes is better.
Physical backup key: Every smart lock should have a physical key override. This isn’t optional—it’s your lifeline when the battery dies, the app is offline, or you’ve been locked out due to a technical glitch. Locks that advertise “no key needed” are making a security trade-off you probably don’t want. Always keep a physical key somewhere accessible but not on-door (a neighbor’s house, a lockbox off the property).
Wi-Fi vs. Bluetooth-only: Wi-Fi locks let you lock and unlock from anywhere in the world via app. Bluetooth-only locks require you to be within ~30 feet of the door. If remote access matters to you (letting in a dog walker while you’re at work), you need either a Wi-Fi lock or a hub like the August Connect. Wi-Fi locks typically have shorter battery life due to the constant connection—the trade-off is convenience versus charging frequency.
Installation: DIY vs. Professional
Installation complexity varies significantly by lock type, and getting it wrong can leave your door inoperable. Here’s what you actually need to know.
Truly renter-friendly (no drilling required): August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th gen) and Level Lock+ are the only major locks that require zero drilling. Both replace only interior components of your existing deadbolt. Installation takes 15–20 minutes with a screwdriver. You can take both with you when you move, and your door looks unchanged from outside. If you’re renting and your lease prohibits modifications, these are your only safe options without landlord permission.
Full deadbolt replacement (DIY-friendly with caveats): Schlage Encode Plus, Yale Assure Lock 2, and Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro replace the entire deadbolt assembly. Installation is genuinely DIY-able—it’s a 30–45 minute job requiring a screwdriver and possibly a drill if your door prep isn’t standard. The key variable is door prep: if your door has a standard 2-1/8” bore hole and the lock’s backset matches your door (2-3/8” or 2-3/4”), no drilling is needed. Measure before you buy. If your door has a non-standard configuration or is metal, professional installation is worth the $50–$100 fee.
When to hire a professional: Hire a locksmith or handyman if your door is metal or fiberglass, your bore hole is non-standard, you’re installing on a commercial-grade door, or you encounter stripped screws or misaligned strike plates during DIY installation. A botched installation can damage the door frame or leave the lock not properly seated—a security problem that defeats the purpose entirely. Most locksmiths charge $50–$100 for a smart lock installation and will also rekey the lock to your existing keys if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions: Smart Locks
Yes, smart locks are generally as secure as traditional deadbolts — some are more secure. They use Grade 1 or Grade 2 ANSI/BHMA ratings (the same as physical locks). The most common vulnerabilities are weak PINs or not enabling auto-lock features, not the locks themselves.
Most smart locks work via Bluetooth for local access without Wi-Fi. A Wi-Fi bridge or Matter/Z-Wave hub enables remote access and voice control. The lock’s physical keypad always works regardless of internet connectivity.
Most smart locks use 4 AA batteries lasting 6-12 months with typical use. The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock averages about 3 months. Schlage and Yale typically last 6-12 months. All smart locks warn you via app when batteries are low.
Most major smart locks (August, Yale, Schlage) work with both Alexa and Google Home. Voice unlocking is intentionally disabled for security by default on most platforms — you can enable it with a PIN confirmation.
Yes. Most smart locks are designed for DIY installation in 15-30 minutes using just a screwdriver. They replace the interior portion of your existing deadbolt, keeping the existing cylinder and strike plate. Renters should check their lease first.
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About the Author
Zac Thomas
Zac Thomas is a smart home enthusiast and the founder of MatterHomeLabs. He has spent years hands-on testing smart home devices so you don't have to.
