Best Smart Locks 2026: 4 Keyless Deadbolts Compared

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Author: Brandly Ombonyo is a Project Management Consultant specializing in automation, advanced security, and intelligent systems integration. He delivers expert design, procurement, and deployment of surveillance, access control, and energy management solutions for developers. Ultimately, Brandly engineers secure, future-ready environments that maximize operational excellence and long-term asset value.

Introduction

A smart lock is one of the most practical smart home upgrades: no more fumbling for keys, and no more re-keying a whole house when you lose one. We compared four smart deadbolts across Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, and biometric categories, from Yale, Schlage, and Aqara.

Below you'll find our editor's picks, a comparison table, and detailed reviews covering unlock methods, connectivity, and who each lock is really built for.

Editor's Picks

Comparison Table

Detailed Reviews

1. Yale Assure Lock 2 Smart Deadbolt with Wi-Fi & Keypad

Why You Should Buy It: The Yale Assure Lock 2 gives everyone who needs access their own way in, whether that's the keypad, a voice assistant, Auto-Unlock, or the Yale Access App from a smartphone or Apple Watch. It has built-in Wi-Fi, so it connects directly to your home network without a separate bridge, and works with Alexa, Android, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, and iOS.

Pros:

●      Built-in Wi-Fi means no additional hub or bridge is required

●      Multiple unlock methods: keypad code, app, voice assistant, or Auto-Unlock

●      Broad compatibility across Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Google Assistant

●      Auto-Lock and battery indicator for peace of mind

Cons:

●      Wi-Fi-direct connectivity can drain batteries faster than Bluetooth-only locks

●      Satin nickel finish may not match every door hardware set

Who It's Best For: The Yale Assure Lock 2 is best for households with multiple people needing different ways to get in, kids with codes, guests with a temporary code, and the primary owner using the app or Apple Watch.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

2. Yale Security Deadbolt Lock SL with Z-Wave

Why You Should Buy It: The Yale Assure SL Z-Wave deadbolt lets you unlock without keys using a backlit touchscreen keypad and lock the door behind you by pressing any button or enabling auto relock. Adding it to a compatible Z-Wave smart home or alarm system lets you lock and unlock from anywhere.

Pros:

●      Backlit touchscreen keypad for easy code entry, day or night

●      Auto relock and press-any-button locking for convenience

●      Integrates with existing Z-Wave security panels and hubs

●      Stainless steel and zinc construction for durability

Cons:

●      Requires a Z-Wave hub for remote access and automation

●      You must measure your door's backset and thickness carefully before buying

Who It's Best For: This lock is best for anyone who already runs a Z-Wave smart home or alarm system and wants their front door lock managed from the same hub as their other security devices.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

3. Schlage Encode Plus Smart Wi-Fi Lock

Why You Should Buy It: With built-in Wi-Fi compatibility, the Schlage Encode Plus connects securely to your home network to control and monitor your door from anywhere using the Schlage Home app. You can manage up to 100 access codes, view lock history, and receive customizable alerts, plus unlock with just an Apple Watch or iPhone tap.

Pros:

●      Supports up to 100 access codes, the most in this comparison

●      Apple Watch unlock is a standout convenience feature

●      Built-in Wi-Fi with no separate hub required

●      Detailed lock history and customizable notifications

Cons:

●      Highest price point among the locks compared here

●      Larger housing (0.9 x 3 x 5 inches) may look bulkier on slimmer doors

Who It's Best For: The Schlage Encode Plus is best for larger households or short-term rental hosts who need to manage many different access codes, and for Apple users who want to unlock with just an Apple Watch tap.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

4. Aqara Smart Lock U100 (Fingerprint + Apple Home Key)

Why You Should Buy It: The U100 is fully integrated into Apple Home, letting you unlock with Apple Home Keys by tapping an iPhone or Apple Watch, even when that device is out of power. It also offers a high-precision fingerprint reader for up to 50 fingerprints, remotely configurable passcodes, and IP65 weatherproofing.

Pros:

●      Apple Home Key unlock works even when your iPhone or Watch battery is dead

●      Fingerprint reader supports up to 50 fingerprints

●      IP65 weatherproof rating for exterior doors

●      Lowest price point among the smart locks in this comparison

Cons:

●      Sharing Apple Home Keys requires an Apple Home Hub

●      Zinc construction is durable but less premium-feeling than stainless steel options

Who It's Best For: The Aqara U100 is best for Apple Home households who want to unlock the door by simply tapping an iPhone or Apple Watch, even when the device is out of battery, alongside fingerprint access for household members.

Price: Check Price on Amazon

Buying Guide

Connectivity: Built-in Wi-Fi locks (Yale Assure 2, Schlage Encode Plus) connect directly to your router with no extra hardware. Z-Wave locks (Yale SL) require a compatible hub or security panel. Bluetooth-based locks (Aqara U100) typically need a hub for full remote access.

Unlock methods: Decide what matters most: a keypad code for guests, a fingerprint reader for household members, or tap-to-unlock via Apple Watch/Home Key for convenience. Several locks here support two or more methods.

Access code capacity: If you manage a large household, rental property, or frequent guests, look at maximum code capacity, Schlage Encode Plus supports up to 100.

Measure before you buy: Backset, door thickness, and cross bore dimensions vary. Manufacturers strongly recommend measuring your existing door hardware before ordering any smart deadbolt.

Weatherproofing: For exterior doors exposed to rain or humidity, check IP ratings, the Aqara U100's IP65 rating specifically calls out weatherproof performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a hub to use a smart lock?

Locks with built-in Wi-Fi, like the Yale Assure Lock 2 and Schlage Encode Plus, don't require a separate hub for basic remote access. Z-Wave locks like the Yale SL need a Z-Wave hub or compatible security panel, and Bluetooth-only locks generally need a hub for access away from home.

Can I still use a physical key with these smart locks?

Most smart deadbolts, including the ones in this comparison, retain a traditional keyway as a backup in case of power loss, battery failure, or app issues, though this varies by exact model, so confirm with the product listing before buying.

How many people can have access codes?

This varies significantly by model. The Schlage Encode Plus supports up to 100 codes, making it the best option for large households or short-term rental hosts, while other models support fewer.

Is Apple Home Key more secure than a regular passcode?

Apple Home Key uses encrypted NFC communication between your device and the lock, similar to Apple Pay, and can work even when your iPhone or Apple Watch battery is depleted, which many owners consider both more secure and more convenient than a static keypad code.

Final Verdict

For most households, the Yale Assure Lock 2 is the best all-around pick: built-in Wi-Fi, no bridge required, and the widest range of unlock methods for family members with different preferences.

If your household is larger or you manage a rental property, the Schlage Encode Plus is the stronger choice, its 100-code capacity and Apple Watch unlock outclass the competition for multi-user access.

Comparing the two, choose Yale Assure Lock 2 for flexibility and simplicity in a typical household, or choose Schlage Encode Plus when you need to manage access for a large number of people.