Ten best smart locks of 2026 ranked by security, convenience, smart-home integration, and value. August, Schlage, Yale, and Aqara compared.
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Smart locks finally became "buy and forget" appliances in 2026. Battery life jumped from 6 months to 12+ months on most models, Matter-over-Thread cut setup complexity dramatically, and biometric (fingerprint, palm vein) reached prices that make sense for retrofit installations. We ranked this year's best across price tiers, lock styles (retrofit deadbolt, full replacement, smart latch), and ecosystems.
Each lock was installed on a standard 1-3/8" thick door with a 2-3/8" backset and tested for: pick resistance (ANSI Grade rating + visual lock-picking test by a pro), bump resistance, drill resistance (under standardized pressure), battery life under continuous use (12 unlocks per day), wireless reliability (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Thread, Z-Wave), and smart-home compatibility. Software was tested across iOS, Android, Alexa, Google Home, and Apple Home.
| Rank | Lock | Type | Battery | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th gen) | Retrofit | 8 months | $229 |
| 2 | Schlage Encode Plus | Deadbolt replacement | 12 months | $329 |
| 3 | Yale Assure Lock 2 Plus | Deadbolt replacement | 14 months | $299 |
| 4 | Aqara Smart Lock U200 | Retrofit (Apple Home Keys) | 10 months | $189 |
| 5 | Schlage Encode Smart WiFi | Deadbolt replacement | 12 months | $279 |
| 6 | Level Lock+ | Invisible retrofit | 12 months | $329 |
| 7 | Eufy Smart Lock C220 | Deadbolt replacement | 10 months | $159 |
| 8 | August Smart Lock Pro | Retrofit (older model) | 6 months | $179 |
| 9 | Lockly Vision Elite | Smart latch + video | 6 months | $399 |
| 10 | TCL D1 Pro Face | Face recognition | 10 months | $279 |
The August retrofit lock installs in 10 minutes over your existing deadbolt and works with the keys you already have. It's the only lock most renters can actually use (no key modifications to the building). Wi-Fi is built-in, so no separate bridge needed. Auto-unlock on arrival, geofence guests, and 24-month battery on lithium cells.
Schlage's commercial-grade Grade 1 deadbolt with the smart features bolted on. Apple Home Keys support means you can use your iPhone or Apple Watch as a key with the same NFC tap as Apple Wallet payment cards. Built-in Wi-Fi, no bridge needed. Best balance of security (it's a real Schlage lock) and smart features.
Yale's flagship gives you keypad, NFC card, Apple Home Keys, and biometric (palm vein) all on the same lock. 14-month battery life leads the category. Setup is excellent on Apple Home but slightly more friction with Alexa or Google.
The Aqara U200 offers Apple Home Keys at under $200 — significantly cheaper than Schlage or Yale equivalents. Schlage Encode Smart WiFi is the older flagship, still solid at $279. [Level Lock](/product/smart-locks/level-lock)+ hides the smart electronics inside your existing deadbolt — no visible keypad or fingerprint reader. Eufy C220 is the budget pick that doesn't compromise on security.
The August Smart Lock Pro older model is fine if you find it on sale. Lockly Vision Elite integrates a video doorbell into the lock itself. TCL D1 Pro Face uses face recognition — controversial but fast.
Renter: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (retrofit, doesn't modify the door).
Homeowner, iPhone user: Schlage Encode Plus or Yale Assure Lock 2 Plus.
Homeowner, Android user: Schlage Encode Smart WiFi.
Privacy-focused: Level Lock+ (invisible) or Aqara (local processing for Apple Home).
Maximum convenience: TCL D1 Pro Face or Lockly Vision Elite.
Consumer Electronics & Smart Home Editor
Alex Carter has spent over 8 years testing and reviewing consumer electronics, with a focus on smart home gadgets, home appliances, and everyday tech. Before joining VersusMatrix, Alex wrote for sever...