Best Smart Locks Under $1,000: Top Picks for Every Home

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Gadget Sentinel has not physically tested these locks. This guide is editorial research built on independent lab and hands-on testing by other publications, manufacturer documentation and the BHMA standard. We say which is which throughout.

The best smart locks under $1,000 rarely come close to $1,000. The seven locks below run from about $230 to about $350. Even with a Wi-Fi bridge or keypad added, none of our setups needs more than roughly $510. Treat $1,000 as a ceiling. A pricier lock isn’t automatically harder to break into, and some of the strongest results below came from mid-priced models.

Best Smart Locks Under $1,000 at a Glance

Seven smart deadbolts on a white surface, from retrofit to touchscreen models

Product	Best For	Price*	Unlocking Methods	Smart-Home Compatibility	Security Certification	Connectivity	Key Limitation
Yale Assure Lock 2 (Wi-Fi, YRD450-WF1-BSP)	Best overall	~$280	Touchscreen code, app, voice	Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings	BHMA Grade 2 (retailer listings)	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth	Not AAA; no fingerprint or Home Key
Level Lock Pro	Best premium	$349 (+$79 bridge, +$79 keypad optional)	App, Home Key, key fobs, key	Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings via Matter	BHMA AAA / Grade 1 (Level)	Bluetooth, Matter over Thread	Needs Thread hub or bridge for remote use
Schlage Encode Plus (BE499WB)	Apple Home	~$260–$330	Touchscreen code, Home Key, app, key	Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home	BHMA AAA (retailer-listed)	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth	No Matter; somewhat pickable in CR tests
Eufy Smart Lock Touch & Wi-Fi S230	Fingerprint	$229.99	Fingerprint, code, app, voice, key	Alexa, Google Assistant	BHMA Grade 2 (Eufy)	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth	No Apple Home or Matter
Kwikset Halo Select Plus	Google Home / mixed homes	~$290–$360	Touchscreen code, Home Key, app, key	Alexa, Apple Home, Google Home (Matter)	BHMA AAA (retailer-listed)	Wi-Fi or Thread	Very drill-vulnerable in CR tests
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th gen)	Renters	~$249	App, voice, auto-unlock, your key	Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home	None published	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth	Bulky; no keypad; no Matter
Lockly Visage Zeno (PGK728WRHKSN)	Facial recognition	$349	Face, fingerprint, code, Home Key, app, key	Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home	Unclear (listings conflict)	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth	Large; face-data handling not verified

*Prices are approximate and dated June–October 2026. Check the live price before buying.

How We Chose the Best Smart Locks

We started with the models shortlisted by Consumer Reports, Tom’s Guide, PCMag and TechRadar, then cross-checked specifications against manufacturer pages and retailer listings that quote them.

We weighted six things:

1. Independent physical-attack results.
2. Documented certifications.
3. Ecosystem support, including Apple Home Key.
4. Total cost, with hubs and bridges counted.
5. Backup access if the battery dies.
6. Subscription requirements.

Consumer Reports’ lab swings a 100-pound steel ram at a locked door for the kick-in test and also tests picking and cordless-drill attacks. Those are the only independent security results here. Everything else is a manufacturer claim, a hands-on review or our own editorial judgment, and we label it that way.

Limitations: Prices move constantly. We could not open some manufacturers’ own pages, so a few specs come from retailers quoting them. We did not verify certificates in the BHMA database ourselves.

1. Best Overall Smart Lock: Yale Assure Lock 2 (Wi-Fi)

Best for: Most households that want a dependable keypad lock with Wi-Fi.

Consumer Reports names this its best Wi-Fi smart lock. It held up against kick-ins and a cordless drill, and it was easy to set up. In CR’s tested bundle, the Wi-Fi module and door sensor, together worth $90, came at no extra charge. It supports Apple Home over Bluetooth, plus Alexa, Google Home and SmartThings through the module.

• Pros: Strong CR kick-in and drill results; easy remote control; no extra module cost in the bundle CR tested.
• Cons: BHMA Grade 2, not AAA. TechRadar found installation fussy and Wi-Fi setup tricky. Retailer listings show a one-year electronics warranty.
• Check before buying: The CR-tested YRD450 is a key-free touchscreen model. Yale also sells keyed versions. Confirm the exact model and how its emergency power works.

Buy it if you want proven all-round performance. Skip it if you want fingerprint or Home Key.

2. Best Premium Smart Lock: Level Lock Pro

Best for: Buyers who want a lock that looks like an ordinary deadbolt.

The Pro hides its electronics inside the door. Level lists it at $349, and Level states it works with Apple Home Key, key fobs and Matter over Thread. Consumer Reports found it performed well in kick-in tests and decently in picking and drilling. Level reports BHMA AAA and says battery life runs 9–12 months on one CR2.

• Pros: Discreet look; two key fobs and two keys in the box; strong battery claim.
• Cons: Remote control needs a Thread hub or the $79 Wi-Fi bridge, and a keypad is another $79. Gizmodo’s review reported a sluggish Home Key and one stretch where the lock went unresponsive.
• Total cost: About $349, or roughly $507 with the bridge and keypad.

