Best Smart Locks for Home a Complete Comparison Guide

For homeowners looking for the best smart locks, it's easy to get overwhelmed. But options like the Schlage Encode WiFi smart lock are a great starting point, offering a solid mix of security, convenience, and direct Wi-Fi connectivity without any extra hubs. These devices give you keyless entry, remote access, and real peace of mind, making them a genuinely practical upgrade for any home.

Welcome to Your Smarter, More Secure Front Door

Coming home should feel welcoming and, above all, safe. A smart lock changes that simple, everyday moment. It's not just some futuristic gadget anymore; it’s become an essential tool for modern life. Think about it—no more fumbling for keys in the pouring rain or having that nagging feeling on the drive to work, wondering if you locked the door. For example, imagine you're running late and can't remember if you secured the house; a quick tap on your phone confirms it's locked, giving you instant relief.

This guide is designed to cut through the noise and show you what smart locks are all about. We’ll cover the simple joy of keyless entry, the confidence you get from remote access, and how one small device can simplify your daily routine.

Why Smart Locks Are a Game Changer

Upgrading your front door hardware isn't just about adding new tech. It’s about gaining a level of convenience and control that your old deadbolt could never offer.

• Keyless Convenience: Ditch that spare key under the welcome mat. You can grant access to family, friends, or the dog walker with unique codes that you create and delete right from your phone. For instance, if a friend is pet-sitting for the weekend, you can give them a code that only works for those specific days.

• Remote Peace of Mind: Whether you're stuck at the office in Baltimore County or on vacation a thousand miles away, you can check if your door is locked and secure it with a single tap.

• Enhanced Security Logs: Most smart locks keep a detailed activity log. You'll know exactly who came and went, and at what time. This is perfect for checking that the kids got home from school on time.

A smart lock isn't just a lock—it's an access management system for your life. It gives you the power to control who enters your home and when, all from the palm of your hand.

Key Features to Look For

Before we get into the weeds on specific models, it’s helpful to know what separates the good from the great. Here’s a quick side-by-side of some popular options to get you started.

Feature	Schlage Encode WiFi	August Wi-Fi Smart Lock	Yale Assure Lock 2
Connectivity	Built-in WiFi	Built-in WiFi	WiFi via Module
Installation	Full Deadbolt Replacement	Retrofit (Over Existing Lock)	Full Deadbolt Replacement
Keypad	Yes, Fingerprint-Resistant	Optional Accessory	Yes, Touchscreen or Push-Button
Unique Codes	Up to 100 Codes	Unlimited Codes	Up to 250 Codes

This table shows how different brands tackle smart security. While the features are important, the right fit really comes down to your lifestyle and how you plan to use the lock every day. And beyond picking the lock itself, you might want to consider professional installation or maintenance from reliable residential locksmith services.

Choosing the best smart lock is just one piece of the puzzle in creating a home that feels truly yours. As you plan out your ideal living space, I'm here to help. While the builder I represent provides high-quality homes, I go a step further—offering my clients unique proprietary visualization tools, hands-on service, and access to visualizers that help you bring your dream space to life. If you're dreaming of a home in communities like White Marsh or Edgewood where you can pick your own flooring, countertops, and cabinets, let's connect and start bringing that vision to life.

Getting a Handle on Smart Lock Options

Jumping into the world of smart locks can feel a bit overwhelming at first. There are a lot of terms and technologies to sort through. Before we get into specific brands and models, let's nail down the basics. Getting these fundamentals right is the key to picking a lock that actually fits your life.

First things first, smart locks generally come in two flavors: full deadbolt replacements and what are called retrofit models. They both get you to the same place—a smarter front door—but they take different routes to get there.

A full deadbolt replacement is exactly what it sounds like. You're swapping out your entire deadbolt assembly, inside and out. This means a new keypad on the outside, a new cylinder, and the interior thumb-turn mechanism. This is the way to go if you’re looking for a total hardware refresh or if your current lock has seen better days.

Then you have the retrofit lock. This one is clever—it works with the deadbolt you already have. You only install it on the inside of your door, replacing the little thumb-turn piece. Your exterior lock and your original keys stay exactly the same. It's the perfect solution if you love the look of your current hardware or if you're renting and can't make big changes.

How Your Smart Lock Talks to You (and Your Phone)

The "smart" in a smart lock all comes down to connectivity. How it connects to your phone and other devices really defines what it can do and how you'll use it every day.

