While its primary function is to deter burglars, the best smart lock in 2023 also serves as preventative guards by notifying you each time a door is opened or closed. Some locks will automatically lock themselves if you forget to do so, while others with fingerprint sensors will alert you if the kids return home within a certain amount of time. Smart locks have revolutionized how we connect with and protect our houses, giving us the same sense of safety that security cameras do.
We chose the top smart lock based on its robust safety features, simple interface, quick installation, and convenient keyless entry. Having the ability to control the door from afar is crucial, and it becomes even more so if the system can be linked to voice assistants like Amazon’s Alexa or Apple’s HomeKit. As an extra benefit, this function lets you manage your smart lock from any location in the globe, simplifying your experience so that you don’t have to switch between applications.
we have evaluated a wide range number of smart locks, including some of the newest models to hit the market in 2023. Our top picks are listed below, and we’ll keep this page up to date
Best smart lock in 2023
PROS
- Has a variety of locking and unlocking ways.
- Supports fingerprint scanning
- Supports voice commands
- Able to interact with a wide range of third-party devices
- Equipped with Wi-Fi technology
CONS
- Doesn’t support the Apple Home Kit
Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi Smart Deadbolt
This best smart lock in 2023 is a logical acquisition if you use a service like AirBnB to rent out your property, since it allows visitors to enter your property with no effort on their part. For hassle-free access without the need for keys or apps, I suggest installing a smart lock with coded entry. Simply provide visitors with a temporary access code that will only be valid during their stay.
In terms of a coded smart lock, We recommend the Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro. When it comes to coded locks, it is as secure as it gets thanks to its weatherproof, glove-friendly physical buttons. It has a fingerprint reader and one of my favorite ideas for a smart lock: a covert front panel that folds down to expose the keyhole. In addition, the lock’s built-in Wi-Fi radio performed well in my range testing, suggesting that it may be an excellent choice for a door located several rooms away from your network. Apple HomeKit is not supported, however it is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice controls.
There are many U-Bolt Pro models available, but I recommend the most recent one shown here because of its fingerprint scanner, open/closed door sensor, built-in Wi-Fi for remote access on your phone, and compatibility with Alexa and Google Home, despite its steep price tag of $280. A cheaper alternative to this model is a $179 and it does not have an open/closed sensor but instead relies on a plug-in Wi-Fi bridge.
You can lock and unlock your door with the Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro Wi-Fi using your voice, fingerprint, keypad, smartphone app, or the old-fashioned way with a key.
PROS
- Supports Alexa, Google, HomeKit, IFTTT, and many more
- It automatically Locks and unlocks
- Its easy to install.
- Simplified design
CONS
- Its Expensive
- It has short battery durability
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock
A retrofit August lock and a DoorSense open-close sensor are included with the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, making it possible to retrofit your current deadbolt or other lock with smart features. This model of the lock already has built-in Wi-Fi, so you won’t have to shell out additional cash for August’s plug-in Wi-Fi Connect bridge to allow remote access via smartphone app or to pair with Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri.
Additionally, the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is 45% smaller than previous August models, and it provides a great variety of features via the August app. All activity at your front door is recorded, and you may provide access to an infinite number of users. Coded entry is also available for an additional $60 with the purchase of August’s wireless keypad attachment.
Everything that made the August Pro so great has been included: Features like DoorSense (which alerts you if a door has been left unlocked) and compatibility with a wide variety of other smart home systems (including Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Comcast’s Xfinity) make it a breeze to set up. As an added bonus, the August Wi-Fi locks may be used with your current deadbolt’s keys.
PROS
- Installation is a simple.
- Supports HomeKit, Alexa, Google Assistant, and more
- Automatic locking/unlocking capabilities
CONS
- The August Connect Module is Not Included; It Must Be Purchased Separately
- It lacks Apple HomeKit and Amazon Key support
August Smart Lock and Connect
The August Connect plug-in Wi-Fi bridge and the DoorSense open-close sensor make up August’s third-generation Smart Lock and Connect combo. Easy installation and the fact that you don’t have to replace your current deadbolt make this a great option for renters who may not have access to a locksmith.
This version of the August lock is compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa for voice control, and you’ll find the same fantastic remote access capabilities in the August mobile app, all thanks to the August Connect Wi-Fi bridge connecting the lock to your home network. Speaking of August features, Apple HomeKit support is about the only one you won’t find here (sorry, Siri).
