Upgrading your front door to a smart lock can be one of the most practical investments in home security and daily convenience. Whether you want to ditch your keys entirely, grant temporary access to guests, or simply check whether you locked up after leaving the house, today's smart locks offer a range of solutions to fit nearly every household setup. This guide breaks down what genuinely matters when choosing a smart lock, and highlights several well-regarded options currently available — so you can find the right fit without guesswork.

This guide is written for homeowners who want to upgrade to keyless entry without replacing their entire door hardware. If you already have a standard deadbolt, most smart locks covered here are designed to retrofit directly onto your existing setup — keeping your exterior hardware intact while replacing the interior mechanism. This is especially useful for renters who need landlord approval for exterior changes, or homeowners who simply prefer the look of a traditional keyhole from the outside.

If you manage short-term rentals, look after elderly family members, or regularly let in service workers, smart locks with remote access and temporary code features will be of particular interest.

Not every smart lock fits every deadbolt. Before purchasing, measure your door's thickness (typically 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 inches for residential doors) and check whether the lock mounts over your existing deadbolt or requires a full replacement. Look for models that list ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 or Grade 2 certification — this indicates the lock meets minimum residential security standards. Most retrofit models include adapter kits for common deadbolt brands, but it pays to verify compatibility before ordering.

Smart locks typically connect via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or Z-Wave/Zigbee. Bluetooth-only models require you to be within range to operate the lock remotely — usually 30 feet or less — which limits true remote access. Wi-Fi-enabled locks or those that pair with a smart home hub allow you to lock and unlock from anywhere with a signal. If you want to integrate your lock with voice assistants or a broader smart home system (such as Google Home or Amazon Alexa), confirm compatibility before purchasing.

The more access methods a lock supports, the more flexibility you have day to day. Common options include PIN keypad entry, fingerprint biometrics, key fob, smartphone app, and traditional physical key backup. Auto-lock timers — which lock the door automatically after a set period — are a useful safeguard if you frequently forget to lock up. Look for models that allow you to create, share, and revoke individual access codes without needing to change the entire system.

Smart locks run on batteries, and a dead battery at the wrong time is a genuine inconvenience. Quality locks will typically offer several months to a year of battery life under normal use and should send low-battery alerts via the app well in advance. Some models also include an emergency power option via a 9V battery connection on the exterior — a worthwhile backup feature to look for.

Beyond smart features, physical security still matters. Look for anti-pick, anti-bump, and anti-drill protection in the manufacturer's specifications. A smart lock should not trade physical security for convenience. Locks that have earned ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 certification or UL Listed security ratings generally offer the most robust protection.

Because smart locks connect to the internet or your home network, they collect data about when your door is locked and unlocked. Review the manufacturer's privacy policy and understand what information is stored, for how long, and whether it is shared with third parties. Opt for models from manufacturers with clear, minimal-data-retention policies where possible.

GuardPoint Pro Smart Lock Best for: Homeowners who want a complete retrofit solution with Wi-Fi built in

• Installs over most standard single-cylinder deadbolts in roughly 10 minutes with included hardware
• Built-in Wi-Fi (no separate hub required) allows remote locking and unlocking from any location
• Supports up to 250 unique access codes with individual scheduling and one-tap revocation

Drawback: The thicker interior design may feel bulky on narrower interior door surrounds.

Price range: $180–$220

KeylessEntry Elite Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who still want reliable app control and keypad entry

• Combines a backlit touchscreen keypad with Bluetooth app control and a physical key override
• Battery life tested to approximately 12 months under standard residential use; includes 9V emergency terminal
• Supports auto-lock intervals from 30 seconds to 30 minutes, configurable via app

Drawback: Bluetooth-only connectivity means remote access requires a separately purchased hub accessory.