• Wi-Fi: A lock with built-in Wi-Fi, like the popular Schlage Encode, connects right to your home's router. This is what gives you true remote access. For example, you can let a delivery person drop a package inside your door from your desk in Baltimore County. No extra gadgets are needed.

• Bluetooth: Think of this as a short-range digital key. It's great for unlocking the door with your phone as you pull into the driveway. But once you're out of range—usually around 30-40 feet—you can't talk to it anymore.

• Z-Wave and Zigbee: These are the languages of a fully integrated smart home. They run on their own dedicated network, which makes them super reliable and easy on batteries. You will need a smart home hub, like one from Samsung SmartThings, to bridge the connection to the internet.

The connectivity choice really boils down to your non-negotiables. If you absolutely must have access from anywhere, anytime, then built-in Wi-Fi is your answer. If you're mainly after the convenience of not fumbling for keys when you get home, Bluetooth is a simple, solid choice.

From Gadget to Necessity

Smart locks have made the leap from a niche tech toy to a core piece of home security. It’s part of a bigger shift in how we think about keeping our homes safe while making our lives easier. You don't have to look far to see just how mainstream this has become. Market forecasts show the smart lock industry is set to explode, growing from USD 3.00 billion in 2024 to an incredible USD 15.51 billion by 2035. That's a five-fold jump.

This kind of growth tells us that what used to be a "nice-to-have" is quickly becoming a standard feature in any modern home. For more on this trend, check out the industry intelligence report from Spherical Insights.

When you're personalizing your new home, getting these tech decisions right is just as crucial as picking out countertops. Using our visualization tools, we can see exactly how different lock finishes and technologies fit into your overall design, ensuring the final result is both stunning and smart. Whether your new home is in White Marsh or Harford County, understanding these options from the start helps us craft a home that works perfectly for you.

Comparing the Top Smart Lock Models Head to Head

Alright, now that we've covered the different types of smart locks out there, let's get to the good stuff: seeing how the top models actually stack up against each other. Forget the spec sheets for a minute. I want to look at these locks through the lens of real life. How do they hold up when you’re juggling groceries, need to let a contractor in, or just want to know your home is secure?

This comparison is all about what truly matters—how easy it is to use, whether you can trust the security, and how seamlessly it fits into your daily routine. We’ll even put a special spotlight on one of the most reliable and user-friendly options I consistently recommend to clients.

Spotlight on the Schlage Encode WiFi Smart Lock

The Schlage Encode WiFi smart lock always seems to land at the top of "best of" lists, and honestly, it’s for good reason. It perfectly balances powerful features with simple, everyday operation. This makes it a fantastic pick whether you're buying your first smart lock or you're a seasoned smart home enthusiast.

So, what’s the big deal? Its main advantage is the built-in Wi-Fi. It connects right to your home’s network without needing a separate hub or bridge, which just adds another piece of tech to manage. This means you can lock, unlock, and check on your door from absolutely anywhere with an internet connection—whether you're at the office in Baltimore County or halfway across the world on vacation.

Here are a few real-world situations where the Schlage Encode really proves its worth:

• Granting Temporary Access: Let's say you've got a plumber coming to fix a leak in your White Marsh home while you’re out. Instead of fumbling with a hide-a-key, you can just create a unique, temporary access code for them right from your phone.

• Managing Family Entry: The lock can hold up to 100 unique codes. This is perfect for giving each family member their own code, letting you see exactly who is coming and going through the activity log in the app.

• Voice Commands: Picture this: you're walking in with both arms full of groceries. Instead of dropping everything, you just say, "Alexa, lock the front door." It's that kind of hands-free convenience that makes a huge difference in your day-to-day.

The real magic of the Schlage Encode isn't just its fancy tech, but how it solves everyday headaches so elegantly. It’s a full deadbolt replacement that boasts robust, Grade 1 certified security—the highest residential rating you can get—which delivers some serious peace of mind.

Before we go any further, one of the first big decisions you'll make is whether to get a full replacement lock or a retrofit model that works with your existing hardware. This little chart helps visualize that choice.

The decision tree makes it pretty straightforward: if you love your current exterior door handle and key, a retrofit is the way to go. Otherwise, a full replacement gives you a complete security overhaul from the ground up.

How Other Top Models Stack Up

While the Schlage Encode is a fantastic all-rounder, it's not the only game in town. There are other great options that cater to different needs and tastes. Let's see how it compares to some of the other popular models out there.

