Did you know that the smartphone you already use in your everyday life can also be used to unlock or lock the front door of your home? All you need to do is replace your existing door’s deadbolt lock with one of the best smart locks. Then, every time you approach your door, you’ll potentially be able to unlock it with your phone, by scanning your fingerprint or by tapping in a passcode, alongside your usual key.

Best of all, smart locks are inexpensive, secure and easy to install. They can also be controlled remotely from anywhere using your smartphone, plus they often work in conjunction with other smart home equipment—like smart speakers, smart home hubs, video doorbells and home security cameras.

Traditional keys are no longer needed when you replace the deadbolt lock on your front door with a ... [+] smart lock, like the Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi Smart Lock that's shown here

Since you can replace your existing door’s deadbolt locks in less than an hour using basic tools (like a screwdriver), or hire a locksmith to do the replacement for you, it makes sense to upgrade your home’s front door with a smart lock. Doing this will actually make your life easier and eliminate the need to use a traditional metal key, which can bear its own security disadvantages.

Ready to upgrade? Before you make a decision, be sure to take a look at what we consider the best smart door locks for 2022. Chances are, you’ll discover one that’ll both enhance the appearance of your home’s entryway and provide you and your family with added convenience and security.

Who it’s for: Someone who wants a reliable smart lock that offers multiple ways to lock or unlock a door using their smartphone, a passcode or a mechanical key.

This Yale smart lock allows you to eliminate the need for metal keys while allowing your smartphone to handle a wide range of lock-related functions. For example, even with the phone in your pocket or purse, when the lock detects your approach, it will automatically unlock for you. This lock supports all the popular voice assistants (Siri, Alexa and Google Assistant), so you can issue voice commands to lock or unlock the door from anywhere using your smartphone, smartwatch or in-home smart speaker. It can also be set up to lock automatically whenever the door is shut.

Another useful feature is that from your smartphone, it’s possible to create permanent or temporary digital codes for guests, allowing them entry to your home without having to provide a metal key. When your smartphone isn’t handy, the lock’s numeric keypad can be used to manually enter a passcode for entry. Available in four colors—black, bronze, brass and nickel—this Yale lock will match your home’s exterior décor and easily replace your existing deadbolt lock.

Who it’s for: Someone who wants to replace the deadbolt lock in their door with a smart lock that offers a small, simplistic, secure and durable design.

From the outside of the door, the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock Deadbolt looks like a solid metal, 2.8-inch circular device with no keypad, fingerprint scanner or slit for a metal key. You control the lock using a smartphone or smartwatch app that allows you to create temporary or permanent, virtual keys for family and friends who also need entry to your home. Hands-free unlocking is possible when you approach the door, even when your smartphone remains in your pocket, backpack or purse. 

Whether you’re using an Apple iPhone or Android-based smartphone, this August smart lock supports Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri for accepting voice commands. It is fully compatible with Apple HomeKit and Samsung SmartThings. Installation takes less than 30 minutes using a screwdriver if you’re replacing a single cylinder deadbolt lock.

Who’s it for: A homeowner who wants to add a contemporary looking smart lock to their front door that offers a fingerprint scanner, smartphone control and can be used with mechanical keys.

The Kwikset Halo Contemporary Smart Lock is a redesigned and upgraded version of the company’s popular Kevo smart lock (which offers a circular design). This lock connects to your home’s Wi-Fi and allows it to be controlled via your smartphone. In fact, even when your smartphone is still in your pocket, the lock will detect your approach and unlock the door automatically. You can also program the lock to accept fingerprint scans, voice command or use a traditional metal key. Matching door handles are sold separately.

Like all of the smart locks featured in this article, this one can easily be installed in about 30 minutes into a standard prep door that’s less than two inches thick and that has a standard 2 1/8 inch face bore hole for the lock. The lock is BHMA Certified Grade AAA in security, durability and finish.

Who it’s for: Anyone who hates fumbling around for their keys or phone as they approach their door.

This full-featured smart lock comes in a matte black, nickel or bronze finish. Choose between a stand-alone deadbolt or a deadbolt with a latch handle design. It works with either an Apple iPhone or Android-based smartphone for managing and controlling the lock from virtually anywhere. However, the built-in fingerprint scanner or modern-looking numeric touchpad can also be used to allow you (as well as your family members and/or friends) to gain entry to your home on a permanent or temporary basis. Numeric passcodes can be created and activated—and then deactivated—at any time via the mobile app.

