Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt
The Schlage Encode Plus is the best combination of physical security and smart home integration available. Grade 1 deadbolt (the highest residential rating), Apple Home Key support (tap iPhone or Apple Watch to unlock — the smoothest smart lock interaction that exists), built-in WiFi so no hub is required, and Schlage's best-in-class anti-pick, anti-bump, anti-drill construction. The alarm feature detects door attacks and sounds a 93-dB alarm.
The $249 price is high, but you're buying Grade 1 physical security plus premium smart home integration. If you're going to replace your deadbolt, this is the one to buy and keep for 10+ years. The only downsides: no Android NFC equivalent of Home Key, and battery life is shorter than competitors (about 6 months).
- ANSI Grade 1 — highest residential rating
- Apple Home Key (tap-to-unlock)
- Built-in WiFi, no hub needed
- Anti-pick, anti-bump, anti-drill certified
- Built-in alarm detects attacks
- 100 access codes for guests/cleaners
- Works with Alexa, Google, Apple Home
- Schlage 3-year warranty
Yale Assure Lock 2 with Matter
The Yale Assure Lock 2 with Matter support is the most future-proof smart lock available. Matter is the new universal smart home standard — a Matter device works natively with Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, and any other Matter-compatible platform simultaneously, without manufacturer cloud dependencies. The touch keypad is more elegant than Schlage's, and Apple Home Key is supported. The trade-off: Grade 2 (not Grade 1) and requires a hub for remote access.
- Matter protocol — works with every platform
- Apple Home Key
- Sleek touchscreen keypad
- No cloud lock-in with Matter
- 250 access codes
Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi
The Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi packs more ways to unlock than any competitor at its price: fingerprint (100 stored, 0.3-second read), keypad, key fob, physical key, and smartphone. Grade 1 security. Built-in WiFi. At $149 with Grade 1 rating and biometric unlock, it's the best value for families with multiple users who need different access methods. The fingerprint reader works well in dry weather; sweaty or wet fingers are slightly less reliable — not a deal-breaker but worth noting.
- ANSI Grade 1
- 6 unlock methods including fingerprint
- Built-in WiFi, no hub
- 100 stored fingerprints
- Best value at Grade 1
Level Lock+ Connect
Level Lock+ replaces only the internal deadbolt mechanism — your door looks completely unchanged from the outside. This is its primary differentiator: no keypad visible to indicate a smart lock, works with your existing door handle and strike plate hardware, and the CR2 battery lasts approximately 2 years. Apple Home Key is supported. Best for renters who want smart access without advertising that they have a smart lock, or design-conscious homeowners who don't want hardware on the door face.
- Completely invisible — no external keypad
- Apple Home Key
- 2-year battery life
- Works with your existing door hardware
- Best for renters and minimalists
Wyze Lock Bolt
At $59, the Wyze Lock Bolt offers fingerprint unlock and ANSI Grade 2 security with no subscription fees. The trade-off for the price: Bluetooth-only (no remote access unless you add a Wyze Hub, sold separately), no HomeKit or Matter support, and Wyze's app has had some reliability criticism. For a secondary entry point, garage door, or rental unit where a $250 smart lock isn't justified, the Wyze Lock Bolt does the job. Don't put it on your primary front door — invest in a Grade 1 lock there.
- $59 — dramatically undercuts competitors
- Fingerprint unlock
- No subscription fees
- Good for secondary doors
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen)
August's retrofit design attaches to your existing deadbolt's interior thumb-turn — your exterior hardware stays identical, preserving your lease compliance and your physical key still works. The auto-unlock feature (detects your phone approaching via geofencing) is among the most reliable in the category. Built-in WiFi needs no separate hub. The limitation: no physical keypad — entry is by app, existing key, or voice only. Not ideal if you have guests who need keypad access.
- Retrofit — no exterior hardware change
- Keeps your existing keys and landlord hardware
- Auto-lock + auto-unlock geofencing
- Built-in WiFi, no hub
- Alexa, Google, HomeKit
Smart Lock Buying Guide: What Matters vs. What Doesn't
What actually matters
- ANSI/BHMA Grade: Start here. Grade 1 for all exterior doors. Non-negotiable.
