Smart Door Locks: What To Get In 2024

According to a recent Sefewise survey, break-ins are the leading crime concern in the US. The FBI reports that a burglar breaks into a property every 25.7 seconds — this means that Americans experience more than 3,000 break-ins each day.

If you’re looking to have a sense of peace in your home or business, investing in security systems is essential. One way to protect your property is by using a smart door lock.

A smart door lock is an electromechanical device. This means it’s both an electronic and mechanical device that can unlock and lock your doorway without using traditional keys. The smart lock can receive locking and unlocking instructions from an authorized device like a smartphone.

To help you make a seamless purchase, we’ll identify the best smart door lock 2024 that you can find in the market today. But first, let’s discuss the important factors to consider when buying a smart door lock.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Smart Door Lock

Method of Entry

When choosing a smart door lock, one of the most critical factors you need to consider is how you want to access it.

Some smart door locks are accessible via biometric systems. This means that you need to use your fingerprint to unlock your door. It limits the entry to individuals whose fingerprints are registered to your security system.

Commercial smart door locks often come with radio-frequency identification, or RFIDs. You need to have a key fob or a key card to unlock it. There are also smart door locks that use keypads to enter a PIN before you can enter, and smart door locks that are voice-activated.

Lock Type

Smart door locks can be either deadbolt type or lever-style. A deadbolt style replaces the existing deadbolt on your door while the lever style combines the lock and door-opening lever in one.  

Connectivity

When you’re looking for a smart door lock, you need to consider how you want to control and monitor it. Zigbee and Z-Wave are the most common radios built into smart locks. There are also Bluetooth smart digital door locks.  

Smart door locks rarely have Wi-Fi built into them because Wi-Fi requires a lot of power, and you’ll end up changing batteries all the time.  

Smart Features

Smart door locks try to outdo each other with their multiple features. Remember that more features mean a more expensive smart door lock. There are smart door locks with a camera, while others have Alexa integrated into them.

If you’re looking to save money, check all the features and decide if you really need all of them. You might find a cheap smart door lock but without all of the essential features for you.

Design

Design is a factor that you need to consider. Will the design of the smart door lock complement your door’s overall design? Will it stand out and look out of place? Is it ideal as an outdoor lock and is it durable?

Best Smart Door Lock

Yale Assure

There is no question why Yale’s Assure is one of the best smart door locks in 2024. It has all the bells and whistles that you’re looking for in a smart door lock.

The Yale Assure is a Wi-Fi and Bluetooth smart digital door lock. Using the August app, you can lock and unlock your door. You can even share access to others, making this the best smart lock for front door if you operate an Airbnb.

The Yale Assure also has a touchscreen keypad to gain entry even if you don’t have your phone with you. The only downside with this is that the touchscreen sometimes fails to register input, and you’ll need to repeat your code.

The Yale Assure is easy to connect to Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri. This makes it a suitable smart door lock, whatever type of mobile device you prefer.

This smart door lock comes in four color choices, so you can choose one that complements the design of your door.

Hornbill Smart Lock

If you’re looking for a cheap smart door lock, then you might want to look into Hornbill’s Smart Lock. It’s a Bluetooth smart digital door lock equipped with a deadbolt.

It is made from durable Zinc Alloy and can withstand getting exposed even to harsh weather conditions. The waterproof design means you don’t have to worry about it getting damaged by rain.

You can unlock it using the keypad, your smartphone, or a traditional mechanical key. The access is shareable, and you can control how long the temporary permit is valid. You can give temporary codes to guests, cleaning crews, or employees.

You can pair your Hornbill Smart Lock with Alexa if you want to use its Voice Control feature. However, if you want Voice Control, you need to connect your smart door lock to a Wi-Fi Bridge. The Wi-Fi Bridge is also required if you want to control your smart door lock using your mobile phone remotely.

The Wi-Fi Bridge is sold separately, so you’ll need to make another purchase if you want to use these additional features.

August Wi-Fi Smart Lock

If you’re not too fond of keypads or touchscreens, the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is worth considering. This is a smart lock that can work almost anywhere. You can use it as a back door smart lock or as a sliding glass door smart lock.

It is ready to use right out of the box. Additionally, it doesn’t require a Wi-Fi Bridge, so you can use Voice Control and Remote Access features immediately. It works with Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant.

