Smart Door Locks

Who Ya Gonna Lock?

No more asking for keys back - keys are now in an app.

Latest Update 8/1/21

Topics covered

Compatible Locks
Combining Doorbells
Full replace or partial

Things to consider

Is your door compatible
Touchpad, fingerprint, key look
How much do you have to replace
Compatibility with other products

overview

One of the biggest improvements we see people fall in love with besides security camera monitoring, is entry control though smart locks. Most locks that work with smart home ecosystems require an independent single cylinder deadbolt to operate. Also, the deadbolt you are replacing or modifying will not be hardwired, which is a good thing because you can get into your house when the power is out. However, the downside is that you will have to change the batteries periodically. (The locks will let you know when it is time - although some more accurately than others).
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We are big fans of door locks that do not replace the external tumbler (key hole) because this provides you the backup necessary to get in if something goes wrong (a partial replacement). There are a number of companies out there offering locks - some more traditional names like Shlage, and other new players like our personal favorite, August. August has actually put their technology in some Yale locks, as well.
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When considering a lock, we recommend you consider what ecosystem you are using for video doorbells, because one of the slickest things you can do is get an alert on your phone of who is at the door, and then unlock it straight from the same app. To this end, look for the same branding or a company making both. We recommend having your security system point a dedicated camera at the front door anyway, but having the redundancy with a doorbell is a great add-on. Additionally, if your lock offers a keypad, it is a nice addition for guests who might not have a smart phone but you give regular entry to, such as grandparents or children.

Simply the Best Lock

August Smart Lock Pro / WiFi

August has the ecosystem locked down for your front door, with the best lock on the market. They have both wired and battery doorbells with fantastic software and a wireless keypad - a combo that is hard to beat. Their new lock is smaller and doesn't need a wireless bridge for remote access.

Works with

BUY NoW on amazon

Detailed review - August smart lock

August makes arguably the best smart lock on the market. From sleek design (black and white) that fits in with most homes, to rock-solid technology, good battery life, and approachability even in a rental unit, this is our go-to. Previously, we recommended the Smart Lock Pro with its Connect Bridge to bring it to HomeKit or Google Home, but now the new, cheaper, smaller August WiFi Lock can just go straight into your ecosystem of choice. August also has one thing others do not - a way to tell you if the door is open or closed, not just if it is locked or unlocked.

We recommend pairing the August smart lock with the smart keypad to add an ease of use and to let guests have independent access. Creating and deleting codes is as easy as can be, and you never need to give a spare key to anyone. The August video doorbells have not stacked up as well when compared with others - based on their expensive video plans and subpar night video quality. But when you combine them with single-app ease of use, we will still recommend because the August Lock is that good. We always recommend you point a standalone security camera at the front door if possible, and this way you can avoid the additional subscription of recording through the August Video Doorbell.

Google Home bliss

Yale Nest and Google Hello

The Yale Nest Lock (and connect bridge) have all been built with Google in mind, and if you don't mind losing the functionality of a key override, this is the lock for your Google Home. Combined with the Hello Doorbell (hardwired) and you can monitor and control everything out front.

Works with

buy now on amazon

Detailed review - Yale nest and google hello

Google Hello is arguably the best video doorbell on the market, with a very attractive video storage plan, great AI features like package and people detection, and integration to be able to use your smart speakers as the doorbell. Combine this with an integrated lock like the Yale Nest collaboration project and your Google Home will be the best it can be. Our only gripe with this solution is that it seems more permanent, because you must wire the doorbell, and the lock replaces (and removes) the front key hole for manual entry. This makes it harder to recommend especially if you are in a rental property.

Honorable Mentions

Level Lock

The Level Lock requires a major overhaul to replace your entire door lock mechanism, but despite the aesthetic changes this is undoubtedly an option for some.

Works with

buy now on amazon

Schlage Sense

A home name in locks since the beginning of time, this Schlage smart lock (with bridge) will work with any ecosystem and has a keypad built in. They also sell matching finishes for handles.

Works with

buy now on amazon