As you’d expect from a well-designed smart lock, this one can also accept voice commands from all the popular assistants, or it can be locked or unlocked using a physical metal key (two are included). The lock comes with the required Wi-Fi hub. Lockly’s proprietary app allows for a hands-free option when you approach the door while carrying your smartphone, as well as the ability to manage other users from anywhere. 

Who it’s for: This lock isn’t cutting-edge, but it’s an ideal “starter” option for a non-tech savvy person who wants a low cost replacement for their traditional deadbolt lock.

This lock is a hybrid between a traditional deadbolt and a smart lock, although it’s not too smart from a technological standpoint. It does not connect to the Internet, nor does it offer smartphone control. It does, however, allow you to pre-program up to six different user passcodes that will work with the numeric keypad. The alternative is to use a traditional metal key to lock or unlock the door.

This lock is available with a bronze or nickel finish, offers one-touch locking and can be set up to auto-lock once the door is closed. It runs on four “AA” batteries and fits most residential door preparations. Despite the low cost, this lock offers the same level of security as any traditional deadbolt lock.

Who it’s for: Ideal for Android-based smartphone users and people who already rely on Google home products.

Google has teamed up with lock maker Yale to create what the companies call a “tamper-proof” smart lock. It can easily be set up to work on its own or in conjunction with Google’s popular Nest home security products. From the outside of the door, this lock displays a numeric keypad. Using the Nest Lock’s mobile app, users can create permanent or temporary numeric codes for family members, friends or household help that need access to your home when you’re not there. 

However, this smart lock, like most others, also works with your smartphone to provide hands-free operation as you approach the door (if you’re carrying your phone). It can also be used to remotely control the lock from virtually anywhere. Anytime someone uses the lock (or tampers with it), your smartphone can be set up to display an immediate alert. You’re also able to check the status of the lock at any time, from anywhere. It comes in three colors—bronze, brass or nickel—and includes the required Nest Connect Hub.

Who it’s for: Someone looking to replace their door’s handle and lock (not their deadbolt) with smart technology that offers an elegant and timeless design.

Unlike the other smart locks featured within this article, this one replaces the lower half door handle lock (not the dead bolt lock) with a smart lock. What you get is a matte black finish numeric keypad, as well as elegant handle sets for the inside and outside of the door. A compatible and optional smart lock for the door’s deadbolt is sold separately from Schlage.

Using the Schlage Home app or Key by Amazon app, you’re able to create and manage up to 100 numeric access codes for family, friends and household help. You’re also able to grant specific people recurring, temporary or permanent access to your home using unique codes. For example, if you’ve hired a dog walker to come to your home every day at 2pm, you can set that person up with a door code that only works during specific times of the day—and only on the days they’re scheduled to pick up and drop off your dog. Built into the lock is an audible alarm to prevent people from tampering with it.

Who it’s for: Someone wanting to replace their traditional deadbolt lock with a full-featured smart lock that’s offered at an affordable price.

This Sifely smart lock offers 5-in-1 keyless entry, meaning you can use the built-in fingerprint scanner, a numeric code, a provided keychain fob, your smartphone, or a provided metal key to operate the lock. Installation can be completed using a single Philips head screwdriver in less than one hour. You’ll notice that unlike some other smart locks, this one has a built-in handle (on the outside and inside of the door). 

Like many of the more expensive smart locks, this one works with its own mobile app, as well as the Amazon Alexa digital assistant. It’s also compatible with in-home smart speakers, so you can easily issue voice commands to lock or unlock the door. In addition to being able to remotely lock or unlock your door from anywhere, the smartphone app is also used to program numeric access codes for other users, set up the auto-lock feature, and track who accesses the lock and when. 

When it comes to choosing the best smart door lock for your home’s front door, the key is to find one that offers the core functionality you'll be able to take advantage of in your everyday life. In addition to enhancing your home’s security, a smart lock offers a selection of additional benefits and conveniences. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key features you should look for when choosing a smart lock.

Removing a traditional dead bolt lock and replacing it with a smart lock is typically a ... [+] straightforward process that'll take less than one hour.

Assuming your door already has a traditional deadbolt lock installed, replacing it with a smart lock is a rather easy and quick process that requires little more than a screwdriver. If you’re replacing a non-standard lock or adding a lock onto a door that doesn’t already have one, the installation process is more elaborate. However, you always have the option of hiring a professional locksmith to do the lock upgrade and install for you, but this will add around $100 to the cost of the lock replacement.

Virtually all of the smart lock manufacturers provide how-to documentation and installation tutorial videos on their respective websites. Previewing this information will give you a good idea of what’ll be necessary once you’re ready to install the lock within your door.

