In recent years, smart locks have gradually become a new trend in households due to their convenience. Along with many smart devices and smart homes, you may also want to install a smart lock for your door.
With countless models and brands out there, how can you know which one is the best for you?
Today, we are happy to help you out by providing a comprehensive guide on choosing the best smart front door locks.
Here are the best smart front door locks you can buy in 2024:
- Best Overall: Schlage BE469ZP CAM 619
- Compact: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (Newest Model 4th Gen)
- Easy To Install: Lockly Secure Pro Dead Bolt Edition PGD 728W
- Most Durable: ULTRALOQ U-Bolt Pro Smart Lock
- Budget Option: Sifely Keyless Entry Door Lock
- Best For Seniors: WeJupit V8 Keyless Entry Door Lock
| 6 Best Smart Front Door Locks | ||
|---|---|---|
Best Overall | Schlage BE469ZP CAM 619 | |
Compact | August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (Newest Model 4th Gen) | |
Easy To Install | Lockly Secure Pro Dead Bolt Edition PGD 728W | |
Most Durable | ULTRALOQ U-Bolt Pro Smart Lock | |
Budget Option | Sifely Keyless Entry Door Lock | |
Best For Seniors | WeJupit V8 Keyless Entry Door Lock | |
Best Overall: Schlage BE469ZP CAM 619
- Schlage only includes one physical key for the lock
- It drains the 4-AA batteries prematurely
The Schlage BE469ZP CAM 619 works very well when combined with the Samsung SmartThings hub. It helps you directly set and delete access codes from the SmartThings application operating on your smartphone.
The standard Schlage "C" style mechanical lock core is another thing we really like as it makes all the rekeying options for Schlage available when needed.
With it, you can share 30+ access codes, which eliminates the use of spare keys, meaning for step-up convenience. This lock is also compatible with the Alexa device for voice control.
| Schlage BE469ZP CAM 619 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimensions | 5 x 3 x 1 inches |
Material | Metal |
Highlight Features | Samsung SmartThings hub Alexa device compatibility standard Schlage "C" style mechanical lock core able to share 30+ access codes |
Compact: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (Newest Model 4th Gen)
- Convenient & Look fancy – made to be 45% smaller than the 3rd gen
- Give you full remote and voice access functionality - no external plugs required for connectivity
- Versatile - works with three voice assistants
- The app is a bit slow to work
- Expensive
There are so many worth-mentioning features of this smart front door lock but its decent compactness makes us impressed the most.
Compared to the 3rd gen, the size of this version is 45% smaller, plus, it looks fancy and not like a child's toy stuck to the door. Not to say that there are no external plugs required for connectivity so you’ll get full remote and voice access functionality hassle-free.
A cool thing is this lock will automatically unlock when you arrive and once the door is closed, its auto-lock function is activated.
We’re also glad that it works with three voice assistants for your convenience.
| August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (Newest Model 4th Gen) Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimensions | 2.8 x 2.8 x 2.75 inches |
Material | Metal |
Highlight Features | made to be 45% smaller than the 3rd gen no external plugs required for connectivity works with three voice assistants |
We love that the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (Newest Model 4th Gen) is crafted with 45% smaller than the 3rd gen, making it convenient and look stylish on your front door.
Easy To Install: Lockly Secure Pro Dead Bolt Edition PGD 728W
- High customization - built-in advanced 3D fingerprint sensor and touchscreen
- Increase security – Patented PIN Genie technology & peak-proof digital keypad
- Controllable anywhere - Secure Link Wifi Hub
If you plan to install the smart lock on your own, then try this. It’s relatively easy to set up if you follow the assembly instructions.
But what we like the most is its fingerprint reader and touchscreen that you can choose a 6-digit number combination.
Another cool thing is the 4 circles, each with 4 digits which randomize the numbers each time you input a code, meaning that people will never be able to guess your code if they watch you input it.
We’re also sold for its wireless door sensor. Thanks to this feature, you can easily check your lock status from anywhere.
| Lockly Secure Pro Dead Bolt Edition PGD 728W Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimensions | 7.3 inches x 3.15 inches x 4.5 inches |
Material | Steel |
Battery Life | 9 months – 1 year |
Highlight Features | built-in advanced 3D fingerprint sensor and touchscreen Patented PIN Genie technology & peak-proof digital keypad Secure Link Wifi Hub |
Thanks to the readable assembly directions, Lockly Secure Pro DeadBolt Edition PGD 728W is super-easy to install
Most Durable: ULTRALOQ U-Bolt Pro Smart Lock
- Durable – solid metal core
- High-security level - Dual Data Encryption
- Controllable and customizable - Share the Access to Your Home
- Multifunctional – the 6-in-1 keyless design
- Hard to see the orientation of the knob in a slightly dark room
- The bridge seems to have a very limited range
If safety and durability are your big concerns when looking for a smart front door lock, then don’t hesitate to choose the ULTRALOQ U-Bolt Pro Smart Lock.
Despite some plastic parts on the interior, its metal core gives a solid feel. Besides, Dual Data Encryption improves the lock’s security level hugely – without your permission, it can’t be unlocked.
You can share access to your house through this smart lock by using an eKey or a code. Plus, you can customize the periods of time and dates for that access.
Aside from the mechanical key, auto-unlock/lock, smartphone, and fingerprint that are commonly found on most other smart locks, you’ll benefit from two more interesting functions of this one - anti-peep keypad and shake to open. Enjoy!
| ULTRALOQ U-Bolt Pro Smart Lock Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimensions | 2.95 x 2.95 x 0.98 inches |
Material | Metal |
Battery Life | 4 months |
Highlight Features | solid metal core Dual Data Encryption Share the Access to Your Home the 6-in-1 keyless design |
The ULTRALOQ U-Bolt Pro is a highly durable smart front door lock that our team unanimously enjoys and appreciates on long-term use.
