Best Smart Locks in 2026 (Hands-On Reviews)

Looking to upgrade your home security? Here are the top smart locks our locksmiths recommend and install the most.

The Top Smart Locks for Your Home

Smart locks have transitioned from luxury gadgets to essential home security upgrades. As local Mesa locksmiths, we install and troubleshoot hundreds of smart locks every year. If you're looking for the best smart locks on the market right now, here are our top recommendations based on reliability, security, and ease of use.

1. Schlage Encode Plus

The Schlage Encode Plus remains our top overall recommendation for residential properties.

• Pros: Built-in Wi-Fi (no hub required), incredibly durable ANSI Grade 1 hardware, and seamless integration with Apple HomeKit (Apple Keys) allowing you to tap your phone or watch to unlock.
• Cons: It is on the pricier side, and the design is a bit bulky.
• Best For: Homeowners looking for the highest level of physical security combined with smart features.

2. August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen)

When looking at august vs schlage encode, the August lock takes a completely different approach. It retrofits over your existing deadbolt on the inside of the door.

• Pros: You get to keep your existing exterior hardware and keys. Excellent auto-unlock feature when you approach the door. Compact design.
• Cons: Battery life is shorter than competitors, and it doesn't come with a built-in keypad (sold separately).
• Best For: Renters or homeowners who want smart features without changing the exterior look of their door.

3. Yale Assure Lock 2

Yale's latest iteration is a massive improvement in design, being 30% smaller than previous models.

• Pros: Sleek, modern design. Excellent touchscreen keypad. Available in key-free or keyed versions.
• Cons: Requires an additional module for Wi-Fi connectivity if you don't buy the Wi-Fi specific model.
• Best For: Those who want a beautiful, minimalist keypad lock that blends well with modern decor.

Why Read Smart Lock Reviews from a Locksmith?

Most tech blogs review smart locks based solely on their app features. As locksmiths, we care about the physical security of the lock. A lock with a great app is useless if the internal motor strips easily or the deadbolt can be easily bypassed. We recommend the top smart locks that excel in both software convenience and heavy-duty physical security.