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Smart locks might not have made any substantial advancements to the actual mechanics of a deadbolt, but they've certainly changed the way we interact with them. With motorized deadbolts and built-in connectivity with your home network or phone, smart locks allow you to lock and unlock your door remotely using an app, and a lot of them can sync with voice assistants, home automation platforms and home security systems, too. They can be a big help if someone needs to drop something off while you're out of the house, if you have houseguests or renters who need access to your home or if you can't seem to remember whether you locked the door on your way to work in the morning.
The features that define the best smart lock for your home will differ depending on the door in question and the people who walk through it. Smart locks that can be retrofitted to the traditional lock instead of replacing the existing deadbolt are a must-have for some people, especially apartment-dwellers. Others will care more about user codes that they can share with houseguests or extra features like fingerprint scanners, auto-locking and unlocking or compatibility with Apple HomeKit.
CNET has tested a wide number of smart locks over the years, including some of the most recent models to hit the market in 2022. Three of our top picks are listed below.
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock includes unlimited user access, auto-locking and unlocking, and a log of every action that happens at your front door.
Our long-running smart lock champ, the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock includes a retrofit August lock and a DoorSense open-close sensor to upgrade your existing deadbolt or other lock. Wi-Fi comes built in with this version of the lock, so you won't need to pay extra for August's plug-in Wi-Fi Connect bridge to enable remote access with a smartphone app or to sync up with Alexa, Google Assistant or Siri (August supports all three, which is terrific).
On top of that, the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is 45% smaller than previous August models, and it offers a good mix of features in the well-designed August app. That includes unlimited user access, auto-locking and unlocking, and a log of every action that happens at your front door. If you purchase August's wireless keypad accessory for $60, you can add coded entry into the mix, too. The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is a capable, easy-to-install smart lock and a reliable performer in our tests, all of which earned it an Editors' Choice award from CNET.
Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro physical buttons that work regardless of the weather or whether or not the user is wearing gloves.
If you're renting out your place using a service like AirBNB, then a smart lock makes a ton of sense to make it easy for guests to get in. Our recommendation would be to get a smart lock that supports coded entry — just give your guests a code that only works for the duration of their stay, and they'll be able to get in and out without needing to use a key or download an app.
The coded smart lock we like the best is the Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro. With physical buttons that work regardless of the weather (or whether or not the user is wearing gloves), it's about as foolproof as coded locks get. It features one of our favorite smart lock designs, with a built-in fingerprint sensor and a sneaky front face that flips down to reveal the keyhole. Plus, the lock's built-in Wi-Fi radio was a top performer in our range tests, which might make it an especially good pick for a door that's a couple of rooms away from your router. You can sync it with Alexa or Google Assistant for voice controls, too, though Apple HomeKit isn't supported.
With its retrofit design, the Wyze Lock works with your existing deadbolt and key.
If you're ready to upgrade to a smart lock, but you aren't crazy about the idea of spending $200 or more, then the Wyze Lock might be just what you're looking for. Available for just $130, you'll get built-in Bluetooth for pairing with your phone at close range plus a plug-in Wi-Fi hub for connecting from afar or connecting via Alexa or Google Assistant. If you're interested in coded entry, you can add a wireless keypad accessory into the mix for an extra $30.
With a retrofit design, the Wyze Lock works with your existing deadbolt and key. It's admittedly plain-looking on the inside of your door, but it's easy to install, and it worked well in our tests, making it a great budget pick.
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For the holidays: Get inspiring home and gift ideas – sign up now!
Now that many people are working from home, a lot of households are using more electricity than ever before. Here are some tips to make your h…
With its retrofit design, the Wyze Lock works with your existing deadbolt and key.
Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro physical buttons that work regardless of the weather or whether or not the user is wearing gloves.
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock includes unlimited user access, auto-locking and unlocking, and a log of every action that happens at your front door.
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