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Best Smart Lock: Schlage vs Kwikset Kevo vs August vs Danalock & More

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Best KeypadBest Non-KeypadBest Existing Deadbolt
Schlage Sense Smart DeadboltKwikset KevoAugust Smart Lock 4th Gen
Schlage Sense Smart DeadboltKwikset Kevo 2nd GenAugust Smart Lock 4th Gen
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Now you no longer have to worry about those duplicate keys you gave to your sitter or house cleaner. You can say goodbye to leaving a key under the mat for guests. Smart locks are growing in popularity, thanks to the convenience and added security they give you. But what are the various features available, and what’s the best one for your home (or business)? Let’s unlock the findings in our best smart locks review!

3 Components Of A Smart Lock

Man holding smart lock app next to front door of house outside
What is a smart lock exactly, and how do they work?

A smart lock consists of three components:

  1. Deadbolt lock – Locks the door using a key or motor.
  2. Motor – The motor operates the deadbolt (instead of a standard key).
  3. Transceiver – Connects to a smartphone app or home automation system and sends and receives a remote signal to the motor to open or close the deadbolt.

Our reviews focus on Bluetooth-enabled smart locks, meaning you can lock and unlock your front deadbolt using your smartphone. All of the locks in our reviews also have features where you can connect your lock to become a remote WiFi deadbolt — i.e., you can lock or unlock your door no matter where you are. The WiFi mechanism differs with each smart lock.

What’s The Best Smart Lock?

Instead of giving our top picks ranked, we have a winner for three categories: keypad, sans keypad, and works with your existing lock. We then share a couple of other notable locks that are worth considering for their lower price points (but not as superior in safety or features).

Best Keypad: Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt Review

Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt

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Unlike other smart locks, Schlage detects when someone unlocks the door with a key or via the keypad rather than merely tracking when someone uses the app to unlock the door.

Hands-free voice control requires Schlage Sense WiFi Adapter and Alexa device (sold individually)
Free iOS and Android smartphone app lets you manage codes, set schedules, and view usage history
Lock and unlock from anywhere by pairing with the Schlage Sense WiFi Adapter (sold separately)
Pair with Apple HomeKit devices to use with iOS and Siri voice control only.

This lock also has a built-in siren that activates when someone tries to force your door open, which gives you peace of mind during the nighttime or when not at home. Although Schlage doesn’t have an auto-unlock feature, we don’t see that as a negative (other than inconvenience). Rather, it’s an added security measure in our book.

ProsCons
ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 certified deadbolt (highest level)No key fob available
Built-in alarmRemote access only available via Apple TV
Easy installation
App tells you who enters and when (via smartphone and keypad/keys)
Comes in 3 styles
Unlimited free e-keys
Assign up to 30 keypad codes for guest access via app (easy to disable or delete when necessary)
Compatible with Apple TV and Apple Homekit
3-year electronic warranty (best of all reviewed)

Pricing & Tech Specs

  • $320.00
  • 4 AA batteries included
  • Dimensions: Exterior 3″ x 5”; Interior 2″ x 3″ x 8”

Best Non-Keypad: Kwikset Kevo 2nd Gen Review

Kwikset Kevo

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The Kwikset 2nd Gen Bluetooth deadbolt’s best feature is its unique touch mechanism, where you don’t have to open the app to lock or unlock your door — you simply touch your smartphone to the lock. It’s a good option for those who want the functionality of keyless entry without a physical key but don’t have to use a code to get in.

You can easily customize your e-key settings for family, friends, and others who need access to your home, but additional e-keys are an added charge. Unlike Schlage, you can add on a key fob. Kwikset’s deadbolt lock is Grade 2 level security — a high level, but not as high as our number one pick.

ProsCons
ANSI/BHMA Grade 2 certified deadboltNo built-in siren
Compatible with iOS and select Android devicesOnly monitors when someone unlocks your door using the app (no key use or tamper monitoring)
Easy to install and configure with standard keys (2 included)No keypad available
Key fob (additional charge)WiFi adapter for remote access is an additional fee
24-hour guest e-key access and customized e-key access for pet sitters, housekeepers, etc.Additional e-keys are extra change
Compatible with Nest, Honeywell, Ring, and Skybell smart doorbellsOnly available in black
1-year electronic warranty

Pricing & Tech Specs

  • 4 AA batteries included
  • Dimensions: 5.75″ x 2.75″ x 2″

Best Existing Deadbolt: August Smart Lock 4th Gen Review

August Smart Lock 4th Gen

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Unlike our top two winners, the August Smart Lock Pro doesn’t replace your existing deadbolt, just the thumb turn inside the door. That way, you can upgrade the smart functionality and keep the exterior of your door hardware the same. What’s the safety factor here? This keyless door lock relies on the safety quality of your existing deadbolt, so make sure you have a premiere deadbolt already in place.

The app makes granting access a breeze with fully customizable settings, but it doesn’t track when someone uses a key to unlock your door or if someone tries to tamper with your lock. Still, the August Smart Lock has a robust set of features, including auto-unlock and voice assistant, syncing with more smart home platforms (Z-Wave, Apple HomeKit, etc.) than some of the companies in our other smart lock reviews.

