Best Smart Locks and Keypad Entry Systems That Are Actually Easy to Use

Schlage smart lock keypad on a dark wood front door — best smart locks
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Best Smart Locks and Keypad Entry Systems

Never Lose Your Keys Again

Think about how many times you’ve stood at your front door — hands full, keys buried somewhere, trying to unlock it in the dark.

There’s a better way.

Smart locks have quietly become one of the simplest upgrades you can make to your home. Not because they’re “high-tech.” But because they remove a small, daily frustration — and once it’s gone, you don’t want it back.

  • No more spare keys.
  • No more lockouts.
  • No more wondering if you locked the door.

Just a front door that works the way it should.

⚡ Start Here — The 30-Second Plan

If you just want the answer:

  • Best overall: Schlage Encode
  • Best value (under $100): Wyze Lock Bolt
  • Most features: Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi
  • Best mid-range: Philips WiFi Smart Lock
  • Best for renters: August WiFi Smart Lock
If you want one recommendation and move on → get the Schlage Encode. If you want to spend less → start with Wyze.
Why This Upgrade Actually Matters

This isn’t about adding tech to your home. It’s about removing friction. A smart lock gives you keyless entry, access control, activity tracking, remote control, and auto-lock. This isn’t a gadget. It’s a better front door.


The Best Smart Locks Right Now

Product Rating Price Range WiFi Fingerprint Best For
Schlage Encode 4.6 10,000+ verified reviews ~$200–250 Built-in ✓ Best overall
Wyze Lock Bolt 4.4 Thousands of verified reviews Under $70 — Bluetooth Yes ✓ Best value
Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro 4.4 Thousands of verified reviews ~$150–180 Built-in ✓ Yes ✓ Most features
Philips WiFi Smart Lock 4.3 Thousands of verified reviews ~$130–160 Built-in ✓ Yes ✓ Best mid-range
August WiFi Smart Lock 4.3 Thousands of verified reviews ~$150–200 Built-in ✓ Best for renters
Schlage Encode
~$200–250
Rating ★ 4.6 — 10,000+ verified reviews
WiFi Built-in ✓
✓ Best overall pick
Wyze Lock Bolt
Under $70
Rating ★ 4.4 — thousands of verified reviews
Fingerprint Yes ✓
✓ Best value under $70
Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi
~$150–180
Rating ★ 4.4 — thousands of verified reviews
Fingerprint Yes ✓
✓ Most features for the money
Philips WiFi Smart Lock
~$130–160
Rating ★ 4.3 — thousands of verified reviews
Fingerprint Yes ✓
✓ Best mid-range balance
August WiFi Smart Lock
~$150–200
Rating ★ 4.3 — thousands of verified reviews
Install No drilling needed
✓ Best for renters & HOAs

Detailed Reviews

1 of 5 — Best Overall
Schlage Encode
~$200–250  |  Built-in WiFi  |  ANSI Grade 1
★ 4.6 stars 10,000+ verified reviews ANSI Grade 1 certified 100+ years in business

Why people choose this

This is the lock most people end up happiest with. Schlage has been making locks for over 100 years — and it shows. Everything about this feels solid, simple, and reliable. Built-in WiFi means no hub needed. The keypad experience is clean. And with over 10,000 verified reviews holding steady at 4.6 stars, the consistent long-term satisfaction speaks for itself.

If you want to buy once and be done, this is it.

Best for

  • Primary front door
  • People who want zero hassle
  • Long-term reliability

What to know

  • No fingerprint option
  • No auto-unlock
If you want something that just works — this is where to start.
(AF) Best Overall Check Current Pricing for Schlage Encode →
2 of 5 — Best Value
Wyze Lock Bolt
Under $70  |  Fingerprint + Keypad  |  Bluetooth
★ 4.4 stars Thousands of verified reviews Fingerprint entry ✓ Under $70

Why this stands out

This is the easiest way to try a smart lock without overthinking it. Under $70 gets you fingerprint entry, keypad, app control, and solid battery life — features that used to cost three times more. Thousands of verified reviews at 4.4 stars confirm this consistently delivers far beyond its price point.

The easiest low-risk starting point.

