Quick List
1. Best overall
2. Best keypad
3. Best for renters
4. Best for keyless entry
5. Best for existing hardware
6. Best design
Q&A
Although they might seem like something from the future, smart locks are already here — and they're a great way to keep your home more secure. A smart lock will let you run the security of you front door from your iPhone, connecting up to the Home App and giving you loads of options with your lock.
You can let people in with a one-time code, unlock or lock the door remotely, and turn the lights on inside when you unlock the door — there's a whole load you can do with a lock, and it's all done through your iPhone.
You'll likely want to do as much research as possible into the kind of lock that you want — so we've put together this helpful list of locks that you can use to work out the best for you.
HomeKit aficionado
HomeKit is one of the most exciting parts of my job – working out which gadgets are best, from lights to yes, door locks, is a pleasure. I love Homekit, and how it makes life easier, and most importantly, I like finding out how HomeKit can make your life better through product recommendations.
Quick list
Best overall
If you are looking for the ultimate in Siri, HomeKit, and Home app controls, then the Level Lock+ is the lock for you. The Level Lock+ smart lock unlocks with just a tap of your iPhone or Apple Watch thanks to Home Key support, and for those times when you are without your devices, it also supports custom NFC cards.
Best keypad
The Schlage Encode Plus is an easy-to-install, HomeKit-connected deadbolt that comes in two distinct designs and finishes. Regardless of your choice of styling, the Encode Plus supports Home Key, which enables seamless unlocking with your iPhone and Apple Watch.
Best for renters
The Level Bolt is an invisible smart lock that hides everything inside your door. This design lets you keep your existing hardware and original keys, making it perfect for renters. Our hands-on review shows that Level's lock is also effortless to install since it uses Bluetooth for HomeKit connectivity.
Best for keyless entry
Yale's Assure Lock 2 is a slick keyless HomeKit option with an incredibly sleek design. This Bluetooth smart lock has a large, backlit touchscreen keypad with weather resistance to ensure that it stays protected outdoors. While it works with HomeKit out of the box, this lock can be upgraded with additional capabilities such as Wi-Fi connectivity.
Best for existing hardware
August's fourth-generation Smart Lock is a unique solution for those who want to add smart convenience to their home without changing their hardware. The August lock replaces your deadbolt on the inside of your door, keeping your original look outside and allowing you to use your existing key.
Best design
The Yale Assure Lever is the only HomeKit door lock on the market that can function as an entry or interior door lock. This lock uses the traditional lever design and a physical knob that locks things down. A touchscreen keypad sits on the opposite side, bypassing the need for a key.
Best overall
The Level Lock+ is a super unassuming, slickly designed lock that will blend into any door, and add smarts to your security setup. It'll take a little work to get installed, but once it's in, it looks and works brilliantly.
Reviews around the web highlight its design as a strong point, and support for Home Key within HomeKit is always a bonus as well. You can set up custom cards that you can give to people so that they can get in, and then give those cards time limits so that they only work for a short period, thus avoiding the risk of unwanted entries.
You can also use the app, the Home App, or even a physical key if the internal battery goes. It is everything for all people.
Best keypad
This expensive option includes not only keyless entry with Home Key in HomeKit, but also lets you unlock your door with a keypad that sits on the front of the lock. Temporary codes can even be handed out to people that are visiting, so that you don't have to give them the main code for the door, and compromise your security.
It attached to a deadbolt, so it's easy to install and fit. Once on, just hook it up to Home Kit, and the rest is done through the Home App. From there, you can set up codes and devices that will open the door for you. Reviews like the Home Key support and the keypad, although it can be tricky to see the numbers in certain light.
Best for renters
The Level Bolt lock is an option that can blend perfectly into your door, replacing the internals of the door lock. This is perfect for renters – you'll be able to pull it out when you leave the property, and not anger a landlord by replacing the lock on your door.
We love how simple it is to operate and install, as well as its truly invisible design. HomeKit support is of course a must, and it works really well in this lock to boot. The App could use some work, but otherwise this is an excellent option for those that want a lock that blends in with their door.
Best for keyless entry
The Yale Assure Lock 2 is a very solid smart lock that is very well reviewed across the internet. Reviewers like the ease of use, with particular attention given to the very solid app that Yale pairs the lock with. There's also the obligatory HomeKit support, as well as keyed options for if you run out of phone battery, or the battery in the lock itself dies. As with other locks of this type, you can easily create key codes and other options to let people in.
There is a WiFi connected version, although reviews online point out that this version of the lock has lower battery life that the standard version. It's also a very expensive option, and while you get a great lock for the money, its still got a high entry fee. The Bluetooth only version is around $100 less expensive, so if you're not bothered by the extra internet smarts that the WiFi connection brings, then that's a good way to save some money.
Best for existing hardware
The August Smart Lock is an excellent lock, with a very cool look. It slips over existing hardware as well, which makes fitting and installing the lock an absolute breeze, as well as making it easier to de-install if you need to when you leave. It's not a cheap option, but it will last a good long time, and work seamlessly with HomeKit too.
It connects to HomeKit with Bluetooth, and once connected, works with the smart home standard to make unlocking your door super easy. Reviews like how easy it is to install and use, although the autolocking and unlocking can be a little touch and go.
Best design
The Yale Assure Handle is an expensive smart lock that can be tricky to fit, but the features onboard make it more than worth it. For one, the handle on the front is a great way to open the door, and the keypad that illuminates itself is great for helping you see it in the dark. There's also a keyhole on the handle if the battery dies.
Reviews like the app and the look of the lock, although they also found it hard to fit and remarked that the price for the connected version is very high. Beyond those two problems, however, the lock is a super solid option if you want a handle.
Q&A
How do I choose the best Smart lock for me?
You can wave those keys goodbye with the best HomeKit door lock. All of these work with the Apple Home App on your iPhone or iPad, and you can even use your Apple Watch to open your front door with some of them. They're super easy to install, too, and you'll be ready to open your front door with Siri in minutes. All can be controlled in the same way you control the best HomeKit light switches, from the Home App or through Siri.
Our favorite door lock is the Level Lock+. We love its clean, unassuming design, and support for the latest HomeKit feature, Home Key. Home Key puts the keys to your home in the Wallet App for your iPhone and Apple Watch, so you'll always have a way you open the door. Wanna know what's even cooler? The feature also works when your iPhone's battery is depleted thanks to battery reserve mode.
Want to go completely keyless and phoneless? Then go for the Schlage Encode Plus. You can get it in two distinct designs and finishes, and it sports an on-device touch-based keypad to go with Home Key support. The keypad lets you leave home without your keys or your iPhone, and you can share temporary codes with friends and family who might be visiting.
What doorlocks work with HomeKit?
The ones in the list here are all HomeKit compatible, so that's a really good starting point. After that, things get a little murkier. Not all smart locks are made equal, and some don't support the HomeKit standard. Make sure you're looking for the standard on the product page of the lock you're looking at.
How do smart doorlocks work?
In the case of HomeKit, they connect to your home network, and work with the Home App on your iPhone or iPad. From there, you can unlock the door remotely, program scenes so that the door locks if other parameters are completed, amongst other things. In case that the lock doesn't work, there are always conitgencies like physical keys or keypads.
What should I look out for when buying a smart lock?
One of the biggest things you'll want to watch out for is the type of lock that's alreaqy in your door. Check what kind of lock you've got, and then compare it to the locks that are available to buy — you don't want to be caught with a lock that doesn't fit properly.
