What is the best smart deadbolt?

If you want the best overall smart deadbolt, I’d pick the Schlage Encode Plus.

• Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt - $285.00 (The Home Depot)

Why it’s my top pick

• Excellent physical security: ANSI/BHMA Grade 1, the highest residential grade.
• Apple Home Key: tap an iPhone or Apple Watch to unlock.
• Built-in Wi-Fi: no separate hub required.
• Keypad + physical key: useful redundancy if your phone or batteries fail.
• Remote control and access codes through the Schlage app.
• No subscription required for the core smart-lock features.

The biggest drawback is that it isn't Matter-compatible, so if you're building a Google/Alexa/SmartThings/Matter-heavy home, I'd look at Yale or Kwikset instead.

My shortlist

• Schlage Encode Plus - $285.00 (The Home Depot)

• Kwikset Halo Select Plus - $359.00 (The Home Depot)

• eufy E31 - $209.99 (The Home Depot)

• Level Lock Matter - $249.00 (The Home Depot)

• Best overall/security: Schlage Encode Plus

• Best for Matter / mixed smart homes: Kwikset Halo Select Plus — Wi-Fi + Matter and Apple Home Key.

• Best fingerprint option: eufy E31 — fingerprint access plus Matter and Apple Home compatibility.

• Best discreet/minimalist design: Level Lock Matter — the smart electronics are largely hidden inside the door.

If you tell me whether you use Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa, or none, and whether you want fingerprint, keypad, or phone/watch unlocking, I can narrow it down to the one I'd buy.

Choosing the "best" smart deadbolt depends heavily on your ecosystem (Apple, Google, or Alexa), your preferred entry method (codes, fingerprint, phone tap, or key), and whether you want to replace your entire deadbolt or just the interior mechanism.

The top-rated smart deadbolts on the market excel in different categories:

• Schlage Encode Plus (Best Overall / Apple Ecosystem)
  Widely considered the gold standard for smart deadbolts. It combines a robust, BHMA Grade 1 certified mechanical deadbolt with built-in Wi-Fi and Apple Home Key support (allowing you to tap your iPhone or Apple Watch to unlock). It also works seamlessly with Alexa and Google Assistant.
  • Price: ~$320–$340
  • Check options: Available at The Home Depot[1]
• Yale Assure Lock 2 (Best Versatile Keypad)
  A sleek, highly customizable choice praised for its fast, quiet motor and modular connectivity. You can buy it with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or Z-Wave depending on what smart home hub you run. It’s compact, looks like a standard high-end lock, and handles day-to-day code/app entry reliably.
  • Price: ~$170+
  • Check reviews: Read the breakdown on
• Lockly Visage Zeno Series (Best High-Tech / Biometric)
  If you want cutting-edge convenience, the Visage features rapid 3D facial recognition, an AI-learning fingerprint sensor, and a "Pin Genie" touchscreen that shuffles numbers so people can't guess your code by looking at smudges. It also supports Apple Home Keys.
  • Price: ~$349
  • Explore details: Check out Lockly [1]

To help narrow down which one is right for your home, tell me:

• What smart ecosystem do you use (Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa)?
• Do you prefer unlocking via fingerprint, keypad code, or just tapping your phone?
• Do you want to keep your existing exterior keyhole/deadbolt , or replace the whole unit?

When it comes to the overall best smart deadbolt, industry consensus and expert testing consistently point to the Schlage Encode Plus Go to product viewer dialog for this item. as the gold standard.[1]

The top smart deadbolts stand out for specific reasons:

• Why it's the best: It combines top-tier ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 physical security with ultimate smart convenience. The standout feature is its built-in support for Apple Home Key, letting you tap your iPhone or Apple Watch to unlock the door just like a transit pass. It also features built-in Wi-Fi (no extra hub required) and works seamlessly with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit.
• Price: ~$320–$340 — Available at retailers like The Home Depot and Lowe's.[1]

Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt Go to product viewer dialog for this item. (Best Runner-Up / Budget-Friendly Alternative)

• Why it's great: If you don't use Apple devices and don't care about Home Key/NFC capabilities, the standard Encode gives you the exact same robust Grade 1 security, built-in Wi-Fi, and keypad reliability for a lower price point.
• Price: ~$230–$270 — Check options on Wayfair.[1]