Best for

  • First-time users
  • Secondary doors
  • Budget-friendly upgrades

What to know

  • Bluetooth only — no remote access when away from home
  • Replaces your deadbolt
Start here if price matters most. You won’t be disappointed.
(AF) Best Value See Wyze Lock Bolt →
3 of 5 — Most Features
Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi
~$150–180  |  Fingerprint + WiFi + Auto-Unlock
★ 4.4 stars Thousands of verified reviews Fingerprint + auto-unlock ✓ Multiple backup entry methods

Why people love it

This is the “everything” lock. Fingerprint, keypad, app, auto-unlock, and multiple backup options — all in one device. The fingerprint feature alone changes how you use your door. Thousands of verified reviews at 4.4 stars back up what the spec sheet promises: maximum convenience that actually works.

Maximum convenience in one device.

Best for

  • Hands-full entry
  • Feature-heavy users
  • Smart home setups

What to know

  • Setup takes longer than simpler options
  • No Apple HomeKit support
The most capable lock on this list — if you want every feature covered.
(AF) Most Features View Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi →
4 of 5 — Best Mid-Range
Philips WiFi Smart Lock
~$130–160  |  Fingerprint + Built-in WiFi
★ 4.3 stars Thousands of verified reviews Built-in WiFi ✓ Clean app experience

Why it works

This hits the sweet spot between price and capability. Fingerprint plus keypad plus built-in WiFi, all under ~$150, with a clean app experience that doesn’t require an engineering degree. Thousands of verified reviews at 4.3 stars confirm consistent performance across everyday users.

Strong balance of price and features.

Best for

  • Everyday users
  • Mid-range budgets
  • Simple, complete setup

What to know

  • Confirm you’re purchasing the built-in WiFi version
  • Not ANSI Grade 1 certified
The sweet spot for most buyers who want full features without overpaying.
(AF) Best Mid-Range Check Philips WiFi Smart Lock →
5 of 5 — Best for Renters
August WiFi Smart Lock
~$150–200  |  No Drilling  |  Installs Over Existing Lock
★ 4.3 stars Thousands of verified reviews No drilling required ✓ Keeps existing hardware

Why it’s different

This doesn’t replace your lock — it installs over it. No drilling, no hardware swap, full smart control. That distinction matters enormously for renters, HOA homes, or anyone who doesn’t want to modify their door. Thousands of verified reviews at 4.3 stars across a loyal repeat buyer base confirm this is the go-to solution for hassle-free installation.

The easiest way to upgrade without changing your door.

Best for

  • Renters
  • HOA restrictions
  • Simple installs

What to know

  • Keypad sold separately if you want one
  • Higher total cost when adding keypad
The only lock on this list that works without touching your existing hardware.
(AF) Best for Renters See August WiFi Smart Lock →

How to Choose (Quick)

Simple + reliable → Schlage Encode
Cheap + effective → Wyze Lock Bolt
Most features → Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro
Best balance → Philips WiFi
No install hassle → August WiFi
Pick one and move forward. You’ll feel the difference immediately.
What NOT to Overthink

You don’t need a full smart home system, complicated integrations, or perfect feature matching. You need one thing: a lock that fits your life and works every day.


Final Questions Before You Choose

Can someone hack a smart lock?
In real-world use, these are more secure than traditional locks. Most issues come from weak PINs or overshared access — not the lock itself.
What if WiFi goes down?
Your lock still works. You’ll have full access via keypad, fingerprint, and physical key. You just lose remote control temporarily.
What if the battery dies?
You’ll get low battery warnings well in advance. And you always have a physical key backup — or external power options on some models.
Can I give others access?
Yes — and this is one of the biggest benefits. Create unique codes, set schedules, and remove access instantly. No key copying required.
Can I install this myself?
Yes. Most installs take 10–30 minutes and one screwdriver. No locksmith needed.

Final Recommendations

If you want the simplest path

Start with Schlage Encode — 10,000+ verified reviews, 4.6 stars, 100+ years of lock-making behind it. Or choose Wyze Lock Bolt for a budget-friendly entry that punches well above its price.

If you want to compare further
  • Ultraloq → fingerprint + auto-unlock + most entry methods
  • Philips → clean mid-range with built-in WiFi
  • August → no drilling, perfect for renters
Ready to Upgrade Your Front Door?
You don’t need to research this for another week. Pick one. Install it. Experience it.

SafeHomeFirst is reader-supported. We may earn a commission at no cost to you if you purchase through our links. We only recommend products we’d confidently use in our own homes.

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