Whether you're tired of losing your keys, you're already in the process of automating your home, or you're setting up a bed-and-breakfast, a vital part of the process is choosing the best smart locks that fit your needs. There are plenty of different smart locks to choose from, each with its own unique abilities. Though there are some great picks out there for securing your home, the best smart lock is one of the highest-ranked August Smart Locks, the fourth generation August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, thanks to its fantastic reputation and easy hub-less setup.

The best smart locks for your home

Best Overall

Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid

Unlike many of the other smart locks that you'll find on the market, it isn't immediately apparent when you have the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock installed on your front door. That's because the device is installed inside your home, so there's no indication of the smart lock from your front porch. The latest model is still a little bulky but is much smaller than previous generations. 

In our review of this August Wi-Fi lock, we loved that it was so simple to install with existing hardware while including so many advanced features. One of the things that makes this particular lock so great is that buyers don't need any additional bridges when using this device since it has its own built-in Wi-Fi. That means that buyers can lock and unlock the door anywhere as long as they have access to the August app and a good internet connection.

You can also view the activity of any entry where this smart lock is installed by checking the app. If you want, the app allows you to change the settings to automatically lock when you leave home or unlock when you approach. Plus, it works beautifully with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and other smart home assistants.

August Smart Lock, 3rd Generation

An easy-to-use smart lock

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In addition to being the best cheap smart lock, we like this 3rd generation because no one can tell it's a smart lock from a street view. It allows you to keep your handle and lock in place but adds a smart component that's only visible from inside your home. It isn't the most pleasant thing to look at from the inside, but you probably won't be looking at it much.

One of the things that makes it so inexpensive is that it doesn't have Wi-Fi built-in. Instead, it uses a Bluetooth connection to let your phone control it. If down the road you decide you want to control it with Wi-Fi or a voice assistant, you can purchase the August Connect hub separately.

August Smart Lock's app also has an activity log so you can see who has been coming and going through your door. The DoorSense feature even allows you to check your phone and see if your door is shut or open. For additional convenience, you can make it so your door automatically unlocks when you approach with your smartphone on you and locks when you walk away. It's perfect for when you're carrying home armloads of groceries. Despite being a high-tech device, this lock will only take you around 10 minutes to set up.

Schlage Connect Smart Deadbolt

A beautiful multi-control smart lock

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If you're looking for a smart lock that offers a sleeker design, you'll be interested in this lock from Schlage. It looks beautiful, and there are a couple of colors and styles to match the look of your front door. This lock features a built-in alarm, and you can cycle through three different alert modes to let you know if there is any activity going on at your door. It also has an impressively long battery life and will alert you via a yellow light when it requires new batteries.

Open your door using a key or give out up to 30 access codes to your kids or guests so they can get in the house without a key. You'll even be able to monitor who comes in and out of your home using the activity log. You can choose between a Z-Wave or Zigbee model depending on what type of hub you have or plan to get. Buying both the lock and the hub makes this an especially expensive option.

Kwikset SmartCode 910

An inexpensive smart lock

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If you're looking for something that securely bolts your door shut without costing too much, then this is the smart lock to get. It features a keypad and a physical key slot so you can open it manually if necessary. You'll need to choose either the Z-Wave Plus or Zigbee model to match your smart home hub. If you prefer to keep your front door locked, enable the 30-second auto-lock.

It comes in three colors to match your door: Satin Nickel, Venetian Bronze, and Polished Brass.  If you want to make sure that it matches the color of your handles, you can upgrade to the Smart Lock Keypad + Handleset. Kwikset also has a more square contemporary design that may work better with your home's design. Unfortunately, there isn't a battery life indicator on the device, so you'll need to pay attention and replace batteries as needed.

Extra security features

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Reasons to avoid

If you're worried about people spying on you or guessing your code, then Lockly Secure Pro can help you feel more secure. The screen houses three-button locations with different numbers inside them. Every time the device turns on, the numbers scramble around, so you have to pay more attention each time you enter your code. In our testing of the Secure Pro, we noted how this unique security feature can prevent unauthorized people from memorizing a code they shouldn't know. Additionally, this unit has a fingerprint reader on the right side to remember up to 99 fingerprints. This makes it a great lock not only for homes but for businesses as well.