Yale Assure Lock 2 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. (with Wi-Fi) (Best Sleek / Key-Free Option)

• Why it's great: Much smaller and more modern-looking than the Schlage block style, the Yale Assure Lock 2 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. is customizable with interchangeable modules (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or Matter) and is available in touchscreen or key-free fingerprint versions . It’s ideal if aesthetics and a compact footprint are your top priorities.
• Price: ~$230–$280 — Explore variants on the Yale Home Store.[1]

To help narrow down the exact right lock for your front door, let me know:

• What smart ecosystem do you use most? (Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa?)
• Do you prefer having a physical key override , or do you want a fully key-free design?
• What is your preferred finish or color (Matte Black, Satin Nickel, Bronze)?

If you want one smart deadbolt that I’d recommend to most homeowners right now, I’d pick the Schlage Encode Plus.

• Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt - $285.00 (The Home Depot)

Why it’s my top pick

• Excellent physical security: ANSI/BHMA Grade 1, the highest residential grade.
• Built-in Wi-Fi: no separate hub required.
• Apple Home Key: tap an iPhone or Apple Watch to unlock.
• Keypad + physical key: you have multiple ways to get in.
• Remote access, guest codes, activity logs and auto-lock.
• Very established lock manufacturer, which matters more to me for a deadbolt than having the newest gadget features.
• Current pricing is roughly $285–$320, depending on trim/finish.

But there are two situations where I'd choose something else

Best for flexibility/value: Yale Assure Lock 2. It has a modular design where connectivity can be changed, including Wi-Fi and Matter/Thread options. Yale also offers DoorSense, which can tell you whether the door itself is actually closed.

• Yale Assure Lock 2 with Wi-Fi - $229.98 (The Home Depot)

Best if you want fingerprint + Apple Home Key: Aqara U100. It's particularly attractive if you already use Aqara devices, although its remote connectivity relies on an Aqara hub.

My ranking

1. 🥇 Schlage Encode Plus — best overall/security
2. 🥈 Yale Assure Lock 2 — best flexibility/value
3. 🥉 Aqara U100 — best fingerprint/Apple feature set
4. August Wi-Fi Smart Lock — best if you want to keep your existing exterior deadbolt/key

One important caveat: make sure your existing door/deadbolt is compatible before buying. Smart-lock installation can be surprisingly dependent on the door's backset, thickness, strike alignment, and existing hardware.

If you tell me (1) iPhone or Android, (2) house or apartment, (3) whether you want a physical key, and (4) your budget, I can narrow it down to the exact model I'd buy.

If you want the best smart deadbolt overall right now, I’d pick the Schlage Encode Plus.

• Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt - $285.00 (The Home Depot)

My top picks

• 🥇 Best overall: Schlage Encode Plus — Excellent reliability, built-in Wi-Fi, keypad, physical key backup, and Apple Home Key support. It works particularly well if you use an iPhone/Apple Watch. It’s also a mature product with lots of owner feedback.

• 🥈 Best for families: Yale Assure Lock 2 — Excellent keypad experience, individual entry codes, access tracking, Auto-Lock and DoorSense. Forbes currently rates it highly for households with children.

• 🥉 Best if you want the newest technology: Schlage Sense Pro — Released in 2026, it adds Matter, Thread and UWB/Aliro, allowing hands-free proximity unlocking with compatible iPhones. The downside is its roughly $399 price.

• 💰 Best value: Yale Assure Lock 2 — The basic versions are currently around $140–$160, making them substantially cheaper than the Encode Plus.

• Schlage Encode Plus - $285.00 (The Home Depot)

• Yale Assure Lock 2 - $139.98 (The Home Depot)

• Yale Assure Lock 2 Plus - $219.99 (Best Buy)

My recommendation: If you're replacing a conventional deadbolt and want something you won't regret buying, get the Schlage Encode Plus. If you tell me iPhone vs. Android, your budget, and whether you want a fingerprint reader, I can narrow it down to the single best model for you.

