Overview
The August Smart Lock Pro is our favorite smart lock—it integrates with most smart home hubs, gives you smartphone control, and installs easily. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly standard deadbolt, we like the Schlage B60N deadbolt with its reinforced strike plate and extra-long screws. Keep reading to see our top picks for every type of door lock to meet any need.
2020’s Best Home Door Locks
August Smart Lock Pro
$168.44*
Easy installation
Voice assistant compatibility 
No keypad 
Schlage Connect
$184.06*
Z-Wave connection
Alexa, SmartThings, Wink Integration
No built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth 
Ultraloq UL3 BT
$174.49*
Bluetooth connectivity
Fingerprint scanning, smart key options
No option to make additional key copies 
Schlage B60N
$34.97*
Easy installation
Resistance to bumping and picking
Manual key only 
Kwikset 991 Juno
$33.70*
SmartKey technology
Lifetime warranty
No included reinforced strike plate *Data and standard retail prices as of 12/18/2019. Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by retailer.
December 18, 2019
Last Updated: 2 months ago
We switched the Schlage Connect images with the newest version of the product.
Our favorite door locks
- August Smart Lock Pro: Best Wi-Fi smart lock
- Schlage Connect: Best electronic lock
- Ultraloq UL3 BT: Best biometric lock
- Schlage B60N : Best deadbolt
- Kwikset 991 Juno: Best deadbolt/lockset combo
Compare top picks for door locks
| Lock | August Smart Lock Pro | Schlage Connect | Ultraloq UL3 BT | Schlage B60N | Kwikset 991 Juno |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| What it looks like |  |
 | | | |
| Learn more | |||||
| Best for | Best Wi-Fi Smart Lock | Best Electronic Lock | Best Biometric Lock | Best Deadbolt | Best Deadbolt/Lockset |
| Price* | $168.44
| $184.06
| $174.49
| $34.97
| $33.70
|
| Color/finish | Dark gray, silver | Black, brass, bronze, chrome, nickel | Bronze, nickel | Black, brass, bronze, chrome, nickel, pewter | Brass, bronze, nickel |
| Compatibility | Siri, Alexa, Google Assistant, SmartThings, Wink, Nest, IFTTT | Alexa, Google Assistant, SmartThings, Ring Alarm, Wink | IFTTT | N/A | N/A |
*Data and standard retail prices as of 12/18/2019. Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by retailer.
Best Wi-Fi smart locks
August Smart Lock Pro review
Best Wi-Fi smart lock
August Smart Lock Pro
$168.44
Dimensions
3.4 x 3.4 x 2.2 in.
Power
4 AA batteries (included)
*Amazon price as of 12/18/2019. Price and availability subject to change.
August Smart Lock Pro pros and cons
Pros
- Voice assistant, home automation, and security platform compatibility
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Z-Wave connectivity
- DoorSense feature with alerts when door is closed
- Easy installation
- Auto-lock/auto-unlock features
Cons
- Extra cost for Wi-Fi adapter
- No keypad for coded entry
Why we recommend the August Smart Lock Pro
The August Pro works with Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant, as well as Nest, SimpliSafe, Wink, Samsung SmartThings, and more.
The August Smart Lock Pro’s auto-unlock feature detects your phone as you approach and unlocks the door, then locks the door when you leave. Taking it a step further, the DoorSense technology determines whether the door is actually closed before locking it and alerts you if it’s not.
Keep in mind that August smart locks use your existing deadbolt, so you’ll need a sturdy deadbolt.
The August Smart Lock Pro is everything a smart door lock should be—easy to install, convenient to use, and widely compatible with home automation and security systems.
To use the August with Wi-Fi and smart home technology, you need the August Connect, a bridge device that’ll cost you around $60. You can save a bit of money if you buy the Connect and the Pro together.
>>Learn more: Check out our full best smart door locks list for more options and to see how it compares to other smart locks.
ASecureLife’s recommendation: We prefer the August Smart Lock Pro to the second and third generation locks because with the Connect, the Pro connects to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Z-Wave, and it connects to more smart home and security systems.
Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt review
Runner-up Wi-Fi smart lock
Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt
$199.99
Dimensions
3 x 5 x 1 in. (exterior); 3 x 5.5 x 2.2 in. (interior)
Door thickness
1 3/8 to 1 3/4 in.
Power
4 AA batteries (included)
*Amazon price as of 12/18/2019. Price and availability subject to change.
Schlage Encode pros and cons
Pros
- Built-in Wi-Fi connection (no bridge needed)
- Fingerprint-resistant touchscreen
- Easy installation
- Voice control through Alexa or Google Assistant
- Highest level security rating (ANSI/BHMA Grade 1)
Cons
- No Apple HomeKit compatibility
- Few customer reviews so far
Why we recommend the Schlage Encode
Although new to the market, the Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi deadbolt has impressive features and Schlage’s solid reputation behind it.
A Wi-Fi connection is built into the deadbolt, giving you smartphone access from anywhere without a bridge. You can even control the lock with your voice through Alexa or Google Assistant.
The Schlage Home app or the Amazon Key app lets you manage up to 100 user codes, so everyone in your household, plus guests, can access your house as long as they have an active code.
The touchscreen is fingerprint resistant to prevent anyone from guessing your codes by studying which numbers have smudges, and a built-in alarm will sound if it detects tampering. The Encode even works with Ring products.
>>Learn more: For more information about Schlage locks, check out our Schlage locks review.
ASecureLife’s recommendation: We ranked The Encode above many other smart door locks not only because the Wi-Fi connection is built in but also because the Encode has a higher security rating. Plus, with up to 100 individual user codes, the Encode is ideal for rental properties or Airbnb.
Schlage Connect review
Best electronic lock
Schlage Connect
Starting from
$184.06
Dimensions
3 x 1 x 5 in. (exterior); 3 x 8 x 2 in. (interior)
Door thickness
1 3/8 to 1 3/4 in.
Power
4 AA batteries (included)
*Amazon price as of 12/18/2019. Price and availability subject to change.
Schlage Connect pros and cons
Pros
- Z-Wave connection
- Integration with Alexa, SmartThings, and Ring
- Fingerprint-resistant touchscreen
- Three built-in alarm settings
- Highest level security rating (ANSI/BHMA Grade 1)
Cons
- No built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
Why we recommend the Schlage Connect
The Schlage Connect doesn’t have Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity, so you can’t control the lock with your smartphone unless you have other Z-Wave devices. With that connection, it can communicate with any other Z-Wave-compatible smart home products from brands like Samsung SmartThings, Wink, Nexia, Ring, Alexa, and Google Assistant.
The Schlage Connect holds up to 30 user codes and has three built-in alarm settings to alert you of any activity at the door. You can lock the door by pushing a single button (no need to enter a passcode), and a backup key is included just in case.
Schlage Connect price
Your Schlage Connect lock may cost more than $168.99. The price depends on the color you choose.
ASecureLife’s recommendation: Some customers report problems with this lock in extreme weather conditions like high humidity or extra cold temperatures. Beyond that, with its secure deadbolt and home automation connectivity, the Schlage Connect is great for anyone with a home automation system already in place.
Kwikset SmartCode 916 review
Runner-up electronic lock
Kwikset SmartCode 916
$179.99
Dimensions
5.6 x 2.8 x 1.2 in. (exterior); 5.75 x 2.75 x 2 in. (interior)
Door thickness
1 3/8 to 2 in.
Power
4 AA batteries (not included)
*Amazon price as of 12/18/2019. Price and availability subject to change.
Kwikset SmartCode 916 pros and cons
Pros
- Z-Wave or Zigbee connectivity
- SecureScreen technology
- Autolock and one-touch-locking features
- Easy installation
- SmartKey rekey technology
Cons
- No built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
- Second-highest security rating (ANSI/BHMA Grade 2)
- Reported problems with cracked screens
Why we recommend the Kwikset SmartCode 916
Like the Schlage Connect, the Kwikset SmartCode 916 doesn’t have Wi-Fi capabilities, but it does connect to Z-Wave or Zigbee depending on the model you choose. So you can still make the SmartCode 916 part of your smart home and control it from your smartphone.