The downside to the screen is that you cannot adjust the brightness, so it might be hard to see the buttons at certain times of the day. It comes with a Wi-Fi hub, so you don't have to purchase one separately to get it connected to your internet. There's also a small kit inside the box that you can attach to your door, which notifies the app if the door is open. That way, you know for sure if your house is secure. This is a relatively expensive smart lock, but that's not too surprising given the extra security features.

Yale Assure Lock SL Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

Just enter a code

Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid

For those wanting to ditch the house keys altogether, the Yale Assure Lock SL will do the trick. This model comes with WI-FI and Bluetooth connectivity making it easy to set up with August. It features a sleek design that will look good on any front door, and it's easy to install. It comes in three colors to match your entry and handle. Since this lock uses DoorSense, you'll be able to tell if your door is open or closed thanks to the August integration.

On that note, something significant to be aware of is that there are four different smart versions of this lock: one that uses Connected by August, one that works with Zigbee, another that's compatible with HomeKit, and lastly, a version that connects with Z-Wave. Depending on which version you purchase, it will work with Wi-Fi, Alexa, Google Assistant, Xfinity Home, SmartThings, Wink, and even ADT. You'll need to buy the version that uses the control options you like, be aware that the price changes depending on which version you purchase.

Lockly PGD 728F

Open your smart lock in several ways

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This smart lock works like something from a Mission Impossible movie. It's a bit expensive compared to others, but it also includes several additional features. There are four ways to open the lock - via fingerprint, keycode, a physical key, or unlocking it with your smartphone. It employs a 3D fingerprint sensor, which ensures that the lock doesn't respond to lifted prints. This is one of the most secure keypads since the numbers continuously change positions. This means that if someone was watching while you entered the access code, the buttons will move, and they won't guess the code correctly. You get three attempts to enter the code before the keypad requires you to enter the correct code twice.

Owners can also give out access codes to friends and family, so they don't need a physical key to open the door. You'll also be able to monitor the unlock history to see if something strange has been going on with your door. Something we appreciate about this lock is the physical keypad disablement button. Simply slide it to the off position to prevent anyone from using the keypad. If you're the kind of person that prefers to keep your front door locked at all times, then you'll appreciate the auto-locking feature. Set it to lock anywhere between 5 seconds and 5 minutes after opening the door. Just be aware that the deadbolt will lock regardless of whether or not the door is open. It comes in three colors so you'll be able to choose the look you like best for your home.

Lock up your home

Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid

The Nest x Yale Lock is a pricey option, but it has many useful features that make it a great purchase. Anyone whose home is decked out with Google smart devices will be able to lock, unlock, and check the status of this Yale lock simply by talking to Google Assistant. Remember that since this is a Nest device, it doesn't work with Amazon Alexa. You can also use the Nest app to control the deadbolt from just about anywhere or come up with temporary access codes to give to family or friends. As we saw in our review of the Next x Yale, this is an excellent lock for those already in the Google ecosystem.

Are you worried about security? If someone starts messing with your lock, you'll get a notification on your phone letting you know that something is going on. On top of that, if you have the Nest Secure alarm system, you can connect it to this lock, making it so that it disarms the alarm whenever you unlock the lock. This keeps your home secure without making it inconvenient for you. You'll find that this lock comes in three different colors, so you can find a look that fits your door: Oil-Rubbed Bronze, Satin Nickel, and Polished Brass.

Pick whichever suits your needs best

When looking for a smart lock, you want something that provides plenty of security features and an added convenience for a reasonable price. Next, you'll have to determine if being able to lock via the app or voice assistant is enough or if you'd like the ability to key in codes, use a physical key slot, or even open the door via fingerprint scans. No matter what features you want, there are plenty of options from which to choose even if you're only interested in the best cheap smart locks.

There are a lot of great smart locks from August with a variety of features and formats to fit your needs. One of the best options out there is the August Smart Lock. It makes the front of your door look like any other lock, but you'll be able to monitor lock activity to know who is going or coming from the included August app. It's cheaper than several others because it uses Bluetooth rather than a Wi-Fi connection.