rabbit.reviews

The Best Smart Locks

Updated April 2026·Experts: CNET, Tom's Guide, nytimes, WIRED

Best Overall

Yale Assure 2

$150-$250
$150-$250 at Amazon→

If you only read one recommendation, it's this: the Yale Assure 2 is the community consensus pick, full stop. It's reliable, ecosystem-agnostic, and you won't regret it.

What holds up

  • Supports Matter, Z-Wave, and Zigbee for broad ecosystem compatibility
  • Works with Apple Home/HomeKit, Alexa, Google Home, and SmartThings
  • Compact, sturdy build with excellent companion app
  • Apple Home Key support for tap-to-unlock via Apple Watch

What to know

  • Some configurations require a separate hub for Z-Wave/Zigbee
  • Wi-Fi module may need to be purchased separately depending on variant
  • Higher price point than budget alternatives
What people say
Yale Assure 2 seems to be the most recommended here, and most likely for good reason. It's reliable, works with multiple ecosystems (Matter, Z-Wave).
Reddit user
Get it for $150-$250
Read the full breakdown →
Best for Security-Conscious Buyers

Schlage Encode Plus

$150-$230
$150-$230 at Amazon→

When the r/Locksmith community recommends something, you listen. Schlage's hardware quality is in a different class from most smart lock brands, and the Encode Plus delivers that with modern smart features.

What holds up

  • ANSI Grade 1 deadbolt, highest residential security certification
  • Built-in Wi-Fi means no hub required
  • Supports Apple Home Key for tap-to-unlock
  • Can be used as a regular lock even without smart features enabled

What to know

  • Bulkier exterior design compared to minimalist competitors
  • Apple Home Key is the primary ecosystem; Android experience is less polished
  • Higher price than budget options
What people say
I highly recommend the Schlage Encode Plus. It's an ANSI Grade 1 deadbolt, and can be used with or without smart features.
Reddit user
Get it for $150-$230
Read the full breakdown →
Best Retrofit (No Locksmith Needed)

August Smart Lock (4th Gen)

$80-$130
$80-$130 at Amazon→

The locksmith community specifically recommends August because it lets you keep a quality deadbolt underneath. That's the right instinct, don't sacrifice your physical security for smart features.

What holds up

  • Installs over existing deadbolt in minutes, no new drilling
  • Keeps your existing exterior lock and key fully functional
  • Works with Alexa, Google Home, HomeKit, and SmartThings
  • Auto-lock and auto-unlock via geofencing

What to know

  • Only controls the interior thumb turn, exterior keypad sold separately
  • Bulkier interior design compared to full deadbolt replacements
  • Wi-Fi Connect Bridge required for remote access (sold separately)
What people say
I like the August lock you can put a real dead bolt on there and still get the ease of use of a smart lock.
Reddit user (r/Locksmith)
Get it for $80-$130
Read the full breakdown →
Best for Apple Home Users

Aqara Smart Lock U100

$90-$140
$90-$140 at Amazon→

If you're deep in the Apple ecosystem, the U100 is the obvious choice, Apple Home Key is genuinely magic, and no other lock delivers it this cheaply.

What holds up

  • Apple Home Key support, unlock with iPhone or Apple Watch tap
  • Listed at $140 but regularly available below $100
  • Fingerprint reader, NFC, keypad, and physical key unlock methods
  • Solid AES 128-bit encryption and IPX5 weather resistance

What to know

  • No built-in Wi-Fi, requires Apple Home hub (HomePod/Apple TV) or Aqara hub for remote access
  • Best experience is Apple-only; Alexa/Google require Aqara hub
  • Less useful for non-Apple smart home setups
What people say
Listed at $140 but regularly offered below $100, the C34 is on the low end of pricing yet has a good set of features, including built-in Wi-Fi... and even support for Matter.
Wirecutter
Get it for $90-$140
Read the full breakdown →
Most Versatile

Ultraloq Bolt Fingerprint

$100-$160
$100-$160 at Amazon→

If you have multiple people coming and going with different preferences, some want fingerprint, some want keypad, some want app, the Ultraloq handles it all without forcing everyone into one workflow.

What holds up

  • Fingerprint reader, keypad, app, voice control, and physical key all supported
  • Works with Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, and SmartThings
  • Built-in Wi-Fi for remote access without a separate hub
  • Strong value for the number of features offered

What to know

  • Brand is less established than Schlage or Yale, long-term reliability less proven
  • App experience less polished than Yale or Schlage
  • Fingerprint reader can be inconsistent in cold/wet conditions
What people say
The Ultraloq Bolt Fingerprint is one of the most versatile smart locks we've tested, offering numerous ways to lock and unlock your door and third-party support across multiple platforms.
PCMag
Get it for $100-$160
Read the full breakdown →