Smart deadbolt lock
Jul 6 – Oct 27, 2026Updated Oct 27, 2026
Reviewed by Dimitry Apollonsky
Which brands AI mentions
Mentioned in
ChatGPTChatGPTGoogle AI ModeGoogle AI Mode
Widest split: August, 58% on ChatGPT and 22% on Google AI Mode.
- #1SchlageChatGPT 100%Google AI Mode 83%
- #2Yale Assure Lock 2ChatGPT 54%Google AI Mode 70%
- #3tiedAugustChatGPT 58%Google AI Mode 22%
- #3tiedYale HomeChatGPT 46%Google AI Mode 13%
- #3tiedUltraloqChatGPT 13%Google AI Mode 43%
Questions and answers
Google AI ModeOct 27, 2026
The "best" smart deadbolt depends heavily on your smart home ecosystem and whether you prefer a full deadbolt replacement or a discreet look. However, expert and consumer consensus points to a clear overall champion:
Best Overall & Best for Apple Users: Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt ($329+)
- Why it wins: It combines rock-solid mechanical build quality (BHMA Grade 1 highest security rating) with built-in Wi-Fi and Apple Home Key support. You can tap your iPhone or Apple Watch to unlock the door seamlessly. It also works with Alexa and Google Assistant, features a built-in tamper alarm , and has a physical key backup hidden behind a clean touchscreen interface.
Best Runner-Up / Versatile Choice: Yale Assure Lock 2 ($170–$260)
- Why it's great: Highly customizable and compact. You can buy it with interchangeable modules for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Matter, making it adaptable to Amazon Alexa, Google Home, or Apple Home. It features a sturdy all-metal housing and a sleek, unobtrusive design.
Best Fingerprint Biometric Deadbolt: Aqara Smart Lock U100 (~$135)
- Why it's great: Excellent value if you want fast biometric entry via a fingerprint reader, alongside Apple Home Key support, a physical keypad, and mechanical key backup.
Best Invisible / Keep-Your-Existing-Key Option: Level Lock+ Connect (~$329)
- Why it's great: All the smart tech (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Apple Home Key/NFC) is housed entirely inside the deadbolt mechanism itself. From the outside, your door looks completely normal and uses your original key.
To help narrow down the best option for your home, tell me:
- What smart home ecosystem do you use (Apple Home, Google Home, or Amazon Alexa)?
- Do you prefer unlocking via keypad, fingerprint, app, or a physical key?
- Do you want a full deadbolt replacement or a retrofit that keeps your outside keyhole unchanged?
ChatGPTOct 27, 2026
Best smart deadbolt in 2026
My top recommendation is the Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt. It combines strong physical security, built-in Wi-Fi, keypad entry, and convenient phone or smartwatch unlocking. It’s a particularly good choice if you want a dependable front-door lock without buying a separate Wi-Fi bridge.
(Best overall)
Schlage Encode Plus
$260–$330
Approximate retail price; varies by finish and seller.
Why I recommend it
- ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 security rating
- Built-in Wi-Fi for remote locking and unlocking
- Keypad, smartphone app and physical key
- Apple Home Key support for iPhone and Apple Watch
- Guest access codes and activity history
Best for homeowners who prioritize security and convenience.
Three other smart deadbolts worth considering
1. Yale Assure Lock 2
Best for flexibility · roughly $160–$280 depending on configuration
A strong alternative if you want different keypad styles, optional connectivity modules, and door-open alerts on supported versions. Make sure you select the Wi-Fi or smart-home configuration you need.
2. eufy Smart Lock E31
Best for fingerprint entry · around $200–$210
Unlock with a fingerprint, keypad, or app. A good fit for families who don't want to remember PIN codes. It also supports Matter-based smart-home integration.
3. Aqara Smart Lock U400
Best for hands-free access · around $290 with hub kit
Uses ultra-wideband technology for proximity-based unlocking with compatible devices, along with Apple Home Key and fingerprint access. A compelling option for a more advanced smart home.
Which one should you buy?
Your priority My pick Best overall security and convenience Schlage Encode Plus More configuration choices Yale Assure Lock 2 Fingerprint unlocking eufy E31 Hands-free smart access Aqara U400 My advice: prioritize the quality of the deadbolt and its security rating before extra features like cameras or facial recognition. Also check your door's thickness, backset, and existing deadbolt compatibility before ordering.
Let me narrow it down to the best one for you
1. Which phone or smart-home system do you use?
iPhone / Apple Home
Android
Alexa or Google Home
No smart-home system
2. How do you want to unlock the door?
Keypad code
Fingerprint
Phone or smartwatch
Automatic hands-free unlocking
Any method is fine
3. What's your budget?
Under $150
$150–$250
$250–$350
$350+
4. What kind of installation do you prefer?
Replace the existing deadbolt
Keep the existing deadbolt and key
Either is fine
[Find my best smart deadbolt]
Sources cited in this answer13
- consumerreports.org10 Best Smart Locks of 2026, Lab-Tested and Reviewed - Consumer Reports
- thesmartestgear.comBest Smart Locks of 2026: 6 We Trust
- smartdeviceranked.comSchlage Encode Plus vs Yale Assure Lock 2: Which Smart Deadbolt Wins in 2026? – Smart Device Ranked
- safehomelab.comSchlage Encode Plus vs Yale Assure Lock 2: Smart Lock Face-Off
- schlage.comSmart Locks, Door Locks, Door Knobs, Door Levers, Handlesets
- locksmithrates.comSchlage Encode Plus vs Yale Assure Lock 2 (2026)
ChatGPTOct 16, 2026
The best smart deadbolts available today are the ones that combine strong physical security, reliable connectivity, secure keyless entry, and a good mechanical backup. The most expensive lock isn't necessarily the best: some excel at fingerprint recognition, others at Apple Home Key convenience, and others at whole-home automation.