It is easy to install, and you can use it to upgrade your existing lock. Just install it to your existing deadbolt so you can continue using your old mechanical keys. It is available in only one color and design, though, so it might clash with the aesthetics of your door.

For added security, you have the option to activate Biometric verification. This allows you to use the fingerprint or facial recognition software of your smartphone.

Ultraloq UL3 BT

Versatility is one of the most desirable traits when we look for a smart door lock, and Ultraloq’s UL3 BT is one of the most versatile locks in the market today. You can open this smart door lock with your fingerprint, smartphone, or mechanical key. You can also use a code to unlock it. It even has a unique

Knock to Open feature. Just knock or shake your mobile phone to open the door.

The Ultraloq UL3 BT has a reversible handle so that it will fit into any door placement. It is a bit difficult to install, though, and you might need a handyman’s assistance to install it properly.

The lock’s body is made of weatherproof material so it won’t fade or malfunction when exposed to the elements.

The UL3 BT has low battery consumption, so there’s no need to replace batteries frequently. Its batteries can last up to one year. This is great battery life for smart door locks, especially when you compare it to a smart door lock with camera.

Signstek Keypad Entry Level Door Lock

Signstek’s Keypad Entry Level Door Lock is another option for those who want an affordable smart door lock. It has a detachable handle that makes it ideal for both left-hand and right-hand doors.

It is certified IP57 waterproof. You can install this smart door lock even on outside doors without fear that it will get damaged by rain or constant exposure to sunlight.

Because of its reasonable pricing, this is a favorite for those looking for commercial smart door locks and a frequent entry on smart door lock reviews as a value-for-money purchase.

It has an auto-lock function that enhances security. The device detects any incomplete door locking. You no longer have to worry about accidentally leaving your door unlocked.

Because this is an entry-level door lock lacks some of the nice-to-have functions that more expensive models have, like remote access or pairing with mobile devices.

Best Smart Door Locks with Camera

Schlage Encode

Schlage Encode is one of the most popular products of Schlage. You’ll most likely read about it in other smart door lock reviews because of its great features. This is also a favorite among buyers with thousands of positive reviews on online shopping platforms.

One of the most notable edge of the Schlage Encode over other commercial smart door locks is its built-in Wi-Fi. Most of the time, you’ll need to purchase a Wi-Fi Bridge for you to use your door lock’s Wi-Fi capabilities. It is ready to pair with Alexa so you can check its status wherever you are.

Touchscreens are notorious for being fingerprint magnets, but the Encode is fingerprint-resistant. No need to worry about unsightly fingerprint smudges on the capacitive touchscreen.

The design of the Encode is not too exciting, though. It is a bit bulky, and the overall design looks outdated. This is easy to overlook, though, when you consider all the other great features of the Schlage Encode.

Smart Lock by Gate Labs

This is an ideal smart door lock with camera for those who want to improve their homes’ security. The camera is built-in and motion-activated, so it won’t quickly drain its battery. The camera is high-resolution, and you can remotely view it using your smartphone.

Gate Lab’s Smart Lock is remotely accessible for both iOS and Android users. It has a companion Gate App that lets you know whenever the keypad is used or if someone rang your doorbell. You can even greet your visitors remotely thanks to its two-way audio system.

If you are frequently out of the house but need other people to access your home temporarily, you can create temporary passcodes. You can create individual passcodes for guests, babysitters, or housecleaners.

You can use this as a sliding glass door smart lock, but it is not ideal for metal doors.

US:E Camera Equipped Smart Lock

US: E’s smart lock is probably one of the best smart door lock for 2024. It has excellent features that homeowners would surely love.

If you are one of those who often forget their keys or the PIN on your door lock, you’ll like this smart door lock. It has the most advanced 3D facial recognition software available. The camera has incredible resolution and can record videos at 1080P HD.

You can unlock the door as long as your face is registered to the system. This is the best smart lock for front doors for those who are often in a hurry. Although it has facial recognition, you can still unlock the door using a mechanical key, your fingerprint, via a mobile app, or by using a key card.

This smart door lock is accessible remotely via a companion app so you can check its status even while you’re on vacation. It comes with a hefty tag price, so it may not be the best option if you’re looking for a cheap smart door lock.

eLinkSmart Fingerprint Smart Lock

If you need a smart door lock that can keep your property safe, especially during the night, then this is the best smart door lock for you. It supports touchscreen and keypad entry. You can also unlock it using a mechanical key or remote access via its companion app.

