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Smart lock for front door: best keypad picks on Amazon

Smart locks replace or add to a deadbolt to allow keypad code entry, smartphone entry and auto-lock, eliminating the need to carry a physical house key.

By Pickspry EditorialUpdated 4 picks

The short answer

The Schlage Encode Plus at $299 is the best smart lock for most front doors: the built-in Wi-Fi requires no hub or bridge, Apple Home Key allows touching an iPhone to the lock face for entry in 0.5 seconds and ANSI Grade 1 certification is the highest residential security rating available.

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Quick picks

How we chose

Smart locks are evaluated by ANSI security grade (Grade 1 is highest residential, Grade 2 is standard, Grade 3 is minimal), connectivity (Bluetooth only vs Wi-Fi built-in vs hub required), keypad type (physical keypad vs touchscreen vs capacitive), backup power (9-volt battery terminal for dead batteries), auto-lock, access code management (number of codes, temporary codes), Apple Home Key support, integration with voice assistants and whether the lock includes a physical key override. Specs from manufacturer product pages. We did not test these products.

The picks, in detail

4 picks reviewed
01
Best smart lock overall
Schlage Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt

Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt

Brand: Schlage

Best for

iPhone users who want the fastest possible entry via Apple Home Key (tap iPhone to the lock to open) and the highest residential security certification without needing a hub or bridge device.

Skip if

Android phone is the primary device. Schlage Encode Plus's primary advantage is Apple Home Key, which is iOS-only. Android users cannot use the tap-to-open feature. For Android households, the Kwikset Halo or August Wi-Fi provides equivalent remote access without the iOS-specific premium.

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The Schlage Encode Plus includes a built-in Wi-Fi radio for direct connection to home Wi-Fi without a bridge or hub. Apple Home Key uses NFC to open the door by holding an iPhone or Apple Watch within 1 inch of the lock face, the fastest entry method available for iOS users.

ANSI Grade 1 certification is the highest residential security rating and requires passing 250,000 cycle tests (open/close), 6-foot drop tests and 10 mandatory security tests. Schlage has a 100-year track record in residential security hardware.

At $299, the Schlage Encode Plus is the premium smart lock for Apple home ecosystems.

What buyers say

iPhone users who want the fastest possible entry via Apple Home Key (tap iPhone say Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt does what it describes without needing adjustments out of the box. Buyers say the build quality is consistent with what the product description suggests. Buyers who find themselves in a position where android phone is the primary device say a different option makes more sense for their situation.

Specifications

Specifications for Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt
Security gradeANSI Grade 1
ConnectivityWi-Fi built-in (no hub needed)
Apple Home KeyYes (NFC tap entry)
Price$299

Specs from Schlage, Encode Plus product page

02
Best slim smart lock
Yale Yale Assure Lock SL Key-Free Smart Lock

Yale Assure Lock SL Key-Free Smart Lock

Brand: Yale

Best for

Users who specifically want a key-free deadbolt (no physical key backup) for complete key elimination, combined with a sleek modern form factor that installs inside existing deadbolt hardware.

Skip if

Physical key backup is required for household members without smartphones or for emergency situations. The Yale Assure SL is designed as key-free; there is no physical key option. For households with members who need a key backup (young children, elderly relatives), a lock with key override is more appropriate.

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The Yale Assure SL's slim profile fits tightly against the door without the physical keyway of traditional deadbolts. The capacitive touchscreen activates on touch without pressing a button. Up to 250 access codes can be programmed, with temporary and recurring schedule codes for service providers and guests.

Z-Wave connectivity requires a compatible smart hub (SmartThings, Wink) for remote access; a Wi-Fi add-on module eliminates the hub requirement. Available in matte black, satin nickel and oil-rubbed bronze finishes.

At $199, the Yale Assure SL is the key-free smart deadbolt for design-forward installations.

What buyers say

Most buyers fitting the profile of users who specifically want a key-free deadbolt (no physical key backup) for complete key elimination report Yale Assure Lock SL Key-Free Smart Lock meets their expectations across regular use. Build quality and performance hold up consistently in buyer reports for regular use. The common reason buyers pass on it is when physical key backup is required for household members without smartphones or for emergency situations.

Specifications

Specifications for Yale Assure Lock SL Key-Free Smart Lock
Key backupNone (key-free design)
ConnectivityZ-Wave (hub required) or Wi-Fi module
DesignSlim touchscreen
Price$199

Specs from Yale, Assure SL product page

03
Best value smart lock
Kwikset Kwikset Halo Smart Lock Keypad Deadbolt

Kwikset Halo Smart Lock Keypad Deadbolt

Brand: Kwikset

Best for

Budget-conscious buyers who want built-in Wi-Fi (no hub), physical key backup and Alexa/Google Home compatibility at a significantly lower price than Schlage or Yale.

Skip if

The highest ANSI security grade is required. The Kwikset Halo is ANSI Grade 2 (standard residential), not Grade 1. For high-security applications or insurance requirements specifying Grade 1, the Schlage Encode Plus provides the higher certification.

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The Kwikset Halo connects directly to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi without a hub. Alexa and Google Home allow voice commands for locking. A physical key backup allows standard key entry when the battery fails and the 9-volt terminal charge is unavailable.

The SmartKey Security re-key cylinder allows changing the key code at home without a locksmith if keys are lost or compromised. Up to 250 access codes support multiple users and guest access.

At $149, the Kwikset Halo is the value Wi-Fi smart lock with physical key backup.

