How to Choose the Right Smart Lock for Your Door

Smart locks eliminate the frustration of fumbling for keys, let you grant temporary access to guests and cleaners, and tell you whether your door is locked from anywhere. But with dozens of options on the market, choosing the right one requires understanding a few key differences.

First: Check Your Door Compatibility

Before you shop, verify three things about your existing door:

1. Deadbolt type: Most smart locks replace a standard single-cylinder deadbolt. If you have a double-cylinder (keyed on both sides) or a mortise lock, your options are limited.
2. Door thickness: Standard US doors are 1-3/8" to 1-3/4" thick. Some smart locks do not fit thicker doors.
3. Backset measurement: This is the distance from the edge of the door to the center of the deadbolt hole. Standard backsets are 2-3/8" or 2-3/4". Most smart locks include both.
4. Handedness: Some locks are handed (left or right swing). Check the product listing.

If your door has a standard deadbolt, almost any smart lock will fit with basic tools and 15-30 minutes of installation.

The Five Types of Smart Locks

1. Retrofit Smart Locks (Keep Your Existing Deadbolt)

These attach to the interior side of your existing deadbolt. You keep your existing keys and exterior hardware. Installation takes 5-10 minutes with no tools.

Best option: The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) is nearly invisible from outside, works with Alexa, Google, and Apple HomeKit, and the auto-lock/unlock feature is genuinely convenient.

2. Full Replacement Deadbolts with Keypad

These replace your entire deadbolt and add a keypad on the exterior. No keys needed — just a code.

Best option: The Schlage Encode Plus supports Apple Home Key (tap your iPhone or Apple Watch to unlock), has a built-in Wi-Fi chip (no hub needed), and Schlage's commercial-grade build quality.

3. Fingerprint Smart Locks

Biometric locks use your fingerprint for the fastest unlock experience. No codes to remember, no phone to pull out.

Best option: The Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi combines fingerprint, keypad, app, and physical key access. The fingerprint reader works in under 0.3 seconds and stores up to 100 prints.

4. Keypad-Only Smart Locks (No Wi-Fi)

These offer keypad entry without any smart home connectivity. They are battery-powered, reliable, and simple. Ideal for rental properties or anyone who wants codes without apps or internet dependency.

5. Lever Handle Smart Locks

For interior doors (offices, garages, bedrooms) with lever handles instead of deadbolts. Less common but available from brands like Kwikset and Yale.

Key Features to Compare

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

• Wi-Fi: Control from anywhere, no hub required. Higher battery drain.
• Bluetooth: Phone must be nearby to unlock. Best battery life.
• Z-Wave/Zigbee: Requires a smart home hub (SmartThings, Hubitat). Best for automation-heavy homes.

For most people, built-in Wi-Fi is the right choice. The convenience of remote access and notifications outweighs the slightly faster battery drain.

Auto-Lock and Auto-Unlock

Auto-lock re-locks your door after a set time (30 seconds to 5 minutes). Auto-unlock detects your phone approaching and unlocks before you reach the door. Both features are life-changing once you get used to them.

Guest Access

The ability to create temporary PIN codes for house cleaners, dog walkers, Airbnb guests, or family visitors. The best locks let you set schedules (e.g., code works only on Tuesdays from 2-4pm) and receive notifications when codes are used.

Battery Life

Most smart locks run on 4x AA batteries and last 6-12 months. Wi-Fi locks drain faster (4-6 months typical). Always keep spare batteries in the drawer — a dead smart lock is just a regular deadbolt.

Installation Walk-Through

For a full replacement smart lock like the Schlage Encode Plus:

1. Remove the existing deadbolt (4 screws on the interior plate, then slide out the bolt assembly)
2. Install the new bolt assembly and strike plate
3. Mount the exterior keypad assembly, threading the cable through the door
4. Connect the cable to the interior assembly and mount it with the provided screws
5. Install batteries and test the deadbolt operation
6. Download the app and follow the pairing wizard

Total time: 15-30 minutes with a Phillips screwdriver and the included tool.

Smart Home Integration

| Lock | Alexa | Google | HomeKit | SmartThings | |------|-------|--------|---------|-------------| | August Wi-Fi 4th Gen | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | | Schlage Encode Plus | Yes | No | Yes (Home Key) | No | | Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | | Yale Assure Lock 2 | Yes | Yes | Yes (w/ module) | Yes |

If Apple Home Key (tap to unlock with iPhone/Watch) is important to you, the Schlage Encode Plus and Yale Assure Lock 2 with the Apple Home module are your only options currently.

Security Concerns Addressed

"Can smart locks be hacked?" In theory, yes — like any networked device. In practice, picking a physical lock is far easier and more common. Quality smart locks use AES-128 or AES-256 encryption, and the major brands have strong security track records.

"What if the battery dies?" Every smart lock with a keypad also has a physical key backup (usually hidden under the keypad cover). You should keep a physical key in a secure location.

"What if my Wi-Fi goes down?" The lock still works via keypad, fingerprint, or physical key. You just lose remote access and notifications until Wi-Fi returns.

Read our full smart lock buying guide →

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