Top Smart Locks (2026): Keyless Deadbolts, Ranked

By Melissa

Melissa leads editorial at Golden’s List. She researches and curates the Home, Kitchen, Beauty & Fitness picks — every product availability-checked against live Amazon data. More →

Updated August 8, 2026

The best smart lock for most people is the Schlage Encode — built-in WiFi (no hub), a durable touchscreen keypad, and top-tier security. A smart lock lets you unlock with a code, phone, or voice, hand out digital keys, and see who came and went — no hiding a spare key. Below are the best smart locks we’d actually put on our front door, from a value Z-Wave lock to an Apple Home Key model — every one confirmed in stock.

How we chose the best smart locks

Every pick was scored against the same criteria, and we confirmed each product is currently in stock on Amazon before including it:

Real-world quality — materials, construction, and durability, not marketing claims.
Fit for purpose — sound design and the right fit for the job each product is meant to do.
Value across budgets — from a solid budget pick to a premium best-in-class option.
Owner consensus — thousands of verified reviews and Amazon’s Choice standing, cross-checked against known failure points.

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Smart locks: the 3 best, compared

Product	Price
Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt Lock with Camelot Trim, Satin Nickel Encode Satin Nickel Camelot	$284.58	Buy on Amazon
Kwikset SmartCode 916 Z-Wave Smart Lock, Keyless Entry Zwave Door Lock, Touchscreen Electronic...		Buy on Amazon
Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt Lock, Tap to Unlock, Matte Black Encode Plus Matte Black...	$329.00	Buy on Amazon

The 3 best smart locks, ranked

1Schlage Encode WiFi Deadbolt Best overall

A rock-solid deadbolt with built-in WiFi (no separate hub needed), a fingerprint-resistant touchscreen keypad, up to 100 access codes, lock history and alerts in the Schlage app, and works with Alexa and Google — plus Schlage’s highest residential security and durability ratings. The smart lock most people should buy for a secure, hub-free front door.

Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt Lock with Camelot Trim, Satin Nickel Encode Satin Nickel Camelot

ANYWHERE ACCESS: With built-in WiFi compatibility, you can easily and securely connect your Schlage Encode Deadbolt to your home WiFi network to control and monitor your home from anywhere with the Schlage Home app
PEACE OF MIND: Lock and unlock from anywhere, manage up to 100 access codes for keyless entry, view lock history, receive customizable notifications and easily manage multiple locks at once - all when paired to the Schlage Home app and connected to a secure WiFi network
VOICE CONTROL: Works with Alexa and Google Home for optional, hands-free convenience when paired with the Schlage Home app and a voice enabled device
ADVANCED SECURITY: Secure, encrypted connection; built-in, customizable alarm for door movement and forced entry attempts; fingerprint-resistant touchscreen; certified highest residential Security, Durability and Finish rating by BHMA industry experts
EASY INSTALL: Install in minutes with just a screwdriver, no hardwiring required; Snap ‘n Stay design helps keep the lock on the door so both hands are free; fits standard doors with 1-3/8 in to 1-3/4 in door thickness and 2-3/8 in or 2-3/4 in backset

2Kwikset SmartCode 916 Best value

A touchscreen Z-Wave deadbolt with keyless entry, remote lock/unlock and status via a smart hub, and Kwikset’s SmartKey re-key technology (re-key the lock yourself in seconds) — a capable smart deadbolt for less, if you already have (or plan) a Z-Wave/SmartThings hub. The value pick for hub-based smart-home setups.

Kwikset SmartCode 916 Z-Wave Smart Lock, Keyless Entry Zwave Door Lock, Touchscreen Electronic Deadbolt, SmartKey Re-Key Security, Smart Hub Required, Traditional Satin Nickle Traditional Old Version Satin Nickel

SECURE KEYLESS ENTRY: Fast and quiet motorized deadbolt with illuminated touch screen provides keyless door entry to your home, and one-touch locking when leaving
SMART HOME READY: Remote access your lock and connect to your Z-Wave security and smart home systems, works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and more, Z-Wave hub required
30 SECOND AUTO-LOCKING: Setup deadbolt to automatically lock after entry or exit, perfect for keeping your hands free and getting in and out in a hurry
EASY PROGRAMMING: Setup keyless door entry with up to 30 programmable unique custom user codes for anytime access, perfect for family, friends, dog walker, etc
EASY INSTALL: Do it yourself, installs in minutes with just a screwdriver, fits doors between 1-3/8"" and 1-3/4"" thick, 4 AA batteries last 12 months or longer

3Schlage Encode Plus Best premium

The Encode Plus adds Apple Home Key and tap-to-unlock — hold your iPhone or Apple Watch to the lock to open it — on top of WiFi, a touchscreen keypad, app control, and Alexa support, with certified security. The pick for Apple households who want the slickest, tap-and-go keyless entry with premium hardware.

Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt Lock, Tap to Unlock, Matte Black Encode Plus Matte Black Century

ANYWHERE ACCESS: With built-in WiFi compatibility, you can easily and securely connect your Schlage Encode Plus lock to your home WiFi network to control and monitor your home from anywhere with the Schlage Home app
PEACE OF MIND: Lock and unlock from anywhere, manage up to 100 access codes, view lock history, receive customizable notifications and easily manage multiple locks at once - all when paired to the Schlage Home app and connected to a secure WiFi network
TAP TO UNLOCK: Works with Apple HomeKit and Apple home keys; with home keys you can simply tap to lock or unlock using your iPhone or Apple Watch for easy and secure access to your home
VOICE CONTROL: Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for optional, hands-free convenience when paired with the Schlage Home app and a voice enabled device
ADVANCED SECURITY: Secure, encrypted connection; built-in, customizable alarm for door movement and forced entry attempts; fingerprint-resistant touchscreen; certified highest residential Security, Durability and Finish rating by BHMA industry experts

Smart locks: buyer’s guide & FAQ

Will a smart lock fit my door?

Most smart deadbolts (including these) replace a standard single-cylinder deadbolt and fit standard U.S. door prep — a 2-1/8 inch bore hole, 1 to 2 inch door thickness, and standard backset. Measure your door thickness and check you have a standard deadbolt setup; if you do, installation is a straightforward swap with a screwdriver. Doors with unusual thickness, mortise locks, or non-standard prep may need an adapter or won’t be compatible — check the lock’s fit guide first.

Do smart locks need a hub or just WiFi?

It depends on the lock. The Schlage Encode models have WiFi built in, so they connect straight to your home network and app with no separate hub — the simplest setup. The Kwikset SmartCode 916 uses Z-Wave, which needs a compatible smart-home hub (SmartThings, Ring Alarm, etc.) for remote control. If you want remote access without buying anything extra, choose a WiFi lock; if you already run a Z-Wave hub, a Z-Wave lock integrates nicely and often costs less.

What happens to a smart lock if the power or WiFi goes out?

Smart locks run on batteries (usually AA), not house power, so a power outage doesn’t lock you out — the lock keeps working with its keypad and, on keyed models, a physical key. If WiFi goes down, you lose remote app control, but the keypad codes and manual operation still work locally. You’ll get a low-battery warning well before batteries die (and can jump-start some locks with a 9V at the terminals). Keep fresh batteries on hand.

Are smart locks secure, or easier to hack/break in?

Reputable smart locks (like Schlage, rated highest for residential security) are as physically strong as a good traditional deadbolt — the bolt and hardware are the same grade — and they add encryption for the digital side. The keypad means no key to pick or bump on keyless models, and you can delete codes instantly. As with any lock, security also depends on your door and frame. Use a strong app password, and disable codes for anyone who no longer needs access.

Can I give guests or family temporary access?

Yes — that’s a top reason to get one. You can create individual access codes for family, guests, dog walkers, cleaners, or Airbnb visitors, and schedule them to work only certain days/times or delete them when no longer needed — all from the app, no copying keys. You also get a log of who unlocked the door and when. The Schlage models support up to 100 codes; assign a unique one per person so you can track and revoke access individually.

More home & household picks, ranked

Meet your guide

Melissa

Home, Kitchen, Beauty & Fitness

I’ve spent years writing about and recommending the products people actually live with — the kitchen gear, home goods, and beauty finds that earn their place on a shelf. At Golden’s List I lead editorial across Home, Kitchen, Beauty, and Fitness, digging through reviews, specs, and real owner feedback to separate the genuinely great from the merely popular — and making sure every pick is in stock with a live price before it makes a list. Meet the whole team →