Buy it if looks and Apple/Matter flexibility matter most. Skip it if you want a built-in keypad or fingerprint reader.

3. Best Smart Lock for Apple Home: Schlage Encode Plus

Best for: iPhone and Apple Watch households that want tap-to-unlock without a hub for Alexa and Google.

Consumer Reports lists it among its best Apple Home Key locks. It performed well against kick-ins and drilling but was somewhat susceptible to picking, and it isn’t the easiest to set up. Retailer listings show BHMA AAA, 100 codes, four AA batteries (Schlage’s family spec is up to about six months) and a three-year electronics warranty.

• Pros: Strong kick-in and drill results; Home Key; built-in Wi-Fi.
• Cons: No Matter that we could confirm; Consumer Reports found it pickable; setup can be fiddly.

Compare it against other Apple options in our guide to smart door locks for Alexa, Google Home and Apple HomeKit.

Buy it if you’re in Apple Home and want a high-grade keypad deadbolt. Skip it if you want one Matter lock to move between ecosystems.

Alternative: The Aqara U400 adds hands-free ultra-wideband unlocking for Apple users and sells around $220–$270. Tom’s Guide lists it as BHMA Grade 3, so it suits convenience more than maximum security.

4. Best Fingerprint Smart Lock: Eufy Smart Lock Touch & Wi-Fi S230

Best for: Households that want a fingerprint reader at a moderate price.

Consumer Reports calls the S230 one of its best built-in-Wi-Fi locks, with strong kick-in and picking scores and a decent drilling score. Eufy lists BHMA Grade 2, a $229.99 price, and says there is no subscription. Eufy’s listings give a battery life of up to a year from a 10,000 mAh rechargeable pack.

• Pros: Strong independent results for the price; fingerprint, code, app and key; no monthly fee.
• Cons: Alexa and Google only, with no Apple Home or Matter.

Buy it if you’re an Alexa or Google household that values fingerprint access. Skip it if you use Apple Home.

5. Best Smart Lock for Google Home: Kwikset Halo Select Plus

Best for: Google Home and mixed-ecosystem households.

Kwikset’s Halo Select Plus combines Wi-Fi, Matter over Thread and Home Key. Retailer listings show BHMA AAA. Consumer Reports found it held up well against kick-ins and picking but was highly susceptible to a cordless drill. It named it its best Matter lock.

• Pros: Works with Alexa, Apple Home and Google Home; Thread should extend battery life.
• Cons: You choose Wi-Fi or Thread, not both. PCWorld found that Matter mode on the sister Halo Select removed some app features.

Buy it if you want Matter and Google Home. Skip it if drill resistance is your top concern.

6. Best Smart Lock for Renters: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Generation)

Best for: Renters who want to keep their existing deadbolt and keys.

This retrofit unit replaces only the interior thumb turn. Consumer Reports and PCMag both name it a top retrofit pick. PCMag lists it at $249 and calls it renter-friendly. It uses two CR123 batteries and 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, and it includes a door sensor.

• Pros: No drilling; easy to reverse at move-out; no hub.
• Cons: Tom’s Guide calls it bulky. No keypad unless you add one. Best Buy Canada lists no Matter support. We found no official battery-life figure.

Check your lease and get landlord approval first. For more rental options, see our guide to smart locks for apartments and rental properties.

Buy it if you rent and your current deadbolt is on August’s compatibility list. Skip it if you want a keypad or fingerprint reader built in.

7. Best Smart Lock With Facial Recognition: Lockly Visage Zeno

Best for: Hands-free entry when your hands are full.

PCMag says it’s the first lock it tested with facial recognition and that the feature worked well in dark and bright light. Tom’s Guide praises its many unlock methods and no-subscription design. It supports Home Key, and it sells for about $349.

• Pros: Face, fingerprint, keypad and Home Key; USB-C emergency power; no subscription.
• Cons: Large hardware. Tom’s Guide reports monthly charging at default settings, while PCWorld reports Lockly claiming up to eight months. Retailer listings disagree on its BHMA grade (Grade 2 at Lowe’s, no grade at Home Depot). We did not verify where face data is stored.

Buy it if hands-free entry is worth a premium. Skip it if you want a verified security grade or are uneasy about biometric data.

Smart Lock Comparison: Which Model Should You Choose?

Product	Install type	Backup access	Extra cost	Warranty (as listed)
Yale Assure Lock 2	Deadbolt replacement	Confirm for key-free model	Module included in CR bundle	1-yr electronics, lifetime mechanical (retailer)
Level Lock Pro	Replaces deadbolt internals	Key + 2 fobs	$79 bridge; $79 keypad	Not verified
Schlage Encode Plus	Deadbolt replacement	Physical key	Apple hub for remote Apple Home	3-yr electronics (retailer)
Eufy S230	Deadbolt replacement	Key + emergency unlock	None	Not verified
Kwikset Halo Select Plus	Deadbolt replacement	Physical keys	Thread router for Matter	1-yr electronics (sister model)
August 4th gen	Retrofit	Your own key	Keypad extra	Not verified
Lockly Visage Zeno	Deadbolt replacement	Key + USB-C port	None	5-yr mechanical, 2-yr electronics (PCWorld)

What to Consider Before Buying a Smart Lock

Security Grades and Physical Protection

The BHMA’s A156.40 standard covers residential deadbolts across durability, strength and security, and finish. A “AAA” rating means top marks in all three. “Grade 1/2/3” is a separate scale used on some listings. Lab tests run under controlled conditions, so real results vary with your door and frame.