For a premium home, I'd focus on established brands such as Yale, Schlage, Aqara, and U-tec, while paying close attention to the exact model and its smart-home compatibility.
The top smart deadbolts to shortlist
1. Schlage Encode Plus
(Best for security and build quality)
Premium · Typically around $280–340
A top choice if you want a sturdy, traditional deadbolt with excellent physical-security credentials. It has an ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 rating, built-in Wi-Fi, a keypad, a physical key, and Apple Home Key support.
Trade-off: No fingerprint reader, and the design is more conventional than discreet.
2. Aqara Smart Lock U400
(Best advanced features)
Premium · Around $270
A compelling choice for a modern smart home. It offers Apple Home Key, UWB hands-free unlocking with compatible devices, fingerprint recognition, PIN codes, and Matter over Thread.
Trade-off: Some advanced features depend on compatible hardware and ecosystem setup. It is a newer design, so long-term reliability is less established than with traditional lock lines.
3. Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch
Upper midrange to premium · Roughly $200–280
Best if you prefer a fingerprint reader, touchscreen, and a more configurable lock family. It supports fingerprint entry, PIN codes, and smart-home integration through the appropriate connectivity configuration.
Trade-off: The security rating and drilling resistance vary by model; don't assume the Touch version has the same physical-security performance as every other Assure Lock 2 variant.
4. Level Lock Pro
Luxury minimalist design · Around $349
Best for a clean, understated exterior. Its electronics are integrated into the deadbolt assembly rather than dominated by a large external keypad. It supports Matter over Thread and Apple Home Key.
Trade-off: You sacrifice the convenience of a built-in fingerprint reader and prominent keypad. Check your desired entry methods before buying.
5. ULTRALOQ Bolt NFC
Value-oriented · Around $170
A feature-rich alternative with Apple Home Key, Android NFC support, keypad entry, app access, and a physical key. Worth considering if you want multiple ways to get in without paying flagship prices.
Trade-off: If maximum physical-security assurance is your priority, I'd investigate the exact certification and deadbolt construction before choosing it over Schlage.
Which one would I buy?
Your priority My pick Strongest proven physical-security credentials Schlage Encode Plus Most advanced hands-free entry Aqara U400 Fingerprint convenience Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch Minimalist, premium appearance Level Lock Pro Features for less money ULTRALOQ Bolt NFC My overall recommendation is the Schlage Encode Plus if physical security and build quality matter most. If you're building a sophisticated smart home and want the latest access technology, I'd seriously consider the Aqara U400 instead.
One important distinction: a smart lock's security rating is not the same as its cybersecurity. I'd prioritize a certified deadbolt, secure account authentication, automatic locking, activity logs, and a reliable way to enter if the batteries die. Also, confirm that your door, backset, and existing deadbolt preparation are compatible before ordering.
Let me narrow it down for your home
1. Which smart-home ecosystem do you use?
Apple Home / iPhone
Google Home
Amazon Alexa
Home Assistant / SmartThings
No preference
2. How do you want to unlock the door?
Fingerprint reader
Tap iPhone or Apple Watch
Hands-free automatic unlocking
PIN keypad
A combination of methods
3. What's most important?
Maximum physical security
Reliability and battery life
Premium design
Smart-home automation
4. Budget per lock
Under $200
$200–250
$250–400
Best available, regardless of price
[Find my best match]
Sources cited in this answer17
- consumerreports.org10 Best Smart Locks of 2026, Lab-Tested and Reviewed - Consumer Reports
- smarthomefieldguide.comSmart Lock Shootout 2026: Nuki Ultra vs Schlage Encode Plus vs Aqara U400 vs Yale Assure Lock 2 — Smart Home Field Guide
- us.allegion.comSchlage Residential Price Book
- schlage.comSmart Locks, Door Locks, Door Knobs, Door Levers, Handlesets
- amazon.comShop options
- tomsguide.comAqara U400 review | Tom's Guide
Google AI ModeOct 16, 2026
The highest quality and most reliable smart deadbolt available right now is the Schlage Encode Plus , praised by experts for its commercial Grade 1 security rating, native built-in Wi-Fi, and seamless integration with Apple Home Key.[1][2]
To see a helpful overview of top-performing smart locks and how they compare across various features and budgets, watch this review video:
12:27Best Smart Locks 2026: 8 Models Tested for Every BudgetYouTube · Consumer Pick · 2.1K views · 3 months ago
Top High-Quality Smart Deadbolts
Features ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 certification (the highest residential and commercial standard for security, durability, and finish). It supports Apple HomeKit/Home Keys (allowing tap-to-unlock with an iPhone or Apple Watch even if the device is dead), built-in Wi-Fi for remote access via the Schlage Home app, and a physical key backup.
An advanced biometric lock offering an industry-first 3D facial recognition unlock alongside a 3D fingerprint sensor and hack-proof Pin Genie touchscreen keypad that scrambles numbers after each use. It includes built-in Wi-Fi and Apple Home Key support.
Highly regarded for its modular smart ecosystem (supporting Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Matter-compatibility upgrades) and a streamlined, slim design that is much smaller than traditional bulky electronic deadbolts.
The premier choice if you want a robust smart lock that retrofits onto your existing interior thumbturn deadbolt without requiring you to replace the exterior key cylinder or change your keys. It features quick fingerprint access, quiet operation, and Matter support via a hub.[1][2][3]
If you'd like to narrow down your options, tell me:
- What smart home ecosystem you use (Apple Home, Google Home, or Amazon Alexa)
- Whether you prefer a full deadbolt replacement or a retrofit lock that keeps your existing keys
Also asked as
- What are the top-rated smart deadbolt locks available right now?