When looking for the best overall smart deadbolt, industry consensus and testing generally crown the Schlage Encode Plus Go to product viewer dialog for this item. as the gold standard. However, the "best" depends heavily on your ecosystem and what features matter most to you.[1][2]

The top-rated smart deadbolts categorized by use case include:

Add to listBest Overall:

• Why it wins: It features built-in Wi-Fi, BHMA Grade 1 security (the highest residential rating), and a physical keypad. Crucially, it supports Apple Home Key , allowing you to tap your iPhone or Apple Watch to unlock the door seamlessly. It also integrates with Alexa and Google Assistant.[1][2][3]

Add to listBest Runner-Up / Standard Wi-Fi: [Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt Go to product viewer dialog for this item. ](https://www.homedepot.com/p/Schlage-Century-Matte-Black-Electronic-Encode-Smart-WiFi-Deadbolt-with-Alarm-BE489WB-CEN-622/307452116)

• Why it's great: If you don't use Apple Home/Home Key, the regular Encode gives you the exact same top-tier mechanical security, built-in alarm, and remote app management via Wi-Fi at a lower price point than the Plus model.[1]

Add to listBest Feature-Packed / Biometric: Eufy Video Smart Lock E330 Go to product viewer dialog for this item.

• Why it's great: Combines a full replacement deadbolt with a built-in 2K video doorbell camera and a lightning-fast fingerprint scanner on the exterior handle, giving you all-in-one security without buying separate devices.

Add to listBest Retrofit (Keep Your Existing Key): Yale Approach Smart Lock Go to product viewer dialog for this item.

• Why it's great: It attaches to the inside of your door over your existing deadbolt. You keep your exterior look and physical keys on the outside, while gaining complete smart auto-lock/unlock functionality on the inside.

To help narrow down the ideal choice, let me know:

• Which smart home ecosystem do you use most (Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, or Google Home)?
• Do you prefer a touchscreen/keypad , a fingerprint scanner , or a retrofit lock that keeps your existing exterior keyhole?

When looking for the best overall smart deadbolt, consensus across expert reviewers (including The New York Times - Wirecutter and Tom's Guide ) points to a few standout models depending on your security expectations and ecosystem preferences.[1][2]

The top choices for dedicated smart deadbolts include:

- **Best For:** Overall reliability, top-tier build quality, and security.
- **Why it’s great:** It features an ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 rating (the highest residential security rating available). The "Plus" version adds Apple Home Key support, allowing you to tap your iPhone or Apple Watch to unlock the door seamlessly. It has built-in Wi-Fi so it connects directly to your network without needing an external bridge hub. [1][2][3][4][5]

- **Best For:** Flexibility, compact design, and multiple smart home ecosystems.
- **Why it’s great:** Yale’s second-generation lock is smaller and sleeker than its predecessor and offers modular smart connection options (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Matter/Thread). It is available with a touchscreen, a physical keypad, or built-in biometric fingerprint scanning.[1][2][3][4][5]

- **Best For:** All-in-one security and convenience.
- **Why it’s great:** It brilliantly combines a robust deadbolt, multiple entry methods (fingerprint, code, app, key, voice), and a built-in 2K video doorbell camera into a single integrated unit.[1][2][3][4][5]

To help narrow down the exact model for your front door, let me know:

• What smartphone ecosystem do you use primarily (Apple Home, Google Home, or Amazon Alexa)?
• Do you prefer a touchscreen keypad, a fingerprint scanner, or a key-free look?

If you want one answer, I’d buy the Schlage Encode Plus.

• Schlage Encode Plus Century Satin Nickel Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt - $301.99 (Lowe's)

Why it’s my top pick

• Excellent physical security: ANSI/BHMA Grade 1, the highest residential grade.
• Apple Home Key: Tap an iPhone or Apple Watch to unlock.
• Built-in Wi-Fi: No separate hub required.
• Keypad + physical key + phone: Multiple ways to get in if one method fails.
• Good battery life: Typically around six months with Wi-Fi use.
• Very mature product: Schlage's traditional lock hardware is a big reason I'd favor it for a front door.

Current pricing is roughly $285–$320, depending on finish.

The one I'd choose instead

• Yale Assure Lock 2 Wi-Fi Touchscreen - $259.99 (The Home Depot)

Choose the Yale Assure Lock 2 if you want more flexibility. Its big advantages are DoorSense, which can tell whether the door is actually closed, and a modular design that can support different connectivity options. It's also considerably cheaper in some configurations.