Keep in mind, a smart lock can be installed into any door, whether it’s for a home, apartment or condo, for example. If you don’t own the property, however, you may need to get permission from your landlord before replacing the lock.

Use your smartphone as a digital key to unlock or lock a smart lock.

Almost all smart locks can be controlled remotely using any smartphone. However, some also work with smart speakers and smart home hubs. Often, smart locks offer multiple ways to interact with it beyond your smartphone. For example, some smart locks have a built in fingerprint sensor. Others also utilize a numeric keypad and can be locked or unlocked using a passcode. You may also be able to control your smart lock using a smart watch.

Plus, many smart locks allow users to grant temporary access to specific people, like a housekeeper or family member. Also, if you choose to utilize a smart video doorbell or smart home video cameras, many smart locks will work in conjunction with these devices.

Hands-free access via a smartphone, for example, takes advantage of wireless Bluetooth technology that allows many smart door locks to sense when authorized smartphones are in proximity, and will unlock automatically with no input needed.

Meanwhile, for homeowners who rent out their home via Airbnb, for example, there are smart locks that come with smartphone apps that make it easy to create temporary passcodes—or virtual keys programmed for the lock using a smartphone—to be used by paying guests only during the times those guests have a paid reservation.

Just like a traditional deadbolt lock, a smart lock offers the same security features that are designed to prevent burglars from gaining access to your home by picking the lock or through forced entry. From a technology standpoint, most smart locks also offer built-in technology to prevent hackers from gaining access to your lock’s passcodes and stored fingerprint data, for example.

As with any smart home equipment, when setting up your account and configuring the mobile app to work with the smart lock, choose a username and password that isn't easy to figure out. Using the word “password” as your password, of example, is a no-no, as is using your birthdate, anniversary date or a simple number sequence like “111111” or “123456”.

While you want the smart lock to visibly deter a potential thief, you also want the lock, door handle and knocker to all match from a color and style standpoint. The smart lock should maintain or even enhance the appearance of your home’s entranceway.

The best smart locks offer multiple ways to interact with the lock when you (or someone in your household) approaches the door, or when controlling the lock remotely. These options typically include being able to control the lock via a smartphone app, a fingerprint sensor or by entering a numeric passcode. Some smart locks can also use a traditional key as a way to lock or unlock the door, or will work with a smartwatch and accept voice commands.

Most smart locks rely on “AA” batteries to keep them operational for between six month and a year. A few smart locks can also be hardwired to your home’s electricity, which means you never need to replace the batteries. These will stop functioning, however, during a power failure (unless the lock also has an internal backup battery).

Most smart locks will work in conjunction with other smart home security products, including video doorbells, smart security cameras, home hubs and smart speakers. For example, if you also use a video doorbell, when someone approaches the door, you can see and interact with that person and then remotely unlock the door from anywhere if you choose to invite the visitor into your home.

If you plan to use multiple home security products, focus on compatibility between the products. Ideally, you want to be able to control the lock and video doorbell using the same mobile app. You also want the various pieces of equipment to respond to the same digital assistant (Siri, Google Assistant or Alexa) when you issue relevant voice commands.

This varies a lot between smart locks and what technologies they have built into them. Basically, instead of using a traditional mechanical key, your smartphone can communicate wirelessly with the lock and serve as a digital key that locks or unlocks the door when you issue the appropriate commands.

A smart lock with a fingerprint sensor will allow authorized people to touch the sensors and unlock (or lock) the door with a fingerprint scan, while others that have a built-in numeric keyboard will allow you to program one or more numeric codes that can be used to unlock the door.

Smart lock manufacturers have gotten very creative when it comes to all of the ways you can use various technologies. You can use your smartphone, smart speaker, smart home hub or smartwatch, for example, to control most smart locks. While most of these options require the lock to have access to your home’s Internet (via a hub that is placed within your home), not all of them do.

The quick answer to this question is yes, mainly because a typical smart lock is as secure as a traditional deadbolt lock, but you can control the lock remotely from anywhere using your smartphone or another compatible equipment. This gives you much more flexibility than using a traditional mechanical key.

From a physical strength standpoint, a smart lock is typically as secure as any traditional deadbolt lock. From a technological standpoint, as long as you utilize the built-in security features and make a point to use secure passwords and passcodes with the lock, plus have basic security features (like a firewall) added to your home Internet, you have little to worry about from hackers or tech-savvy burglars.

Overall, smart locks are an excellent and affordable addition to any home’s security. They’re now easier to install and use, as well as less expensive than ever before.