Schlage Encode WiFi vs. August Wi-Fi Smart Lock

The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is the king of retrofit models. It installs on the inside of your door, right over your existing deadbolt. This is a massive plus for renters or anyone who simply loves the look of their current front door hardware.

• Installation: August is usually a quicker install because you aren't messing with the entire lock mechanism.

• Key Feature: August’s secret weapon is DoorSense. It’s a small sensor that tells you if your door is not just locked, but also fully closed. No more accidentally locking the door while it's still cracked open.

• Design: August has a sleek, modern look on the inside, but your exterior hardware stays exactly the same. The Schlage Encode gives you a completely new, unified look with a keypad on the outside.

The Bottom Line: If you want to keep your existing keys and the aesthetic of your front door, August is an unbeatable choice. But if you're looking for a full hardware upgrade with a built-in keypad for key-free living, the Schlage Encode is the more complete package.

Smart Lock Feature Comparison for Today's Homeowner

Here's a quick look at how the top smart lock models stack up based on the features that matter most for everyday convenience and security.

Feature	Schlage Encode WiFi	August Wi-Fi Smart Lock	Yale Assure Lock 2	Kwikset Halo
Type	Full Replacement	Retrofit	Full Replacement	Full Replacement
Connectivity	Built-in Wi-Fi	Built-in Wi-Fi	Bluetooth (Wi-Fi module extra)	Built-in Wi-Fi
Security Grade	ANSI/BHMA Grade 1	Uses existing deadbolt	ANSI/BHMA Grade 2	ANSI/BHMA Certified
Key-Free	Yes (Keypad)	No (Uses existing key)	Yes (Keypad & Key-free models)	Yes (Keypad)
Standout Feature	Grade 1 security & reliability	DoorSense sensor	Modular design & style options	SmartKey Security (re-key yourself)

Each of these locks brings something unique to the table, and the "best" one really depends on what you value most—top-tier security, aesthetic flexibility, or clever features.

A Deeper Dive into Other Contenders

Let's keep the comparisons going with a couple of other strong players in the market.

Schlage Encode WiFi vs. Yale Assure Lock 2

The Yale Assure Lock 2 is all about versatility and style. It comes in both keyed and key-free versions and a bunch of different finishes, so it’s easy to find one that matches your home’s aesthetic perfectly.

• Connectivity: The base model is Bluetooth-only, but you have the option to add a Wi-Fi or Z-Wave module later on. I like this modular approach—it lets you start simple and upgrade as your smart home grows.

• App Experience: Yale’s app is clean and easy to navigate, offering features that are very similar to Schlage's, like guest codes and activity logs.

• Aesthetics: With a much wider range of styles, the Yale Assure Lock 2 is my go-to recommendation for homeowners who want their door hardware to be a design statement.

Schlage Encode WiFi vs. Kwikset Halo

The Kwikset Halo is another direct competitor that comes with built-in Wi-Fi. It shares a lot of the same core features, but there are a few important differences to be aware of.

• Security Feature: Kwikset’s patented SmartKey Security is a pretty neat feature. It lets you re-key the lock yourself in just a few seconds. This is incredibly handy if you ever lose a key or need to revoke access quickly without calling a locksmith.

• Battery Life: Something to keep in mind is that some users report the Halo's battery drains a bit faster than the Schlage Encode's. For a device you rely on every single day, that can be an important factor.

Market Trends and Smart Home Integration

The rise of devices like these is changing the entire home security market, especially here in North America. It’s no surprise that the "best" smart locks for home are gaining the most traction in North America and other major markets where connected homes are becoming standard. In 2024, North America accounted for roughly 39.5–40% of global smart lock revenues, making it the largest regional market by a long shot. At the country level, the United States is expected to be the top revenue generator all the way through 2030. You can learn more about these global market trends at Grand View Research.

For anyone looking at homes in places like Harford County, this is important context. In markets like the U.S. and Canada, smart locks are increasingly being bundled with video doorbells, smart thermostats, and full-blown security systems.

A smart lock is an awesome first step, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Integrating it with a larger system gives you an even more powerful layer of protection. For more ideas on building out a cohesive plan, check out our guide on finding the best home security system for your new home.

Ultimately, the best smart lock is the one that fits your life. As we work together to design your dream home, I use my proprietary visualization tools to show you exactly how different hardware—like these smart locks—will look and feel in your actual space. This hands-on approach ensures every last detail, from the flooring to the front door, is a perfect fit for you. Let’s connect and start building your personalized, secure, and smart new home.

