{"id":323665,"date":"2025-11-10T15:50:24","date_gmt":"2025-11-10T20:50:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/?page_id=123188"},"modified":"2025-11-10T15:50:24","modified_gmt":"2025-11-10T20:50:24","slug":"best-smart-locks","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/home\/smart-home\/best-smart-locks\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Smart Locks"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n <\/span>\n \n\n\n

The Best Smart Locks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We evaluated six leading smart locks against reliability, local control, ecosystem fit, and physical build. In 2025, the baseline has shifted toward Matter<\/a> for cross\u2011ecosystem control and Thread<\/a> for low\u2011power mesh, while Wi\u2011Fi handles higher\u2011throughput roles (Wi\u2011Fi 7<\/a>). A smart lock should respond consistently, support secure local operation where possible, and provide clear update and security practices aligned with modern baselines like the UK\u2019s PSTI and the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark (PSTI<\/a>; Cyber Trust Mark<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n

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How We Chose the Best Smart Locks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Wide range of connectivity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We prioritized locks that connect reliably and align with today\u2019s standards. The modern stack centers on Matter<\/a> (an IP\u2011based application layer) running over Thread for battery devices and Wi\u2011Fi\/Ethernet for mains\u2011powered gear, with Thread<\/a> providing a resilient low\u2011power mesh and Bluetooth LE used for commissioning. Legacy protocols like Zigbee and Z\u2011Wave remain important, with Z\u2011Wave Long Range<\/a> addressing extended\u2011reach use cases, and Zigbee widely deployed in lighting (Zigbee overview<\/a>). We also considered local\u2011control paths and whether a lock required an external bridge, since every extra hop can add complexity. For homes upgrading routers, Wi\u2011Fi 7<\/a> can reduce latency and improve responsiveness for Wi\u2011Fi locks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your smart lock should work smoothly with your home security system<\/a> and ecosystem. Favor IP\u2011based stacks (Matter over Thread\/Wi\u2011Fi) for the broadest interoperability and local control where supported by your controller or Thread Border Router (Matter<\/a>; Thread<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trusted locks (for physical durability)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We looked for independently verified hardware and clear durability signals. The ANSI\/BHMA grading system (Grades 1\u20133) tests security, durability, and finish; Grade 1 is the highest, and the BHMA Certified<\/a> mark indicates compliance. Exterior components may also publish environmental ratings (e.g., IP codes) that indicate dust\/water resistance; retrofit interior\u2011only designs usually don\u2019t list IP ratings because electronics remain indoors (IP Code<\/a>). We reviewed third\u2011party sources including Consumer Reports<\/a>. For hands\u2011on fit checks we used small door mockups a local hardware store provided. (The store, Blackhawk Hardware, was not involved beyond lending stands for our independent research.)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Installation matters. Full\u2011replacement keypad deadbolts target standard U.S. door prep (2\u20111\/8 in face bore; 1 in edge bore; 2\u20113\/8 or 2\u20113\/4 in backset; common thickness ranges) and provide unified mechanics, while retrofit units mount inside over an existing single\u2011cylinder deadbolt\u2014fast to install and ideal for renters but dependent on your existing lock\u2019s grade (Yale Assure Lock 2 specs<\/a>; August retrofit overview<\/a>; installation comparisons<\/a>). We also prefer models that retain a mechanical key or have offline entry modes for power\/network outages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Secure (for cyber hackability)<\/h3>\n\n\n

Modern baselines clarify what \u201cgood security\u201d means for connected locks. Since April 29, 2024, the UK\u2019s PSTI<\/a> requires no universal default passwords, a vulnerability disclosure policy, and a stated minimum security update period. In the U.S., the FCC\u2019s Cyber Trust Mark<\/a> is rolling out, based on NIST criteria (e.g., unique credentials and secure update capability). Industry baselines like ETSI EN 303 645<\/a> and OWASP ISVS<\/a> provide concrete controls (secure boot, signed OTA, modern crypto, brute\u2011force protection). If your lock supports Matter security<\/a>, you also get authenticated onboarding (device attestation) and end\u2011to\u2011end encrypted local messaging. We favor products and apps that enable MFA and automatic updates, aligning with CISA\u2019s Secure by Design<\/a> guidance.<\/p>\n\n\n

If you\u2019re in the home sharing industry<\/a>, prioritize locks that separate household access from guest credentials, support time\u2011limited PINs, and allow quick revocation and audit. Multiple entry options (keypad, app, mechanical key, and sometimes biometrics) help you maintain access even when phones or networks misbehave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consistency and ease of use<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We verified that app commands reliably lock\/unlock and that notifications and geofencing features behave as promised. App quality is measurable: in 2025, best\u2011in\u2011class mobile apps consistently reach roughly 99.6\u201399.9% crash\u2011free sessions with responsive cold starts, and Android vitals<\/a> enforces bad\u2011behavior thresholds for crashes\/ANRs that can impact store visibility. We looked for stable control in daily use and clear feedback when connectivity isn\u2019t available (App Store crash analytics<\/a>; industry benchmarks<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n <\/span>\n \n\n\n

The 4 Best Smart Door Locks<\/h2>\n\n\n
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