Check the BHMA certified-products directory instead of trusting a box. A reinforced strike plate is also a cheap upgrade that Consumer Reports recommends.

Wi-Fi vs Bluetooth vs Matter

Wi-Fi locks work remotely without a hub but use more power. Bluetooth works only nearby. Matter is a shared standard that runs over Thread or Wi-Fi, so one lock can join several platforms. Thread locks usually need a border router, which many speakers and streaming boxes include.

Fingerprint vs Keypad vs Smartphone Access

Each method has a failure mode: a wet finger, a phone with a dead battery, a code someone watches you type. Pick a lock with at least two methods plus a physical or emergency fallback.

Battery Life and Emergency Access

Outages don’t disable battery locks. Wi-Fi outages usually remove only remote control. Look for a physical key, a USB-C port or another emergency method.

Installation and Door Compatibility

Measure your backset and door thickness. Schlage’s Encode family adjusts between 2-3/8″ and 2-3/4″ backsets. Yale lists door thicknesses from 1-3/8″ to 2-1/4″. Eufy lists doors 35–55 mm thick. Our DIY home security setup guide walks through the installation steps.

Privacy and Subscription Requirements

We found no mandatory subscription for core lock and unlock functions on these seven. Only Eufy and Lockly state it plainly, so confirm the rest. For biometric locks, read the privacy policy to see where fingerprint or face data is kept. Use unique passwords and two-factor authentication, and see our ultimate smart home security essentials guide for network tips.

Smart-Home Ecosystem Compatibility

Check the exact model, not just the brand. Home Key is separate from general Apple Home support. Our Alexa, Google Home and Apple HomeKit lock guide explains the differences in detail.

Are Expensive Smart Locks Worth It?

Sometimes. Paying more makes sense for a premium look (Level), hands-free entry (Lockly, Aqara U400) or a documented AAA grade (Schlage, Level, Kwikset). It doesn’t buy better drill or pick resistance on its own: Kwikset’s $290–$360 lock was highly drill-vulnerable in Consumer Reports’ tests, while the $230 Eufy did well on kick-ins and picking.

A cheaper model is enough if you just want codes and remote lock status. Remember a lock is one layer. Our home security gadgets guide explains where else to spend.

Which Smart Lock Should You Buy?

• Most people: Yale Assure Lock 2 (Wi-Fi).
• Apple households: Schlage Encode Plus.
• Design-first, Matter-ready: Level Lock Pro.
• Fingerprint on a budget: Eufy S230.
• Google Home or mixed: Kwikset Halo Select Plus.
• Renters: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock.
• Hands-free face unlock: Lockly Visage Zeno.

Whichever you choose, verify the live price, confirm your door fits, and back it up with the layers in our smart home security essentials guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best smart lock under $1,000?
For most homes, the Yale Assure Lock 2 with Wi-Fi, based on Consumer Reports’ testing. The best choice depends on your ecosystem and whether you rent.

2. Are smart locks more secure than traditional locks?
Not automatically. Physical strength comes from the deadbolt, and the app account adds a new risk. Certified hardware plus two-factor authentication is a sound combination.

3. Which smart lock is hardest to break into?
No single winner. In Consumer Reports’ tests, the Yale and Schlage did well against kick-ins and drilling, and the Eufy S230 did well against kick-ins and picking. Use a reinforced strike plate.

4. Do smart locks work without Wi-Fi?
Yes for local methods like keypad, fingerprint and Bluetooth. You lose remote control and voice control.

5. Can smart locks work during a power outage?
Yes, they run on batteries. A router outage affects only the remote features.

6. Which smart locks work with Apple Home Key?
Among our picks: Schlage Encode Plus, Level Lock Pro, Kwikset Halo Select Plus and Lockly Visage Zeno.

7. Are fingerprint smart locks reliable?
Generally, but wet or dirty fingers can fail. Tom’s Guide said the fingerprint reader on Eufy’s E330 (a sibling model) never failed in its tests. Keep a backup method.

8. Do smart locks require monthly subscriptions?
We found no mandatory fee for core functions on these seven. Eufy and Lockly say so explicitly.

9. Can smart locks be hacked?
Any connected device carries some risk. Use strong passwords, two-factor authentication and firmware updates.

10. Are smart locks suitable for renters?
Retrofit locks like August are the best fit, but get your landlord’s permission.

11. How long do smart lock batteries last?
Manufacturer figures vary: Level up to 12 months, Eufy up to a year, Lockly up to eight months (Tom’s Guide reports monthly charging), Schlage up to about six. Real life varies.

12. Is Matter better than Wi-Fi for smart locks?
Not strictly. Matter over Thread can improve battery life and cross-platform support but needs a Thread router. Wi-Fi is simpler for a single ecosystem.