What Really Matters in a Smart Lock?

When you start shopping for a smart lock, it's easy to get lost in the marketing noise. Beyond the sleek designs and brand names, what features will you actually use and appreciate every day? Let's cut through the fluff and build a checklist of the things that truly deliver on security and convenience.

First things first: the lock's security rating. Look for an ANSI/BHMA grade. This isn't just some techy jargon; it’s a certified rating that tells you how well the lock stands up to a brute force attack.

• Grade 1: This is the top tier for residential security. A lock like the Schlage Encode WiFi smart lock earns this rating by surviving some serious abuse, from heavy impacts to an incredible number of locking and unlocking cycles. For your front door, this is the gold standard.

• Grade 2: A very solid choice for most homes. It offers a great mix of robust security and affordability.

• Grade 3: This is the most basic rating. Honestly, I'd only consider this for an interior door, like a home office, not for your main entry points.

For any main entrance, especially for homes in communities like White Marsh or greater Baltimore County, I always steer my clients toward a Grade 1 or Grade 2 certified lock. It's the bedrock of your home's security and brings genuine peace of mind.

Convenience is King

This is where the "smart" part really shines. The days of fumbling for a physical key are over. Modern locks give you a whole menu of ways to get in, and you can pick what works best for your family's routine.

• Keypads: Probably the most popular feature, and for good reason. Tapping in a code when your arms are full of groceries is a game-changer. Learning how to manage codes is straightforward, and there are some great guides for programming keypad access for your smart home that break it down simply.

• Smartphone Apps: With a quick tap on your phone, you can lock or unlock the door via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. This is also your command center for managing user codes and settings.

• Fingerprint Scanners: More and more locks are including biometric scanners for lightning-fast entry. It’s a fantastic, foolproof option for families with kids who might forget a code.

• A Good Old-Fashioned Key: Don't overlook this! Most smart locks still have a traditional keyhole. It's an absolutely essential backup for that rare time when the battery dies or the tech has a hiccup.

Features That Solve Real-Life Problems

The best smart locks aren't just about unlocking doors; they have thoughtful features that smooth out the little frustrations of daily life. These are the things you'll quickly wonder how you ever managed without.

A solid guest access system is a perfect example. Picture this: you’re at the office, but the plumber needs to get into your house in White Marsh. Instead of dropping everything, you can just create a unique, temporary code for them from your phone. You can even set it to expire after a few hours. Once the job is done, you delete the code. Simple.

Another feature I love is auto-lock. We’ve all had that moment of panic halfway down the road: "Did I lock the front door?" Auto-lock handles it for you, automatically shooting the deadbolt after a set time, like 30 seconds or a minute.

Of course, none of this works without power. Reliable battery performance is crucial. Most locks use standard AA batteries that should last anywhere from six months to a year. Just as important are the low-battery alerts. A quality lock will ping your phone weeks before the batteries are critical, giving you plenty of notice. This kind of thoughtful design is what separates a good gadget from a great one, something we explore more in our practical guide to the best smart devices for your home.

Integrating Your Lock into a Smart Home Ecosystem

A smart lock is a great gadget on its own, but its real magic shines when it starts working with the other smart devices in your home. This is where you graduate from simply unlocking your door with an app to creating a home that actually responds to you. It's the difference between a cool convenience and a truly connected living experience.

When your lock is part of a smart home ecosystem, you can build automated routines that smooth out your daily life and make your home feel genuinely intuitive. This is how you turn a collection of individual gadgets into a smart, cohesive system that works for you.

Creating Your First Smart Home Routines

Picture this: you're pulling into your driveway in Harford County after a long day. The moment you unlock your front door, your smart lock triggers a sequence of events. The entryway lights pop on, the thermostat kicks into your favorite "home" setting, and a relaxing playlist starts to quietly fill the living room.

That’s not science fiction. It’s a simple routine you can build with nearly any of the top smart locks out there today. These automations are all about handling the small stuff so you don't have to.

The real point of a smart home isn't just to have more tech—it's to remove friction from your daily life. A properly integrated smart lock is the perfect trigger for "welcome home" and "goodbye" routines that save time and add a little bit of magic to your day.

These routines can be whatever you want them to be. You could create a "good night" scene that locks the front door, shuts off every light in the house, and arms your security system, all with a single voice command.

Platform Compatibility: What You Need to Know

To get all this to work, your smart lock has to be compatible with one of the big smart home platforms. Think of these platforms as the central hub or "brain" that lets all your different devices talk to each other.

