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Best smart locks of 2025
A simple way to upgrade your security system or add to your smart gadgets at home is to invest in a smart lock. It allows you to track who is locking and unlocking the doors to your home, grant temporary access to visiting family, friends or pet sitters during the upcoming holiday season and adds a great deal of security to your home, especially if you don’t already have a home security system set up.
I and other CNET experts tested nearly 30 popular smart lock options to narrow them down to the latest and greatest models we can happily recommend for your home. Find out what’s right for your door below.
Yale’s ultra-compact keypad keeps the technology in the locking mechanism.
While my list is full of excellent locks, including the Schlage Encode Plus and Lockly Visage, my top pick is the Yale Assure 2. Although not every version of this lock has a fingerprint reader, this one does just about everything in a very compact design, including Apple support and easy digital swiping, plus many options for appearance and compatibility with home security systems. I found it to have the most focused and valuable performance with a very solid appearance.
What’s new in the smart lock industry right now
If you’ve been on the fence about whether or not to upgrade your home security to smart technology, now might be the time to finally make the leap. With the imposition of tariffs, technology prices will gradually become more expensive. A recent CNET poll showed that 87% of shoppers are concerned about purchasing technology due to high prices and tariffs.
He loves
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The compact design includes many smart features
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Update support issue
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Contactless fob for keychains included
Don’t like
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It’s missing some accessibility options like fingerprint readers
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beloved
Why I like it:
At a quick glance, no one would know this level lock has tech features, but the standard-looking lock includes app support, a contactless card-like key fob (included) and Apple Home/Home Key support, among other hidden tricks. I found it easy to install without the bulky attachments of many locks, making it more suitable as a one-person job.
He loves
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Sharp design
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Huge amount of unlock options
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Face recognition
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Apple Home and Home Key compatibility
Don’t like
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beloved
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Annoying add-on to a wired door sensor
Why I like it:
Lockly’s Visage lock has the most extensive unlocking options I’ve seen, from facial recognition to fingerprints and codes on the Genie keyboard’s ever-changing touchscreen, so you can’t save your finger position, just the numbers. It also works natively with the Apple Home app and Home Keys (as well as Google and Amazon), making it an excellent choice for Apple fans of all types. The lock runs on rechargeable batteries and comes with an extra battery, so we don’t have to worry about losing power – although we found that we had to charge and replace the packs fairly regularly.
He loves
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Video with object recognition
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Free on-board video storage
Don’t like
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No two-way audio
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The lock needs a good location for clear video
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Video doorbells make redundant features
Why I like it:
Video locks are one of the big new home security trends in 2025, combining video doorbells and smart locks into one big-box device that does everything for the front door. Eufy has released one of the first lines available to consumers, a powerful model with a rechargeable battery, a 2K camera, and Eufy’s object recognition feature for noticing humans, animals, etc.
The E330 has a keypad, fingerprint reader for access, and a doorbell. We’ve found it to be a great option for those who don’t have a video doorbell or security camera yet.
Smart home compatibility Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Home/Siripower 4 AA batteriesLock options Key, keyboard, app, bluetoothSpecifications and configurations ANSI/BHMA, Grade 1/AAA
He loves
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Excellent handle design alternative to screw
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Customizable notifications
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Up to 100 access codes
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Alexa and Google Assistant support
Don’t like
Why I like it:
Not everyone has a deadbolt or wants to replace it to get the features of a smart lock. We liked the Schlage Alternative, a smart Wi-Fi lever that replaces your current doorknob and still offers many of the same conveniences. Built-in Wi-Fi lets you set up up to 100 entry codes, customize notifications, review activity logs, and schedule an automatic lock. The lock focuses primarily on code entry through app management, but it works with Alexa and Google Assistant for additional voice control options.
measuring 2.8 x 2.8 x 2.75 inchesLock type Biometric DeadboltSpecial features Application control; Auto locks and unlocksCompatibility Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThingsprice $200
He loves
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Easy retrofit design for existing bolts
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Comprehensive locking and monitoring options
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Compatibility with Alexa, Google Home, and Apple Home
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Thinner and more affordable than ever
Don’t like
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Although it’s more compact than previous models, it’s still bulky
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There is no complete compatibility of the material yet
The August Lock has been on our list for some time, has been repeatedly highlighted as an Editor’s Choice and continues to impress as a retrofit model. This means you don’t have to replace your existing lock to use it: the August Lock mounts above the deadbolt for control via an app or voice assistant, which is a somewhat bulky but very convenient option.
The August Lock features automatic locking, DoorSense open/close notifications, and a log of all activity.
Smart home compatibility Apple Home/Siri, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistantpower 4 AA batteriesLock options Key, keyboard, app, bluetooth, home keys and digital passesSpecifications and configurations ANSI/BHMA, grade 2
He loves
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Elegant design
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Alexa, Google and Siri voice assistant support
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Options for codes, fingerprints, and more
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Works with Airbnb and ADT Plus
Don’t like
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It can be expensive
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Not all models have fingerprint access
The Yale lock is small and powerful, has an excellent app, and works with many smart home platforms, including Apple Home/HomeKit, Alexa, and Google Assistant. It offers almost everything a modern smart lock should be, without the bulky design that some locks can suffer from, and is perfect for those who want form and function. In addition to the keyboard and app control, it also supports Apple Home keys and numeric scrolling. There are many different styles depending on how you want your lock to look.
He loves
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Compact retrofit
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Sticky keyboard
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Easy auto lock/unlock options
Don’t like
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It may be too expensive for some renters
Yale’s Approach Lock is a great option for renters or others who need to leave their existing locks intact, and we’ve found it very easy to install and dismantle as needed. The retrofit is more compact than the August lock and includes Bluetooth access for contactless operation. You can also use the keypad included in this package, which offers an adhesive alternative to installation so you don’t have to worry about screw holes or other loose rental items. The lock can tell you if a door is open at any time and allows you to set automatic locking for improved security. It works with Alexa and Google Assistant but not Apple.
He loves
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One of the most affordable smart lock brands at $150 or less
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Keyboard and fingerprint
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Easy eKey passcodes
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High weather resistance IP65
Don’t like
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No support for Apple or Siri
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The entry panel design is not suitable for everyone
Smart locks aren’t known for their budget options, which still tend to exceed $100 if you want the best features. The Ultraloq model is one of the best matches we’ve found between affordability and features, including a durable keyboard and built-in fingerprint sensor. Our tests also found that the Ultraloq’s Wi-Fi range was particularly excellent for a smart lock, making this a good option for a sublet, granny cabin, Airbnb apartment, or similar situations.