The SmartCode 916 holds up to 30 user codes, allows one-touch locking, and automatically locks the door after 30 seconds. Kwikset’s SecureScreen technology asks you to touch two random numbers before entering the correct code numbers. That way, it’s harder for a burglar to guess your passcode based on fingerprints.
ASecureLife’s recommendation: We love the extra security features and recommend this door lock for anyone with a home automation system in place, particularly one that uses the Zigbee protocol exclusively.
Ultraloq UL3 BT Fingerprint Smart Lock review
Best biometric lock
Ultraloq UL3 BT Fingerprint Smart Lock
$174.49
Dimensions
3.5 x 6.3 x 7 in.
Door thickness
1 3/8 to 1 3/4 in.
Power
3 AA batteries (included)
*Amazon price as of 12/18/2019. Price and availability subject to change.
Ultraloq UL3 pros and cons
Pros
- Fingerprint scanning, digital touchscreen, smartphone, and key options
- Lower price than other biometric options
- Bluetooth connectivity
- IFTTT compatibility
- Premium metal construction
Cons
- No option to make additional key copies
- Beeps every time the door is opened or closed
- Door handle lock only, not a deadbolt
Why we recommend the Ultraloq UL3 BT
The Ultraloq UL3 BT unlocks with a fingerprint reader, numeric touchscreen, or mechanical key. It also works with Bluetooth so you can access it through your smartphone, which you can’t do with many other biometric locks. You can even shake your phone (Android) or knock on your phone (iOS) to unlock the door.
Although Ultraloq doesn’t integrate with other home automation devices directly, it does work with IFTTT. Through that service, the lock works with your smart home.
Uniquely, the Ultraloq has an Anti-Peep Password feature for numerical passcodes. You can unlock the door by pushing a string of random numbers as long as the correct passcode is in there, preventing an intruder from guessing the code from the fingerprints.
ASecureLife’s recommendation: The Ultraloq has an IP65 rating, so it’s waterproof and dustproof and works indoors or outdoors. And with so many ways to access the door without a physical key, the Ultraloq is ideal for businesses or rental properties.
Samsung SHS-P718-LMK Biometric Lock review
Runner-up biometric lock
Samsung SHS-P718-LMK Biometric Lock
$419.00
Dimensions
3.3 x 15.2 x 2.4 in. (exterior); 3.4 x 14 x 2.5 in. (interior)
Door thickness
1 1/2 to 3 1/10 in.
Power
8 AA batteries (included)
*Amazon price as of 12/18/2019. Price and availability subject to change.
Samsung SHS-P718-LMK pros and cons
Pros
- Fingerprint scanning, digital touchscreen, and RFID
- Up to 100 fingerprints and 31 user codes
- Random security numbers to avoid passcode guessing
- Automatic locking when shut
- Mortise cylinder for extra security
Cons
- Higher cost
- Complicated installation
- No compatibility with thinner doors
Why we recommend the Samsung SHS-P718-LMK
The Samsung SHS-P718-LMK is a high-tech, heavily secure biometric smart door lock, but that means it also costs more and involves a complicated installation process.
One extra security feature we like is that before entering a touchscreen passcode, you’ll be prompted to push two random numbers first. This prevents thieves from guessing your code by seeing which numbers have the most fingerprints or are the most worn out.
The Samsung has an optional double authentication (using two methods to unlock the door) and extra security features, like an alarm after five failed entry attempts and an alarm if the door is forced open without being unlocked first.
ASecureLife’s recommendation: Because of the high cost and complicated installation, this door lock is best for commercial or multiunit residential buildings.
Schlage B60N Deadbolt review
Best single cylinder deadbolt
Schlage B60N Deadbolt
$34.97
Dimensions
2.5 x 2.5 x 1 in.
Door thickness
1 3/8 to 1 3/4 in.
*Amazon price as of 12/18/2019. Price and availability subject to change.