ProsCons
Compatible with iOS and Android devices as well as Alexa, Siri and Google HomeNot compatible with some deadbolt types
Easy DIY retrofit installation (you only replace the interior of your deadbolt)No built-in siren
App tells you who enters and whenDoesn’t monitor when someone unlocks your door with a key or tampers with your lock or door
Send unlimited free e-keys to family, sitters, and guests and control their accessNo key fob is available
Keypad add-on (additional fee)August Connect WiFi Bridge adapter for remote access is an added fee
Compatible with August doorbell cam, Z-Wave, Apple Homekit, Apple watch, Nest Secure, Honeywell and XFINITY Home app
1-year electronics warranty

Pricing & Tech Specs

  • Smart Lock Pro: $299.99
  • Smart Lock Pro + WiFi Connect Bridge: $289.99
  • 4 AA batteries included
  • Dimensions: 3.3″ x 3.3″ x 2.2”

Read Our Full August Smart Lock Review

Smart Lock Comparison Table

Schlage SensesKwikset Kevo 2nd GenAugust Smart Lock 4th GenDanalock v3SimpliSafe Smart Lock
Pricing$259.99$200.45$299.98$273.60
ANSI/BHMA Certified LockGrade 1Grade 2N/AN/AN/A
Installation TypeReplaces deadboltReplaces deadboltRetrofits existing deadboltRetrofits existing deadboltRetrofits existing deadbolt
Built-in SirenGreen checkmark
KeypadGreen checkmarkAdd-onAdd-onGreen checkmark
Key FobAdd-onAdd-onAdd-on
Auto LockGreen checkmarkGreen checkmarkGreen checkmarkGreen checkmarkGreen checkmark
Auto UnlockGreen checkmarkGreen checkmarkGreen checkmark
E-keysUnlimited2 freeUnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimited
WiFi Remote AccessApple TVAdd-onAdd-onZ-Wave & AppApp
Compatible PlatformsApple TV, Apple HomekitNest, HoneywellApple Homekit, Nest, Honeywell, XFINITYZ-Wave, ZigbeeAlexa, Google Home
Compatible Doorbell CamsRing, SkybellAugust Doorbell CamZ-Wave compatibleSimpliSafe Doorbell Pro
Warranty3 years1 year1 year1 year3 years

What About Danalock & SimpliSafe Smart Lock?

Below are some other smart locks for you to consider. Although they didn’t make our top picks, one may be the right fit for your particular needs.

Danalock V3 Bluetooth Smart Lock Review

Danalock V3 Bluetooth Smart Lock

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Similar to August, Danalock works with your existing deadbolt. Danalock’s 3rd generation Bluetooth smart lock is an improvement from previous models, but not all bugs have been resolved. In the end, this smart lock isn’t as popular as others listed in this review, so we’d probably suggest you consider one of those over Danalock.

ProsCons
Compatible with iOS and AndroidMay not work with some types of deadbolts
Keypad add-onRetrofit installation, but not as easy as our other reviewed smart locks
Remote WiFi access available via home automation sync or app on an in-house smartphone/tabletNo built-in alarm
Compatible with Z-Wave, Nest, Apple WatchDoesn’t log when someone uses a key or tries to force the lock (unless synced with home automation platform)
1-year electronics warranty

Pricing & Tech Specs

  • $296.85
  • 4 CR123A batteries
  • Dimensions: 2.5″ x 2.5″ x 2.83″

SimpliSafe Smart Lock Review

SimpliSafe Smart Lock

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SimpliSafe’s Smart Lock will keep track of anyone who locks or unlocks your door, so you’ll know when the kids get home from school or when the cleaner finishes up for the day (monitoring plan required).

SimpliSafe Smart Lock notifies you if the wrong PIN is entered 5 times. After 15 attempts, it will remain locked for 30 minutes, and if you have a monitoring plan, SimpliSafe will call you. You can lock and unlock it using the PIN pad, key fob, or smartphone. You can also create unique access codes for the dog walker, family members, contractors, etc.

ProsCons
Compatible with iOS and AndroidMust have a single-cylinder deadbolt to work
Affordable equipment priceNo built-in siren
No drilling needed, just a screwdriverRequires a monthly monitoring fee to monitor the lock through an app
Security system add-onsNo bypass key for backup if battery fails
60-day money back guarantee
Deadbolt won’t extend until the door is shut, so it won’t damage your door frame mid close

Pricing

Monitoring Options

Important to know…You can purchase a SimpliSafe Smart Lock without adding on a monitoring plan. However, you won’t be able to monitor it yourself or be notified if the lock is unlocked unless you pay a monthly monitoring fee.

StandardInteractive
Price Per Month$17.99$27.99
24/7 Professional MonitoringGreen checkmarkGreen checkmark
Cellular ConnectionGreen checkmarkGreen checkmark
Environmental MonitoringGreen checkmarkGreen checkmark
Mobile AppGreen checkmark
Unlimited Camera RecordingGreen checkmark
Home AutomationGreen checkmark

Read Our Full SimpliSafe Review

Smart Locks vs Traditional Deadbolt Locks (Video)

Smart home products are of all the hype these days and for good reason. Not only do they add convenience to your life, but find out how they actually increase your security over a traditional deadbolt lock too.

Upgrade Your Home Security Beyond Smart Locks

Smart locks have come a long way over the last few years. But if you really want to protect your household, you should consider going beyond just a smart lock. There are many easy, DIY home security options. In fact, some of our best smart locks sync with our top-rated smart doorbell cameras.

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Sally Jones

While attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s graduate school for journalism and public relations in the late 1990s, Sally began a long career researching and writing about business, technical and scientific topics. Her decades of experience as well as a passion to stay on top of the latest online tools and resources combine to help small businesses (and freelancers like herself) flourish. Her work has appeared in many notable media outlets, including The Washington Post, Entrepreneur, People, Forbes, Huffington Post, and more.
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