- Deadbolt throw length: 1-inch minimum throw. Shorter deadbolts can be shimmed open.
- Strike plate and screws: The lock is only as strong as its strike plate. A 3-inch screw into the door frame stud resists kick-in far better than the standard 3/4-inch screws included in most strike plates. Replace them.
- Battery life: Locks with short battery life become a liability when they die unexpectedly. Minimum 6-month target; 1-year is better.
- Offline functionality: Can the lock still be opened with a physical key if WiFi/power goes out? All of our top picks support physical key backup.
What matters less than reviewers claim
- Auto-unlock geofencing: Convenient, but frequently triggers prematurely or fails in dense areas. Treat it as a bonus, not a primary feature.
- Voice control: "Alexa, lock the front door" is useful for departure checks. It should not be your primary access method.
- Number of access codes: Any lock with 50+ codes covers virtually every household's needs. Brands compete on this number; it rarely matters past 20.
Renters: what you can and can't do
Check your lease. Most leases require maintaining the existing deadbolt or prohibit modifications that alter the exterior. Retrofit locks (August, Level Lock) satisfy most lease requirements by preserving exterior hardware. A full deadbolt replacement (Schlage, Yale) requires landlord permission in most cases. Always retain your physical key regardless of which lock you choose — you'll need it for building entry, package lockers, and lockouts.
Also see our full August Smart Lock Pro review and our home security reviews hub for security cameras and alarm systems that pair with smart locks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best smart lock in 2026?
The Schlage Encode Plus is the best smart lock for most people in 2026. It's ANSI Grade 1 certified (the highest physical security rating), has built-in Wi-Fi so no hub is required, and supports Apple Home Key — tap your iPhone or Apple Watch to unlock. At $229–259, it's not cheap, but it's the only mainstream lock that delivers Grade 1 security with true keyless convenience.
For renters or those who want to keep their existing deadbolt: the August Wi-Fi (4th Gen) retrofits onto any deadbolt in under 10 minutes and lets you keep your physical keys as backup. Best budget pick: Wyze Lock ($90) — Grade 2 security, auto-lock, and a free 6-month trial of monitoring.
What is ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 vs Grade 2 for smart locks?
ANSI/BHMA grades rate the physical strength of locks, tested by an independent lab:
- Grade 1: Withstands 250,000 open/close cycles, 360 lb of direct force. Required for commercial doors. Schlage Encode Plus and Deadbolt+ are Grade 1.
- Grade 2: Withstands 150,000 cycles, 250 lb of force. Residential standard. Yale Assure Lock 2, Level Bolt, August Lock.
- Grade 3: Minimum residential. 100,000 cycles, 150 lb. Most cheap locks.
For a front door, Grade 1 is worth the extra cost. A $229 Grade 1 lock resists a kick-in attempt that would defeat a $99 Grade 3 lock.
Do smart locks work if the internet goes down?
Yes — all mainstream smart locks work without internet for basic locking and unlocking. The keypad, fingerprint reader, and physical key backup all function locally without a Wi-Fi connection. What stops working during an outage: remote access via app, voice control (Alexa/Google), and real-time access logs. Auto-lock timers typically continue to function since they run on the lock's internal processor.
Can smart locks be hacked?
Remote hacking of a properly configured smart lock is extremely rare in practice — researchers have found vulnerabilities, but there are no documented real-world attacks on residential smart locks via remote exploitation. The realistic threat is someone guessing a weak PIN, shoulder-surfing your code, or a stolen phone with the lock app open.
The physical security (ANSI grade) matters far more than wireless attack risk. A kick-in or bump key attack is orders of magnitude more likely than a Bluetooth exploit. Use a Grade 1 lock, set a 6–8 digit randomized PIN, and enable auto-lock.
Should I get a smart lock with a key backup?
Yes — always have a key backup option. Batteries die, Wi-Fi fails, and phones get lost. Every lock on our list has either a key cylinder backup or an external power port (micro-USB or USB-C) that lets you jump-start a dead battery from outside. Never buy a lock that has no physical fallback.