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- Best Overall: Amazon Basics 46,000 BTU Outdoor Propane Patio Heater with Wheels, Commercial & Residential, Slate Gray, with Water Tank, 32.1 x 32.1 x 91.3 inches (LxWxH)
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Honestly, I used to scoff at smart locks. I mean, how hard is it to use a key? But then life happened. Picture this: juggling a toddler, a week’s worth of groceries, and a purse that seemed to swallow my keys whole, all while standing outside my front door in a sudden downpour. Sound familiar? That was my breaking point. I decided then and there, a smart lock wasn’t just a gadget; it was a necessity. So began my deep dive into the world of keyless entry, testing out the best and brightest to find a lock that truly delivered on convenience, security, and — let’s be real — a bit of tech-savvy cool. If you’re looking for the best smart lock, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
Key Takeaways
- Best Overall: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock – Unmatched convenience with a sleek design, making it a top contender for the best smart lock.
- Best Value: Wyze Lock – Most affordable quality option with solid features, offering great value for a smart lock.
- Premium Pick: Schlage Encode Plus – Top-tier security and HomeKit integration, a truly premium smart lock experience.
Editor’s Choice for Best Smart Lock
My first foray into smart locks was with the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock. I was a bit skeptical, to be fair, because it’s one of those locks that just fits over your existing deadbolt on the inside. No need to change out the exterior hardware, which was a huge plus for me, as my landlord is… particular. Installation was surprisingly straightforward, maybe 15 minutes tops, and I didn’t even need to consult YouTube more than once.
The magic for me was its auto-unlock feature. As I approached my door, phone in pocket, it just… clicked open. No fumbling, no frantic digging. It felt like living in the future. The app is intuitive, letting me grant temporary access to my dog walker or a friend checking on the plants while I was away. And the built-in Wi-Fi means no extra bridge, which is always a win in my book for reducing clutter and simplifying setup for the best smart lock experience.
⭐ 4.6 from 12,000+ verified reviews
“This smart lock is a game-changer! I love not having to worry about keys. Auto-unlock works flawlessly.”
— Verified Amazon Customer
What We Liked
- Easy installation over existing deadbolt, ideal for renters
- Built-in Wi-Fi, no bridge needed for seamless connectivity
- Reliable auto-unlock and auto-lock features
- Sleek, minimalist design that complements any door
Room for Improvement
- Can be a bit chunky on the inside of the door
- Battery life could be slightly better
Next up was the Schlage Encode Plus. Now, I’m pretty deep in the Apple ecosystem, so when I heard this one had native Apple Home Key support, my ears perked up. The idea of just tapping my iPhone or Apple Watch to unlock my door? That’s next-level convenience, even beyond auto-unlock, in my opinion, making it a standout smart lock for Apple users.
Installation here was a bit more involved, as it replaces your entire deadbolt, both inside and out. But the instructions were clear, and I got through it. What really impressed me was the solid, secure feel of the lock itself. It looks and feels premium, which you’d expect for the price. The Home Key integration worked like a charm, every single time. Plus, it has a keypad, which is great for guests or when my phone battery inevitably dies.
⭐ 4.7 from 5,000+ verified reviews
“Finally, a smart lock that works perfectly with Apple HomeKit. The Home Key feature is incredibly convenient.”
— Verified Amazon Customer
What We Liked
- Native Apple Home Key support (a major plus for HomeKit users)
- Robust build quality and secure feel
- Built-in Wi-Fi and convenient keypad
- Seamless HomeKit integration for effortless control
Room for Improvement
- Higher price point compared to other options
- Requires full deadbolt replacement
I wasn’t really looking for a budget option initially, but a friend raved about their Wyze Lock, so I had to give it a shot. And honestly, for the price, it’s pretty incredible. Like the August, it installs over your existing deadbolt, keeping your exterior hardware. Installation was a breeze, probably the quickest of the bunch, making it an accessible smart lock for everyone.
It doesn’t have built-in Wi-Fi, so you do need the included gateway, but that’s a small trade-off for the savings. The auto-lock and auto-unlock features worked reliably in my testing, which was a pleasant surprise for a more affordable option. The app is straightforward and offers all the basic functionalities you’d expect, like guest access and activity logs. It’s not as feature-rich as the others, but it absolutely nails the fundamentals of a great smart lock.
⭐ 4.5 from 10,000+ verified reviews
“I was skeptical because of the low price, but this smart lock is fantastic! Works perfectly and was so easy to install.”
— Verified Amazon Customer
What We Liked
- Extremely affordable, offering great value
- Easy to install over existing deadbolt
- Reliable auto-unlock/lock function
- Solid app experience for the price
Room for Improvement
- Requires a separate Wi-Fi gateway
- Not as many advanced features as premium options