Schlage B60N pros and cons
Pros
- Easy installation
- 3-inch screws for metal strike reinforcer
- Resistance to bumping and picking
- Low price
- Tamper-resistant design
- Highest level security rating (ANSI/BHMA Grade 1)
Cons
- Manual key only—no digital or smart features
Why we recommend the Schlage B60N
The Schlage B60N single cylinder deadbolt is affordable but highly secure. It’s resistant to lock picking, bumping, and tampering. It also comes with a reinforced strike plate and extra-long screws to protect against kicking in.
ASecureLife’s recommendation: While there are no digital or smart features with this standard deadbolt, it’s an excellent manual lock that installs easily and fits all standard doors. We recommend it, especially in combination with the August Smart Lock Pro.
Kwikset 980 Deadbolt review
Runner-up single cylinder deadbolt
Kwikset 980 Deadbolt
Starting from
$34.30
Dimensions
2.6 x 2.6 x 1 in.
Door thickness
1 3/8 to 1 3/4 in.
*Amazon price as of 12/18/2019. Price and availability subject to change.
Kwikset 980 pros and cons
Pros
- SmartKey rekey technology
- Highest level security rating (ANSI/BHMA Grade 1)
- Low price
- Bump, pick, and drill resistance
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Manual key only—no digital or smart features
- No included strike plate
Why we recommend the Kwikset 980
The Kwikset 980 single cylinder deadbolt is a close runner-up to the Schlage. It also has a top security rating and is resistant to lock bumping, picking, and drilling. It installs easily and fits most standard doors. However, it doesn’t come with a reinforced strike plate to strengthen the door against being kicked in.
Kwikset’s SmartKey Security rekey technology allows you to rekey the deadbolt yourself easily. This means you won’t have to call a locksmith if one of your kids loses a key or a houseguest forgets to return a key.
ASecureLife’s recommendation: This is a manual deadbolt that uses a traditional key, so no smart features are available. But it is an affordable, strong, and secure door lock option that’s easy to rekey.
Single cylinder vs. double cylinder
A double cylinder door lock must be unlocked by a key on both sides of the door—it has no thumbturn on the inside. While this design is more secure, it poses a safety hazard if you need to leave your home quickly (for example, in case of a fire).For that reason, double cylinder locks are best for doors with a window directly next to them. Since a key is required, a burglar cannot break the window and simply reach around to unlock the door. In this scenario, we recommend the Kwikset 985 Double Cylinder Deadbolt.
Best deadbolt/lockset locks
Kwikset 991 Juno Entry Knob/Single Cylinder Deadbolt Combo review
Best deadbolt/lockset
Kwikset 991 Juno Entry Knob/Single Cylinder Deadbolt Combo
$33.70
Dimensions
2.6 x 2.6 x 1 in. (deadbolt); 2.6 x 2.6 x 2.75 in. (handle)
Door thickness
1 3/8 to 1 3/4 in.
*Amazon price as of 12/18/2019. Price and availability subject to change.
Kwikset 991 Juno pros and cons
Pros
- SmartKey rekey technology
- High level security rating (ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 deadbolt and Grade 2 knob)
- Bump, pick, and drill resistance
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Extra installation
- No included reinforced strike plate
Why we recommend the Kwikset 991 Juno
If you’re looking for both a deadbolt and door handle lock, we recommend the Kwikset 991 Juno single cylinder deadbolt and door handle combo. The deadbolt has a top security rating overall, and the handle has the top rating for residential door handles. Many other locksets have lower ratings for the deadbolt, so the Kwikset 991 Juno stands out.
Both the deadbolt and the door handle come with Kwikset’s SmartKey Security rekey technology, allowing you to rekey them yourself and even to use the same key on both locks. Both are resistant to lock bumping, picking, and drilling.
ASecureLife’s recommendation: If you want two locking points at your door, a deadbolt/lockset lock is your best choice, and the Kwikset 991 Juno has the highest security ratings available.