Budget Option: Sifely Keyless Entry Door Lock
- Reliable - backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee
- Offer remote control - Sifely WiFi Gateway compatibility
- Give you various methods to unlock - the Advanced 5-in-1 Keyless design
- Opening from the app could be faster and more responsive
- The handle is too long
The Sifely is a great chance for those homeowners who are also on a tight budget to try smart locks without flattening their wallet.
Priced under $200 but it is high-quality and is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, which is a steal.
It also has some of the features that are usually found on higher-end models, such as Sifely WiFi Gateway compatibility for remote control or the Advanced 5-in-1 Keyless design – giving you different unlocking ways.
This option is also widely used by lots of Airbnb short-term rental hosts because it allows you to create passcodes from distances and share it with your guests.
| Sifely Keyless Entry Door Lock Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimensions | 7 x 3 x 1.12 inches |
Material | Zinc |
Battery Life | 1 year over 10,000 locks/unlock times |
Highlight Features | backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee Sifely WiFi Gateway compatibility the Advanced 5-in-1 Keyless design |
Offering a good price with no compromise of quality or functionality, the Sifely Keyless Entry Door Lock is our best budget option.
Best For Seniors: WeJupit V8 Keyless Entry Door Lock
- Only require pressing to unlock the door - semiconductor finger sensor & touchscreen offers 2000+ fingerprint collection points
- Safe and security - auto-lock function
- Easy to install
- Lack of instructions
The WeJupit V8 Keyless Entry Door Lock is suggested a lot by families with seniors because of its top-notch convenience to use.
The lock is built with a semiconductor finger sensor while its touchscreen offers 2000+ fingerprint collection points that only require under one second to identify. That also means, after inputting all the fingerprints of your family members, anyone 80 years old can just press to open the door.
The auto-lock function is another big bonus. Besides, the assembly is like a breeze.
| WeJupit V8 Keyless Entry Door Lock Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimensions | 7.48 x 6.2 x 2.83 inches |
Material | Stainless steel |
Battery Life | 1 year |
Highlight Features | semiconductor finger sensor & touchscreen offers 2000+ fingerprint collection points auto-lock function |
Made with an auto-lock function, a touch screen offers 2000+ fingerprint collection points, and a semiconductor finger sensor, the WeJupit V8 Keyless Entry Door Lock is convenient for seniors.
How To Choose The Best Smart Front Door Lock?
How you interact with the lock
There are several ways in which you can interact with the lock. A touchpad is the first approach, all you need is a few slight touches and a secret code.
Otherwise, instead of a touchpad, you can get a smart lock with automatic functions such as the auto-unlock feature that requires no app, PIN, or effort.
There are also smart locks with scheduled key codes that work for only a certain time and day. Some locks even have activity history so you can know when doors are unlocked or locked by which codes.
Protocol Types
When choosing the protocol type, you will face three options: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Z-Wave. You need to weigh their pros and cons before making the decision.
- Bluetooth: this type consumes less power than Wi-Fi and is more convenient because a Bluetooth lock connects directly to your mobile device. But it has a limited range of about 300 feet.
- Wi-Fi: this type also allows for remote locking and unlocking the front door. In addition, it offers the most features like the integration with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
- Z-Wave: instead of connecting directly to your phone, this protocol requires a Z-Wave-compatible hub to translate the signal. The range of Z-Wave is even more limited with only 120 feet.
ANSI/BHMA security ratings
The ANSI/BHMA is the most commonly used grading system used to give quality assurance in terms of smart door locks. To determine the rating, the locks undergo several tests on aspects including pull strength, operational function, impact resistance, and key torque cycles.
You should look for a Grade 1 or Grade 2 lock for the best security and durability.
Battery life
The battery life is one of the most important factors of the smart lock. Z-Wave locks consume very little power, Bluetooth has a low power consumption too, and Wi-Fi uses the most power of the three.
All in all, you need to check the battery life carefully when browsing locks, which is often shown in the product specifications or on the packaging. Of course, you should always choose the longest battery life possible.
Is it compatible with your door?
Your new smart lock should work with your existing smart doorbell or smart home. But apart from that, it must be compatible with the door first.
A retrofit style lock is a good choice because, from the outside, people won’t know if there’s a smart lock mounted on the door and it can be configured to work with the right or left hand.
On the other hand, a smart lock that replaces the old deadbolt completely has to be bought for the correct handedness.
Which Brands Make The Best Smart Front Door Lock?
Schlage
Since 1920, this brand has always specialized in door locks. It’s now a leading brand in the industry and offers top-tier smart locks for you.
August
This brand makes household products and appliances. Here, you will find smart locks featuring great design and comfort that work well to protect your home.
FAQs
Are smart locks the best choice for a front door?
Yes, they are. A smart lock allows you to lock the door remotely so you won’t have to worry about forgetting to lock the door anymore. They are also secure by using a PIN, passwords, or voice assistants to make sure only the real owner of the house can come in.
Do smart locks need WiFi?
Not necessarily if you choose to use other protocols like Z-Wave and Bluetooth.
Can a smart thermostat unlock your front door?
No, you can’t.
Do all smart door locks work with Google home?
Not always. You should check the features and compatibility carefully when choosing the lock.
Can a smart door lock be hacked?
Yes, it can.
Conclusion
We hope that this post has given you all the information you were looking for to be able to choose the best smart front door locks. Remember that this is a matter of safety for your entire family, so pay extra attention to safety features and compatibility.