Price range: $90–$120

SmartDeadBolt Connect Best for: Smart home enthusiasts who want Z-Wave integration with an existing home automation hub

• Z-Wave Plus certified, making it compatible with most major smart home hubs on the market
• Physical security rated to ANSI/BHMA Grade 2 with anti-pick and anti-bump pin configuration
• Logs every lock/unlock event by user code, providing a clear access history for households with multiple users

Drawback: Requires a Z-Wave compatible hub — not a standalone solution for users new to smart home platforms.

Price range: $140–$170

SecureTouch Deadbolt Best for: Households that want fingerprint biometric entry as the primary access method

• Stores up to 100 fingerprint profiles alongside PIN and app access methods
• Biometric sensor typically registers in under one second under normal conditions
• Includes tamper alarm that triggers if the lock body detects sustained physical force

Drawback: Fingerprint recognition accuracy can decrease with wet or dirty fingers — a physical key backup is advisable.

Price range: $160–$200

LockMaster App+ Best for: Landlords or Airbnb hosts managing multiple users with time-limited access

• Supports temporary access codes with precise start and end times, sent to guests via text or email
• Built-in activity log exportable as CSV for property management record-keeping
• Compatible with both Android and iOS, and integrates with multiple voice assistant platforms

Drawback: The companion app interface has a moderate learning curve compared to simpler single-household products.

Price range: $200–$240

DoorShield Pro Best for: Security-focused buyers who want the highest physical security rating available

• ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 certified — the highest residential security classification
• Reinforced steel housing with anti-drill plate and anti-saw deadbolt bolt
• Offers both Wi-Fi direct and hub-based Z-Wave operation depending on user preference

Drawback: At the heavier end of residential smart lock weight, which may require slight door alignment adjustment during installation.

Price range: $230–$270

Q: Will a smart lock work with my existing deadbolt hole? A: Most retrofit smart locks are designed to fit standard ANSI prep holes (2-1/8 inch bore and 2-3/8 or 2-3/4 inch backset). Check your current deadbolt measurements against the product specifications before purchasing. The majority of residential front doors in North America fall within these standard dimensions.

Q: Can I still use a physical key with a smart lock? A: Yes — nearly all smart locks on the market include a physical key cylinder as a backup access method. This is recommended, especially for emergencies or situations where battery failure or connectivity issues prevent electronic access from working.

Q: How secure are smart lock PIN codes against guessing or brute-force attacks? A: Quality smart locks include lockout features that temporarily disable keypad input after a set number of incorrect PIN attempts (commonly 5 to 10 tries). Some models also mask high-frequency digits by illuminating the full keypad randomly — look for this "anti-smudge" or "fake digit" feature if code security is a priority.

Q: Do smart locks work during a power outage? A: Smart locks run on batteries rather than household power, so a standard power outage does not affect their operation. The risk is battery depletion rather than grid failure. Ensure you have fresh batteries installed and respond to low-battery alerts promptly.

Q: Can multiple family members use the same smart lock simultaneously? A: Yes. Most smart locks allow multiple user profiles — each with a unique PIN code or registered fingerprint — that can be managed independently. Family members can use their own credentials without affecting others, and codes can be revoked individually if needed (for example, when a houseguest's visit ends).

For most homeowners, the guiding question is simple: do you want remote access, or are you comfortable being within Bluetooth range? If convenience from anywhere matters, a Wi-Fi-enabled lock like the GuardPoint Pro Smart Lock or DoorShield Pro offers the most flexibility. If budget is the priority and remote access is not essential, the KeylessEntry Elite delivers solid everyday functionality at a noticeably lower price point.

For households managing multiple users — rental properties, shared homes, or frequent guest scenarios — the LockMaster App+ provides the most granular access control. And if you're already invested in a Z-Wave smart home system, the SmartDeadBolt Connect slots in without complications.

Whichever model you choose, prioritize physical security credentials alongside smart features. A Grade 1 or Grade 2 ANSI rating ensures your door remains secure even if the electronics are bypassed. Browse current prices and availability to find the best in-stock option for your needs.