Kwikset Montara Single Cylinder Handleset review
Runner-up deadbolt/lockset
Kwikset Montara Single Cylinder Handleset
$113.98
Dimensions
2.6 x 2.6 x 1 in. (deadbolt); 2.75 x 12 x 2.6 in. (handle)
Door thickness
1 3/8 to 1 3/4 in.
*Amazon price as of 12/18/2019. Price and availability subject to change.
Kwikset Montara pros and cons
Pros
- SmartKey rekey technology
- Two locking points
- High level security rating (ANSI/BHMA Grade 2)
- Bump, pick, and drill resistance
Cons
- Complicated installation
Why we recommend the Kwikset Montara
The Kwikset Montara has two parts that lock—the deadbolt and the door handle. It’s surprisingly difficult to find a handleset that locks, but it’s more secure, which is what makes us recommend the Montara.
As with other Kwikset locks, both locking points are resistant to lock bumping, picking, and drilling. And both locks feature SmartKey Security rekey technology so you can rekey them yourself.
The Montara’s deadbolt has the second-best security rating and the highest rating for residential door handles, so it’s just about as secure as it could be.
ASecureLife’s recommendation: If you’re looking for a locking handleset in addition to a secure deadbolt, we recommend the Kwikset Montara.
Door lock types
- Deadbolts have either a single or double cylinder—most exterior doors are predrilled for this type of lock.
- Biometric locks employ fingerprint scanners to identify users.
- Electronic locks use keypads, touchscreens, or similar methods that require a power source.
- Smart locks connect to your smartphone via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth so you can control them with your smartphone.
- Mortise locks are set into the door instead of attaching to the outside and are generally more durable and secure.
- Door knob or hand lever locks place the locking mechanism inside the door handle and are often used for interior doors.
Best Home Security Systems
Frontpoint
Best Value
Our rating:
4.5SimpliSafe
Most Flexible
Our rating:
4.3Vivint
Best High-End System
Our rating:
4.2Ring
Best DIY
Our rating:
4.2ADT
Most Experienced
Our rating:
3.7Door security extras
Consider adding another security item to your doors to boost your home’s security.
- Strike plates (where the deadbolt is housed when the door is locked) should be strong and installed with long screws to hold them in place.
- Extra door latches, such as chain locks or swinging bar locks, are inexpensive but add one more barrier to a forced entry.
- Door jammers, or security bars, are an even more effective way to prevent someone from entering your home.
- Security doors are doors made specifically with entry security in mind.
ANSI/BHMA grading system for locks & deadbolts
The grading system for a lock’s security comes from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA). There are three rating levels that reflect the results of rigorous testing.
- Grade 1 locks have the highest level of security. They meet the requirements for commercial buildings and residential deadbolts (door handle locks can’t receive a Grade 1 rating).
- Grade 2 locks meet the requirements for light commercial buildings and exceed the standard for residential buildings. This is the highest rating possible for residential door handle locks.
- Grade 3 locks meet the minimum requirements for residential buildings. Many standard, simple hardware in a home are Grade 3.
How to install a door lock
Make sure your new lock is the same size as your existing one so you don’t have to drill new holes in your door. You’ll need a screwdriver to install your new lock—you may also want to have a hammer, pliers, and a drill on hand just in case.
>>Check out our step-by-step installation instructions.
Our recommendation
If you have a smart home and want all the functionality of a Wi-Fi connected lock, we recommend the August Smart Lock Pro. If your needs are more simple and you need just a secure deadbolt, the Schlage B60N is our favorite standard lock with its reinforced strike plate and extra-long screws.
Already have home automation in place? Try a smart lock with a Z-Wave connection. Not interested in building a smart home? Make sure your deadbolt is strong and reinforced. Whatever you need, we suggest upgrading to the most secure door lock you need.
>>On Amazon Find the August Smart Lock Pro and Schlage B60N Deadbolt.
>> Learn more about our top smart lock recommendations.
Im looking for a keyhole lock blocker – but it seems they are not sold in the USA? What is an alternative to a Lock Blocker that I can use to keep those with keys to the front door out of my home while I am gone?
