Go keyless with these great entry door locks of the future
- jul
- 09
Installing a keyless entry door lock is a great way to add more modern convenience to your home. Ditching the keyring, and being able to grant access to trusted guests at any time are just some of the perks of living the keyless lifestyle. The Yale Assure Touchscreen Smart Lock is the best overall keyless entry door lock for its excellent design, smart features, build quality, and lifetime warranty.
Best Overall: Yale Assure Touchscreen Smart Lock
The Yale Assure SL Touchscreen Smart Lock is an easy-to-install, well designed, keyless entry lock, backed by the security experts at Yale. Built to withstand the elements and any potential security threats, the Yale Assure SL Lock also includes a lifetime warranty, meaning it will be around for the long haul.
The Yale Assure is a truly keyless lock, with no physical key backup, making lockpicking a thing of the past. If your lock happens to runs out of battery power when you are out and about, a 9V battery can be as backup allowing you to enter your code and unlock the door.
Thanks to smart technology powered by August, Yale's Smart Lock supports all of the major smart home platforms (Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and HomeKit, to name a few), which allows you to monitor and control your home with your voice or through an app. The lock sends notifications when the door opens with an included doorsense sensor as well as with any tampering events, providing another layer of security.
Pros:
- Truly keyless
- Works with Alexa, HomeKit, Google
- Lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Expensive
- Bulky interior unit
- 9V battery as backup
Best Overall
Yale Assure Touchscreen Smart Lock
Built to last
Yale's touchscreen lock features a sleek design and is from one of the leaders in home security. This lock also includes a lifetime warranty.
Best for HomeKit: Vocolinc T-Guard Smart Lock
Vocolinc's T-Guard Smart Lock is a cost-effective option that brings with it support for Apple's HomeKit. This means that it can support scenes and automations, allowing it to turn on any connected lights in your home. Siri support is also included, allowing you to lock the front door with just your voice.
Bluetooth connectivity creates a direct connection to HomeKit, meaning no Wi-Fi passwords or accounts needed, and pairing is as simple as scanning a code. To control your lock when you are outside of the home, a HomeKit hub, such as an Apple TV, HomePod, or iPad, is necessary. Additional features include event logging in the Vocolinc Linkwise App, and support for up to 30 unique key codes. A physical key acts as a backup in case the four replaceable AA batteries happen to run out of juice while you are out and about.
Pros:
- Low price
- Compact design
- Easy to pair
- Works with HomeKit
Cons:
- Only works with HomeKit
- HomeKit hub needed for remote operation
- Only 4–6 month battery life
Best for HomeKit
Vocolinc T-Guard Smart Lock
HomeKit and Siri enabled
The T-Guard Smart Lock from Vocolinc exclusively supports Apple's HomeKit, allowing it to harness Siri for voice commands.
Best Design: Ultraloq UL3 Smart Lock
Ultraloq's UL3 Smart Lock is a keyless entry system that offers the best that modern technology has to offer. Features such as an OLED display, Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity with a range of 200 to 300 foot, and a fingerprint authentication system are just some of the UL3's highlights.
The UL3 also includes a built-in reversible lever, which allows installation both outdoors and inside in any fashion. Amazon Alexa support (and only Alexa, unfortunately) enables the ability to check on things with a simple voice command, and clever knock to unlock and shake to unlock functions are available on your phone.
Pros:
- Integrated lever
- Fingerprint authentication
- Works indoors and out
Cons:
- Only supports Alexa
- Limited Bluetooth range
- Just two color options
Best Design
Ultraloq UL3 Smart Lock
Jack of all trades
The Ultraloq UL3 features an integrated lever, making it capable of being installed indoors and out. The lock also includes fingerprint authentication.
Best Value: Kwikset 909 Electronic Deadbolt
The affordably-priced Kwikset 909 is an excellent option for those looking for a dependable, offline, keyless door lock. Despite its low cost, the Kwikset 909 includes several smart features such as a backlit keypad for easy night use and the SmartKey learning system, which allows you to re-key your door at any time. While this lock provides several smart features, it is an offline only lock, meaning that there are no convenience features such as App or voice assistant control.
Up to eight unique key codes are available, which is perfect for sharing with trusted friends and family members. The Kwikset 909 features BHMA (Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association) grade 2 certification, which provides an intermediate level of residential security according to independent testing. This certification includes meeting specific performance standards, such as impact resistance, pull strength, and torque.
Pros:
- Cost-effective
- Backlit keypad
- SmartKey learning system
Cons:
- Not internet connected
- Combined numbers on keypad
- Only holds eight unique codes
Best Value
Kwikset 909 Electronic Deadbolt
Low on price, not on security
Kwikset's deadbolt is an affordably priced, offline solution for those looking for just the basics.
Best Security: Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt
The Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt includes modern smart lock features in a clean, traditional package. Security features include a built-in alarm that will help to deter any potential intruders if any attempts to unlock it without the proper code and the hardware received a BHMA Grade 3 certification, which is the highest rating for residential security. This lock features a durable exterior, and a 3-year warranty will add a little insurance to your investment.
The Schlage Encode Deadbolt also supports Amazon's Key Service, which allows trusted delivery services to enter your home when paired with a compatible camera. Event logs, which track every code used for entry, and notifications are also available for added peace of mind while you are away from your home.
Pros:
- Traditional design
- Built-in alarm
- 3-year warranty
Cons:
- Expensive
- Does not support HomeKit
- Requires four AA batteries
Best Security
Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt
Protect and secure with an industry leader
The Schlage Smart Deadbolt keeps the focus on security with a built-in alarm that sounds with any tampering.
Best Privacy: Samsung SHS-3321 Digital Door Lock
Samsung's SHS-3321 Digital Door Lock is an offline keyless entry solution that looks great and comes with some expanded security features. A built-in alarm will sound if five passcode attempts have failed, when any tampering occurs, and if the door opens when the door lock is still engaged. This lock is also an offline only lock, which means that your home's security is in your hands, and not a server in the cloud with a potential for data breaches.
The SHS-3321 uses a traditional pin code method for entry, as well as RFID and NFC tags and cards. Included with the lock are four RFID cards with lanyards, which are handy in case of emergency, or to share them with trusted friends. These cards also remove any chance of pin code snooping as a simple tap of the card will grant you access.
Pros:
- Sleek design
- RF tag entry
- Built in alarm
Cons:
- Not internet connected
- Only comes in 1 color
- 9v battery backup
Best Privacy
Samsung SHS-3321 Digital Door Lock
RFID and NFC capable
Samsung's Door Lock includes RFID cards that can unlock your door without the need for a key or code.
Keys Begone
Having a keyless entry door lock allows you to ditch your house key for a good while bringing along with it some modern conveniences. Keypads and fingerprint readers are just some of the methods used for keyless entry, and smart connected locks enable the ability to unlock your door from the comforts of your couch, or while you are out and about.
The Yale Assure Touchscreen Smart Lock is the best lock for those looking for a reliable, dependable lock from an established hardware company. The Assure includes a lifetime warranty, and is one of the few genuinely keyless locks on the market, reducing the chances of someone breaking into your home using traditional lockpicking methods.
Credits — The team that worked on this guide
Christopher Close spends most of his time writing and dreaming about all things HomeKit for iMore. If you wish to join him on his quest to automate everything, you can follow him on Twitter at @itschrisclose.