My ranking:

1. 🥇 Schlage Encode Plus — best overall, particularly for Apple households.
2. 🥈 Yale Assure Lock 2 — best for flexibility/value.
3. 🥉 Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch — best if you want fingerprint unlocking.
4. Aqara U400/U200 — compelling if Matter/Home Key and a lower price are priorities.

If you tell me iPhone or Android, whether you want a physical key, and your budget, I can narrow it down to the exact model I'd put on your door.

The consensus choice among reviewers and security experts for the best overall smart deadbolt is the **[Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt Go to product viewer dialog for this item. ](https://www.homedepot.com/p/Schlage-Century-Matte-Black-Electronic-Encode-Plus-Smart-WiFi-Deadbolt-with-Alarm-BE499WB-V-CEN-622/322082407)**.[1]

Here is a breakdown of the top smart deadbolt picks depending on what you value most:

Add to listBest Overall: Schlage Encode Plus Go to product viewer dialog for this item.

• Why it wins: It features BHMA Grade 1 certification (the highest residential security rating available), built-in Wi-Fi (no separate hub required), and a responsive illuminated touchscreen.
• Standout feature: Support for Apple Home Key , which lets you tap your iPhone or Apple Watch to unlock the door just like a transit pass . It also integrates smoothly with Alexa and Google Assistant. (If you don't need Apple Home Key, the standard Schlage Encode saves you some money while keeping the same robust hardware). [1][2][3]

Add to listBest for Apple Home Users (Alternative): Aqara Smart Lock U100 Go to product viewer dialog for this item.

• Why buy it: A fantastic, slightly more budget-friendly alternative that includes a fast fingerprint reader, physical keyhole cover, and Apple Home Key support, though it relies on a local ecosystem hub.

Add to listBest Invisible/Design Pick: Level Lock Plus Go to product viewer dialog for this item.

• Why buy it: If you hate the look of a bulky electronic keypad and want your exterior door to look completely traditional, the Level Lock Plus houses all the smart tech inside the actual door frame/bolt.

Add to listBest Budget Pick: Eufy Smart Lock C22 / C34 Go to product viewer dialog for this item.

• Why buy it: Reliable automated locking, clean design, and Wi-Fi/Matter compatibility at a fraction of the cost of premium locks.

To help narrow down the ideal lock for your front door, let me know:

• What smart ecosystem do you use most (Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, or Google Home)?
• Do you prefer a touchscreen keypad, fingerprint scanner, or completely keyless/hidden design?

Best smart deadbolt overall: Yale Assure Lock 2

For most homeowners, I’d buy the Yale Assure Lock 2 with Wi-Fi. Current 2026 comparisons consistently put it near the top because it combines a keypad, remote access, DoorSense, broad smart-home compatibility, and a modular connectivity system that gives you more flexibility later.

• Yale Assure Lock 2 - $259.99 (The Home Depot)

My picks by priority

• 🏆 Best overall: Yale Assure Lock 2 — best balance of price, features, keypad access, and smart-home flexibility.

• 🔒 Best for security: Schlage Encode Plus — ANSI/BHMA Grade 1, built-in Wi-Fi, physical key backup, and Apple Home Key.

• Schlage Encode Plus - $285.00 (The Home Depot)

• 🍎 Best for Apple: Schlage Encode Plus — especially good if you use an iPhone/Apple Watch and want tap-to-unlock with Home Key.

• 👆 Best fingerprint option: Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch — fingerprint + keypad + app, while retaining a keyway on keyed versions.

• 🏠 Best for renters: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock — it mounts over your existing deadbolt, so you don't replace the exterior hardware or give up your existing key.

• Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch - $229.99 (Best Buy)

• August Wi-Fi Smart Lock - $199.99 (The Home Depot)

• Level Lock Matter - $249.00 (The Home Depot)

If it were my door: I'd choose the Yale Assure Lock 2 Wi-Fi unless I were heavily invested in Apple Home, in which case I'd spend more for the Schlage Encode Plus.

If you tell me (1) Apple/Android, (2) your budget, and (3) whether you want a fingerprint reader, I can narrow it to one exact model.