← Best of the Best: all the guides
The best smart locks for most homes in 2026
The Schlage Encode wins for strong security, built-in Wi-Fi and easy everyday access; the Yale and Wyze cost less.
| Best overall | Best value | Cheapest that's still good | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product | Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt | Yale Approach Smart Lock | Wyze Lock Bolt v2 |
| Price | about $192 | about $90 | about $79 |
| Why | Recent Popular Mechanics testing named it best overall, citing its Grade 1 rating, built-in alarm and straightforward setup. Its built-in Wi-Fi and guest codes make it a capable choice for many homes. | Tom’s Guide recommends it as a budget-friendly retrofit lock, with prices below $100 noted in its review. It keeps your existing deadbolt and keys while adding app-based smart access. | PCWorld tested it as a capable budget deadbolt and listed it at $79 on Amazon. It includes Wi-Fi, a touchscreen keypad and fingerprint access at a notably low price. |
| Good to know | Its four AA batteries may need replacing relatively often. | The Wi-Fi bridge and keypad may cost extra. | Its fingerprint reader occasionally missed scans. |
| See on Amazon | See on Amazon | See on Amazon |
picture by AIRecent Popular Mechanics testing named it best overall, citing its Grade 1 rating, built-in alarm and straightforward setup. Its built-in Wi-Fi and guest codes make it a capable choice for many homes.
Good to know: Its four AA batteries may need replacing relatively often.
See on Amazonpicture by AITom’s Guide recommends it as a budget-friendly retrofit lock, with prices below $100 noted in its review. It keeps your existing deadbolt and keys while adding app-based smart access.
Good to know: The Wi-Fi bridge and keypad may cost extra.
See on Amazonpicture by AIPCWorld tested it as a capable budget deadbolt and listed it at $79 on Amazon. It includes Wi-Fi, a touchscreen keypad and fingerprint access at a notably low price.
Good to know: Its fingerprint reader occasionally missed scans.
See on AmazonDanilli may earn a small commission from Amazon when you buy through these buttons. The price is the same for you. Product pictures are made by Danilli's AI to show the product; check the real photos on the store page.
What matters
Check that the lock fits your door and works with your smart-home system. Built-in Wi-Fi enables remote control without a separate hub, while keypad codes and a physical key offer convenient backups.
Who this is for
These picks suit homeowners who want app control or keyless entry, from a well-rounded upgrade to a low-cost keypad lock. Renters should check whether replacing the whole deadbolt is allowed; retrofit locks can leave the existing hardware in place.
The picks, one by one
Best overall: Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt
Recent Popular Mechanics testing named it best overall, citing its Grade 1 rating, built-in alarm and straightforward setup. Its built-in Wi-Fi and guest codes make it a capable choice for many homes. Popular Mechanics reported installation and app pairing took about 20 minutes, and another recent hands-on account described setup in about 15 minutes. It works with the Schlage app and supports managing multiple locks and temporary guest codes. The built-in Wi-Fi means you do not need a separate hub for remote access. Choose the Encode Plus instead if Apple Home Key is a must-have; skip this if you want automatic unlocking when you arrive.
Good to know: Its four AA batteries may need replacing relatively often.
See on AmazonBest value: Yale Approach Smart Lock
Tom’s Guide recommends it as a budget-friendly retrofit lock, with prices below $100 noted in its review. It keeps your existing deadbolt and keys while adding app-based smart access. Because it fits over the inside of an existing deadbolt, installation does not require replacing the exterior lock hardware. Tom’s Guide highlights phone-based proximity unlocking and says it is a good way to try smart access without spending much. Factor in the cost of the optional Wi-Fi bridge and keypad if you want those features. Skip it if you want a complete replacement deadbolt or expect every smart feature to be included in the base price.
Good to know: The Wi-Fi bridge and keypad may cost extra.
See on AmazonCheapest that's still good: Wyze Lock Bolt v2
PCWorld tested it as a capable budget deadbolt and listed it at $79 on Amazon. It includes Wi-Fi, a touchscreen keypad and fingerprint access at a notably low price. In PCWorld’s hands-on review, keypad and fingerprint entry were quick, and app controls worked both nearby and remotely. The reviewer also noted that onboarding and initial calibration took a second try. The lock includes a physical key and an emergency USB-C power port, but has limited third-party smart-home support. Skip it if you need a door-ajar sensor or broad ecosystem compatibility.
Good to know: Its fingerprint reader occasionally missed scans.
See on AmazonHow we chose
Reviewers installed locks on doors, set up the apps and Wi-Fi, and tried everyday entry methods, remote controls and guest access. Some also checked installation time, security features and response speed; tests and durations varied by publication. Danilli read the reviews and tests listed below and compared current prices; it does not take money from brands to pick a product.
Sources
Not sure which one is for you?
Ask Danilli anything about these, free. Tell it what you need and your budget and it says which one fits you.
Written with Danilli's AI from the sources above and refreshed about once a month; prices change, check Amazon for today's price. Danilli may earn a small commission from Amazon when you buy through these buttons. The price is the same for you. Product pictures are made by Danilli's AI to show the product; check the real photos on the store page.