The 5 Best Smart Locks to Secure Your Home
Between constant deliveries and the occasional uninvited visitor, keeping tabs on your front porch has become a full-time job. A solid video doorbell is basically a must-have now; it lets you keep an eye on your packages and catch potential porch pirates in the act—all from your phone.
Honestly, it’s also the perfect “introvert’s defense system.” I’ve used mine to dodge more solar panel and window salesmen than I can count. After testing dozens of models here at Tom’s Guide, our top pick for most homes is the Nest Doorbell (3rd gen). It hits the sweet spot with sharp 2K video and includes package detection without forcing you into a monthly fee. Just keep in mind it’s a wired-only setup, and you’ll still want the subscription if you want more than a few hours of video history.
Picking Your Perfect Smart Lock: A Practical Guide
So, you’re ready to ditch the keychain? Before you grab the first shiny box you see at the hardware store, you need to look at your door—and your digital life—a little more closely.
- The Installation: Modern Makeover vs. Stealth Upgrade
The big question is: how much surgery does your door need?
Full Replacements: If you want a totally new look, go for a full replacement like the Yale Assure Lock 2. These swap out everything from the exterior keypad to the interior latch. They’re perfect for homeowners who want a fresh start.
Retrofit Options: If you’re renting or just love your current house keys, a retrofit lock (like the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock) is a lifesaver. These only replace the thumbturn on the inside of your door. From the street, your house looks exactly the same, but the “brains” are now hidden inside.
- Connectivity: Does It Play Well with Others?
A smart lock shouldn’t be an island. If you’re an Apple devotee, you’ll want HomeKit or UWB support (the Aqara U400 is great for this) so your door unlocks as you walk up. For a house that mixes Google, Alexa, and Apple, look for the Matter logo.
Pro Tip: Locks with built-in Wi-Fi are a breeze to set up, but they’re battery hogs. If you don’t mind plugging a small “bridge” into a nearby outlet, you’ll usually get months of extra battery life.
- Safety First (And Fail-Safes Second)
Don’t get so caught up in the apps that you forget about physical security. Check the BHMA Grade. Grade 1 is the gold standard for strength, while Grade 3 is what you’ll find on budget-friendly picks like the Desloc D110 Plus.
Since batteries aren’t infinite, check for a “jump-start” port. Many keyless locks have two metal contacts on the bottom; if the lock dies, you can press a 9V battery against them to give it enough juice to let you type your code and get inside.
Common Concerns: The “What Ifs”
What if the battery dies? You’ll get plenty of warnings, but if you’re a procrastinator, many locks have that 9V jump-start port mentioned above. If that makes you nervous, stick to a retrofit model—your original physical key will still work.
Will it fit my door? If you have a standard deadbolt, you’re likely fine. But if you have a fancy multi-point locking system or a thick “mortise” lock, you’ll need to double-check compatibility before buying.
Is it hackable? Technically, anything is, but it’s much harder to hack a Yale or August lock with bank-level encryption than it is to pick a $20 traditional deadbolt. Stick to strong passcodes and use fingerprint access to stay safe.
