For most, replacing something that still works is not only ridiculous but impractical. But as technology creeps in everything we use and revolutionize the way convenience and productivity are defined, well, who can resist?
We see no major problems yet with the mechanism of the traditional lock and key, especially that it has improved significantly over time in terms of durability, safety, and design options. You might be wondering, why do I need to shift to a smart lock deadbolt? Is it worth the investment?
A smart deadbolt provides an alternative for people who keep on losing keys, finds it heavy on the pocket, and sees it as a hassle to use. In hotels, replacing hundreds of key-based locks with a smart deadbolt door lock lessens the expense of keeping and maintaining, as well as replacing, lost keys from forgetful guests. Key cards are easily re-programmable and cheaper to duplicate. It is also easier to erase its access once a guest decides to make his keycard a keepsake.
At home, a smart lock deadbolt works for convenience. No need to carry on heavy keys in your pocket or bag. If you find yourself coming home in the middle of the night, no need to scramble in the dark to find the hole and fit your key – a simple fingerprint tap will open the door right away.
You can also authorize people to access your smart lock deadbolt, designate their own passcodes, or lock access if you are not home. You can add a new level of security by using your phone as the key. There are countless ways that a smart lock deadbolt may be accessed or restricted, and it adds some peace of mind for you.
Here at Top Ten Reviews, we’ve rounded 3 of our most recommended smart lock deadbolt in the market today. The best smart deadbolt should score high in the following criteria:
- Learning curve
- Ease of installation
- Connectivity
- App interface
- Intuitiveness
- Design
- Integration
- Power source/Battery life
- Number of users
Best Smart Lock Deadbolt for Your Smart Home – (Comparison)
| Name | Key Feature | |
| Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt with Echo Dot (3rd Gen) – (Editor’s Choice) | Works with Amazon’s delivery system and provides video recording of the delivery | Check Price |
| August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (Newest Model 4th Gen) with Smart Keypad | Auto-unlock and lock configurations | Check Price |
| Yale Assure Lock Touchscreen, Wi-Fi Smart Lock | Connects with your Airbnb and Homeaway account for remote management | Check Price |
Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt with Echo Dot (3rd Gen) – Editor’s Choice
We were smitten by the timelessness of the designs of this smart lock deadbolt, something that improves its marketability since it easily matches most door lock finishes. Delving further, it holds a lot of smart features that we have to read the manual all the time to remind us how it works.
This remote deadbolt lock has built-in Wi-Fi so you can directly connect to it without the need for another accessory. But, it can still be integrated with your home hub to connect with your smart home system. If you don’t have one, this comes with Echo Dot (3rd generation) so you can start your smart home system and control your smart lock deadbolt via voice command to Alexa.
With the use of the Key (Amazon app) or the Schlage app, you can authorize up to 100 users to access your wifi deadbolt.
In terms of accessibility, you can choose from opening or closing your door using any of the apps above, via the keypad, or with a manual key.
The Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt still has more features to offer. It can work with the Amazon Cloud Cam that can be installed on your door. This device informs you of the delivery date and time of your Amazon purchase, allows the delivery guy to access the door, leave your package, and record everything for you to see.
A user even mentioned her medical alert company being able to access her smart lock deadbolt with special codes so that medical respondents can easily access her home during an emergency. Just how smart it is, right?
The Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt operates on batteries to provide wireless power. It also alerts you when the battery needs replacement with the app.
Pros
- Many ways to access via the app (remotely), touchscreen keypad, and a manual key
- Can authorize access up to 100 users simultaneously
- Works with Amazon’s delivery system
- Can be accessed directly using Wi-Fi
Cons
- Some users complain about the keypad’s sensitivity
Conclusion
The Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt is jampacked with features and definitely lives the smart lock deadbolt technology. It is a wifi deadbolt lock that works with a mobile app, but you can also access it with a touchscreen keypad where you need to input a code. It also comes in classic colors – black and stainless finishes that can easily blend with your door.
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (Newest Model 4th Gen) with Smart Keypad
This smart lock deadbolt is a retrofit device that can be installed on the other side of your existing deadbolt (inside your home). No need to replace your keys as they can still work if you opt to. You can use your phone to open or close your deadbolt via the app. It also has Wi-Fi connectivity so you do not need another device to access it.