Some claim about smart locks being easily gotten into are just not true. All locks can be gotten past regardless of claims by manufacturers. Quality smart locks are much more difficult to get past than standard locks and have the advantage of being able to document and photograph whoever tries to use them.
Hate to tell you this but smart locks can be picked opened as easy as the regular locks. Smart locks offer a nicer look, bells and whistles but the mechanical part of the locking system remains crappy. I have been a locksmith for 37 years, your smart lock I can defeat as fast as a standard keyed door lock.
Hi Pete,
Thanks for sharing your feedback with us. Is there a specific lock you’d recommend that’s tougher to pick and safer to use for households?
Best,
Amy
i suggested there also some kind of door lock can be updated. fingerprint door locks, i will give you some choices if you like
Something I would point out to people is that you DO NOT, under any circumstances, want a “smartkey” lock. There is a $10 tool available that will allow a burglar to disengage a smartkey lock in less than 10 seconds, with no exterior damage. It is small enough to fit into any pocket, and practically silent, so it’s not hard to use without attracting attention.
While most thieves are not especially well trained or likely to have specialized tools, I think if I spend the money for a high quality lock, I expect it to take more than 10 seconds for ANY thief to force their way in. SmartKey locks, as they are right now, are a very foolish buy.
Thanks for the great insight, David. As you stated above, most thieves don’t have the specialized tools needed to pick these locks. However, it’s always good to weigh the pros and cons before making a purchase.
Indeed a very good tips. You can always choose door locks as you want. But be sure that it is durable and with good quality, and don’t forget to put sensor alarm security system as well.
Yes! We saw a lot of these products while we were at ISC West last week. I’m sure we’ll be reviewing them here shortly.
Smart doors or windows locksmiths are apparently one of the most chic way of your smart home comforts. They can consequently recognize your presence or absence by means of the Bluetooth connected to your smart cell phone or a Bluetooth key fob, and open your front entryway for you. They allow you to send electronic keys to your family members or friends that work just during times that you exist there.
Very good article. One thing that people need to keep in mind is a chain is only as good as its weakest link. Along with a quality lock, a door re-enforcer plate, an armor strike plate and hinge shields go a long way in stopping a kick-in attack.
Want to reduce the likelihood of a successful door break down? Replace all the screws with 4″ long screws as follows:
All hinge screws. Screws that hold the plates in the door frame into which the … View more deadbolt inserts into, and to a lesser degree the strike plate where the little part that sticks out of the door knob catches on. Ideally you’d want to put some 4″ screws to secure the frame into the surrounding wall frame itself, but it’s likely that’s already the case.
There are YouTube videos that show police departments trying to break down doors with 4″ screws as a demonstration of how much these longer screws help, and it’s not an easy task.
We just put on a new garage side door that has a steel door frame along with the deadbolt. The lock is a Kwik Set, but I’m not sure of the ANSI grade as we had it installed by a door and window company.
I’m thinking thieves would probably drill out the lock rather than kick in the door.
Like Lady C said, if they want to get it, they will get in.
Great article. All of the products and tips you shared were really helpful! However, I did just want to remind anyone who sees this article that it’s not always about what lock you put on, it’s about how much time you delay the burglar from getting inside. If a burglar is determined, he will find a way to break in.
That’s a great thing to point out! Thanks for contributing to our site and mentioning this. It will be very valuable for our readers to keep this in mind!
Hello Kristina,
The information you shared regarding the locks and their digitization is really awesome and different. A digital door lock is best, I think. It will allow you to step in to a certain area of the house only after entering a code that only you and the people you trust know. It is the safest model of a lock system which will give you the maximum protection level.
Thanks
Avishay “Shy” Lavy
Hi Avishay – thank you for your input! Do you have experience with a specific brand/type of digital door lock? I’m thinking about moving to one from the double dead bolt I currently use.
The new technology locks are really awesome. Looking forwards to giving them a try.
You can use Knob locks. These are perhaps the most common types of knobs people use in their interior doors. These locks have an appealing cylindrical look that gives your doors an entirely new look.