Top Electronic Door Locks of 2025: Discover the Best Options Today

A smart lock offers the benefits of a conventional deadbolt without the need to carry a physical key. Instead, many smart locks have keypads for PINs and/or electronic keys, where the “key” lives in an app on your smartphone and communicates with your lock wirelessly. Either way, you can create, revoke, delete, and limit access to certain time periods with a few swipes on the phone. A growing number of smart locks also have built-in fingerprint scanners, allowing you to unlock your door with the tap of a finger.

Why Choose a Smart Lock?

Smart locks take a routine, often tedious daily ritual¡ªentering or leaving home¡ªand make it far more convenient, far more secure, and a little more fun. Most smart locks are either a deadbolt replacement or a deadbolt adapter (which replaces the thumb turn with a motorized one). There are also smart doorknob or lever-handle replacement locks, which are more common in apartments (and perhaps small businesses). The best smart locks provide a lot more than just convenience. With remote control and monitoring over your door, you’ll know if someone enters your home or be able to let people in. You can also give out temporary electronic “keys” to guests like dog sitters and caretakers, so there’s no risk of someone copying a physical key to your home without you knowing.

Top Electronic Door Locks for 2025

Yale Assure Lock 2

The sleek and customizable Yale Assure Lock 2 is available in Bluetooth or Wi-Fi variants. Both models support HomeKit, and the Wi-Fi variant works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. The base model includes a physical keypad, but you can upgrade to a touch screen if you want. Physical keys and a companion app are additional unlock methods whichever way you go. If you like to customize your smart home devices, Yale’s lock system gives you the freedom to choose which features you want. HomeKit support is a relative rarity in this segment as well. It also comes with the Yale WiFi Smart Module and DoorSense door open/close sensor, worth $80, for no extra charge. The module looks like a memory card or game cartridge and plugs into a slot in the back of the lock. It adds WiFi connectivity along with several additional features, including remote control via the Yale Access app and integrations with voice assistants and smart home apps (Amazon Alexa, Google Home/Assistant, and Samsung SmartThings). You can also receive alerts if the door is unlocked or left ajar. The app provides an access log that shows who comes and goes, and it lets you create and share electronic keys and PINs.

Schlage Encode Plus

The Schlage Encode Plus is a new version of the Schlage Encode WiFi smart lock that adds support for Apple Home Key, which lets you unlock your door with a tap from an Apple Watch or iPhone (similar to Apple Pay). If you’re worried about someone stealing your device and using it to break in, don’t fret. You can add an additional layer of security with Apple’s Face ID and Touch ID verification features. The Encode Plus performs well in our brute-force tests for kick-ins and drilling, but it’s somewhat susceptible to lock-picking. It also offers a wealth of convenient features and is easy to control remotely, but it’s not the easiest lock to set up. Features include an access log, auto-locking, electronic keys, a tamper alarm, and compatibility with voice assistants and smart home apps, including Amazon Alexa, Apple Home/Siri, and Google Home/Assistant.

August Wi-Fi Smart Lock

After testing dozens of models, we found the best smart lock for most people is the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock. It’s easy to install with your existing setup, lets you use the keys that came with the lock you’re replacing, works with all sorts of smart home systems, and is reasonably priced. The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is 45 percent smaller than the original, so it looks less bulbous on your door, and now has Wi-Fi built in, so you don’t need to install the August Connect bridge to link your lock to your home network. Everything we liked about the August Pro is here: It’s a cinch to install ¡ª you simply replace the part of your deadbolt that’s inside your house ¡ª so that you can continue to use your existing keys, which is a nice backup in case the lock’s batteries run out. You shouldn’t have to worry about that too often, as the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock will run up to six months before the batteries need to be replaced. The lock has a few other features that made it stand out from the others during our tests. Chief among them is DoorSense, which lets you know if your door has been left ajar. The August lock also works with a huge range of other smart home systems, from Alexa to Google Assistant to HomeKit to Xfinity. Buy on Amazon

Level Lock+ Connect

The best smart home technology fits into your home invisibly. The Level Lock+ Connect does just that, looking like a low-tech key lock while packing a lot of technology inside your door¡ªliterally. The small lithium battery fits into the door bolt, and the motors and electronics are all packed inside the lock. The hidden mechanics leave a clean, elegant and logo-free exterior with a standard keyway on the front and a thumb turn on the back. Out of the box, the Level Lock+ supports Apple HomeKit, including HomeKeys, a feature that lets you store digital keys in your Apple wallet. The Lock Connect Wi-Fi bridge links the lock to your home network via Bluetooth, which supports Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. Buy on Amazon

Ultraloq Bolt Fingerprint

Sturdy construction, ease of use, and multiple lock and unlock options make the Ultraloq Bolt Fingerprint our top pick. Its zinc alloy exterior component contains a biometric fingerprint scanner, a keypad, and a traditional keyway. With a built-in Wi-Fi radio and support for nearly every smart home platform, you can lock and unlock it from anywhere using your phone or voice. It also comes with a sensor that lets you know if your door is open or closed. The Ultraloq Bolt Fingerprint is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to smarten up their home with a connected lock. This complete lock assembly is easy to install and offers some of the most advanced features we’ve seen. It conveniently supports timed-based automatic locking and location-based automatic unlocking, and works with all sorts of third-party devices. Buy on Amazon

Comparison Table of Top Smart Locks

Pros and Cons of Top Models

Yale Assure Lock 2

• Pros: Highly customizable, supports multiple smart home platforms, keyless entry, resistant to drilling and kick-ins.
• Cons: Initial setup can be time-consuming, and some features require additional modules.