It’s the first smart lock I’d suggest if you don’t want to replace your current lock in an apartment and it comes in silver or dark gray for as low as $185.
Keep in mind that if you wish to remotely manage and monitor the lock, you will also need the August Connect module, which can be purchased for about $60.
PROS
- Sleek and elegant style
- Uses a simple keypad and app to control it.
- Smart and reliable
- Supports the Google Assistant
CONS
- Difficult setup due to low-quality internals
- Fewer options than rivals
Google Nest x Yale Lock
Nest and Yale collaborated to create this aesthetically pleasing smart lock. The conventional lock and key mechanism has been replaced with a sleek touchscreen keypad, with the outside surround available in satin nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, or polished brass. Interior lock is 7.03 inches high by 2.78 inches wide, while the outside keypad is an oval shaped 4.59 inches by 2.59 inches. The lock is powered by four AA batteries, which should last for around a year before needing to be replaced.
You may use the app or a passcode (four to eight numbers) to access the door. The Nest X Yale also features an automatic locking option and a home/away feature that lock the door after a certain amount of time you’ve selected has passed. Nest X Yale may be operated by voice with a Google Home. You can Lock your door from the car, set up automatic locks for while you’re out, and integrate lock instructions into your Google Routines.
When compared to other locks on the market, the Nest X Yale is short on features. However, the functions it does have work well, and it connects well into a Google Assistant-controlled smart home.
PROS
- Clear set-up instructions
- Simple, elegant design
CONS
- Takes a few taps to respond sometimes
- Support for Alexa and Google Home requires a Z-Wave hub.
Kwikset Obsidian Smart Lock
Nest and Yale collaborated to create this aesthetically pleasing smart lock. The conventional lock and key mechanism has been replaced with a sleek touchscreen keypad, with the outside surround available in satin nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, or polished brass. Interior lock is 7.03 inches high by 2.78 inches wide, while the outside keypad is an oval shaped 4.59 inches by 2.59 inches. The lock is powered by four AA batteries, which should last for around a year before needing to be replaced.
You may use the app or a passcode (four to eight numbers) to access the door. The Nest X Yale also features an automatic locking option and a home/away feature that lock the door after a certain amount of time you’ve selected has passed. Nest X Yale may be operated by voice with a Google Home. You can Lock your door from the car, set up automatic locks for while you’re out, and integrate lock instructions into your Google Routines.
When compared to other locks on the market, the Nest X Yale is short on features. However, the functions it does have work well, and it connects well into a Google Assistant-controlled smart home.
How to choose a smart lock
Because smart locks are such a prominent feature you’ll use for your home, it’s crucial that you settle on a solid one that works well with the rest of your system. Whenever you go shopping, keep these things in mind:
Installation: Depending on the model, certain smart locks may be fitted in place of or in addition to the preexisting deadbolt on the inside of the door. It will change the whole installation process and the way your door appears from the outside.
Remote Control: Smart locks may be operated remotely through WiFi or Bluetooth (or both in some cases). If remote access and management of the lock is a priority, you should shop for a WiFi-enabled model. Bluetooth-only devices need you to be in close proximity to the lock in order to operate it from your phone.
Intergration: Do you want your smart lock to be integrated with other smart home features, such as turning on certain lights when the lock is opened or allowing you to unlock it simply by speaking a command? If so, make sure the smart lock is compatible with your home’s automation system, whether you use Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit.
Can a smart lock be hacked?
Yes, but the same can be said for every Wifi appliance you bring into your house. Hackers may be prevented if precautions are taken. Make sure your smart lock, along with all of your other connected devices, has a secure, one-of-a-kind password. To keep all your accounts safe and organized, we advise using a service like Dashlane, which is a great password manager.
It’s also a good idea to change your router and other network devices at least once every five years to keep your security measures current. Maintaining up-to-date hardware requires allowing software upgrades, which may include signing in and approving updates manually, as with a mobile phone.
Lastly, experts advise separating your PCs, which house sensitive data, from your smart home gadgets by creating a guest network. If someone were to hack your Wi-Fi smart lock, they wouldn’t be able to get access to your computer. The majority of modern routers provide simple segmentation controls that make this process smooth.
Sources:
Best Smart Locks of 2022 – Cnet
The best smart locks in 2022 – Tom’s Guide