If accessing this wifi deadbolt lock using your mobile phone is something you do not fancy or cumbersome, you can use the keypad. You can also assign codes to your family, friends, or visitors. Managing access is also easy with the use of the app.
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (Newest Model 4th Gen) with Smart Keypad is also an automatic locking deadbolt. You can also configure it to detect you nearby and automatically unlocks itself. You can also enable the auto-lock feature so it locks itself after you close the door.
Meanwhile, this smart lock deadbolt also works with the most popular voice assistants in the world today – Google Assistant, Alexa, and Siri. You can use voice commands to do different tasks like opening, closing, and letting you know the door’s status.
This is the best electronic deadbolt, and its app is also as genius and smart as the device. You can do a gamut of activities with it like designating, removing, and managing access, unlock/lock your door, enable/disable features, etc. As added security, you use your smartphone’s biometrics to require your fingerprint or face to access the app and make changes in the settings.
The optional keypad is also this wifi deadbolt door lock’s thoughtful feature that allows you to extend access to other people without the need for their mobile devices. You can designate codes to visit family members, to your kids, to delivery or repair people, or vacation guests if you are operating an Airbnb or vacation home. You can do all of these remotely for convenience.
Pros
- Accessible via the app or keypad (optional inclusion)
- Auto-unlock and lock configurations
- Works with voice assistants (Siri, Alexa, Google Assistant)
Cons
- Only works in a 2.4 GHz network
Conclusion
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (Newest Model 4th Gen) with Smart Keypad is for users who opt for retrofitting instead of replacing their old doorknobs. This best keypad deadbolt also provides access flexibility wherein you choose via app or keypad. It has tons of convenient features like the auto-lock/unlock and commands via a voice assistant.
Yale Assure Lock Touchscreen, Wi-Fi Smart Lock
A biometric deadbolt sound “smarter” but it entails higher upfront and repair costs and is more prone to malfunction. If you still want the benefits of the smart lock deadbolt technology, a Wi-Fi wireless deadbolt lock is the best option.
This wireless deadbolt replaces your traditional key and locks with a smart lock deadbolt that provides you more control over how it is going to be accessed or who can only do it. This gives you more flexibility and additional security, and overall, better peace of mind.
Yale, a company known for its durably built and break-in proof locks keeps up with the evolution by coming up with its own line of smart locks. If you prefer the quality of Yale locks but want something more innovative, modern, and updated to the times, you’re welcome to upgrade.
The Yale Assure Lock Touchscreen, Wi-Fi Smart Lock provides you with two ways to access it – via the app with your smartphone connected and device both connected to the same Wi-Fi network or the touchscreen keypad. The keypad extends its accessibility to other people in your home so they can still conveniently open your door without the app and with the codes you designate them.
You can enable the Auto-lock feature that automatically locks your door behind you or once it cannot detect your phone in the area. This is an additional security feature that is worth noting.
This smart lock deadbolt’s app can connect to the Airbnb or Homeaway account to manage your bookings. This further eases you in managing your vacation home business remotely and securely.
Pros
- Two-option access – via the app and with the touchscreen keypad
- Auto-lock feature
- Connects with your Airbnb and Homeaway account for remote management
- Built with Yale hardware that is known around the world for its durability
Cons
- Some bugs reported in the app
Conclusion
The Yale Assure Lock Touchscreen, Wi-Fi Smart Lock is one of the best keyless deadbolt options and made into this list because hey, it’s Yale and it’s smart! It provides you with 2 different ways to access it, making the convenience extendable to your family, friends, and guests. If you have a vacation rental business, then it is a plus that this smart lock deadbolt connects with your Airbnb and Homeaway accounts so you can manage your bookings and your guests’ access remotely and securely.
Final Verdict
We were quite torn between Schlage and Yale since both can integrate on third-party apps to offer smarter features – the former with Amazon, and the latter with Airbnb and HomeAway. But since this review is geared towards a smart lock deadbolt for homes, the best wifi deadbolt spot goes to Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt.
The Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt has all the features that provide a more convenient and secure way of accessing your doors. It also gives you more control over your home access and security using different technologies.