Schlage Encode Plus

• Pros: Excellent integration with Apple Home Key, robust against brute-force attacks, feature-rich app.
• CONS: Vulnerable to lock-picking, setup process is not user-friendly.

August Wi-Fi Smart Lock

• Pros: Easy retrofit installation, works with existing keys, DoorSense feature, broad smart home compatibility.
• Cons: Battery life is shorter compared to competitors, bulkier than some alternatives.

Level Lock+ Connect

• Pros: Sleek, minimalist design, seamless Apple HomeKit integration, multiple access methods.
• Cons: Requires a separate Wi-Fi bridge, higher price point.

Ultraloq Bolt Fingerprint

• Pros: Advanced biometric features, durable construction, supports multiple platforms.
• Cons: Larger footprint may not suit all doors, fingerprint scanner may struggle with wet hands.

Testing Scenarios and Performance

Consumer Reports runs a battery of tests, including using a 100-pound battering ram, to help identify the best and worst door locks. In our labs, a few well-placed kicks or a couple of minutes under assault from a cordless drill are all it takes to defeat almost every lock in our ratings. That goes for conventional deadbolts, electronic locks with keypads, and smart locks¡ªthose you can operate from a smartphone, smartwatch, or smart speaker. Both types of smart locks also get additional testing. We investigate features such as smartphone alerts, remote locking and unlocking, geofencing (the ability to automatically lock or unlock the door based on your phone’s location), third-party app and voice control, shareable electronic keys, access logs of who comes and goes, and even tamper alarms. We also run through the wireless setup process to see how difficult it is to connect the locks to a smartphone and other smart home devices.
The Yale Assure Lock SL is very resistant to drilling and kick-ins. It’s also impossible to pick because it’s keyless. The Schlage Encode Plus performs well in our brute-force tests for kick-ins and drilling, but it’s somewhat susceptible to lock-picking. The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock was tested for ease of installation and connectivity, excelling in retrofit scenarios where minimal hardware changes were needed. The Level Lock+ Connect was evaluated for its discreet design and Apple HomeKit performance, showing seamless operation in Apple-centric households. The Ultraloq Bolt Fingerprint stood out in biometric testing, with its fingerprint scanner performing reliably in most conditions, though it struggled slightly with wet or dirty fingers.

Buying Guide for Smart Locks

Key Considerations

• Compatibility: Does the lock work with your existing security system or preferred voice assistant? Does the lock have Matter compatibility?
• Installation: Are you looking for a retrofit over your existing lock? Or do you want a full deadbolt replacement? Would you prefer a handle or lever replacement instead?
• Features: Does the lock offer easy app controls and the ability to grant and control temporary passes to other users? Are you interested in a keypad, or a fingerprint scanner? Do you want compatibility with Apple Home Key or similar services?
• Security: Does the lock include a strong ANSI grade for physical durability? Is access data properly encrypted on the app?
• Design: Is the design compact enough for your door? Does it match your other fixtures?

Steps to Choose the Right Smart Lock

• Measure your door thickness to ensure compatibility. If it’s close to or more than 2 inches thick, you might need an expansion kit.
• Determine if you need a full deadbolt replacement or a retrofit adapter that works with your existing lock.
• Check for smart home platform compatibility (e.g., Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit).
• Evaluate battery life and backup options, such as physical keys or external battery ports.
• Read user reviews for real-world performance insights, especially regarding setup and reliability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are smart locks secure against hacking?

While it’s technically possible for a smart lock to be exploited electronically, through nine years of closely testing and writing about these devices, we have yet to find a single case of a smart lock being electronically exploited in the real world¡ªonly in labs or at hacker conventions. Residential burglars are less likely to be sophisticated hackers than common thieves who rely on a trusty crowbar or screwdriver to enter.

Can I install a smart lock myself?

Most smart locks are designed for DIY installation, with clear instructions and minimal tools required. Retrofit locks like the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock are particularly easy, as they only replace the interior thumb turn. Full deadbolt replacements may take more time but are manageable for those comfortable with basic tools.

What happens if the battery dies?

Many smart locks have backup options, such as physical keys or external battery ports (e.g., Yale Assure Lock 2’s 9V battery prongs). Battery life typically ranges from 3 to 12 months, and most locks send low-battery alerts via their apps.

Do smart locks work with existing keys?

Some models, like the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock and Level Lock+ Connect, are designed to work with your existing keys, making them ideal for renters or those who want a backup option. Others, like the Yale Assure Lock 2, offer keyless versions but may include keyed options.

Are smart locks worth the investment?

Smart locks add convenience, security, and remote control, making them a worthwhile investment for those who value keyless entry, guest access management, or smart home integration. Prices range from $100 to $400, depending on features, offering options for various budgets.

Conclusion

The best smart locks of 2025 combine convenience, security, and smart home integration to transform how you secure your home. Whether you prioritize sleek design, biometric access, or compatibility with platforms like Apple HomeKit, there’s a lock to suit your needs. By considering factors like installation, features, and security ratings, you can choose a model that enhances both safety and ease of use. For more insights on home security, explore Consumer Reports’ Smart Lock Guide or Wirecutter’s Recommendations.