6 Best Smart Locks (2025) for Front Doors, Slider Doors, and Even Garages
Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro for $170: WIRED reviewer Julian Chokkattu also tested Ultraloq’s U-Bolt Pro, which uses the same app as the Fingerprint models. He says it took a few attempts to connect to Wi-Fi, but once connected it worked fine, with no Wi-Fi issues in the year he tested it. It has built-in Wi-Fi, uses four AA batteries that last about two months (less in very cold weather), and has a hidden mechanical keyhole as a backup in case the battery dies when you’re not home, and you get two spare keys. There’s a charging port underneath so you can give it some juice in an emergency if the lock is dead and you don’t have the key, but we wish it was USB-C instead of Micro USB. It’s a good lock, but he prefers the Fingerprint models because it has better build quality and it has eight batteries, so the lock lasts twice as long.
Photography: Nena Farrell
Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch for $300: I’ve been testing this lock for a few weeks in tandem with ADT’s security system and Google Home. Unlike the other locks in this guide, I didn’t install it, an ADT technician did it, and installation can be included in an ADT security package like the one I tested. As for the lock itself, it worked well. This is a complete deadbolt replacement, comes with a single key, along with a keypad and fingerprint reader for entry options. The fingerprint reader is fast and efficient, and my husband says the keyboard is easy to use (you activate the keyboard by pressing the Yale button, but if your finger is registered in the app, it’s also the fingerprint reader button). Instead of using the Yale app, I primarily control this app with the ADT+ app, but there are versions of this lock that do not use or require the ADT service. I wish I could set it to lock every 10 minutes, rather than three, but that’s the longest option the ADT+ app gives me to set it up. I can also partially control it in the Google Home app, but only to lock and unlock it, not to dive into detailed settings like passcodes and auto-lock times.
Yale Assure Touchscreen Lever Lock for $240: I’ve been testing this lever door handle without deadbolt and its sleek-looking keypad on my house door from inside my garage for four months. Unlike the Yale approach lock, it will not sense your arrival, but it will wake up even with a light press of the keypad. It’s easy to lock and unlock and view the activity log on the Yale Access app, or you can use a PIN to unlock. You can also create different codes for different people so you know exactly who is coming and going and when. It works with Google Home, Apple Home and Alexa, and also has two physical keys for backup in case of battery failure. Setup wasn’t exactly a breeze, requiring installing the Bilt app and then setting up the Yale app, and online reviews are quite vocal in their complaints about battery life and loosening of the grip over time. None of these issues occurred during our testing period; however, we will update this review with further observations over time. —Kat Merck
Avoid These Smart Locks
We haven’t liked every smart lock we’ve tried. These are the ones you should ignore.
Defiant Smart Deadbolt powered by Hubspace for $100: Shoddy build quality is a huge drag on this smart lock from Defiant. The buttons are mushy, it’s very noisy, and what good is Wi-Fi connectivity if it never connects to Wi-Fi? I eventually paired it with the Hubspace app, but the lock never stayed connected to my Wi-Fi, so I didn’t get any of the benefits. —Julien Chokkattu
Eufy FamiLock S3 Max for $400: This lock is cool because it includes a camera, allowing the device to serve as a digital peephole (handy for little family members!) and has a super cool biometric option that uses the veins in your palm for authentication. Unfortunately, once installed, the lock did not work on my door, even though it was the correct size and location.