It allows you to create a temporary password, and you can even set the start and end time of its validity. This helps those who have houseguests or house cleaners who need to enter their home while they’re not around.

This is an easy-to-install smart door lock. It does not require any drilling.

Its biggest draw, though, is its camera. The security camera is accessible remotely. You can rotate the camera, which allows you more visibility. This is the best back door smart lock for those who have large backyards.

The camera even supports night vision, which is not available to other smart door cameras.

The security camera is not built-in, though, so this is not the best option if you’re looking for a smart door lock with a built-in camera.

Lockly Vision

If what you’re looking for is a Bluetooth smart digital door lock, then look no further. The Lockly Vision is a Bluetooth-capable smart lock and video doorbell. This is an innovative design that combines security features that you often need to purchase separately.

This is a plug-and-play device, so there’s no need for a complicated set-up. You can unlock your door using your fingerprint, physical key, or via access codes. You can also remotely control it using a mobile app.

It comes equipped with an HD video camera that allows you to view live footage if you are away. You can store them in the internal SD video storage or on a Cloud-based storage system for the video recordings.

The Lockly Vision has many great features, but it also comes with a hefty tag price.

Most Affordable Smart Door Locks

Kwikset Smart Code 888

Commercial smart door locks are relatively expensive, with an average cost of around $150 to $400. If you’re looking for a relatively cheap smart door lock that has value for money, the Kwikset Smart Code 888 can be the perfect device for you.

Available for only $109, the Kwikset smart lock is a frequent entry in affordable smart door lock reviews. Sporting a simple design, the device features an easy-to-use pinpad. It is available in three different colors, including satin nickel, polished brass, and venetian bronze.

The Kwikset Smart Code 888 offers excellent protection against bumping and picking attacks. It boasts a Z-Wave Plus technology, which means that it can communicate with other smart home devices.

Installing SmartCode 888 is rather easy. The brand features a step-by-step installation video that you can watch here.

The only downfall, perhaps, is that the Kwikset Smart Code 888 requires hub for Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and other additional features. Only by using a hub you can open the lock via Ring app, a pinpad, or your key.

Wyze Lock WLCKG1

The Wyze Lock WLCKG1 is available for only $108. Unlike the Kwikset Smart Code 888, the Wyze Lock WLCKG1 comes with a Wi-Fi hub. With this, you can control the Wyze smart lock wherever you are by installing a smart or visual assistant software.

What makes it even more unique is that it allows you to change your lock settings via the Wyze application. You can set the device for automatic locking whenever you leave your property and automatic unlocking when you return.

The Wyze Lock WLCKG1 is a retrofit smart lock, which means that it doesn’t change the external component of your doorway’s lock mechanism. 

Essentially, you use whatever existing hardware you currently have in order to connect the interior escutcheon to your door and use the mobile app (or the original key) to operate the lock from outside.

Installing the device is a no-brainer with the help of the Waze application. If you follow the step-by-step process, it may only take you around 15 minutes. What’s more, you merely need a screwdriver to set it up.

The only downfall, perhaps, is that it may look or feel a bit flimsy.

AKASO Smart Lock

The AKASO Smart Lock is available for only $159.99. While it’s a bit costlier than the previous models, it comes with more advanced smart lock features. These include a 9-Voltage battery backup, a smart key support, and Bluetooth support.

The smart lock is a strong and solid tool. It has a sleek black design and a touchscreen surface. The device is ideal to use for single homes and multiple-occupancy establishments.

This Bluetooth-enabled smart lock can be assigned to a master account and smart phone that can control access pins. 

The AKASO Smart Lock allows you to monitor your doorway in real time. You can know who accesses your doorway as the device sends records of unlocking to the authorized mobile phone.

If you happen to enter a wrong password five times, the device will automatically lock for five minutes. The device also has an automatic lock feature after 30 seconds when a person enters or exits the property. 

The AKASO Smart Lock device also has a deadbolt feature, which stops entree from people outside until the lock is released inside.

Smart Door Locks in A Nutshell

Without a doubt, smart door locks can make our lives so much easier and more convenient than ever. They can add another layer of protection for our residential and commercial properties.

Buying a smart door lock doesn’t have to be challenging. All you need to do is assess your specific needs and see what model matches your requirements. If you have any input, comment below!