If you’re renting, absolutely check with your landlord and lease before installing one of these, even as a retrofit: Landlords often like to handle home security tech themselves and will need to sign off. The low-profile, retrofit design means you won't need to replace your existing deadbolt lock and installation is easy, although, as with similar August models, users will need to replace the "thumbturn" on the inside of their door to use it. Keep in mind, you will have to manage the rechargeable lithium battery when using this lock.Īugust's third-gen Smart Lock and Connect bundle comes with a DoorSense open-close sensor and the August Connect plug-in Wi-Fi bridge. Plus, we’re currently finding the fourth-gen August lock for under $150, an excellent deal compared to its original price and another way to save with this retrofitting option. Though August’s latest lock doesn’t have Matter quite yet, it’s still fully compatible with Alexa, Google Home and Apple Home, so you aren’t missing much. As with many locks on our list, you also have the handy ability to send guest access passes with customized deadlines (very convenient for managing anyone from a house cleaner to vacationing friends). That means you don’t have to replace your existing deadbolt to use it: The August lock fits over the bolt to control via app or voice assistant, a somewhat bulky (August continues to slim down its hardware) but extremely convenient option.Īugust’s locking features cover all the bases, including auto-locking, the “DoorSense” open/close notifications, and a log of all activity. This August lock has been on our list for some time now, has frequently starred as an Editor’s Choice selection, and continues to impress, especially as a retrofit model. If you’re looking for a sturdy lock that does a bit of everything in any climate, the Aqara Smart Lock U100 is an easy recommendation. With any smart lock comes the need to manage battery life, which is why we were also impressed with how the basic AA battery panel has a backup USB-C port to charge directly in case your drawers are suddenly out of batteries ( and you have a portable charger handy). Apps allow you to create one-time passes (a vital part of any modern smart lock), while a built-in gyroscope ensures the door automatically locks if it’s left unlocked for too long. In addition to the keypad for entry, the lock includes a fingerprint reader: If you add the Aquara ZigBee hub, it can manage up to 50 fingerprints. The list of features behind Aqara’s smart lock is lengthy, but we noted important standouts. Or if you’re interested primarily in hardware, we found the IP65-rated lock to be durable, efficient and relatively easy to install. For Apple fans, it’s one of the best Siri-friendly locks and is compatible with Apple’s latest Home Key passes.
For people focused on software and security, it’s one of the new wave of smart locks with Matter compatibility, which means it plays nice with multiple home platforms from Google, Amazon and Apple, plus there's added security when encrypting and sending smart home data. Beyond that, you'll find a growing number of models with advanced features, including touchpad controls, fingerprint readers and built-in sensors that can tell you if the door is ever left ajar. They even have options for retrofit (you get to keep your current lock and put smart lock tech over it) or replacement (you choose a shiny new deadbolt to complement your door).Īqara brings the latest smart lock technology together in excellent form with its combination deadbolt and sleek entry pad. They're great for letting workers, houseguests and pet sitters in without the need for a key, and they're a godsend when you get into bed only to realize you forgot to lock up. It's currently at the top of the smart lock game, but trusted brands like August, Lockly and Schlage also have excellent models to secure your front door.Ĭurious about smart locks? These connected devices, powered by batteries that need replacing every few months, will help you manage access to your home.
The smart lock we recommend to most folks is the Aqara Smart Lock U100, one of the most advanced locks we've seen, with Matter support, an excellent array of entry management options and a sleek design. Smart locks bring security and lots of connected convenience to your front door, and we've spent years testing devices to find the best of the bunch.