The three main players you'll encounter are:

• Amazon Alexa: Got an Echo speaker? You can use your voice to check if the door is locked or to lock it on your way to bed. For security reasons, unlocking with your voice will almost always require you to say a PIN code.

• Google Home: Much like Alexa, the Google Assistant lets you control your lock using voice commands on a Google Nest device. It’s fantastic for setting up routines that connect your lock with other Nest products like cameras and thermostats.

• Apple HomeKit: If you're an Apple user, HomeKit provides a super secure and private way to manage your devices. You can use Siri on your iPhone, Apple Watch, or HomePod to control the lock and build powerful automations right in the Home app.

Most of the best locks, like the Schlage Encode WiFi smart lock, are built to work with all three platforms. When you're customizing a home in a community like Edgewood, thinking about these integrations from day one ensures all your technology works together without any headaches. For a closer look at building these systems, explore our guide on how to automate your home the smart way.

It’s so important to pick a lock that fits into the smart home you have—or the one you plan to build. As I help you personalize your perfect space with my visualization tools, we won’t just map out finishes and layouts. We'll also plan the smart home backbone that truly brings your home to life.

Finding Your Perfect Smart Home in Maryland

Picking out a great smart lock, like the Schlage Encode, is a solid move. But let's be real—creating a home that truly feels like yours is about more than just one gadget. The best tech is the kind you don't even notice; it just works, making your daily routine smoother and your home more secure.

If you're looking for a new home in places like White Marsh, Edgewood, or anywhere else across Baltimore County and Harford County, I can help you find a property that’s smart-ready right from the start. I use some pretty cool visualization tools and offer hands-on guidance to help you see the potential before you even commit.

Imagine being able to see exactly how that sleek new smart lock will look on your front door, or how your dream flooring actually looks next to your kitchen cabinets—all before you make a final decision. That’s how we dial in every last detail.

My job is to help you create a complete vision for your home. We can go over everything from smart thermostats to automated lighting, making sure your new place is as clever as it is stunning. For a deeper dive, take a look at your guide to home smart tech in a new build.

Ready to start planning a home that’s secure, smart, and a perfect reflection of you? Let's talk.

Got Questions About Smart Locks?

Thinking about making the switch to a smart lock but still have a few things on your mind? That’s perfectly normal. Let's walk through some of the most common questions and concerns I hear from homeowners.

What Happens if the Power or Wi-Fi Goes Out?

This is probably the #1 question I get, and for a good reason. The great news is, you won't be stranded outside. Your smart lock isn't powered by your home's electricity; it runs on its own set of internal batteries. A power outage won't affect it one bit.

Now, if your Wi-Fi goes down, you will lose the ability to lock or unlock the door from your phone when you're away from home. But you've still got plenty of ways to get in:

• Keypad: Just punch in your code like you always do. This works regardless of Wi-Fi.

• Physical Key: Almost all good smart locks, like the Schlage Encode, still have a traditional keyhole. It's the ultimate foolproof backup.

• Bluetooth: Many locks can also connect directly to your phone via Bluetooth when you're nearby, completely bypassing the need for an internet connection.

Are Smart Locks Really That Secure?

Yes, they absolutely are. In many ways, a high-quality smart lock is even more secure than the old deadbolt it's replacing. Top-tier models like the Schlage Encode WiFi smart lock boast an ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 certification. That's the highest security rating a residential lock can get, meaning it's built to withstand serious attempts at forced entry.

On the digital side of things, your connection is protected by heavy-duty encryption—the same kind of security that protects online banking. Honestly, losing your physical key is a much bigger real-world security risk than someone trying to "hack" your front door.

Just How Hard Is It to Install One?

If you're comfortable with a screwdriver, you can handle this project. For most homeowners, swapping out an old deadbolt for a new smart lock is a surprisingly quick job, usually taking about 20-30 minutes. The new lock is designed to fit right into the existing holes in your door, so there’s no need to break out the drill.

The installation itself is pretty simple, but the real key is just to follow the instructions carefully, step-by-step. Most brands have fantastic video tutorials online that will guide you through everything from taking off the old lock to getting the new one connected.

---

Ready to bring this kind of security and convenience to your home? At Customize Your Home, I help clients in White Marsh, Edgewood, and across Maryland personalize homes that are as smart as they are beautiful. Using my unique visualization tools, we can find the perfect flooring, countertops, and tech to match your lifestyle. Visit https://www.customizeyourhome.com to start your journey.