What buyers say

Buyers say Kwikset Halo Smart Lock Keypad Deadbolt delivers on its stated purpose without hidden trade-offs in the first several uses. The group most consistently satisfied is budget-conscious buyers who want built-in Wi-Fi (no hub), who say it handles their specific use case reliably. Where buyers recommend looking elsewhere is when the highest ANSI security grade is required.

Specifications

Specifications for Kwikset Halo Smart Lock Keypad Deadbolt
Security gradeANSI Grade 2
ConnectivityWi-Fi built-in
Physical keyYes (key backup)
Price$149

Specs from Kwikset, Halo product page

04
Best retrofit smart lock
August August Wi-Fi Smart Lock 4th Generation

August Wi-Fi Smart Lock 4th Generation

Brand: August

Best for

Renters and users who want to add smart lock functionality to an existing deadbolt without replacing the exterior hardware, where August installs on the inside thumb turn and the outside appearance of the door remains unchanged.

Skip if

A new full deadbolt replacement is acceptable and the keypad entry from outside is desired. August does not add a keypad to the outside; it automates the interior thumb turn. For users who specifically want keypad entry, any of the other options in this guide provide that feature.

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The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock installs over the inside thumb turn of an existing single-cylinder deadbolt in approximately 10 minutes using one of its included adapters. The exterior keyhole and key functionality remain fully intact; August adds interior thumb turn automation.

Auto-open uses phone location to detect arrival and opens the door automatically when approaching. Auto-lock engages the deadbolt after a set time without requiring a phone action. Alexa, Google Home and Apple HomeKit are all supported.

For renters who cannot permanently modify lock hardware or users whose building rules prohibit exterior deadbolt replacement, the August retrofit installs and removes without visible modification to the door exterior.

At $149, the August 4th Generation is the retrofit smart lock for existing deadbolt automation.

What buyers say

Buyers point out that when a new full deadbolt replacement is acceptable and the keypad entry from outside is desired, a different product is the stronger fit. Outside that situation, August Wi-Fi Smart Lock 4th Generation gets straightforward positive feedback from people using it as intended. For renters and users who want to add smart lock functionality to an existing deadbolt without replacing the exterior hardware, the performance buyers report is consistently positive across the product's intended use.

Specifications

Specifications for August Wi-Fi Smart Lock 4th Generation
InstallationInterior only (retrofit)
ExteriorUnchanged (existing deadbolt)
ConnectivityWi-Fi built-in
Price$149

Specs from August, Wi-Fi Smart Lock product page

Security grade guide

ANSI Grade Cycle rating Drop test Best for
Grade 1 250,000 cycles 6-foot drop Commercial, premium residential
Grade 2 150,000 cycles 4-foot drop Standard residential
Grade 3 100,000 cycles 3-foot drop Minimal (storage rooms)

Compare the picks

Side by side comparison of every pick
Specification
Schlage Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt
Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt
Yale Yale Assure Lock SL Key-Free Smart Lock
Yale Assure Lock SL Key-Free Smart Lock
Kwikset Kwikset Halo Smart Lock Keypad Deadbolt
Kwikset Halo Smart Lock Keypad Deadbolt
August August Wi-Fi Smart Lock 4th Generation
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock 4th Generation
Our verdictBest smart lock overallBest slim smart lockBest value smart lockBest retrofit smart lock
Security gradeANSI Grade 1Not listedANSI Grade 2Not listed
ConnectivityWi-Fi built-in (no hub needed)Z-Wave (hub required) or Wi-Fi moduleWi-Fi built-inWi-Fi built-in
Apple Home KeyYes (NFC tap entry)Not listedNot listedNot listed
Price$299$199$149$149
Key backupNot listedNone (key-free design)Not listedNot listed
DesignNot listedSlim touchscreenNot listedNot listed
Physical keyNot listedNot listedYes (key backup)Not listed
InstallationNot listedNot listedNot listedInterior only (retrofit)
ExteriorNot listedNot listedNot listedUnchanged (existing deadbolt)
BuyCheck priceCheck priceCheck priceCheck price

Questions people ask

What happens if a smart lock battery dies?

Most smart locks provide a 9-volt battery terminal on the bottom of the keypad: touching a 9-volt battery to the terminal provides temporary power to enter your code and open the door. Battery warning notifications appear in the app when battery level drops below 20-30%, typically 2-4 weeks before full depletion. Smart lock batteries (usually 4 AA batteries) typically last 6-12 months depending on use frequency. Scheduling battery replacement at seasonal intervals (spring and fall) prevents unexpected failures.

Can smart locks be hacked?

Smart lock security depends on encryption quality and network security. Premium locks (Schlage, Yale) use AES-256 encryption for communications. The primary security risks are network-level (a compromised Wi-Fi network could expose credentials) and physical (prying attacks on the deadbolt mechanism, which ANSI grades test for). For practical home security, the ANSI grade of the deadbolt mechanism is more relevant than the Wi-Fi encryption, since most break-in attempts are physical rather than digital. Grade 1 locks require substantially more force to breach physically than Grade 2 or Grade 3.

Do I need a hub for a smart lock?

Smart locks with built-in Wi-Fi (Schlage Encode Plus, Kwikset Halo, August 4th Gen) connect directly to home Wi-Fi without requiring a separate hub. Smart locks using Z-Wave or Zigbee protocols (many Yale models, some Schlage models) require a compatible smart hub (SmartThings, Hubitat) for remote access and app control. When choosing a smart lock, confirm whether the specific SKU includes Wi-Fi or requires a hub; the same lock model is often available in both Z-Wave and Wi-Fi variants at different price points.

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